2 people found this review helpful
Big Cat Rescue, Corp.
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January 29, 2012
2 people found this review helpful
As a volunteer at Big Cat Rescue, not only do we provide excellent care for the cats (by cleaning their enclosures every day, feeding them the best food money can buy, providing them with multiple types of enrichment, and operant conditioning, etc), but a major part of our mission is also to "end the trade in exotic cats". As a tour guide, we educate the public every day on the dangers of wild cats being owned by private hands, as well as describe the conditions that many of our cats were rescued from. Big Cat Rescue is not a zoo; we do not tell you just about the species and facts. Many of our cats came from shut-down facilities, relinquished from owners who could not care for them anymore or simply did not want them anymore, or those who aged-out of circuses and could not perform anymore. Part of our mission is to discuss this with our tour guests, and encourage them to become "advocats" (to contact their legislators, and follow campaigns such as ending private breeding of tigers, and banning traveling circuses with animals). The welfare of the cats at Big Cat Rescue is WHY we all volunteer or work for BCR. Not only do we have a huge desire to make the lives of the cats in our care the best they can be, but we also strive to make the lives of other cats we may never know the best they can be as well. All of the volunteers and staff at BCR have pure hearts of gold.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
Seeing legislation change due to the majority requesting that which would benefit animals! Also, seeing cats who came from unfortunate circumstances enjoy their relaxing new homes!
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Recruit more advocats through education. We have touched so many through our tours, who simply did not realize consequences of things such as: One day those tigers who perform for you at the circus will become too arthritic to perform but have many years of life left, and those baby tiger cubs you posed with for a photograph at a mall or fair will become a huge adult and potentially be sold into private hands to a roadside zoo or backyard (or potentially, be killed and sold for their parts).
More feedback...
Would you volunteer for this group again?
Definitely
For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?
Life-changing
Did the organization use your time wisely?
Very Well
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
What one change could this group make that would improve your volunteer experience?
If we had more volunteers, I think we could reach more people. Currently we have enough amazing, dedicated volunteers to efficiently perform keeper duties, and partner/advocat duties, however if we had more to do more outreach events and recruit more advocats, I think that would be awesome!
Did your volunteer experience have an effect on you? (teaching you a new skill, or introducing new friends, etc.)
I have made so many friends through Big Cat. Some of my favorite people, the most amazing friends I could ever imagine, are volunteers at Big Cat. I have always been an animal lover but since I've been volunteering at BCR, I have also become much more involved with animal activism.
How did this volunteer experience make you feel?
Totally super amazing!
4 people found this review helpful
January 18, 2012
4 people found this review helpful
I have been volunteering at Big Cat Rescue for almost 3 years now. I enjoy seeing the cats in their spacious enclosures with trees and grass, (instead of hard, cold cement, like some other places do) and dens they can go in when they want to, (rather than when someone is making them, like some other places do). I enjoy being up close and personal with the cats, while being safely on the outside of their enclosures! The cats do get to know the volunteers, and some of the tigers chuff to me, and one of the cougars meows or purrs as I come by! Once I was painting a leopard enclosure next to a lion's enclosure, and he roared and I could feel the vibrations in my chest, it was awesome! Some of the cats were rescued from fur farms, some are retired from circuses or from breeders that were shut down, and some believe it or not were people's pets! Volunteers really do make a difference at BCR, as it is run alsomost exclusively by volunteers! You can volunteer as a Partner, and give educational tours and help in the gift shop, or a Keeper, and feed and clean up after the cats and help build and maintain enclosures, or an Advocat, and help advocate for better laws and regulations to make conditions better for wild cat species in the US and worldwide. They also support the Snow Leopard Trust, a wonderful organization that is helping to save Snow Leopards in the wild!
More feedback...
Would you volunteer for this group again?
Definitely
For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?
Life-changing
Did the organization use your time wisely?
Very Well
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
November 3, 2011
3 people found this review helpful
Big Cat Rescue is an AMAZING place.
Not only does BCR provide excellent care to the cats, BCR's staff, volunteers, and supporters have been making great strides in changing legislation regarding exotic/wild animal ownership in the private sector.
This invokes criticism and downright attacks from private owners and breeders because the end of animal exploitation/ownership affects their livelihood.
The attacks come from those who have never been to Big Cat Rescue, and have never experienced the cats in their large, clean enclosures. The cats at BCR are happy and healthy.
