1 person found this review helpful
BIG CATS OF SERENITY SPRINGS INC
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March 15, 2013
1 person found this review helpful
I've visited Serenity Springs a couple of times and was disappointed in their presentation and the guide's attitude. The tour goes on a loop and the cat enclosures that are shown are nice and the cats seem content enough. However, if you look back towards the right side of the facility, the cats that aren't shown, they appear to have none of the luxuries of the ones on the tour. In fact, they appear to be on a concrete slab only. What really got me as a military family was the guide speaking about a smaller cat (a lynx I believe, its been a couple of years) that had been owned by a Soldier. When the Soldier deployed, he gave it to his mother to care for but she was unable. According to the guide, the mother begged serenity springs to take the cat and promised to pay monthly for its care. "But of course, " the guide went on," we haven't seen a single dollar." I found this to be very unprofessional. What was more irritating is the talk about how people are irresponsible with buying big cats then throwing them away landing them in rescues, but bragging about the SEVERAL cats they have from Las Vegas magicians, who when the cat will no longer cooperate ship them to the facility. It seems to me if a staff member is going to bad mouth a Soldier on a tour, they should say something about the apparently immense turn around on big cats by the magicians in Vegas. I also thought it was troublesome that they prohibit photography because according to the guide, "of animal rights groups complaints". Overall, the tour, or perhaps it is just the guide herself (I had the same one both times a year apart) seems shady and unprofessional.
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Will you volunteer or donate to this organization?
No
How much of an impact do you think this organization has?
Some
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2011
May 14, 2012
I've visited Serenity Springs quite a few times and even set up a private tour for my squadron. They are the nicest organization that I've ever had the pleasure of being around. They are more focused on the proper care of the animals and doing what is in the best interest of the animals at their facilities. I wish I had more time to be able to actually volunteer with their organization. But until I do, I'll continue taking tours and bringing friends and family members with me on the tours.
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Will you volunteer or donate to this organization?
Definitely
How much of an impact do you think this organization has?
Life-changing
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
February 26, 2012
I recently went on a tour of Serenity Springs, and I have to say it was the best $10 I have ever spent. I went on a day that was a little brisk, with snow on the ground, and it was possibly the most beautiful thing I have ever seen. Watching these enormous and incredibly graceful and fascinating creatures, in the snow no less, was like something out of a movie. Everyone NEEDS to go, and keep going back, I plan to!
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Will you volunteer or donate to this organization?
Definitely
How much of an impact do you think this organization has?
Life-changing
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
February 18, 2012
Serenity Springs provides refuge for throw-away big cats. The staff provide shelter food and medical care; the volunteers provide enrichment and for $10 per person, the public can get an experience of a life-time. Great place.
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Would you volunteer for this group again?
Likely
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?
Quite well
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
Likely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
1 person found this review helpful
February 17, 2012
1 person found this review helpful
The first time my family went out to Serenity Springs, I didn't know what to expect. We had only been in the Colorado Springs area for about 3 years, and had not heard a lot of information about the place. At work, I had a discussion with some co-workers about the Ligers out there. I honestly thought they were some kind of mythical creature, bred for their skills in magic. I was instantly intrigued. My husband, 4-year-son and I made plans to go out there that weekend. When we got there, we were immediately amazed at how many cats were visible from the parking lot. Like true cats, the moment my son left the car they began pacing along the front of the cage tracking his every movement. It was incredible and captivating. I had to remind myself there were 2 layers of chain link fence between us and the cats. When the tour began, what stood out most to me was the love and respect the volunteers and owners of Serenity Springs have for each of these animals. Each cat has a story. Some are sad stories, but the happy endings prevail because Serenity Springs is the forever home for many of these former pets or show cats. None of these animals were born in the wild, and none could survive in the wild if they were released. I thoroughly enjoyed learning about each of these amazing animals. Watching them interact with the tour guides made some of them seem as gentle as house cats. It was easy to forget how powerful these animals could be. The experience of getting to know cats of Serenity Springs was one of the most amazing experiences of my life. We had family come to town a few weeks later, and took them out to see the cats as well. After learning about the mission of this incredible organization, I can honestly say that I fell in love with the place. It would be easy to make an uninformed assumption about Serenity Springs. To decide that the animals are held captive against their will, and would thrive in their natural habitat. The truth however, is that many of these cats were once owned by humans who could not properly take care of them or control them. Without a place like Serenity Springs, these animals would end up euthanized because their humans chose to unsuccessfully try to make them pets. The one thing that is clearly seen from a visit to Serenity Springs is how majestic and regal these magnificent cats really are. Even after Colorado Springs is no longer my home, Serenity Springs and the amazing cats will always have a place in my heart. I am so grateful that this organization has the will and the skill to give these cats a home to live out the rest of their extraordinary lives.
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Will you volunteer or donate to this organization?
Definitely
How much of an impact do you think this organization has?
Life-changing
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
February 17, 2012
I can't volunteer but I do donate. The Facebook updates, stories and pictures are wonderful. I am proud to support these wonderful cats and the people who care for them.
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Was your donation impactful?
Definitely
How likely is it that you would recommend that a friend donate to this group?
Definitely
How likely are you to donate to this group again?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2011
February 17, 2012
Serenity Springs is a wonderful place to take someone who loves animals. It is a place that loves and cares for animals and Im glad I was able to go there in 2011 and get a first hand experience of what an amazing facility this is.
More feedback...
Will you volunteer or donate to this organization?
Likely
How much of an impact do you think this organization has?
Life-changing
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2011
February 12, 2012
Serenity springs is a wonderfull place. The oppertunity is amazing right when you pull in the magic begins. The tigers have a special bond with the staff. We had the oppertunity to see some of the interaction such as one of the tigars sneaking up on one of the guides it was almost like a game of red light green light! What an amzing oppertunity to be so close that you can hear the cats purr and cooo. The lions made quite the impression talking well its more of a roar but beautifull to hear! The guides are verry sweet an knowlageable. I love it! How wonderfull these cats storys of privat ownershipp. My husbands fave are the ligars!
More feedback...
Will you volunteer or donate to this organization?
Definitely
How much of an impact do you think this organization has?
Life-changing
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
January 31, 2012
Went to Serenity Springs in Aigust of 2011.. FELL IN LOVE WITH THEM!!! Julie had me hooked from the get go on facebook.. was sooo impressed with the tour, asked for a donation can to put in the store I work at... I would spend every weekend there if my job allowed me to. but encourage EVERYONE to go at least once... you will love it!
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
January 30, 2012
Was very happy to be able to help in any form. Thank you.
More feedback...
Was your donation impactful?
Definitely
How likely is it that you would recommend that a friend donate to this group?
Definitely
How likely are you to donate to this group again?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2011
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