G W EXOTIC ANIMAL FOUNDATION
Invite reviews
The animals here are all rescues from abuse, malnutrition or maiming. Some have a missing leg or foot, and some were just mistreated by owners or travelling circuses. All animals have lots of room and are well cared for. They expand just about every year. I have not been in a couple of years, but go to their website all the time to see what they have added or what animals they have rescued. I believe in this group of people, although in the beginning did not agree with their captive breeding program. I now realize that without sanctuaries and captive breeding, many of these animals will become extinct. Their natural habitats are slowly diminishing, being taken over by the human population, and the animals are slowly dying of even in India and Africa. They have an 18 minute film on their site that explains what is happening to the wild cat population and its worth watching. It will open your eyes. They always can use donations because the costs are tremendous. If every person who reads this can just give a $5.00 donation, this would help them greatly. If you ever have a chance to visit this facility, you should. The people are kind and very knowledgeable and you leave there feeling a very special connection with the animals. I have donated on many occasions, but know that it will take many people giving small donations to make a difference for them.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
Every time I visit there are new habitats and newly rescued animals.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Put out more information about why you engage in breeding, because I know several people who do not believe in captive breeding and will not support this facility because of this. Its going to take a lot of public education to make people aware of the necessity of captive breeding to save specific breeds of cats.
More feedback...
Was your donation impactful?
Likely
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
What specific problem, purpose, priority, or project prompted your gift?
The sheer amount number of animals rescued from poor conditions is mind boggling and you feel compelled to help in any way you can.
Why did you make your donation at this time?
I was in tears after my first trip to this facility after seeing animals with missing limbs or limping because they were maimed. I made my large donation after my first visit because of the impact it had on me.
What would you tell others about this organization?
They can always use your help - year round. A small family started this organization. Although it has grown larger and larger every year, it is still a non-profit, privately owned organization and needs all the help it can get.
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009
My family and I went to GW Exotic Animal Park a few weeks ago. It was an amazing experience. The staff were so friendly and down-to-earth. You could see how much the staff cared about their animals - and you could see how much the animals cared about them. This was an amazing experience.
My son is 4 and he got to touch a baby tiger. I don't care what you say about if you should be able to.. My young man had the experience of a life time. He has talked about it for weeks. He has asked all sorts of questions about where tigers live and why they can't live their any more. The staff educates the public. I learned a lot while we were at the park and the experience was priceless to me and my family.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
This park - educated myself and helped my son understand lots of very difficult topics. Experiencing these animals up close and hearing about their plight is the best was to educate our youth and ensure they are sensitive about endangered animals and ALL animals.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
The park was amazing but you could tell they were struggling with funds. With so many animals I am not surprised.
I think it is sad that these other posters call themselves "animal lovers." True animal lovers would try to help and not go to every site that GW is on and try to just slander their name for some sort of sick personal gain and satisfaction. Everyone talks crap about them not being able to afford the water bill. If the government can give billions to banks to pay their executives bonuses and hold company parties, why can't these guys get a little help? This place is great. They actually love the animals and take care of them as pets (unlike some other places). I will definitely go back, because not only did I enjoy it, but believe what they are doing for these animals is great. Great job, Joe!
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
a tour of the facility. These animals are loved.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
not change a thing.
I'm appauled at the conditions of this "zoo".
They cannot afford to adequately care for the animals they have, yet they continually breed and acquire more.
They animals are in substandard housing. Living on rocks is not an appropriate material for an animal.
Used tires that can be torn apart and ingested are not appropriate toys for big cats.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
Seeing the aweful conditions these animals were in.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Everything. Cease the breeding and hoarding of animals.
We own a small zoo in the south. I have over 32 in the animal field and I have no other zoo/sanctuary that even comes close to the magnitude of GW Exotic. The place is well kept, well managed, the animals are healthy and have regular veterinary care.
Your public zoos could actually take a few lessons from GW Exotics. They involve the visitors so that the visit leaves a memory that stays forever and strikes a heartwarming feeling in the depth of your soul. I recommend if you EVER get the chance to go to do it! You will NOT regret it!
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
I have seen his internet show and watched as the world is enlightened by his knowledge and never ending spirit.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Nothing needs to be changed. Keep on doing what you're doing!
My son and I have visited this park twice this year and had an excellant experience both times. The first time we came we did a one hour private tour where we learned all about the park and the animals. Our guide was very friendly, gave us lots of background on the tigers and just made sure we had a great time. He even found a tiger whisker and gave it to my son. We got to spend 15 minutes playing with a tiger cub which was the coolest thing either of us had ever done.
Our next visit was just a week ago. We did a two hour tour with a large group of people. Even though it was incredibly hot, the staff did all they could to keep us cooled off and make sure we learned lots and had fun. We got to play with several baby animals and the staff took pictures of our tour so we left with a photo CD full of memories.
This place is incredible. I feel like it is a part of me. I go to their Facebook page and website regularly so I can keep up with the animals and see what everyone is up to. The staff is so friendly you really feel at home there. You can tell that they love the animals and the park and that love is infectious. I highly recommend that you experience this awesome place for yourself!
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
I have visited twice and taken two different tours. I got to see behind the scenes types of things and hear personal stories told by the staff. I have seen the affection the staff has for these animals. They are always friendly yet always professional. This organization has a lot to be proud of.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
I wouldn't change a thing. The park is clean, the animals are loved and well taken care of. This park provides an up close personal experience with beautiful exotic animals and you just can't find this anywhere else.
This is a beautiful facility that takes care to ensure the health and happiness of all of it's resident fur friends. Most of the animals have been rescued from bad situations and now live their lives content and secure. The park staff at G.W. exotic works tirelessly to ensure that the park is clean, the animals' needs are met, and visitors have a memory that is sure to bring them back. I spent a night at one of the cabins and absolutely loved it! Nothing compares to the huffs and calls of the big cats while sitting under the stars. I highly recommend it.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
Visitation.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Find a way to get more donations so that they can continue their good work.
I've been to the G.W. Exotic Animal park several times and each time it gets better and better. The animals are beautiful and so well taken care of. Cages are much larger than the required size, they are clean and very well maintained, there are covers to keep the animals shaded, the houses are nice and roomy, they are just beautiful! The animals have beautiful coats to show good health and care and they do look happy. The people are extraordinary! Each and every person, from the Director, to the outside crews, to the office and gift shop personnel always have a smile on their face, greets everyone they meet, is more than willing to help or answer any questions, and have a sense of pride with their jobs! This is one amazing place and if I lived closer I would be there a whole lot more!
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
I have seen what this place is and what they are all about, I have seen the animals that were rescued and the ones that were re-homed. I know the difference this organization makes. Where else would these animals have to go if it weren't for places like G.W. ?
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
I'm sure there are things they could change, but I was so impressed I can't think of one thing they could do any better than they already are doing!