1 person found this review helpful
In-Sync Exotics, Inc.
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April 5, 2013
1 person found this review helpful
My kids and I visited In-Sync Exocits a few months ago and they LOVED it. Being close to the cats, watching them play and how well taken care of they are is impressive. I never knew how big these cats were until I was THAT close.... The staff was so involved, caring and friendly...We can not wait to go back!!
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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?
2013
2 people found this review helpful
April 5, 2013
2 people found this review helpful
I become more and more impressed with In-Sync Exotics every year. It is obvious that Vicky, her family, and the staff of volunteers have the well-being of the animals above all else. Just watching how happy the animals are and how different from a zoo environment; they are playful, and interact with the workers instead of just pacing in their enclosures. I love the provisions made by InSync, such as enrichment "toys" and a pool in each play area; the huge tubs the cats not only drink from, but get into and play. I have visited a number of times and have NEVER seen any of the staff being unkind to the animals, in fact just the opposite. They show love and care 100% of the time. I donate to InSync as often as I can because I feel they are one of the most worthwhile non-profit organizations I have ever known.
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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
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
1 person found this review helpful
April 5, 2013
1 person found this review helpful
I have been a volunteer for over a year now and absolutely LOVE the oragnization. In-Sync Exotics has the most caring volunteers and the cats will win your heart over for sure. This is the best place ever to regain your sanity after a long work week or horrible day of stress. I find much peace in In-Sync Exotics and am very honored to be a small part of such a wonderful team.
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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
April 5, 2013
1 person found this review helpful
I've brought my parents all the way from Michigan to this sanctuary for a private tour because of the wonderful care and attention this big cats get from the staff. The world of knowledge the staff has of each cat is so impressive. They have expanded to include Cheetahs. They have done the first surgery of it's kind on one of the tigers. In-sync has a great deal of press coverage on all the wonderful things they do for these majestic animals.
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?
2012
April 11, 2012
2 people found this review helpful
Went out with my parents to visit Insync on Good Friday. Insync set up a special time for me and my parents as their visit was a short one before going back to MI after Easter. My folks seemed very impressed and learned a lot about the big cats and the reasons they ended up at the sanctuary. Tour guide was very nice and very knowledgable. You could tell she really cared about all the cats and even teared up when talking about the cats that had passed away. I'm was so impressed with this group, they are on my donor list for funds and will remain there.
More feedback...
Will you volunteer or donate to this organization?
Definitely
How much of an impact do you think this organization has?
A lot
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2011
April 5, 2013
1 person found this review helpful
I have been volunteering for this organization for 9 years, and it has changed my life. Watching cats who are terrified, hurting and sick, learn to enjoy life again and to trust people again is amazing. We have taken in so many cats with serious medical issues and geriatric cats, and shower them with the best medical care, excellent nutrition, enrichment and toys, and TONS of love. I am truly honored to work with this amazing group of people, who are dedicated to giving these cats the best possible lives that they can.
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?
2013
October 2, 2012
I have been involved with this organization for 8 years, and am still constantly amazed at the dedication of everyone who cares for these magnificent animals. Every penny that is donated goes directly to the care these animals deserve, including excellent veterinary care, quality diets and supplements, tons of enrichment, pools to play in, and so much more. These cats are loved like family, and it shows when you see the care and attention lavished on them by the staff and volunteers. The facility is highly rated by the USDA, American Sanctuary Association, and the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries.
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 3, 2012
6 people found this review helpful
I am very proud of the work I have been able to do with In-Sync Exotics. In the past year, we have become accredited by the American Sanctuary Association, and verified by the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries. We provide a safe, loving home to 59 exotic cats, the majority of whom were rescued from horrific conditions (some were voluntarily surrendered by their previous owners). Many of our cats are the ones that no other rescue wanted – very elderly, sick cats, who no one thought was worth the effort to care for. We have taken in many cats who only had a very short time left, and who needed extensive medical care. We ensure that for whatever time they have left, they are loved, well fed, comfortably housed and receive the best veterinary care available. We have taken in cats who literally could not walk, could not stand, who no one expected to live. These cats are now lively, happy, playing, running, and enjoying their lives. Last year, we took in 6 tigers, two of whom were extremely elderly. They had never been outside of their tiny little concrete cages, and had numerous and serious health problems. Watching them become physically comfortable again, and then watching them walk out into their playgrounds, lie down in the grass, look up at the sun, and sigh, made everything that we do worth it.
We have an excellent animal husbandry program, that has been recognized as exemplary, in which we use positive reinforcement training techniques (clicker training) to help our cats learn to cooperate with basic medical procedures, such as injections, subcutaneous fluid administration, blood draws, etc., without fear or anesthesia.
We have been involved in the care and rehoming of several large groups of cats. The most recent example occurred this summer, when a private owner passed away, leaving behind 20 exotic cats. Our dedicated volunteers and staff spent almost a month caring for these animals in their existing home, which was extremely difficult to say the least (due to the state of the facility), EVERY day – driving back and forth between our facility and the animals’ home, cleaning, feeding and repairing as much as possible of the facility to make it as safe as possible. This was all being done while our director worked tirelessly to try to find homes for these cats (we could not take in all 20 of them). We eventually transported 12 of them to sanctuaries in Indiana and New Jersey, and brought 8 of them home to our sanctuary.
I have been volunteering there for almost 8 years, and have never met a more dedicated, devoted and hard-working group of people. We may not be a huge facility, but we are extremely proud of the work we do, and anyone who sees our cats will understand why. They are happy, healthy, receive tons of enrichment, and tons of love.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
Seeing the dramatic changes to the cats, after they come to live with us!
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
I would love to see enough funding available for additional paid staff members
More feedback...
