Oak Ridge Today

James Cox, founder of Little Ponderosa Zoo, dies

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James Cox (Photo via Anderson County Sheriff’s Office on Facebook)

James Cox, the founder of Little Ponderosa Zoo and Rescue in Anderson County, died Tuesday.

The cause of his death wasn’t clear, although the zoo had said in late January that Cox had had pneumonia and a weak heart and was in the hospital, moving from critical care to the heart floor. At that time, he was expected to be discharged in a few days to recover before heart surgery.

Many people in Anderson County and across the region said they were heartbroken to hear the news of his death on Tuesday.

“Today, we mourn the loss of a very special man,” the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office said in a social media post. “James had a deep passion to help the people of Anderson County and the countless animals he rescued. His heart was pure, and his love for humanity will be remembered for generations to come. There is not enough room on Facebook to list all of the tremendous ways he made an impact. He was truly that special. James, we are forever grateful for your friendship.”

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Johnson Architecture donates design of new facility for Little Ponderosa Zoo & Rescue

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Pictured above is a rendering by Johnson Architecture of the new facility at Little Ponderosa Zoo and Rescue. (Submitted image)

Pictured above is a rendering by Johnson Architecture of the new facility at Little Ponderosa Zoo and Rescue in Anderson County. (Submitted image)

 

Animals to get new home after devastating December fire

After a devastating fire last December, plans to rebuild the Little Ponderosa Zoo and Rescue started quickly since the surviving animals and new rescues would need a permanent home. Knoxville-based Johnson Architecture volunteered to donate its time to design a new structure for the nonprofit organization, a press release said.

“Little Ponderosa Zoo and Rescue is such a valuable part of our community, and we wanted to give back in their time of need and thank them for all that they do to provide a loving home for rescue animals,” said Daryl Johnson, president of Johnson Architecture.

The new design recently was revealed to the organization’s donors, sponsors, and supporters.

The facility, which will be built on the foundation of the former structure in Anderson County, will feature 5,600 square feet of interior space; a 1,700-square-foot mezzanine; front and rear porches; and 4,200 square feet of open-air, covered storage. It will include a bird aviary, reptile viewing area, and eight stalls to house a variety of animals. [Read more…]