![\"ark_kansai_logo\"](\"http:\/\/japaninfoswap.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/ark_kansai_logo-150x150.gif\"){kind=logo}
ARK is a non-profit, non-governmental private organization with the aim of forming a network of people who love animals, believe in sharing their lives with them, and who work actively to rescue them from suffering. ARK was established in 1990 and became officially recognized as an NPO (Non-Profit Organization) in September 1999. In 2008, ARK was accepted as an International Associate Member of the RSPCA.<\/p>\n
ARK receives all funding for its activities from the donations and membership fees of the general public. We have approximately 30 staff members and receive support from volunteers who understand our activities. Our staff depends on our many volunteers because ARK is dedicated to not only the care of the animals but also to maintaining our facilities for the animals.<\/p>\n
ARK was established in 1990 by Elizabeth Oliver who still represents the organization today. Elizabeth Oliver originally came to Japan to teach English, but after seeing many injured animals she enlisted the help of some friends to rescue them. At that time she had virtually no financial aid and depended on the generosity of people to donate such necessities as dog food.<\/p>\n
Over time more people became involved in her activities and as the number of rescued animals grew, several volunteers were hired as full-time staff members. \u00a0Since its establishment ARK has succeeded in expanding its activities and facilities, and in August 1998, became authorized by Osaka prefecture as a non-profit organization.<\/p>\n
There are many ways you can help ARK accomplish its mission of reducing suffering for animals in Japan.<\/p>\n
For more information on how you can get involved see the ARK website.<\/p>\n