See Also: Sierra Safari May Have to Shut Down

The economic slump is having major impacts on non-profit agencies across the Truckee meadows and now a local wildlife refuge is taking a hit.

Owners of the "Animal Ark" in Red Rock say times are tougher now than they have been in many years.

For nearly three decades, Aaron Hiibel has been taking in injured or mistreated animals, and giving them a life that's as close to being in the wild as possible.

"Our unrestricted donations are down about $50,000 over this time last year. Our total budget for operations for a year is about $340,000, so you can see it's quite a chunk," said Hiibel, who co-founded the Ark with his wife.

Hiibel says the Ark is doing what it can to put itself in a comfortable financial position, with solar panels, wind generators, and recycled water but still, feeding, sheltering and caring for the animals is not cheap.

Their operating costs includes gassing up a fleet of nine golf carts. Staff has to get around to feed the animals, and they have a lot of ground to cover.

"I'd say this year we are threatened for the first time in a long time," said Hiibel.

But he's not giving up. These animals depend on the Ark, and community depends on what they can learn here.

"Well we've been here a long time, 29 years, and although I am nervous, it's too good of a thing to let drop," he said.

If you shop at Scolari's, a percentage of your grocery bill can be donated to help fund the Animal Ar, but there are many other ways you can help.

Just go to www.animalark.org.