The health of the cats of BCR is no secret. Any time a cat is having a procedure or is in the cat hospital, updates are posted on the public Facebook page for all to see.
Within the past few weeks, BCR said goodbye to two cats, a 15 year old bobcat with severe kidney disease, and a 19 year old serval who had lived 16 of those years at BCR. Both were put to sleep aka euthanized, due to advanced disease and decreased quality of life.
It was the most humane option, and BCR ALWAYS has the cats' best interest in mind.
More feedback...
Would you volunteer for this group again?
Definitely
For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?
Life-changing
Did the organization use your time wisely?
Very Well
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2011
September 7, 2011
3 people found this review helpful
I've been a volunteer at Big Cat Rescue in Tampa for nearly 3 years.
My role as a volunteer is "Senior Keeper", meaning I provide care to all levels of the cats, including lions and tigers.
I very much enjoy my role as a volunteer @ BCR, as I get to experience the cats relaxing in their comfortable enclosures (many that came from unfortunate previous homes).
I also feed the cats, and can tell you for a fact that they are fed very well :)
The cats receive enrichment treats both in food forms and spice bag forms, on a regular basis.
We also work on enclosure modifications and upgrades quite frequently.
Big Cat Rescue receives a lot of criticism from private animal owners because of attempts to change legislation to make it more difficult to obtain big cats as pets. BCR has many cats that were discarded after they became "too difficult to keep as pets".
In my opinion, animals are not expendable. Once you make a decision to own a pet, (or adopt from the SPCA as in my case) it should be for life. This frequently does not happen with exotic animals, especially big cats. There are sanctuaries all over the country that are full due to people relinquishing their big cats either due to the economy or because they "can't do it anymore".
Big Cat Rescue's lobbying and attempts to change legislation hurt the bottom line of those in the private big cat breeding sector, and thus they attack BCR wherever possible.
I am proud to be a Big Cat Rescue volunteer. There is nowhere else in the wold I would rather spend a 12 hour day working for free, having sweat dripping in my eyes in the Florida heat and humidity while I clean enclosures, do projects, etc.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
Seeing the happiness in the cats enjoying their lives. We believe no cats belong in cages; they belong in the wild, but we enrich their lives as much as possible. Enriching cats brings me joy.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Pass the laws that ban private breeding, like "Rescinding the Generic Tiger Loophole". Big Cat Rescue is a great organization. I can tell you that from the standpoint of someone who is non-paid and has spent many hard labor hours with a smile at the sanctuary.
June 23, 2011
Our family has been supporting Big Cat Rescue for over three years.
What a wonderful place it is, not only providing excellent care to the magnificent creatures who reside there, but by advocating for big cats everywhere.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
Enjoying watching the cats playing and enjoying their surroundings.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Purchase the surrounding land to create more room for the cats :)
1 person found this review helpful
August 21, 2011
1 person found this review helpful
I've been around Big Cat Rescue for some time now and have seen them grow and learn from everything they do. They always strive to make the facility safer, convenient and more hospitable to the residents. The education they provide visitors and amazing views of relaxed well cared for cats is beyond those I've ever seen. The life enrichment, toys, seasonal specialty treats, privacy and adoring staff make this a haven for so many of these animals that have had a rough journey in arriving here. Big Cat Rescues demand to have written proof that previous owners will not take another as a pet, fur farm animal or sideshow stealer, shows their commitment to the cause of keeping these animals in their natural habitat. I feel privileged to be able to help with these visionaries that help everyone understand that these animals are every bit as deserving as we are.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
Seeing how the video and photos are used to keep visitors in the loop along with the information on how to keep in contact with these people. It gives me great pride to know that I'm not only helping the cats, but helping people understand and take action for others.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
I would like to see the facilities be able to expand. In particular, it would be nice if they could take on the pig farm nearby. The pig farm can sometimes raise enough stench in the summer heat that people have attributed to Big Cat Rescue. I believe this gives such a clean facility, a bad representation that is undeserved and hampers people from a good, fun education.
More feedback...
Would you volunteer for this group again?
Definitely
For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?
A lot
Did the organization use your time wisely?
Very Well
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
Definitely
What one change could this group make that would improve your volunteer experience?
If I could be able to make their training schedule, I might not have to bother others so much when I work near the cats.
Did your volunteer experience have an effect on you? (teaching you a new skill, or introducing new friends, etc.)
