Animal Education Protection Information
The ARC is a non-profit, tax deductible foundation incorporated in 1986. Our administrative office and home for the animals is located on 156 acres of woodlands, pastures, and ponds in Fordland Missouri. It is 20 miles east of Springfield, Missouri. 

WHO STAFFS THE ARC?

The operations manager is Murray Hill who donates his time. He retired from the professional animal field after 50 years with exotic & endangered species, and has been working with elephants since 1963. Beverly Manegold has had extensive experience with horses & has been working with the elephants since 1992. We have 24-hour care for the animals. Our volunteers help with maintenance, construction, farming, etc., all professionals in their field. As additional staff is needed, we are interested in those that have a sincere interest in the animals and have the highest qualifications.

The ARC is dedicated to protecting, preserving & facilitating a stress free environment for unwanted exotic & endangered animals, regardless of their physical or mental condition or gender. As more facilities are developed, we will provide as natural a surrounding for the individual species & final home for animals who are sick, injured or dangerous due to severe behavioral problems.

Initially the ARC is housing unwanted elephants. Due to size, illness, injuries, or a threat, they are especially vulnerable to euthanasia. Donations of animals will be welcome from zoos, circuses and private owners. Our elephant barn has been especially designed for the safety of the animals & care givers so that the most problem animals will have the best of care safely. The existing barn can house up to twelve elephants.  Wooded acreage with a pond adjacent to the barn is provided for free unencumbered roaming. The elephant barn is partially underground with the upper level for storage of hay, and facilities for the care givers. As donations arrive we can plan on building proper, and safe facilities for other exotic & endangered species. 

We also have Emus that are living naturally at the ARC.  This season the adults laid their eggs and the chicks are doing very well under the parents guidance.

Our elephants are set up for bonding before turning them loose so there is no fighting between them occurs and this helps create a new herd.  They have adopted to the ARC's stress free environment. They are free from chains, stress, and have many acres to roam free to do as elephants want.