Meet Alexandra Ashe | Kinkatopia Rescue CEO and Founder

We had the good fortune of connecting with Alexandra Ashe and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Alexandra, other than deciding to work for yourself, what was the single most important decision you made that contributed to your success?
I made the conscience decision to be transparent. It’s so important when running a nonprofit, especially with animals, to be transparent on a business level, but also personal. People are entrusting me with animals and donations to care for the animals and grow the organization. Considering I am being entrusted with lives as the Mother of Kinkajous, I have found it beneficial for people to know who I am to my core. I share the struggles I run into with the animals, social media, and mental health. This has allowed me to share my sanctuary intimately with the world. I don’t look at our supporters as “customers” — they are our family. They deserve authenticity. And in return, they have helped me move mountains to help the animals.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Kinkatopia is the only kinkajou-specific organization in the world! To date, we have helped permanently place over 100 kinkajous into facilities all over the United States. We currently house about 20, and we need more space! I am most excited about our future! My goal is to become employed by the nonprofit so we can work toward getting land! I work a full-time job in addition to caring for the animals and running the organization. My time is spread very thin, and I am constantly on the go.

Was or is this easy? No. Some days it’s one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. I struggle to find balance, I fall short in responding to people, I have so many ideas and no time to complete them, I am constantly fighting for our social media platforms because unfortunately sometimes the world just doesn’t understand what I am doing. Some people just don’t like it … or they don’t like me. I’ve received everything from death threats to unjust violations on our social media accounts. Currently, I am trying to get in touch with Tiktok to save our 2.1 million+ follower account because of repeated unjust video reportings. I’m just a girl who loves these animals and shares them with the world. That platform in particular has truly helped Kinkatopia evolve into what it is today. And the idea of losing it is a direct hit to our security.

Meanwhile, I am driving all over Miami rescuing lost kinkajous and working with Florida Fish and Wildlife to find their owners … battling a harsh Florida winter … meeting with aquariums/zoos … who has time to battle ignorance? Well, it comes with the territory.

Would I change it for the world? Absolutely not. Almost 5 years ago, I was battling early sobriety and about to enter on the journey of a lifetime with these animals. I was working to redeem myself from a terrible relapse and reenter the animal world. Let me tell you, it was brutal. Today, I face obstacles, but I face them with an army. I have learned to ask for help (and *accept* it) and be true to myself and this organization.

Our mission:
KINKAJOUS IN CAPTIVITY NEED OUR HELP!
ONLY 10%-15% OF CAPTIVE KINKAJOUS REMAIN IN THE HOMES THEY START OUT IN. KINKATOPIA’S MISSION IS TO ADVISE PEOPLE THAT THEY ARE NOT “PETS.” HOWEVER, WE ARE HERE TO HELP THOSE IN CAPTIVITY TO LIVE THE BEST QUALITY LIVES. THROUGH AWARENESS AND EDUCATION, WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN THESE SPECIAL ANIMALS’ LIVES.

KINKATOPIA PRIDES ITSELF ON HUSBANDRY, SOCIALIZATION, TRAINING, DIET, ENRICHMENT, AND OVERALL CARE. WE ARE DEDICATED TO RESEARCH AND EDUCATE ABOUT THE SPECIES. WE HAVE EXPERIENCE WITH ALL BEHAVIORS AND PERSONALITIES; AS WELL AS SPECIAL NEEDS. WE ARE AVAILABLE FOR COMMUNICATION REGARDING KINKAJOU QUESTIONS AND CONCERNS.

OUR INNOVATIVE PROGRAM IS WORKING TO DOCUMENT AND PUBLISH INFORMATION ABOUT THESE INCREDIBLE CREATURES. THEY ARE OVER-REPRESENTED IN THE PET TRADE AND UNDERREPRESENTED WHEN IT COMES TO KNOWLEDGE, SO THEY ARE OFTEN IMPROPERLY KEPT. THESE ANIMALS ARE NOT “PETS” AND UNFORTUNATELY FALL VICTIM TO CYCLES OF ABANDONMENT.

