The Zoo Built by Love
by Judy Sheldon on 28/12/07 at 3:38 am
Orphaned and injured animals have found their sanctuary at the Boo Boo Zoo, nicknamed that because Suzie and Sylvan Schwab take in animals with “boo boos” and give them their love around the clock. Hear some animal victory stories and enjoy.
Visit the zoo where miracles are an every day event. East Maui Animal Reserve, or the Boo Boo Zoo, as it is more commonly called was created in love, and love is still the main ingredient found there. If you are in Hawaii, or planning on visiting there be sure to stop in and visit Suzie and Sylvan along with their 200 to 300 animals. If not, you can have a peek at: Boo Boo Zoo
Suzie was diagnosed with terminal cancer, and shortly after met her dream man. He wanted to marry her, but first he wanted to be sure she would be around awhile, so he enlisted the help of a doctor who treated her illness with good nutrition consisting of large doses of vitamins and herbs.
When the doctor told Sylvan that Suzie needed something more to help her fight, he recalled her excitement during a recent pet store visit. Suzie was very taken with an injured bird in the pet store, and fascinated by the healing process.
Sylvan asked for wounded and orphaned animals, and soon their home was alive with love and nurturing. As Suzie worked with the animals and poured her heart into healing them, she healed herself. They provided her with hope for the future and a will to fight, as did her soul mate, Sylvan. Together they have created a sanctuary for over 400 animals. After being declared cancer free, they had
cause to celebrate.

This is Scarlet. She used to be so lonely that she would peck at her feathers until she was bald. Her owners had to give up the beautiful macaw because of their neighbor’s complaints of noise. Now she can talk all she wants, and loves to take almonds from Sylvan’s hand, and as you can see her beautiful plumage has grown back.

Sylvan is holding an indigenous Wedge-tailed Shearwater. When it was just a few days old, the bird was found floating off the shores of Molokini by a tour boat operator. He kindly brought it to Sylvan. Sylvan and Suzie mixed up a healthy formula that has helped other birds, and exercised it’s wings daily, in the hope that is would regain it’s strength.

As this picture demonstrates, the Wedge-tailed Shearwater is ready to test its wings and reclaim its freedom, thanks to the assistance of Suzie and Sylvan.

Here is Doogie, a miniature horse who just happens to be 90% blind. Doogie was about to be put down, but fortunately for him someone brought him to the Boo Boo Zoo, and now he happily chases after the dogs and munches on carrots. Bo, lying on the ground near his constant companion, is a loving and gentle friend.
Sylvan says that when he hears squeals coming from the pig pen, he knows that Doogie is visiting a very fat pot-bellied pig. He likes to gently prod her to get her to play.

These beautiful Siamese kittens were only days old when found in a drainage pipe in Wailuku. Thanks to their rescuer and the EMAR there mother would be very relieved to know that they are now running and playing like normal kittens.

They took in Duchess who was left for dead after a car accident. Her legs and vertebrae were so shattered that the veterinarian said she would never walk again. A good hearted donor paid for her surgery and Suzie and Sylvan found her a doggie wheelchair. Duchess is a real inspiration and has never given up. She is very mobile and wheels every where she wants to go. Not only that, she has been adopted by a loving family.

“Yes Deer”, as she is called now was a victim of “capture myopathy”. Yes Deer suffered paralysis as result of extreme stress. Hunters captured her and her mother. They tied her to a tree and gutted her mother in front of her. At EMAR or the Boo Boo Zoo she had made friends with many of the kittens who provide her love and affection. Here she is pictured with Flojo.

Sylvan and Suzie treat an Axis deer that sustained a knee injury. With the healing touch of these two, this deer should be up and about in no time.

