History and Mission

History

Founded by Jama Hedgecoth, the original Noah’s Ark opened in 1978 in Ellenwood, GA. Named for the biblical Noah’s Ark, which represented a vessel of safety in the midst of danger, Hedgecoth’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.

Hedgecoth outgrew her small farm in Ellenwood in 1990 and moved her family – and all the animals – to Locust Grove. The current facility of Noah’s Ark is 250 acres and encompasses an animal rehabilitation center, training and administration building, nature trails and countless natural habitats for the more than 1,000 animals on site.

Our Mission

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

• To provide awareness through our rehab/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.