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Who wouldn’t love to pet a fuzzy, little bear cub? (Note the “little” here.) Or maybe have a deer eat out of your hand? Or get to see the newest white tiger cubs born recently? And what about smiling back at an alligator? Well at a distance, maybe .…

Most folks have a heart for young animals—tame animals, but what about unwanted or injured animals, whether wild, exotic or domestic? It takes a special breed of individuals to undertake the preservation and conservation of the variety of animals found at four of Georgia’s animal rescue preserves or rehabilitation centers that we feature this month. And amazingly, these centers are primarily reliant on donations to continue their efforts. For more, see “Where the wild things are,” page 18, and then go visit them in person!

This issue, we also celebrate the 65th anniversary of GEORGIA Magazine. Imagine that, in your hand you’re holding the oldest and largest (500,000-plus copies per month) magazine in the state! As the official publication of the statewide electric cooperative trade association in Georgia, the magazine has covered politics, disasters, travel destinations and celebrities for decades—and printed lots of recipes! Hear from several past editors of GEORGIA Magazine about what their time at the helm was like, and follow the progression of the publication in a 65-year timeline. See “Still going strong,” page 22.

Finally, don’t miss the special travel section on North Georgia’s must-see destinations, page 28.

Happy anniversary!

Ann Orowski
Editor

ON THE COVER THIS MONTH:

Charles “Pop” Hedgecoth has a little fun with Baloo the bear and Shere Khan the tiger at Noah’s Ark Animal Rehabilitation Center in Locust Grove. (Photo by Jama Hedgecoth.)