Cottonwood Critters Mini Zoo and Sanctuary

Bugsy the Patagonian Cavy
and Crystal the lop bunny

We consist of many animals that have been abandoned or mistreated by thier previous owner. Most of us came from people that misjudged or were mis-informed when buying a pet. Some of us simply outgrew our cages or our owner's budget. Cottonwood Critters were nice enough to give us a home! Read on to find out some of our stories or just come on out and see us. We'd love to have ya!

Meako and Cheyenne

Meako is a very sweet-tempered horse who loves attention. She was brought to the sanctuary after living alone on an abandoned property for 8 long winter months. When she came to Cottonwood Critters, Meako had been extremely malnourished from lacking the nutrition a young horse needs to develop properly. Meako was foundered so badly that she was almost walking on her ankles. But now, Meako has done a total turn around. Since she is almost blind due to malnutrition, she is only happy when she is alongside her best friend Cheyenne.

Caw, a mischievious crow with a typical story of rescue without release. After cutting down a tree and realizing a nest of crows had fallen with the tree, some loggers were amazed to find that one had survived. Since it was too small to fend for itself, Caw was brought here to Cottonwood Critters Animal Sanctuary. The only problem is usually a wild animal that has been taken in becomes too tame to release. Caw, like other critters here, would not be able to survive in the wild and now is provided a permanent home.

Caw the Crow

Betsy the Black Bear

Betsy, a sweet-tempered black bear, was not given to us like most of our rescues. We purchased her after seeing her not-so-desirable living conditions. She was in a dark wooden box, with a screened-in front. Her owner would toss food and water in not keeping it out of her waste. The box was inside a barn that reached over 100 degree heat. We felt sorry for her and decided she would be better off and happier at Cottonwood Critters. Betsy was very mean and hateful towards humans at first (who could blame her?) but she tamed down and will now eat out of our hands.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!

We need you! We are looking for volunteers who live near Branson, have experience with animals, like to be around people, can freely volunteer their time and are 18 years or older. If you love animals and and want to help, please contact us.

Back to Home Page