Henderson County in East Texas is home to the largest, most diverse animal sanctuary in the nation.

The Fund for Animals operates Cleveland Amory Black Beauty Ranch near Murchison  where rescued horses, tigers, kangaroos, chimpanzees, camels, ostriches and other animals live in peace for the rest of their lives.

Ranch spokeswoman Holly Stamps gave the Cedar Creek Lake Chamber of Commerce a glimpse of the animal sanctuary and its residents at the group's monthly luncheon June 12.

The 1,310-acre East Texas ranch harbors 1,000 animal representing 40 species rescued from roadside zoos and other cruel entertainment environments. Some of the animals went to live at the ranch after spending much of their lives in research laboratories or the agriculture industry. Others, such as burros from the Grand Canyon, went to the ranch rather than being exterminated by the federal government.

Stamps said the ranch is named for its founder, Cleveland Amory, who was an author and television personality. Amory is known as the "founding father of the modern animal protection movement" because of his love for animals and dedication to saving as many as possible, she said.

Amory bought land in East Texas for the animal sanctuary because the land had the "best grazing pasture for the buck." He originally bought 80 acres, and the operation has grown to its current size over the years.

Amory's influential friends, such as movie queen Doris Day, joined him in the effort. The ranch is home to the Doris Day Horse Rescue and Adoption Center.

The ranch opens to the public during two open houses every year.

For information visit fundforanimals.org

Cleveland Amory is pictured below.