Popcorn Park To Celebrate 45 Years Of Saving Animal Lives

A celebration honoring the 45th anniversary of the Associated Humane Societies Popcorn Park will include the welcoming of new lions and tigers who arrived at the refuge in June. (Photo courtesy Associated Humane Societies Popcorn Park)

  LACEY – The Associated Humane Societies Popcorn Park Animal Refuge will celebrate 45 years of saving animal lives during their anniversary celebration. The event will run from 5-9 p.m. on September 10 and will honor Popcorn Park’s rich history while highlighting plans for their future.

  The celebration will also showcase some of the group’s most memorable residents throughout the years and highlight current residents who call the Refuge home. Attendees can enjoy light fare, cocktails, beer, wine, and live music as they walk through the Refuge enjoying the festivities.

  There will also be a special celebration welcoming the new lions and tigers who arrived at the Refuge on June 26.

  Popcorn Park was founded in September 1977 when a raccoon entered into their care after being severely injured by a leghold trap. Due to the severity of his injuries, the racoon, later known as Rigby, was unable to be released into the wild.

  The park has grown in its nearly half century of operation and is now home to over 200 rescued animals. Its members look forward to continued expansion through a five-year plan to help even more animals in need.

  Jerry Rosenthal, chief executive officer of Associated Humane Societies and Popcorn Park said, “we look forward to welcoming friends and supporters to celebrate this milestone and welcome our new additions to the park. For 45 years Popcorn Park has provided families with an opportunity to see and learn about the animals we have rescued and provide care for.”

File Photo

  “There are few places like it on the East Coast,” he added. He noted that the Popcorn Park Animal Refuge is also creating a celebratory Ad Journal to commemorate the occasion.

  “Supporters are encouraged to share memories, showcase their business, and help celebrate Popcorn Park with this special collaborative journal. The Ad Journal will also include exclusive content from our archives, giving patrons a behind-the-scenes look into some of our most notable rescue animals throughout the past 45 years,” Rosenthal said.

  He added, “Associated Humane Societies rescues stray and homeless animals, both domestic and wildlife, providing quality care and sanctuary until loving homes can be found. As a community-based organization, we provide low-cost veterinary care and humane education to promote responsible pet guardianship throughout New Jersey.”

Photo courtesy Associated Humane Societies Popcorn Park

  “We don’t have a specific honoree. We will be telling stories of special events through the years, highlighting some of our groundbreaking stories, and toasting to the future. We just brought in two new tigers and two new lions who we will be celebrating at the event as well. It was two years in the making, and finally we are able to give them a permanent home,” AHS representative Danielle Mania told The Southern Ocean Times.

Photo courtesy Associated Humane Societies Popcorn Park

  For more details about and to attend the September 10 celebration, to participate in the Ad Journal and to also learn about the organization’s annual fundraising auction on October 1, contact Mania by calling 973-824-7080 or e-mail her at dmania@ahsppz.org.