Majical Miniatures houses over 200 animals, needs funding

PARRISH, Fla. - Walking around Majical Miniatures Animal Care and Education Center you will find animals who each have a unique survival story, like Powder the kangaroo.

"She had these areas on her back were just raw and blistered when she came in," said Jenna Forrester, Majical Miniatures operations manager.

Powder's owners brought her to the animal sanctuary after they realized she was too much to care for, but that is just one story.

"Rocky had been hit by a car," Debbie Harvat pointed to a deer,  "He has leg issues," she said.

At the non-profit animal car center some 200 animals are given a second chance at life. A handful of workers and volunteers like John Affolter help keep the sanctuary on track.

"I actually took a weeks vacation last week and worked on these for the whole week, every day," said Affolter.

During the day, Affolter works for the Bradenton Police Department as a Lieutenant. At night, he spends hit time building new houses for the Kangaroos and Wallabies.

Even with help from volunteers the animal's bills are not cheap.

"We spend about $500,000 a year to keep this facility afloat," said Forrester.

The organization's funds are starting to dry up.

"We have to be careful to make sure the funding is going to be there for the animals we already have," she said.

Since many of the animals depend on humans they will never return to the wild. As the bills continue to grow the owners are now using their retirement money to keep Majicial Miniatures operating. Just like the animals who come here they need a second chance.

"In the end it is all worth it because of these animals. If you look at them they just seem so grateful," said Forrester.

For more information on Majicial Miniatures follow this link: www.majicalminiatures.com or call 941-981-9121