Genesis Wildlife takes flight at Eagles Nest

By Caroline Monday

Genesis Wildlife Sanctuary had reason to celebrate last Saturday.

With help from developer John Turchin, the nonprofit will be relocating its facilities from Beech Mountain to The Lodges at Eagles Nest in Banner Elk.

The move marks a turning point for the agency, which serves and rehabilitates injured wildlife. Genesis director Leslie Hayhurst said the organization had been struggling to meet local demands for its services in its current facilities.

Turchin and Hayhurst are now working to finance the construction of new facilities, including animal habitats, through fundraising efforts.

These fundraising efforts kicked off at the annual Memorial Day celebration this past weekend at Eagles Nest.

Turchin said he has a vision for the organization that will hopefully not only allow it to better serve injured wildlife, but also raise awareness about local wildlife issues. The new facilities will be located near the entrance and along the main road of the Eagles Nest development, with a rehabilitation center located away from public viewing areas. This planned location is more accessible that the agency’s current facilities.

In addition to being appropriate housing for specific animals, Turchin said he plans for the habitats to be works of art. He said he is hoping to enroll the help of local artists and architects to create these habitats.

Turchin said he is hoping to recruit homeowners from the development to sponsor habitats. The organization should be fully relocated by the end of the year.

However, building the facilities is only the beginning; nonprofits are in constant need of support through donations and volunteers in order to continuously provide services. Turchin said he thinks the raised awareness will help with that aspect of the organization’s operations.

While Turchin heads up the fundraising efforts, Hayhurst will continue doing what she does best – caring for animals. She said Turchin’s strength as a fundraiser, combined with the organization’s existing abilities to serve wildlife, helps Genesis become a more well-rounded nonprofit.

“It’s unbelievably exciting,” Hayhurst said. “This is incredible. John’s like a knight in shining armor.”

Many of the animals that come to Genesis come as a result of human behavior, be it due to a hunting incident, a homeless exotic pet or land development. Hayhurst said one of the organization’s goals is to not only serve those animals, but also to raise awareness about the effects of human behavior on wildlife. By raising awareness, Genesis staff hopes to prevent harm to animals.

Genesis staff hosts visitors at their facilities and visits schools and community gatherings for educational demonstrations.

For more information about Genesis Wildlife Sanctuary and what you can do to help, call (828) 387-2979.

Little girls: sisters Allie (braid) and Aliyah Wright feed an umbrella cockatoo named Angel.