Joel Rosenthal fell in love with animals when he was 4 years old. Growing up in an apartment complex of Washington D. C., he knew nothing of his desire until invited to a neighboring farm. The trips spurred his need to be close to animals and he knew that one day they would be a huge part of his life.
After decades of working for the federal government as a biologist, that day finally came, and at 57 years old, Joel’s life changed dramatically. He found himself in a position where he could realize his long-term dream and went to work to materialize the perfect life.
A background of beauty, void of human interaction and a place where animals abounded in their natural habitat, Rosenthal found his heaven on earth after searching for two years.
During his search, Joel formed a non-profit charitable organization. The goals of Point of View Farm are to engage in animal rehabilitation, improve the environment and provide educational programs about wildlife.
Formed in 2000, the Point of View Farm was established as an animal sanctuary on a 262 acre tract of ground that was tucked inside Calvin Price State Forest in the heart of the Allegheny Mountains of Pocahontas County, West Virginia.
Caring for injured and orphaned animals and releasing them back into their own habitat seemed like a win-win situation for wild animals and for quenching his thirst for his love of animals.
I have followed Joel Rosenthal on his Facebook page for over five years and it is like reading a favorite novel or admiring fine nature and wildlife photography. The landscape of mountains, rivers, shots of sunrise and wildflowers in the spring are like a meditation for the soul. And then there are the animals.
Joel introduces new boarders as they are brought to him, naming all of them, of course. Mink the fox, Rose the bear and countless others have accepted Joel into their world because he is not a threat to their safety or environment.
However, it is not all fun and games at POV. Constant upkeep of the grounds, cleaning pens and providing the correct diet for the collage of wild animals is a never ending job. Not to mention the interference of humans, who understand little about the biology and science of animals, who are of the wild are to be respected and admired, even nurtured at times.
Joel had a dream and found a way to achieve earthly paradise with the tools of Mother Nature. The sky is his canvas and the living creatures and pristine land paint a picture that many will never have a chance to appreciate.
By Kate Eglan-Garton/AAPJ Senior Editor
Publisher’s recommendation: You are also highly encouraged to follow and check out the array of photos on Joel’s Facebook page, which tells more of the visual story of the natural beauty in bloom on Point of View Farm. In addition, I give his book, “Bambi and the Supremes” 10 stars for a look into Rosenthal’s world.
Shea Ryan
- Edit
Beautiful story on a beautiful human being. Publisher’s note to Shea. Thanks for the spelling correction.