This account is not a fairytale; it is the true story of one of Nature's most splendid species and our country's national symbol that was nearly killed off because of the abuse and neglect of society.

Celebrities like Deanna Lund, Carol Connors and Cheryl Holdridge have joined in the endeavor to help raise funds for the zoo's move. They are here with Deborah Richardson, holding a baby wolf.         Photo by Pamela Price.

The American bald eagle is one of over 8 species of eagle that currently reside at Moonridge Zoo.

Escaping death twice, this American bald eagle was taken to Moonridge Zoo in Big Bear, California, where it was saved and will live out its life in health and safety. Yet the fate of this majestic bird and hundred of animals like it may soon be that of being homeless. Due to a development plan on what is now the leased zoo property, Moonridge Zoo and its animals are being forced to find a new permanent home, and they need everyone's help.

In 1959, forest fires ravaged the ecosystem of the San Bernardino Mountains and rendered countless animals dead or injured. Some of those animals were rehabilitated and released back into the wild, while a large amount would never be able to return to their native home due to irreparable injury and the imprint of Man. A two and a half acre plot of land that was 7,068 feet above sea level was set aside for these creatures to live out their days in their natural sub-alpine forest, and Moonridge Animal Park was born.

In 1960, a 50 year lease was signed, and Moonridge Animal Park was officially designated a zoo, offering haven and care for over 85 different species of animals.

Their lease is soon to expire, and a new site has been chosen for the permanent home of the zoo. A 25 acre parcel of land in San Bernardino National Forest with an elevation of 7,000 feet will house the new zoo, which will be on the north shore of Big Bear Lake. The move will not be an easy or inexpensive one. Ten million dollars must be raised in order to make the move and ensure the safety of the animals and their home.

Rapper sensation Coolio and his dog Platinum were among the many celebrities who attended this cause worthy event.

Countless celebrities have taken up the task of helping the zoo. Marty Ingels and Shirley Jones, Cheryl Holdridge, Deanna Lund, Fred Travalena, Bobby Kelton, and Merrie Lynn Ross, among many others, have lent their names to this cause. Moonridge Zoo honored some of their greatest supporters at a special event in June where songwriter Carol Connors received their "Wildcat Award" for her efforts on its behalf.

Bald eagles, grizzly bears, and timber wolves are just some of the animals that call Moonridge home. The zoo's population is quite unique. Kiowa and Taza are the zoo's largest residents (weighing in at a whopping 2,000 lbs. each) and the only two wood bison on exhibit in North America. Four of the top 10 stinkiest animals in the world (the skunk, the beaver, the fisher, and the fox) live at Moonridge Zoo.

Each year more than 200 animals are cared for and rehabilitated at Moonridge, and the majority of these are successfully released back into the wild.

Moonridge Zoo is the only zoo in the United States located in an alpine/sub-alpine environment and catering to the preservation of the species primarily native to such environments.

"The enormous task of physically transporting and housing 150 wild animals requires all the help we can get," said Don Richardson, the zoo curator for the past nine years. "Should we fall short , we will face the uncertain task of dispersing and euthanizing the animals."

Moonridge Zoo and its animal inhabitants desperately need your help. For more information on what you can do, visit their website at www.moonridgezoo.org, or call toll-free 1-800-431-5006.

-Kareem Tabsch is a freelance writer who specializes in celebrity interviews. He has interviewed celebrities such as Elizabeth Taylor, Bob Hope, Joan Rivers, Julio Iglesias, and Barbara Mandrell, among others. He writes frequently on animal-related issues as well as on the entertainment industry.