As the cargo plane landed at Kennedy International Airport on a sunny Friday afternoon, the air filled with the sound of barking from the cargo hold. Maad Abu-Ghazalah stood on the tarmac, his heart racing with anticipation. Inside the plane were 69 dogs from his shelter in the West Bank, each one eagerly waiting to step onto new ground. The moment the hold opened, Maad locked eyes with Lucas through the crate door, a reunion that felt like a dream.
One by one, familiar faces emerged – Jimmy, Carlos, Farouk, Zoe – all cherished companions from Daily Hugz, Maad’s rescue center in Asira ash-Shamaliya, near Nablus. These dogs, once abandoned or injured, had found solace under Maad’s care. The shelter had been a haven, a slice of paradise, until the harsh realities of the Israel-Hamas conflict made it impossible to continue. With a heavy heart, Maad reached out to the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals International, which in turn, connected him with the ARK.
The ARK at JFK is a marvel of modern logistics, a facility that Noah himself couldn’t have envisioned. Spanning 14 acres and 178,000 square feet, this privately owned operation caters to a diverse clientele, from racehorses to exotic zoo animals. It ensures that all guests, regardless of their species, travel in comfort and safety, providing everything from quarantine services to cozy overnight stays.
Lori Kalef of S.P.C.A. International shared that over seven years, the ARK has become a critical waypoint for rescued animals. On that particular Friday, as the team huddled around a conference table at the ARK, discussing logistics and overcoming challenges, the excitement was palpable. The arrival of the dogs was imminent, and the team made their way to the ARK’s “pet oasis,” a sanctuary where the dogs would rest before embarking on their journeys to new homes.
Maad, now residing in Wilmington, N.C., felt a mix of anxiety and gratitude. The ARK represented the first step in a new chapter for these dogs. He marveled at the thoughtfulness behind such a facility, a crucial link in the chain of rescue and rehabilitation.
The ARK’s founders, John J. Cuticelli Jr. and Elizabeth A. Schuette, drew on expertise from Cornell University’s veterinary program and insights from animal scientist Temple Grandin to create this comprehensive facility. With dozens of kennels, horse barns, and a veterinary clinic, the ARK stands ready for any challenge, from avian quarantines to accommodations for a visiting penguin.
The facility’s operations are vast, handling thousands of horses annually and providing care for a myriad of small animals. Working closely with federal agencies, the ARK navigates complex regulations to ensure safe and humane transport for all its guests. Challenges are part of the daily routine, from dealing with venomous reptiles to managing unexpected arrivals like a box of loose bees.
The ARK’s commitment to excellence has built trust among clients, brokers, and regulatory agencies alike. It’s a testament to the vision and determination of its founders, who, despite initial challenges, including a significant legal battle, have created a unique and invaluable resource for animal transport.
On a foggy morning, as an Icelandair cargo plane delivered Icelandic ponies directly to the ARK, the facility demonstrated its unparalleled capability to care for animals from around the globe. Each pony, with its own passport and medical history, was treated with the utmost care, ready for journeys to new homes across the United States.
Meanwhile, Stella, a St. Bernard puppy, awaited a flight to Germany, surrounded by the beagles of the pet oasis. The ARK, a temporary home to an astonishing array of animals, stands as a beacon of hope and a testament to the power of compassion and innovation in animal care.