THE ARK AT JFK IS NOT A BOAT ALTHOUGH ANIMALS ARE INVOLVED

JFK is now home to the world’s first privately-owned animal reception terminal and quarantine facility at New York's John F. Kennedy known as the ARK (Animal Reception at Kennedy).  Approved by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey as JFK’s exclusive provider, the ARK is a comprehensive facility that includes animal handling services and kennel accommodations, 3- and 7-day equine import quarantine and equine export center, veterinary medicine, and a bonded isolation area for avian and other exotic animals.

To date, ARK at JFK has welcomed a diverse variety of animals for their pre-, post or in-transit care and accommodation including horses, cats, dogs, turtles, baby goats, rabbits, birds, race pigeons, a pot-bellied pig, an agouti rat, snakes, scorpions, ferrets, capybaras (very large rats), porcupines, sloths and many others. 

“All horses that come through JFK must be processed here,” said Managing Director Elizabeth Schuette. "They get washed and have a veterinarian inspection where sometimes blood is taken. When the blood is cleared they are allow to continue on. We have 48 separate quarantine stalls in case there is an issue.”

“On a personal level where someone is taking their own animal, the animal can be boarded here in case there is a heat restriction or if the plane is canceled or delayed.  As an import the animal may not have the proper documentations to be admitted into the United States. There have been many that have been denied and sent back to their original country.” 

“There are thousands of dogs imported such as rescues and training dogs. With those that are brought on the plane that include service dogs.  One problem with when people check their dog is in regard to size.  If you are traveling out of the United States and then have to be checked like a piece of luggage, they don’t investigate the arrival requirements of a particular country, don’t have the proper papers and have to be sent back.”  

Mismatches in time and temperature restriction may warrant that the passenger is not traveling in the same plane as the animal.

 “Transporting live cargo by plane can be a complex and stressful process for owners and animals alike. “Our goal is to create a more efficient and safe process by reducing the need for additional travel and offering trained animal care staff immediately pre- and post-flight,” said John J. Cuticelli, Jr. CEO, Racebook and Founder and Chairman of ARK Development?The ARK at JFK. “The ARK provides a healthy and comfortable environment and sets new international airport standards for comprehensive veterinary, kenneling and quarantine services.  The ARK also provides critical national bio-security measures, compatible with federal requirements, preventing the introduction of foreign animal diseases and vetting insects and plants that could bring diseases and agents that could have serious health, economic and trade implications. The existence of the facility mitigates potential security risks by impeding the importation of illegal property and preventing dangerous goods in animal transport crates.” 

Here are the facility’s facts: The ARK is the world’s first privately owned, 24/7 animal terminal and airport quarantine; located at Building 78 at JFK, with 14.4 acres of surrounding ground area, including large cargo aircraft ramp parking and land use for animal handling; comprises seven sections: 1.) Air cargo and ground handling operations by Worldwide Freight Services (WFS); 2.) The ARK Pet Oasis providing care for in-transit companion animals; 3.) Equine and Livestock export stables; 4.) Equine Quarantines; 5.) Bonded in-transit isolation facility; 6.) veterinary/medical space; 7.) Ramp Area for cargo delivery and container cleaning.  

More facts: The 178,000 square-foot facility features 40,000 square-feet of quarantine and in-transit animal care, 26,000 square-feet of support services, 20,000 square-feet of pet boarding, and 92,500 square-feet of cargo ground handling operations; is a sustainable facility featuring electric forklifts and equipment, automatically dimming lighting throughout, energy efficient HVAC systems and an EPA approved incinerator for disposing of international waste; is the first import facility approved by the EPA and USDA to utilize the Virox product line – a non-toxic hydrogen peroxide based disinfecting agents for cleaning and disinfection;  

The $65 million project will create more than 150 jobs airport wide and garner the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey an estimated $108 million in rent over the span of the facility’s 32-year lease with a 5-year renewal option.

Here is a list of the services and amenities. The full-amenity center offers in-transit companion animal handling (ARK Pet Oasis), USDA-approved equine and aviary import quarantine and export facilities, veterinary clinic, cat and dog boarding with training, spa and grooming options;

Domestic pets, horses, birds, livestock and exotic animals are transported to and from aircraft, terminals, cargo warehouses and other airport locations, to be cared for by The ARK’s animal handling and veterinary staff; the Pet Oasis is a central resource available to all airlines, pet parents, federal agencies brokers and shippers servicing the needs and promoting the welfare of companion animals traveling as live cargo.

The ARK at JFK features an equine departure lounge, where horses and livestock rest and receive appropriate food, water and care while their travel documents are being processed. Under USDA oversight, The ARK provides three and seven day equine quarantine staff observes the animals and guides them into specialized climate-controlled stalls equipped with bedding and natural light.

Designed to allow planes to taxi directly to The ARK’s “airside” loading docks, the terminal establishes the gold standard in animal handling, transportation and veterinary care, and provides ancillary travel resources for pets, horses, birds, livestock and exotic animals in a seamless fashion that is more efficient, safe and significantly reduces stress on animals.

The ARK Import Export Center offers pet shipping services including veterinary exam and documentation review, procurement of USDA endorsements as needed, freight bookings and coordination with arrival station for domestic and international transportation from JFK,

LGA and EWR airports.

