About Us

Our history

Wild Discovery is a nonprofit corporation founded in Raleigh, NC in 2021 by husband and wife team, James and Grace Danks. We bring to the table a passion for animals, a background in education, strong business acumen, and personal contributions to the business; both in time and financial contribution. From our personal rescue work, we realized that we could share our experience with the community to create better lives for animals, and that is why we ultimately decided to launch Wild Discovery.

Seeing the need for an energetic, animal-centered nonprofit in the area, we formed our rescue organization to provide needed solutions. We've consistently grown since then, all thanks to the helping hands of this amazing community, and are taking our mission global! We will continue to support the community for animals in need while expanding education to create a larger impact.

Wild Discovery knows that our strength lies not only in the words we stand by, but most importantly through the actions of our initiatives. Our members and volunteers provide the momentum that helps us affect change as a nonprofit with their commitment to helping animals in the community. We take our convictions and turn them into action through rescue and education, making a long-lasting difference for animals and the community we serve.

Wild Discovery wants to spread our message of hope and compassion for all animals. We believe that a single action can make a difference in the community, and that collective action can greatly impact the world. Through advocacy and outreach activities, our team works tirelessly each day to contribute their part to the greater good.

Think you would be a good fit for the Critter Crew? We would love to talk to you!

The meaning of "Annwn"

Annwn is name stemming from Welsh mythology. Annwn is "essentially a world of delights and eternal youth where disease was absent and food was ever-abundant" (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Annwn) We chose the name because we want to create a place where animals can find a safe haven of love, care, and all the yummy food they could ever need! Annwn is also often associated with the Fairy Realm (https://britishfairies.wordpress.com/tag/annwn/) Having three daughters who love all thing fairy, we thought the name was fitting.

Our mission

Wild Discovery is a 501(c)3 nonprofit located in Wake County, North Carolina. Wild Discovery is founded on several core principles that drive all we do:

Providing rescue services for exotic animals to give them love and a safe home.
We believe in empowering individuals with knowledge, so they are prepared to make the best decision for themselves and their pets.
We made it our mission to improve the husbandry and welfare of exotic animals through education.
We believe in only sourcing animals from reputable sources and do not support wild caught animals which endanger natural habitats.

EIN: 86-3902661

The Critter Crew Team

Grace Danks

President / Director & Co-Founder

Annwn Animal Sanctuary founded in 2020 by husband-and-wife team, James and Grace Danks. Grace brings a passion for animals, a background in education, strong business acumen, and personal contributions to the business. Grace has a strong background in management and company development with an MBA in Entrepreneurial Business Management, MA in Educational Psychology, and a BA in Lifespan Development Psychology.

From a very young age, Grace was introduced to animals by her parents and grandparents who instilled a love of animal rescue. By being able to interact with many animals at a young age, Grace developed a passion for helping animals in need. To instill that love of learning with animals in other youth, Annwn Animal Sanctuary was born with the mission to rescue, rehab, rehome, and educate.

Grace adores frogs and spends many nights herping in the woods around their home with their three children. Enjoying the native trees and wildlife of North Carolina is a favorite pastime. It's always an adventure when you're out exploring in the woods!

James Danks

Grace Danks

Co-Founder

James is passionate about community involvement and holds a MA in Emergency Management and Homeland Security, and a BA in Emergency Management. As the co-founder of Annwn Animal Sanctuary, James has been involved with animals for many years through rehab efforts.

With a strong background in community management, James is passionate about ensuring the community is educated and prepared to take care of their fur-babies. James is most passionate about snakes and exotic animals and is excited to support the community through the growth of Annwn Animal Sanctuary. Through community partnership, Annwn can thrive and provide a beacon of hope for all the animals in need.

A favorite family activity has been completing the NC State Parks Passport Challenge. By visiting every start park in NC, a multitude of habitats were visited with a remarkable variety of wildlife.With three school ages children, James wants to create a better world for his children and it starts by educating those that will create the future. James and family have recently started the NC State Park Challenge for a second time and look forward to even more travel and exploration.

Lena Frias

Grace Danks

Brittany Brisson

Vice President

Brittany Brisson

Secretary

Jamie

Brittany Brisson

Jamie

Treasurer

Hollie

Brittany Brisson

Jamie

Animal Welfare Committee Chair

Clair

Liz Harvey

Fundraising Committee Chair

Liz Harvey

Sanctuary Manager

Liz first started working as the Sanctuary Coordinator at Wild Discovery in May 2021. In addition to her primary job functions, Liz is fulfilling her passion for animal welfare by being part of the daily animal care and sanctuary development programs. Since joining the Board of Directors, Liz has worked to improve the standing and recognition of Wild Discovery among potential adopters and the local community by increasing the sanctuary's presence on social media and through business networking.

Driven by her lifelong passion for animal care, Liz is committed to helping animals that come from difficult circumstances. It may be more difficult to gain their trust or help them heal, but Liz loves to be part of the team that gives these animals a second chance of love and a forever home.

Liz is a graduate of Edinboro University of Pennsylvania with a Bachelor’s degree. She has over four years of corporate management and customer service experience and is a loving pet mom to two dogs, three cats, and four snakes. Liz lives in Durham and likes to spend her free time hiking with her dogs, updating her snake husbandry, taking photos of her cats, and spending time with family.