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OUR TEAM

Wild Planet Nature Park™ is dedicated to the protection of abused, neglected, abandoned  and retired captive wildlife. 

The Wild Planet team consists of passionate animal lovers and activists with decades of experience in business management, animal welfare and animal behavior. 

Jonathan Kraft

Founder 

E-mail: jonathan@keepersofthewild.org

Phone: 928-769-1800 Ext. 24

Lara Kraft

Vice President and Board Member

E-mail:lara@keepersofthewild.org

Phone:928-769-1800 X 28

Sheila LeMire

President 

E-mail: sheila@WildPlanetpark.org

Phone: 619-675-5088

Jonathan Kraft is an animal behaviorist and passionate activist in animal issues.

In 1995, Jonathan established Keepers of the Wild (KOTW) as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit animal sanctuary. The sanctuary is currently located on 175 acres in Valentine, Arizona. 

Jonathan has received numerous commendations and awards from multiple organizations including Nevada Wildlife Federation, the S.P.C.A, the Humane Society and Arizona’s Attorney’s and Sheriff’s Associations.

 

Jonathan's expertise in rehabilitating and caring for wildlife is crucial to Wild Planet’s operations to maintain a safe and comfortable sanctuary for animals and humans to enjoy. 

Lara Kraft is an administrative professional and photographer. 

Before she joined Keepers of the Wild in 2017, she had a lengthy career in surgical management and technology, followed by years of educational program development and grant management experience. She has been recognized both in her community and in her home state of Arizona for her efforts in education, specifically in under-served communities. 

In 2019, she became VP, PR & Social Media Director for Keepers of the Wild. Lara has been a life-long animal advocate active in nature photography from a young age. 

Her substantial knowledge in management, education,  philanthropy, and media, along with her passion for animals are key to the success of Wild Planet Nature Park.

Sheila LeMire began her journey with Wild Planet Nature Park as a Board Member of Keeper’s Of The Wild. Her background is in commercial real estate and media.
She holds a CA real estate license and has been involved in the sale of several iconic landmarks including the Keating Building and The Louis Bank of Commerce. 
Sheila also has experience developing commercial projects and has earned business designations including her Series (3)(NFA), Series 7 and 65 securities license through the NASD. She held the East Village seat for the project area committee of the Center City Development Corporation and co-published D-TOWN the award winning local downtown San Diego newspaper. Sheila attended the University of Dayton and the University of California, San Diego. Her past philanthropic work includes coaching youth sports, board member for Coronado Pop Warner, and volunteering as a doula for UCSD hospital. Sheila is passionate about creating a world class sanctuary for animals surrounded by a community of people all celebrating our Wild Planet.

the team
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