Caryl and Ralph Turner: Founders of Precious Life Animal Sanctuary

Some of Precious Life Animal Sanctuary rescue stories include: Taking in a rogue flock of turkeys that had been stalking the streets of the tourist town, La Conner. When a council member suggested the flock be used as targets for a youth gunfire-safety course, the mayor and townspeople spoke passionately in support of the turkeys (which had become a bit of a tourist draw). The Turners came to the rescue and agreed to provide long-term care and allow the turkeys to live out their natural lives in the sanctuary. “They are intelligent animals, loyal to one another, and easily recognize their caretakers,” states the sanctuary website. Another rescue came when domestic rabbits that had for years been discarded at Seattle’s Lower Woodland Park and other parks needed to be relocated. The trapping ended with over 100 rabbits captured. Precious Life Sanctuary was the only sanctuary willing to help. A one-of-a-kind bunny-proof enclosure on over half-an-acre was created. Wilbur the smiling pig was rescued at three months old from experimentation at a university swine center and is free to explore in tall grass and root-n-roll in mud. Casper, the paralyzed male dairy calf rescued shortly after his birth, was nursed back to health and spends his time in the large pasturelands with the other cows—including his best friend Tiny—horses, burros and mule. Margarita the burro was rescued from being sold to a fox and mink fur farm for food. She could barely walk and was severely underweight. It was a surprise when she gave birth to a baby boy (Paco). The gentle Margarita has received extensive care and now enjoys her life with plenty of grain, apples and alfalfa.