Reno Honors Those Who Saved Wildfire Animals
Visit Animal Ark to tour the sanctuary and meet some of the animals that now call it home.
Updated on Nov. 12, 2026 in Wildlife
Animal Ark, the Reno sanctuary that gives a permanent home to wildlife that cannot be released, hosted a "Giving Thanks" gathering on November 12, 2026, honoring the people who protected animals during Northern Nevada's recent wildfires.
Why it matters
Wildfires put animals in the path of smoke and flame, and the people who pulled them out, from firefighters to volunteers, rarely get a public thank-you. The event recognized that work while giving local residents a look at the sanctuary's residents and its education programs.
The gathering was held on November 12, 2026, at Animal Ark, and the extraction reports no counts of rescued animals or honorees. Details of the wildfire response and its scale were not provided.
The players
Animal Ark
A Reno sanctuary that provides a permanent home for wildlife that cannot be released into the wild and offers education on animal care and conservation.
Nevada Department of Wildlife
The state agency whose representatives joined the event to recognize those who helped protect animals during the wildfires.
The details
Animal Ark held a "Giving Thanks" event that recognized firefighters, wildlife experts and community members who helped protect animals during Northern Nevada's recent wildfires. Representatives from the fire service and the Nevada Department of Wildlife joined Animal Ark staff and visitors, and guests toured the sanctuary and saw some of its animal residents.
Timeline
Northern Nevada's recent wildfires threatened the region and left animals in need of protection.
November 12, 2026: Animal Ark held its Giving Thanks event.
The Truckee Meadows View
Animal Ark's model of giving a permanent home to wildlife that cannot return to the wild is the backdrop for this gathering. The event extends that work by thanking the people who protected animals when the region's wildfires put them at risk.
If you have visited Animal Ark or want to support wildlife care in Northern Nevada, the sanctuary's education programs and animal care work are open to residents. The event is a reminder that wildfire season affects local wildlife as well as homes and families.
The takeaway
Animal Ark's gathering shows that protecting wildlife during a fire takes firefighters, wildlife staff and community volunteers working together. Residents who want to see that work can plan a visit to the sanctuary and its education programs.
Further reading
For more on how the region cares for its animals, browse Wildlife coverage across the Truckee Meadows.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KRXI.