Will you volunteer or donate to this organization beyond what is required of board members?
Definitely
How much of an impact do you think this organization has?
Life-changing
Will you tell others about this organization?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
How did you learn about this organization?
Visited 8 years ago, have been volunteering since
July 11, 2011
I starated volunteering at In-Sync about 7 years ago, after visiting and falling in love with the place. I have now served on the board of directors for almost 5 years, as the Volunteer Coordinator, and also serve as the Enrichment Coordinator. Being a part of this organization has truly changed my life, in so many ways. Watching cats who came to the sanctuary terrified, sick and injured, slowly blossoming into healthy, happy, active cats is an incredible experience. Being a part of their lives, and working with this amazing group of people, has given meaning to my own life. We are run almost entirely on volunteer labor (we have about 80 volunteers, and only 2 paid staff members), and our volunteers give so much of themselves to these cats. All the cats are loved so much, and have great enclosures, excellent diet and medical care, enrichment and affection.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
person
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
I would love to see In-Sync with the financial resources to expand, so that we could offer a loving home to more cats who are in desperate need.
More feedback...
Will you volunteer or donate to this organization beyond what is required of board members?
Definitely
How much of an impact do you think this organization has?
Life-changing
Will you tell others about this organization?
Definitely
How did you learn about this organization?
I visited about 8 years ago, and was so impressed by the quality of the enclosures, and the happy, healthy cats.
What is this organization's top short-term priority?
To secure funding to build an on-site vet clinic.
What is its top priority in the long run?
Long-term financial stability, and potential for growth.
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2011
1 person found this review helpful
October 30, 2012
1 person found this review helpful
I was very fortunate to be able to accompany a friend on the night feeding tour! Being a cat person I of course wanted to walk up to each cage and pet the "kitties" but I was able to restrain myself. The staff was knowledgable and I learned a great deal about a variery of cats, large and small. Seeing these awesome creatures in a more natural setting than a zoo was incredible and inspiring. My favorite experience was being in the center of the compound when all the cats roared at the same time! They are all so beautiful and so obviously well cared for and loved. I hope to go back again soon! Neva D
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
3 people found this review helpful
October 28, 2012
3 people found this review helpful
A friend and I took the night-time "Feeding Tour" in September 2012. What an incredible experience! We spent 3 hours with the staff and volunteers, observing from a few feet away while the big (and small) cats enjoyed their dinner. We learned a lot about the cats' background, care, and habits (most useful tip: step to the side, not back, when the cat sprays!). Some of the tigers and lions had to be hand-fed through the fence -- the big babies. Hearing the cacophany of roars in the "Surround sound" area was truly amazing. My friend, whose husband was concerned about her safety on the tour, sent him a fabulous video of the "talking" cats, assuring him that she was safe. I have been on photo safari in Africa, seeing lions and leopards in the wild, and the In Sync experience was just as special and impactful. I was impressed that the animals were so well-cared-for and loved. The staff and volunteers were knowledgeable, dedicated, and friendly. I highly recommend the feeding tour or any of the other tours. Love the photos and blog posts on the FB page, too!
More feedback...
Will you volunteer or donate to this organization?
Definitely
How much of an impact do you think this organization has?
A lot
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
2 people found this review helpful
October 27, 2012
2 people found this review helpful
I searched for an exotic animal sanctuary to volunteer at near my home and found In Sync. My daughter and I interviewed in February 2012 and started volunteering in March. We proudly earned our first official staff shirts after 3 months. Now we clean cages and have observed and trained to feed. The respect and care shown to all of the animals on this property is unbelievable. We look forward to learning even more and being a part of the In Sync family for years to come.
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
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
October 26, 2012
I absolutely love In-Sync Exotics, and visit on a regular basis. I follow their Facebook page (and their blog postings), which is a great way of keeping up to date with all of the activities that they have going on, and a great way to learn more about each of the cat's that call In-Sync home. I support In-Sync!
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
August 30, 2011
1 person found this review helpful
I have visited In-Sync Exotics, Inc. on numerous occasions. The cats are extremely well cared for, and the volunteers were very helpful, friendly, and were full of knowledge about each of the cats. I have donated to this organization several times, and it feels great knowing that every dollar that is donated is going towards the care of these cats. In-Sync is a WONDERFUL organization!
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
every dollar donated goes toward the care of these cats!
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
In-Sync deserves every dollar that is donated, and I can only hope that they will continue to receive more and more donations from people that also care about the lives of these animals!
October 18, 2012
It breaks my heart that some people think exotic cats make appropriate house pets, with no regard for the well-being of the animal. Thank goodness for In-Sync Exotics! They have provided healthy, happy lives for many rescued cats. Some were rescued to late and their health was too compromised for them to live very much longer after rescue but at least they knew joy, comfort and love at the end.
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
August 12, 2011
2 people found this review helpful
I first became aware of In-Sync Exotics when they made the news rescuing the so-called Leona Six. I've visited the website many times since then and am absolutely in awe of the dedication of the volunteers involved. In a world where it seems like there is too much to be done, too many who need our help, it warms my heart every day when I visit the In-Sync website and see the now-healthy cats who were suffering so much before rescue. it reminds me of the story of the starfish...we can't help everyone but at least these few are now living safe, comfortable, love-filled lives.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
I happened to be visiting In-Sync, bringing water for the volunteers, just after they started rescuing some desperate cats from Poetry, Texas. The 2 sickest cougars were in the Visitor's Center; one of them could barely lift his head. Just a few days later they were able to post a picture of him walking, drinking fresh water for the first time in who knows how long, and purring for the camera!
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
I really can't think of any changes that more money can't bring about. They do so much with the little they have.
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