Hello. My name is Sue Vanzo. I am fundraising for Shalom Wildlife Zoo, in West Bend, Wisconsin. I am a retired nurse after 53 years of caring for others. I am a fervent advocate for animal sanctuary rescue, care, and protection. I am a concerned citizen, unrelated to the owners or employees, who sees this situation as a travesty, perpetuated by a very few without just cause! This Go Fund Me is my attempt to help, for the reasons stated below.

THE FUNDS WILL BE USED TO PAY LEGAL FEES.

Shalom's working budget cannot support the business AND legal fees. They will be forced to close, and then incur even more expenses to rehome or unecessarily euthanize hundreds of animals. Potentially, a lifetime of love and labor could be gone in an instant.

The beautiful photo is of the four adorable baby tigers ( 2 males, 2 females) just recently born to the matriarchal tiger at the zoo, whose name is Ginger.

A few local residents of West Bend, WI have been harrassing and filing complaints and lawsuits against Shalom, in an effort to close the zoo down.

The Zoo has been in its present location for over 40 YEARS, without warnings or citations that entire time! They are legally sanctioned to operate by all necessary governing bodies, in accordance with the law, and always have been. The facility provides excellent care for hundreds of animals of inumerable species. In addition to it being a sanctuary, it also operates as a zoo. It is open to the public. It has served as a frequent destination for school field trips, both educationally, and also allowing kids to see animals in person, that they might never otherwise. It is a "Must See" for visitors to the area, and locals alike. A very popular destination where people can connect with nature, at a leisurely, self guided pace. In a way it is a sanctuary for people as well, serving as a respite from our hectic, busy lives. BUT.......

Right now they need our help!!

The lawsuits have caused them to have to hire several attorneys, who cover various areas of law. The enormous legal fees will soon begin to deplete their normal operating budget. This budget buys food for all the animals, pays for daily maintenance and upkeep of the facility, naturally occurring veterinary expenses, insurance, salaries, utilities etc.

This Sactuary / Zoo has been a staple in West Bend and the state of WI for FOUR DECADES without issue. The legal action is being taken by a handful of people whose properties share a border with, or are nearby Shalom. The complaints range from 'too much dust in the air', to whether the water supply is being used properly, to property boundry lines and noise levels. They are also fighting against Shalom's plans to build ( on Zoo property) a building which would host weddings, or other gatherings.

If you, or your children, or your grandchildren have ever visited Shalom and enjoyed a day of exploration and the beauty of nature and animals outdoors in natural habitats, won't you please help Shalom continue to be able to provide for the animals and keep this wondeful source of family-oriented entertainment open for all to enjoy? News articles can be read on local television stations facebook pages, as well as comments from so many supporters. The stories also appear on You Tube, and the TV stations from Milwaukee are broadcasting updates this week as well.

Thank you do much for your consideration, your generosity, and your compassion.