Closed Georgia Zoo Gets Second Chance As Animal Sanctuary
A closed zoo that was formerly home to Georgia’s famous groundhog is getting a second chance.
WSB-TV reports Jonathan and Katy Ordway bought Yellow River Game Ranch after it closed in December. They were frequent visitors, going every month to see the animals.
The Ordways are rebranding the ranch as Yellow River Wildlife Sanctuary with plans to open in about six months.
Jonathan Ordway told the television station the first order of business was updating the bear enclosure from a concrete patch to more than 2 acres to roam.
The ranch was home to General Beauregard Lee, Georgia’s four-legged Groundhog Day “forecaster.” The television station reports the critter was relocated to Dauset Trails in Jackson, Georgia.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture had repeatedly cited the ranch for animal welfare problems.