KINKATOPIA’S HOPE IS TO LESSEN IMPROPER KEEPING OF THESE ANIMALS, IMPULSIVE PURCHASING, AND COMBAT THE IRRESPONSIBLE RELINQUISHING OF KINKAJOUS. KINKATOPIA IS THE FIRST OF ITS KIND, AND THE ONLY ORGANIZATION FIGHTING FOR THIS CAUSE, IN THE WORLD. THERE IS A DIRE NEED FOR AID, ESPECIALLY IN FLORIDA AND TEXAS. TOGETHER WE CAN IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF THOUSANDS OF LIVES, BOTH IN HOUSE AND WORLDWIDE.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I am a sucker for Homestead! I am obsessed with the Fruit and Spice Park. I even went there for my bachelorette party! That’s right! The Mother of Kinkajous foraged for fruit just like a kinkajou (aka honey bear). PS They have an incredible food stop with lobster rolls and jackfruit smoothies. Yes, you’re welcome.

My favorite Miami animal sanctuary is the Everglades Outpost! And it happens to be one of our sister sanctuaries. We proudly stand behind this organization. The animal community can be a very judgmental and competitive place. When I find someone (or someplace) who cares about animal welfare and is open-minded to supporting our cause … we 100% need to stand together. We also love the Zoo Miami! That’s a great place.

The Fairchild Tropical Botanic Gardens … holy wow I love that place! They have an incredible butterfly garden and an annual chocolate festival I never want to miss!

Remember the lost kinkajous I mentioned? Well one of them was a rescue on his way to Julio’s Zoo2U – a private rescue who does birthday parties and events to support their over 200 rescue animals! After visiting Julio’s awesome place recently, I have already been hyping my family and friends up to tag along with me when we visit the kinkajou we helped. His name is Vivo. So fitting!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
By the grace of God and my support network, Kinkatopia will celebrate 4 years and I will have 5 years sober in March 2022. I largely contribute my successes to my sobriety, Higher Power, family, support network, and amazing Kinkatopia army we’ve been blessed with. When they say it truly takes a village, it does! When it comes to experience with kinkajous (The nocturnal rainforest mammal our sanctuary is dedicated to.) I have a mentor whom I always go to for advise. Her name is Tonya Carrillo and she graciously shares her knowledge with me. She has decades of experience with kinkajous and various species. She was even a vet tech! She is always my go-to. We live miles and miles apart but share the same heart. She is a treasure and keystone in my journey.

I’d like to give a huge shoutout to my family. They have raised me to love animals and fight for my dreams. In fact, I am actually 50% Doolittle. It’s engrained in my blood! My brother is Kinkatopia’s financial guru and I couldn’t be prouder and more grateful.

My girlfriends are my lifeline and love these animals like their own. My best friend, Allison, is our chief operating officer and Demetra, Heather, Summer, Danielle, and Laura … these are my anchors. In fact, I had surgery in November 2021 that laid me up much longer than expected. My girlfriends and mother jumped to action to care for the animals.

And, of course, my husband — The Father of Kinkajous. This man laughed at the idea of a kinkajou sanctuary 4 years ago, but he’s always supported me. And now! He takes care of me and the house … and I take care of the animals. Looking back, I knew in my gut that the world needed this organization, but I didn’t realize how much. Michael and I wholeheartedly dedicate our lives to saving animals.

Finally, shoutout to the volunteers we have all over the world assisting with Kinkatopia in one way or another! Our director of outreach, Amanda Vaughn, and her ambassador kinkajou, Itty Bitty, have been preaching the good kinkajou word in Texas as well as our incredible supports and Texas business-owners Chris Rodrigues (Tried and True Tattoo in Victoria, Texas) and Krysten Mabry (Yoga Strong in Deer Park, Texas). I have an incredible team of international assistants working on our newsletter, graphics, and on-site work (Sade, Ella, Heather, Maria, and AJ). Ah! And of course our beneficiary, Dakota. We have such an incredible board and staff!

We have so many people who have volunteered or are continuing to work with us in one way or another. It’s so hard to name them all! Thank you! Thank you! I hate leaving anyone out.

And, of course, our beloved Kinkatopia community made up of people from all over the world! From Tiktok to Instagram, Facebook to Patreon … we have established an unbreakable love for these animals. Thank you to everyone far and wide!

Website: kinkatopia.org

Instagram: instagram.com/kinkatopia

Facebook: facebook.com/kinkatopia

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8yqkGAyVnppHRPQu51mVwQ

Other: https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMeytBcCk/ https://youtu.be/l_BktH4cFac