ABOUT WILD PLANET NATURE PARK
OUR MISSION
Wild Planet Nature Park sets a new standard as an innovative, world-class wildlife sanctuary. The progressive state-of-the-art animal care and habitat construction protect and preserve both wildlife and the environment.
Wild Planet Nature Park™ (WPNP) is the sister organization of Keepers of the Wild (KOTW). Wild Planet Nature Park™ is the vision of Jonathan Kraft, the Founder and Executive Director of Keepers of the Wild.
KOTW is an internationally recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit animal sanctuary that has built a solid reputation throughout its 23 year history. Keepers of the Wild has an established track record of innovation in animal welfare – making continuous advancements to save more animals, educating the public and collaboration with other animal welfare groups to expose and end animal suffering.
The plan for the Wild Planet Nature Park™ has progressed through many discussions amongst KOTW leadership about how best to support the increasing demand of displaced wildlife in need of a compassionate solution. The unique Wild Planet Nature Park™ will be the first of its kind where animal lovers can visit an animal friendly environment without disrupting or interfering with the wildlife.
As public awareness increases about the plight of captive raised wildlife, change is being demanded. Public outcry has led to venues throughout the US dropping their animal acts including Sea World, Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus to name a few. In addition, over thirty countries around the world have nationwide restrictions on performing animals in traveling circuses. The United States is one of four more countries considering similar laws.
This has created a dramatic increase and demand for professional care of the animals and the expense that goes along with that protection. WPNP realizes the only way to support the needs, habitats and other costs associated with that many animals and space, is to get the public involved and give all animal lovers a true sanctuary to enjoy. Taking this project to the next level will create the kind of revenue necessary to make a real difference to stop animal suffering and teach people to co-exist, preserve and protect natural environments.
Wild Planet Nature Park™ is dedicated to the protection of abused, neglected, abandoned and retired captive wildlife.
OUR TEAM
The Wild Planet team consists of passionate animal lovers and activists with decades of experience in business management, animal welfare and animal behavior.
Jonathan Kraft
Founder, President, Executive Director Keepers Of The Wild
E-mail: [email protected]
Phone: 928-769-1800 Ext. 24
Jonathan Kraft, an animal behaviorist, established Keepers of the Wild as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit animal sanctuary in 1995 (click here to read the full story). The nature park and wildlife sanctuary is currently located on 175 acres in Valentine, Arizona on historic Route 66.
Jonathan has worked with local, state, national, and international law enforcement and animal welfare agencies to assist with rescues, rehabilitation, and providing a life-long home to wild and exotic animals.
Jonathan’s high standards of animal care have earned numerous commendations and awards from organizations, including the Nevada Wildlife Federation, the S.P.C.A, the Humane Society, and Arizona’s Attorney’s and Sheriff’s Associations.
Jonathan has starred in movies and has been featured in several local, national, and international educational film projects, documentaries, news broadcasts, articles, and magazines. Highly regarded for his expertise with animals, Jonathan has served as an expert witness in court proceedings against animal abusers, worked as an independent consultant to other sanctuaries, and is a highly sought-after presenter for special speaking engagements.
Lara Kraft
Vice President, Chairwoman, Co-Executive Director, Keepers Of The Wild
E-mail:[email protected]
Phone:928-769-1800 X 28
Born and raised in Arizona, Lara Kraft is a lifelong, dedicated wildlife enthusiast and animal advocate with a passion for nature-inspired photography.
n 2017, Kraft began working with Keepers of the Wild. Falling in love with the animals and mission at the sanctuary, she quickly became more involved. Her dedication and hard work led to her promotion to media director and vice president in 2019, later followed by her election as board chairwoman. In 2024, Lara was appointed as the co-executive director for Keepers and the Arizona State Director for Animal Wellness Action (AWA).
Through her work, Kraft strives to educate the public about animal welfare and ecological issues and hopes to help create a more harmonious society where humans, animals, and nature can coexist in balance — an important future realization for her young daughter to experience. Combining her love for animals, nature, education, and advocacy, Kraft is a passionate advocate for the well-being of all living beings.
With a lengthy background in surgical coordination and technology, educational program development, and grant management, Kraft brings a unique blend of skills and experience to her current roles at Keepers of the Wild and as Arizona State Director for AWA.
Sheila LeMire
President, Wild Planet Nature Park, CEO, Wild Mojave Corp
E-mail: [email protected]
Phone: 619-675-5088
Sheila LeMire began her journey with Wild Planet Nature Park as a Board Member of Keepers Of The Wild. Her background is in commercial real estate and media.
She holds a CA real estate license and has been involved in the sale of several iconic landmarks including the Keating Building and The Louis Bank of Commerce.
Sheila also has experience developing commercial projects and has earned business designations including her Series (3)(NFA), Series 7 and 65 securities license through the NASD. She held the East Village seat for the project area committee of the Center City Development Corporation and co-published D-TOWN the award winning local downtown San Diego newspaper. Sheila attended the University of Dayton and the University of California, San Diego. Her past philanthropic work includes coaching youth sports, board member for Coronado Pop Warner, and volunteering as a doula for UCSD hospital. Sheila is passionate about children spending time in nature and understanding their interconnected part in it. Her dream is to create a world class sanctuary for the animals surrounded by a community of people all celebrating our Wild Planet.
Keepers of the Wild Nature Park and Wild Planet Nature Park™ will not buy, sell or trade animals and has a strict “NO BREEDING”policy. WPNP will have a special focus on advocacy, education and protection of captive raised wildlife.