An ongoing controversy involving the Noah’s Ark Animal Sanctuary in Locust Grove has caused a firestorm on social media and attracted the attention of county and state officials.
A “Save Noah’s Ark” Facebook group numbered 4,700 members as of August 15, only five days after it was created.
A hearing was scheduled for Wednesday, August 17, at 9 a.m. in the Georgia Department of Agriculture building in Atlanta on behalf of the Henry County legislative delegation. The agenda released by state officials indicated that state Sen. Emanuel Jones would be presiding over the hearing and Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Gary Black would be among those participating.
In addition to remarks for representatives of the Henry County Humane Society and Fayette County Humane Society as well as Henry County Board of Commissioners Chair Carlotta Harrell, there are expected to be statements by Noah’s Ark founder Jama Hedgecoth and current Noah’s Ark board chair Glenn Ross.
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Those two are at the center of the dispute – Hedgecoth, who started Noah’s Ark some three decades ago and whose animal rescue and rehab efforts have gained worldwide attention during that time; and Ross, who was brought onto the board in recent years and has been accused of stacking the board with allies who now help him control its operations. The current Noah’s Ark president, Shelly Lakly, has been accused of repeatedly acting in ways that are contrary to the organization’s mission as well as being overpaid and underqualified for her position.
Most recently, the board met August 10 “with efforts to remove some of the sanctuary’s key members and doctors,” according to a statement from Sen. Jones’s office.
One of the board members removed that day was reportedly Dr. Karen Thomas, who has been providing free veterinary care to the animals for many years. According to someone with knowledge of what is happening at Noah’s Ark, Dr. Thomas has specific certifications and qualifications suitable for treating the exotic animals at the facility and not every veterinarian is qualified to do what she has been doing.
Harrell visited Noah’s Ark during the past week and announced that she is 100 percent in support of the Hedgecoth family in the current dispute.
Many of the comments and posts in the Facebook group indicate that recent actions by Ross, Lakly and the current board are affecting the health and safety of the animals.
“The animals at Noah’s Ark Animal Sanctuary are not getting the necessary care and protection they need in order to live healthy and prosperous lives,” according to Sen. Jones. “I want to bring awareness to the safety issues and the danger these innocent animals have been exposed to. The health and well-being of the animals at the sanctuary should be of the highest priority and without a veterinarian or additional specialists the animals continue to be put at high risk. It is my intention to do all that I can to help these animals and to get things back on track and preserve this beautiful sanctuary.”
Monroe, Great Job on providing updated info. We all look forward to this outcome.
Our son took his daughter to the Atlanta Zoo & said it was dirty, nasty & costly. Said he wished they would have gone to Noah’s Ark instead. We have always thought highly of Jama Hedgecoth & her family & will continue to do so. She & her family have always worked hard to help the wildlife & am certain will continue to do so.
Kudos to Sen. Jones. Noah’s Ark has been Jama Hedgecoth’s life for decades. Jama lives and breathes for the health and well being of all her animals. It’s outrageous that the veterinarian was fired! The board must be out of their mind jeopardizing the health of all Noah’s Ark animals!
Thank you so much Senator JONES! This meeting would not have happened without your quick response. Thank you to the other commissioners and parties involved who are supporting the Hedgecoth family in this dispute. Now, what comes next? What are the options available to Jama, Allison, Charlie in regards to making sure that the animals have the quality care they need as well as the additional rescues that depended on the Dr. And the facilities are Noah’s Ark for healthcare and spay and neuters?
This isn’t only affecting the Hedgecoths it’s affecting several other rescues and AC facilities who are trying to save animal lives vs euthanasia.
What can those of us in the community do to assist?
a vet should be there every 24 hrs, bring Dr. Thomas back, she has the training, these animals are precious as the sign quotes fly high to those that are no longer there..
they are required to have a vet 24 hours a day, please help the animals.
We worked with Dr Thomas at Noah’s Ark years ago. She puts every once of energy into the care and wellbeing of those animals and the animals that various groups bring to the free clinic. Sounds like another power grab of those unqualified to run a fish tank in my opinion. Return control of the facility back to those that care about the animals and community.
So sad to hear of the current situation and lack of support from a Board and or Board members. Further, to read that qualifications of Board are questionable is all the more reason for concern, and lastly that the veterinarian was dismissed!