Look at the interesting faces of these Pueos owls. This is an owl species that is endangered in other areas of the country, but are continuing to do well In Maui thanks to the hard work of EMAR.
Although these two were struck by a car, and their wings were so badly shattered the owls required partial amputations that rendered them flightless, they are safe here in the aviary at the Boo Boo Zoo.
“The East Maui Animal Refuge (EMAR) is a no-kill, all volunteer-run, non profit, rehabilitation sanctuary for injured and orphaned animals who would otherwise die”
The love found here at the EMAR, or the Boo Boo Zoo, as Suzie has nicknamed it is limitless. It cures all and conquers all. I enjoyed my visit, and I hope you did too.
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21 Comments
IcyCucky
Dec 28th, 2007
Wonderful article, Judy. Very heart warming stories.
Anne Lyken-Garner
Dec 28th, 2007
This is quite cute.
Judy Sheldon-Walker
Dec 28th, 2007
Icy, and Anne, thank you for reading and commenting.
Nick Kenney
Dec 28th, 2007
God bless them both…it never ceases to amaze or sicken me at how cruel some people can be to animals…
Wonderful article, Judy, thanks for sharing!
Judy Sheldon-Walker
Dec 28th, 2007
Thank you Nick, for reading and commenting. Suzie and Sylvan are pretty special. God bless them.
Ruby Hawk
Dec 28th, 2007
They are very special people. May they have much success in health and in their work.
Francie
Dec 29th, 2007
Amazing stories, wonderful people. Miracles do happen daily. This great story restores faith in the human race.
*Amazing story, thanks
louie jerome
Dec 29th, 2007
Amazing stories and a heartwarming article. I love the pictures.
Judy Sheldon-Walker
Dec 29th, 2007
Ruby, Francie, and Louie, thank you so much for reading and encouraging. It appears that Suzie and Sylvan have a calling, and they are following it.
CHAN LEE PENG
Dec 29th, 2007
It’s a paradise for animals. I’m wandering whether the spirit in nurturing the animals with love can be extended to every part of the world. Certain animals in certain countries are being treated cruelly.
Good article, sister, well done!
Regards and take care!
Judy Sheldon-Walker
Dec 29th, 2007
Chan, animals give us so much and they ask for so little. It would be wonderful if the idea behind this zoo caught on elsewhere.
Thank you for reading and commenting.
Your honorary sister,
Judy
Brooke
Dec 29th, 2007
Aloha Judy,
Thank you so very much! I have volunteered at EMAR for almost 15 years, it sure is an unbelievable place filled with love. I did see a few mistakes, one being in the very beginning.
-East Maui Animal Reserve (we are the East Maui Animal Refuge)
-The government never donated any land to us, this has been reprinted quite a few times. But we do have a mortgage and have not gotten help paying it from the government.
Brooke
Volunteer for EMAR
Judy Sheldon-Walker
Dec 29th, 2007
Brooke, thank you for reading and commenting. I appreciate your corrections. It is unfortunate that land was not donated, as stated in the article that I read. It must put an even harder financial burden on EMAR. Please accept my apology.
Jason W.
Dec 31st, 2007
As a lifelong animal lover, I keep an eye out for things of this nature. I’ve raised dogs all my life; the bit about Duchess and the doggy wheelchair sort of hit me. It’s always hit me, in another way, how too few know – or even care – about orphaned or injured animals. Thanks for this piece.
Judy Sheldon-Walker
Dec 31st, 2007
Jason, EMAR will place you on their mailing list, if you like. You can contact them via their web site, which is linked above.
Thank you for reading and commenting. I love animals too. My pets own me. lol
Darlene McFarlane
Jan 11th, 2008
I love this article. I read it with a smile on my face and a lump in my throat. Sylvan and Suzie are true angels. Just ask their animals.
I am sending this article link out by email. I believe it will do hearts good to read it.
Great job, Judy.
Judy Sheldon-Walker
Jan 11th, 2008
Darlene, if I ever talk my husband into a honeymoon (never had one), I want him to take me to Hawaii, so I can see this zoo (among other things). lol Thank you for your support.
writershirley
Jan 25th, 2008
Hi Judy,
I love animals and really enjoyed this article. keep writing your articles are wonderful. Shirley
Judy Sheldon-Walker
Jan 25th, 2008
Hi Shirley, it’s great to see you back at Triond. Thank you for visiting and encouraging.
Karen N
Dec 7th, 2008
Very touching story.
Judy Sheldon
Dec 7th, 2008
Karen, thanks again for your warm support.
Take care & God bless.
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