Located at Cargo Building 78 at JFK, The ARK’s address is 78A North Boundary Road (cross street is Old Rockaway Blvd), Jamaica, NY 11430. Parking lot is on the 78A side.

LIONS AND TIGERS AND BEARS OH MY!

I love visiting zoos.  Especially when it's someone's personal Wildlife sanctuary.  Hovatter's Wildlife Zoo, located in Kingswood on Herring Road, is run by Brian Hovatter.  I didn't have time to get the whole story but will speak with him when I interview him on my internet radio show.

There are two cute colorful parrots sitting in a cage that would probably greet you if they said something.  The entrance house has a great view of one of many groups of primates.  Sometimes I think that they know we're there to watch, so that act out.  This one included a scene of a mother picking out the bugs (or whatever they pick out) of he offspring.   On the counter are various food items to purchase for you to feed the residents.  Carrots are suggested for the giraffe,  some kind of hard chunks are for any,  candy bars (of the healthy genre) go to the bears.  At some areas, like at one primate cage, there is a machine to get a handful of "Cherrios".  Long white tubes are places in most of the cages so that you can simply place the food in the tube and the animal will be waiting for it.  Easier than trying to throw it into the cage.  Some primates hang on the bars waiting for you to toss and they will catch it.

Lions, tigers, bears, primates, donkeys, along with a petting zoo area will certainly occupy your time and kids adore it because they are probably more up close than a regular zoo.  Zack, the giraffe, is one of the newest tenants. This 18 and a half foot tall darling was featured in the movie, Evan Almighty, as well as a number of commercials. At first glance, Zack looked as if his photo was part of the side of the "barn" as he stood really still.  I think he was sleeping with his eyes open.  Holding out the carrot, I keep calling to him and showing the goodie.  He slowly approached.  As I fed him, I was able to pet him above the nose and alongside of his face.  I even touched his tongue a few times.  One little girl had to wait until I completed my experience.  I made sure of it.  For me it's a one on one. 

TURFIN' SAFARI

Safari West was the next stop on our Santa Rosa itinerary. This is probably the next best thing to going to Africa and doing a game drive. It's not one of those places that you drive your car and the animals come up to you to possibly pee on your vehicle.

When Nancy, Barbara and I arrived at the front area (that also houses the gift shop) we were directed down a path passing a cage if some species of monkeys to where the tours begin. While waiting, we noticed the food facilities, mostly used for special events or those staying overnight. A bbq meal was set up for those wishing to purchase lunch.

During the first part of the tour we walked to a section that would be more characterized as a zoo showcasing caged animals including marsupials, and reptiles and some birds. However, there was another separate aviary, where we walked around while the these large birds did as they pleased. One seemed to be the greeter and would escort our little group for awhile.

It was then onto the jeep, just as if you were on the African safari. We drove to different sections as the driver would have to unlock and lock gates in order to view the various species. It is rare for an animal to approach the jeep...except for the giraffes and we are told that even if they take the glasses off of our face, not to touch them. Many of the animals are either extinct in the wild, threatened, or near threatened.

As for lodging, there is a choice of Safari Tents where you can choose from one king size bed, king size bed with double size bunk beds, or two double beds. Ensuite bathroom with shower. Outdoor sitting area, or Cottage: If canvas isn't your style, suitable for up to six guests, the two-bedroom cottage is equipped with a king bed and a double bunk bed. Private bathroom, kitchenette (mini-fridge, sink, microwave and coffeemaker) and outdoor sitting area. You can even get a massage.

Since the list of animals is much to long, I'll direct you to their website of www.safariwest.com

Photos by Nancy Kozicki

B.BRYAN PRESERVE

I was so happy to hear that the B. Bryan Preserve was not far from the Lighthouse in Point Arena. We continued driving along the road that overlooked the Pacific Ocean to 130 Riverside Drive. There were no tourist signs but still easy enough to get to via directions given by owners Frank and Judy Mello.

Nancy, Barb and I checked into the two bedroom, fully furnished Carriage House, located above the garage and near both the main house and hen house. The house had one double bed, one single bed, and full bath, 60’s Rock Posters and local collections.

The den was furnished with a satellite TV, DVD player (with some DVD's) a comfortable couch, coffee table and chair with ottoman. A fully equipped kitchen gave as a refrigerator, electric stove, microwave and dishwasher. Frank would get the fresh laid eggs from the hens and place them in a container for easy access. Judy had set up a garden with seasonal vegetables for the picking to have with your eggs or dinner, if you wished to cook.

CAMERON PARK ZOO

There is this wonderful park in Waco called Cameron Park. Along with lots of areas for playing the park has a zoo. I had the opportunity to do a behind-the-scenes tour here and loved it. So did Esther and Eunice. After seeing this beautifully marked tiger, we got to watch an orangutan being trained and not necessarily to do tricks. It was more for the trainers to be able to inspect the health of the animal. Onto dragons. This one was small compared to the size that they grow to.

Next came some cute meerkats, a lion and then onto my feeding and petting a giraffe. From there it was a leopard and tortoise. There are loads of king vultures all around that even mingle with the bears. Also an island of lemurs.