About the Ark

Noah’s Ark is a 501(c)(3) non-profit Animal Sanctuary dedicated to bringing children and animals together with the purpose of providing unconditional love, unconditional service, and a future full of hope. Noah’s Ark has hundreds of animals with different species and it costs approximately $167,000 per month to feed, treat and care for the animals, which is funded entirely by donations. Supporters are asked to donate through annual, major, or planned gifts.

Noah’s Ark is a 250-acre sanctuary for abused, unwanted, and neglected animals. A beautiful “park-like” setting with paved pathways to bring your family and enjoy an afternoon out. We have a beautiful picnic area and playground. Wear your walking shoes, pack a lunch, and come spend the day with us!

We do accept and appreciate donations to help feed and care for the animals.

Founded by Jama Hedgecoth, the original Noah’s Ark opened in 1978 in Ellenwood, Georgia. Named for the biblical Noah’s Ark, which represented a vessel of safety in the midst of danger, Jama’s Ark was built to shield children and animals from today’s floods of abuse and neglect.

The care of wildlife can be a lengthy and complex process depending on the species and the extent of injuries. If injuries are so debilitating that the animal cannot be released, it will stay at Noah’s Ark for the remainder of its life in as natural a habitat as possible.

Jama outgrew her small farm in Ellenwood in 1990 and move her family – and all the animals – to Locust Grove. The current facility of Noah’s Ark is 250 acres, training administration building, nature trails, and countless natural habitats for more than hundreds of animals on site.

To provide a home for injured, abused, and orphaned animals.

To provide awareness through our education programs that emphasize all living things have value no matter how small or seemingly insignificant. When we as a society can recognize this fact, we will begin to win the battles for conservation and preservation.

To provide unconditional love and care for animals who have special needs in their lives whether mental, physical, or emotional.