Calendar features animals that got a second chance

The Associated Humane Societies, which is the largest animal sheltering system in New Jersey, has this calendar for sale to help raise money for the welfare of the animals it cares for.

Raz the red-tailed hawk broke his clavicle and can never be released back into the wild.

Although he’ll never soar free again, he will be able to live out the rest of his days away from harm at the Popcorn Park Zoo in Forked River.

The Associated Humane Societies, which is the largest animal sheltering system in New Jersey, made Raz the January model for its annual calendar.

Other animals with similar stories are also featured in the 12-page calendar, which is being sold to raise money for the care and welfare of the system’s animals.

Roseann Trezza, the executive director of the Associated Humane Societies, said, “Whether it’s December’s Otto the dachshund or April’s Dante the tiger, all of the animals featured in this calendar are animals from the Associated Humane Societies.

“Many of the animals are currently living at the Popcorn Park Zoo,” Trezza continued, “and some are still living with the owners who adopted them. But all have one thing in common — they were rescued and able to live healthy, happy lives.”

Founded in 1906, the Associated Humane Societies consists of four shelters located in Newark, Forked River, Tinton Falls and Union. The Forked River facility also includes the federally licensed Popcorn Park Zoo, which is a sanctuary for abandoned, injured, ill, exploited, abused or elderly wildlife, exotic and farm animals and birds.

The calendar is available at the Newark and Forked River animal care centers or by sending a request for the calendar and $20 to Popcorn Park, P.O. Box 50, Forked River, 08731.

With the purchase of a calendar comes a one-year subscription to the Humane News and a free pass to the Popcorn Park Zoo.

For more information or to make a donation, visit www.ahscares.org.