Kaua’i Animal Education Center (KAEC), located in Kapa’a, Kaua’i, operates as a sanctuary for over 150 animals across more than 15 species, and it also acts as a community resource that merges animal rescue, public education, and community service under one roof. The center, which runs under the guiding principle of Ho’opono – an ethos centered on maintaining a balanced and symbiotic relationship between humans, animals, and nature – opens its doors to various segments of the population, providing educational programs for groups ranging from children to elders.
In a visit documented by Lyndsey Haraguchi-Nakayama, Christy Wong, a representative of KAEC, guides viewers through an environment teeming with various species, from goats and sheep to pigeons and chickens. Wong emphasizes the role of the KAEC as a “farm animal rescue providing services for our community to interact, engage, and learn from these wonderful animals.” Visitors are encouraged to engage with the animals, but with a foundational respect, understanding that “this is the animals’ home, and everyone should feel safe in their own home.”
Wong explains that alongside the core principle of providing a safe home for animals, the center also underscores the importance of establishing trust between humans and animals, stating, “they know that they can trust us” especially when the animals might be injured or in distress. The list of residents includes goats, sheep, pigeons, chickens, ducks, geese, a peacock named Romeo, tortoises, rabbits, guinea pigs, turkeys, pheasants, and pigs. Additionally, some animals, like Bob and Jen (a pair of birds whose individual identities are playfully undetermined), embody a certain communal familiarity, becoming familiar faces to the returning visitors and staff.
Amidst the visits and tours, the animals not only provide interactive experiences for the guests but also become part of an educational framework that extends into practical learning for children. Wong speaks about children taking initiative beyond their experiences at the center: “They even go home and do their own research, which is incredible because they’re taking it upon themselves to find out more, and they’re going above and beyond.” The youngsters participate in diverse activities, learning about responsibilities like feeding the animals, collecting eggs, and shearing sheep, especially during the center’s camp programs.
Tours at KAEC, which must be booked online, offer a moment for visitors to “relax, disconnect to reconnect,” providing a space away from the usual traffic and hustle of daily life. Wong encourages visits during the morning or early evening when the environment is cooler and notes that the animals have “lots of love to give.”
Haraguchi-Nakayama’s exploration of the center does more than just expose the day-to-day interactions between humans and animals at KAEC. It spotlights a model where care, education, and community service converge, as illustrated by Wong’s insight and experiences. The center stands not merely as a shelter but as a vibrant hub where humane education and animal care intertwine, demonstrating a comprehensive and compassionate approach toward fostering mutual relationships between living beings and contributing towards community wellness.
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