Jonathan Kraft

jonathan@keepersofthewild.org

Jonathan Kraft, an animal behaviorist, established Keepers of the Wild as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit animal sanctuary in 1995.

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The nature park and wildlife sanctuary is currently located on 175 acres in Valentine, Arizona on historic Route 66.

Jonathan has worked with local, state, national, and international law enforcement and animal welfare agencies to assist with rescues, rehabilitation, and providing a life-long home to wild and exotic animals.

Jonathan’s high standards of animal care have earned numerous commendations and awards from organizations, including the Nevada Wildlife Federation, the S.P.C.A, the Humane Society, and Arizona’s Attorney’s and Sheriff’s Associations.

Jonathan has starred in movies and has been featured in several local, national, and international educational film projects, documentaries, news broadcasts, articles, and magazines.

Highly regarded for his expertise with animals, Jonathan has served as an expert witness in court proceedings against animal abusers, worked as an independent consultant to other sanctuaries, and is a highly sought-after presenter for special speaking engagements.

Founder, President, Executive Director

Keepers Of The Wild

Lara Kraft

lara@keepersofthewild.org

Born and raised in Arizona, Lara Kraft is a lifelong, dedicated wildlife enthusiast and animal advocate with a passion for nature-inspired photography.

​In 2017, Kraft began working with Keepers of the Wild. Falling in love with the animals and mission at the sanctuary, she quickly became more involved. Her dedication and hard work led to her promotion to media director and vice president in 2019, later followed by her election as board chairwoman.

In 2024, Lara was appointed as the co-executive director for Keepers and the Arizona State Director for Animal Wellness Action (AWA).

Through her work, Kraft strives to educate the public about animal welfare and ecological issues and hopes to help create a more harmonious society where humans, animals, and nature can coexist in balance — an important future realization for her young daughter to experience. Combining her love for animals, nature, education, and advocacy, Kraft is a passionate advocate for the well-being of all living beings.

With a lengthy background in surgical coordination and technology, educational program development, and grant management, Kraft brings a unique blend of skills and experience to her current roles at Keepers of the Wild and as Arizona State Director for AWA.

Vice President, Chairwoman,
Co-Executive Director

Keepers Of The Wild

Sheila LeMire

sheila@wildplanetpark.org

Sheila LeMire began her journey with Wild Planet Nature Park as a Board Member of Keepers Of The Wild. Her background is in commercial real estate and media.

She holds a CA real estate license and has been involved in the sale of several iconic landmarks including the Keating Building and The Louis Bank of Commerce. 

Sheila also has experience developing commercial projects and has earned business designations including her Series (3)(NFA), Series 7 and 65 securities license through the NASD. She held the East Village seat for the project area committee of the Center City Development Corporation and co-published D-TOWN the award winning local downtown San Diego newspaper.

Sheila attended the University of Dayton and the University of California, San Diego. Her past philanthropic work includes coaching youth sports, board member for Coronado Pop Warner, and volunteering as a doula for UCSD hospital. Sheila is passionate about children spending time in nature and understanding their interconnected part in it.

Her dream is to create a world class sanctuary for the animals surrounded by a community of people all celebrating our Wild Planet.

President

Wild Planet Nature Park

CEO

Wild Mojave Corp