A Story Of Recovery Through Animal Rescue –

Meet Alexandra Ashe. Alexandra is the CEO and founder of Kinkatopia — the only kinkajou-specific 501c3 organization in the world.

What is a Kinkajou? I’m glad you asked. I didn’t know either before I met Alexandra.

The kinkajou (/ˈkɪŋkədʒuː/ KING-kə-joo) (Potos flavus) is a tropical rainforest mammal of the family Procyonidae related to olingos, coatis, raccoons, and the ringtail and cacomistle. It is the only member of the genus Potos and is also known as the “honey bear” (a name that it shares with the unrelated sun bear).

In other words, a much cuter raccoon from South America. For us new to the world of kinks, many got here to the US to be in zoos or as pets. You can get a license to own one, but they are not the right pet for everyone and many get abandoned. Enter Alexandra, Alex to her friends, and the creation of Kinkatopia.

TC is a blessing. Her feisty attitude made her a challenge in the beginning, but with patience and unconditional love — she’s a muffin! TC now resides with other kinkajous. Like raccoons, she loves getting into mischief. TC is a fan of “helping” with daily chores, which really consists getting underfoot. She is a master of tripping her caretakers. A funny creature, she has a sweet tooth and a great sense of humor.

Alexandra is a sober woman who’s dedicated her life to creating a sanctuary and educational platform for this niche animal in the exotic world. And after talking to her at length, it’s clear she’s doing an amazing job.

Alexandra told me how TC (short for Trash Can) joined the haven in June 2018 after having been found “thrown out” in a dumpster. When she heard of TC, everything about her resonated — a troubled past, rehabilitation, and an opportunity to get a fresh start. This was Alexandra’s life in a nutshell, as she had suffered from addiction and had her own story of recovery and redemption. Alexandra jumped at the opportunity to help this mammal, who mirrored her journey.

TC has found a forever home at Kinkatopia and will live out her days there. She’s a true rescue baby and is loved very dearly. It’s important to remember that rescuing animals, like addicts, is not easy. Sometimes the ones who need the most love are also difficult to love at first. However, if anyone is the one to give these abandoned, mistreated animals a loving home, it’s Alexandra.

Kinkatopia is now home to 7 kinkajous and Alexandra dedicates herself to giving these animals the best quality of life. The organization is also now working to combat situations such as hers.

Alexandra maintains that without her sobriety, none of this would be possible. While she now has multiple years in recovery, she still makes recovery a top priority.

“I know what it’s like to build an incredible life with wonderful animals and lose it all. I never want that to happen again. I fight everyday to live a life beyond my wildest dreams … with wild animals.”

All these animals are given the chance to live two lives in one, when they end up at Kinkatopia. This concept is so special to Alexandra because she has evolved into living the best version of herself. She can relate to TC’s troubled past and the blessing of a second chance.

We’re looking forward to reading and seeing a lot more about Kinkatopia!

Kinkajou Fun Fact: They are able to turn their feet backwards to run easily in either direction along branches or up and down trunks.

Alexandra Ashe is the CEO and founder of Kinkatopia — the only kinkajou-specific 501c3 organization in the world.