I've learned many statistics that were absolutely shocking. Such as the number of captive tigers in America alone, surpasses all the tigers in the wild. The fragile ecosystem is getting so weak that we have morphed it into concrete for these animals. I feel privileged to help people understand that we have essentially enslaved these animals without regards to their abilities to live free and majestic on their own. I'm also proud to help give these cats refuge from these entrapments in a more natural, caring setting.
How did this volunteer experience make you feel?
I've felt honorable and connected with the experience of how each cats personality shows their own, wants, desires and even dreams.
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2011
August 20, 2011
As a former volunteer I would like to tell everyone to PLEASE do your research before you visit BCR. It is sad to say that I found out the "script" I was given to do tours is lie after lie. After many people told me I was lying I did my own research and found out I was infact lying to all of the tours. When brought to the attention of Carole Baskin (Lewis at the time) she shrugged it off, had more lies to tell. Over 94,000 of her own money went into buying these animals. They were NOT rescued, they were bought at PETS! Now she wants everyone to feed her PETS, claiming they were abused to get your hard earned money. Sad, because there are true rescues who do rescue and rehomes that could use the money, however Carole is workng hard to get them all closed down.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
All other rescues are afraid of her because she wants to be the ONLY rescue. When in fact she has bought the animals.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Get rid of Carole Baskin and help the animals. She doesnt care about any anmals, its all about the "fame" she is getting and the money it is making her!
July 12, 2011
i have seen many types of big cats and all i want is for them to survive and live their life to the fullest thank you ...
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
youtube
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
nothing you people make me smile
September 6, 2011
Really, are you kidding me, you spent over 1 million on BS, and you wonder why your animals are dying, oh, thats right, you want them to so you can put them in your museum huh? everyone check out www.911animalabuse.org
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
yes, and it is horrible
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
level the place and look for Don Lewis's body
April 3, 2011
No that is not an alias of Joe Schreibvogel, This is Joe Schreibvogel and I am not scared to use my name when I post something. All that was said about BCR is true and has no reason to be removed, if you want the facts about BCR look up http:/www.911animalabuse.org and look and learn for yourself. Sorry Carole, but yet you lie again not knowing what your complaining about
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
and it is very bad
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
remove Carole Baskin and her daughter and turn the place into a sanctuary instead of a 1.5 million dollar profit for a fancy lifestyle
1 person found this review helpful
May 7, 2010
1 person found this review helpful
For a few years I had traveled this country visiting various animal facilities. In 2004 I stumbled across BCR on the web. I was invited for a visit. After that visit, I was truly in love with the facility, the people, the cats, their mission and their dedication to both captive and wild big cats as well as their dedication to educating people on the need to stop these big cats from ending up in backyards and roadside 'wannabezoos' and other places that use, abuse and discard these great animals. I continued to visit other facilities for a couple more years but always always I found myself coming back to BCR as no other facility captured my heart as did BCR. In my eyes, no other facility adhered to the extreme standards that BCR does in ALL areas. For the past 4+ years I have completely devoted myself to BCR and their educational mission. BCR is not only the cleanest most well run facility I have been involved with but is also the facility that has the highest standards across the board of any facility I have ever came across. BCR has the highest standards in health care, emotional well being of the cats, cleanliness, dedication to education, food quality, food storage and prep, animal habitats, money management & responsible use of funds and the list goes on and on. They are leaders in the field in all aspects. Their long ago history of being a breeder, buyer, seller is so long ago it is ancient history. Carole is extremely open about where they came from. What all this says to me is they have more of an understanding of what the real problems are regarding exotic animals held by private owners. They saw there was a problem with exotics as pets, saw how big and wide the problem was, realized they were part of the problem and LEARNED and CHANGED and became part of the solution to ending those problems! BCR’s past as a breeder, buyer, and seller is ancient history! They have since then been a powerful leader for putting an end to breeding, buying and selling for a very very very long time for far longer than they were part of the problem. Since then they have evolved from being part of the problem so long ago they have become a powerhouse and respected leader in ending the problems, educating the public and encouraging change exposing truths about exotic pet ownership and so on. Others, who do not want exotic pet ownership ended, those who profit from buying, selling & breeding these great animals for the exotic pet trade hate BCR because what BCR strives for is an end to exotics as pets which will end the non-stop stream of abandoned, abused, neglected and exploited big cats that end up needing rescued. People who make a living off big cats hate BCR because BCR is making a difference with their widespread educational efforts. Those BCR haters have nothing to use but BCR's so long ago past and anything false they can come up with or any false twists they can put on things. You will notice those who bad-mouth BCR throw up that ancient history repeatedly because they have nothing current to smear BCR with because for years and years BCR has not been breeders, buyers or sellers. Instead BCR learned and evolved into being part of the solution instead of remaining as part of the problem where those bad-mouthers did not evolve and choose to remain part of the problem. BCR became part of the solution those bad-mouthers did not. Those bad-mouthers hate what BCR stands for therefore will say or do anything in an attempt to stop BCR’s educational efforts because as more states ban big cats as backyard pets the fewer customers those bad-mouthers will have. Ultimately, that means fewer big cats living in backyards and basements. GO BCR!!! BCR is all above board, adheres to the highest standards, educates the public about the terrible outcomes for the animals in private hands and encourages people to not support facilities who are part of the problem instead of part of the solution. BCR believes sanctuaries should become accredited, which is an easy inexpensive process that can help increase public donations to those facilities. However, facilities that are not willing to do what is right for the animals choose not to become accredited because they do not want to adhere to proper standards of care or because they prefer to breed buy and sell. BCR is outspoken on exposing the difference between real and phony sanctuaries. Many private owners who buy, sell and breed also beg donations from the public by calling themselves a sanctuary, when in fact they are part of the source of putting big cats in backyards of private owners that will later need rescuing. Big Cat Rescue is outspoken on explaining that real sanctuaries do not buy, sell or breed. Real sanctuaries are part of the solution not part of the problem. Again, I have visited, worked with, participated in, done projects for, done photography for, etc MANY animal facilities across this country, those accredited, non-accredited, and even AZA facilities and in my opinion BCR sets the and adheres to the highest standards in all categories of any!!
Photos
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
I have not only seen first hand the high standards of this facility since I met them in 2004, but have prior to 2004 and after 2004 been involved with MANY other animal facilities and found BCR's standards to be by far the highest!
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Give them money to complete the outer wall and to further their educational projects nationwide.
More feedback...
What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
Thier extreme dedication to educating the public about the need for ending private ownership of big cats, their dedication to preserving and protecting big cats in the wild, their dedication to the physical and mental well-being of the animals.
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
The BEST by far!!
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
Complete the wall, educate the public nation wide about the truths about white tigers and the need for laws banning the private ownership of wild animals and help projects that truly make a difference in preserving and protecting endangered wild big cats
Ways to make it better...
I could be at BCR 24/7/365
In my opinion, the biggest challenges facing this organization are...
Not enough people calling & writing legilators regarding the need for bans on private ownership of wild animals.
One thing I'd also say is that...
I LOVE BCR AND ALL THEY STAND FOR!!!!
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About every week
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2010
April 22, 2010
My husband and I have worked as volunteers every Friday for the past three years @ Big Cat Rescue. Being able to observe all of the magnificent cats play, interact with their environments, sleep and, yes, sometimes even dream has been an amazing honor. Big Cat tries to provide their cats the very best in nutrition, veterniary care, stimulation/ enrichment and security. Big Cat also educates the public about maintaining natural habitats for each cat species and advocates laws to help protect these species from legaized sport hunting, and pet/ fur trading. It is a great privilege to be one of the caregivers of such an amazing organization.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
being able to contribute in saving unwanted animals and giving them a safe, caring environment as well as educating the public about not promoting the pet trade by buying wild exotic animals for pets. I've seen first hand the good work of this sanctuary.
More feedback...
What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
feeling like I am making a difference for these cats and for the future of all wild animals
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
were caring, compassionate people who truly love animals.
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
tell more animal stories about neglect; getting the word out to more people
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About every week
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2010
April 20, 2010
Big Cat Rescue is not only the best exotic cat sanctuary in the world, working to educate the public and stop the trade and private ownership of exotic animals, but they also work everyday to make the sanctuary and community green. They have a public recycling program, are working to install solar energy and are constantly looking for way to increase energy efficiency and reduce waste at the sanctuary.
More feedback...
What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
the love and care the volunteers have for the exotic cats in their care. Many of these cats have had traumatic pasts before they arrived. The animals come first and that is obvious in both the policies of the organization and dedication of the volunteers.
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
end the abuse of exotic animals all over the world through legislation and education. It could stop wild animals from being used as props or pets for the amusement or profit. It could conserve habitat that could save thousands of species from extinction.
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About every week
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2010
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