INTERNATIONAL EXOTIC FELINE SANCTUARY INC
January 31, 2012
These people truely care about the animals in their care and it certainly shows. All of these beautiful creatures are very relaxed in their well kept environment. Many of the animals came from terrible living conditions yet they seem to have an amazing amount of trust for the keepers at the sanctuary. I think that speaks volumes about the compassion and attitude these wonderful people have. The sanctuary is a wonderful place to visit.
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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
January 31, 2012
My first visit to the Sanctuary was September of 1995. I still remember the feeling of "awe" at being in the presence of such magnificent animals. It is a feeling I still get get everytime I am there. Over the years, I have seen it develop into the wonderful sanctuary it is today. It takes a lot of hard work to get accreditation from the AZA. Many zoos do not even have that status. IEAS was the first sanctuary. Everyone who cares for the animals are very devoted to them. They not only feed them and clean their enclosures but give them lots of love and attention that they need and which the animals reciprocate. The primary focus is always THE ANIMALS. Every tour is different because it depends on the mood of each animal as to who you will see. You may see many "lumps in the grass" as they get some "Z's" in the sun; they may be up and about and greet you; they maybe asleep in their house. It is entirely what THEY WANT TO DO. Their enclosures are always well maintained as well as the grounds. I have been a volunteer since 1998 and help with the care of the grounds. It is a continuous process but can be very rewarding, especially when you have such great supervisors. All of the animals have their degree in supervision and all of them are excellent supervisors. Most of my original "animal" friends have passed on. Many lived to be very old. Although I miss them very much, I know they lived the best life possible in captivity. They were given very good care and lots of love. I have many beautiful memories of each one. They have a way of giving you very, very "special memories". I have always said that if I worked 24hrs/day, 7 days a week, month after month, and year after year for 50 years, I could not begin to give back a small part of what they have given me through the years. I enjoy my 2 days a week at the Sanctuary and if I lived closer, would probably be there more often. It is a very special place.
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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?
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
January 31, 2012
Our Granddaughter is currently an intern at IEAS. The experience she is getting while working there is life-changing. We have not visited the sanctuary but do follow it on facebook. We love to see all the absolutely beautiful animals your staff and interns care for. Some of my favorites are the Bengal Tigers, American Black Bear and the Lions. It is great to know that these magnificent animals have a good home at IEAS. We look forward to your daily updates on facebook and hope to visit your facility one day.
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Will you volunteer or donate to this organization?
Unsure
How much of an impact do you think this organization has?
Life-changing
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
How did you learn about this organization?
I checked IEAS out on the computer when my granddaughter was accepted as an intern. Your information on the computer is wonderful. I show it to other family members when they are visiting our home.
January 30, 2012
The International Exotic Animal Sanctuary's main purpose is to provide a permanent home for exotic animals that have been abused, abandoned, neglected, confiscated, or previously owned by people unable/unwilling to give them the care they need and deserve. As an intern, one of the very first things you notice is the respect the staff has for each and every animal, and it shows in their work. The grounds are kept beautifully, the food preparation area is always clean and sanitized, and animal habitat's are extremely well kept and constantly being updated with new caves or waterfalls. And to top that off, the sanctuary runs one of the most prestigous animal care internships for large carnivores in the United States. This is truly a remarkable sanctuary that is providing the absolute best care they can possibly give to these magnificent animals. Working here taught me more than I could have ever imagined, and I know they will continue to touch the lives of future interns and visitors alike by creating such a wonderful home to all these animals in need.
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When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009
Did your volunteer experience have an effect on you? (teaching you a new skill, or introducing new friends, etc.)
Participating in the Emotional Enrichment Program as I.E.A.S. was by far one of my favorite aspects of working there. This focuses on the individual emotional well-being of the animals by reducing the amount of stress and agitation, giving each animal the best life it can have under human care.
How did this volunteer experience make you feel?
Working around/with the animals, and seeing that you are making a difference in their life is an indescribable feeling.
January 30, 2012
I have two adoptees at IEFS and visit often. I am continually amazied by the dedication of the staff shows toward all the animals. The internship offered by IEFS is among the best in the nation. IEFS is a 5-Star organization!! Please visit soon.
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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?
2012
January 30, 2012
What a wonderful organization! They care for animals that have been neglected or abused, giving them a chance to live in an environment as close to natural as is possible. When you visit, if you look closely, it looks like the animals are smiling. The caretakers know the animals by name and spend so much time with them, they can tell their moods. What a great experience.
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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?
2011
January 30, 2012
I was our Homeschool Group's field trip coordinator and set up a field trip for our group. Over 50 people signed up and IEFS worked so hard to ensure that we had an awesome time. We even had a lady who needed to wheelchair. The paths there cannot accommodate one so they brought out their Gator and gave her a special tour all her own. Our kids got the whole enchilada! They got to see the kitchens, the hospital, and all the critters! It was the best field trip of the year! You can tell the animals are so loved and the care is top notch. Their homes are filled with enrichment items, shade, and places to just be lazy. I wish it was closer to our home so we could volunteer.
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How would you describe the help you got from this organization?
A lot
How likely are you to recommend this organization to a friend?
Definitely
How do you feel you were treated by this organization?
Very Well
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2010
January 27, 2012
The International Exotic Animal Sanctuary literally does everything for the sake of the animals. As an intern, I learned very quickly what it means to work hard and from that, I realized that the dedication of the staff and volunteers is astounding. Each animal has their own likes and dislikes, and they are catered to personally. Some have a special diet, some need you to move around their enclosure in a particular way. All of the animals have a favorite toy. The keepers know each of those details and make sure that everyone else knows them too so that the animals are happy. When you visit IEAS, you'll obviously see magnificent animals, but you'll also see a group of people who have an enormous amount of love and passion for what they do. It was a great experience that I will remember forever.
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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?
Very Well
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2011
January 27, 2012
I.E.F.S. is an org. that is in a league of luminaries and peers like Tippi Hedron's Shambala and Carole Baskins Big Cat Sanctuary. The Gilbreths along with the fore-mentioned have provided salvation and safe haven for these magnificient cats that otherwise, more than likely, would end up like the incident in Ohio or destroyed. I feel that 'sancuarialists' are the last bastion of hope for the worlds imperiled wildlife, and that goes double for the big cats. Eventually (should be now) wildlife that is to be saved will have to placed outside country of origin to sanctuaries like I.E.F.S., Fossil Rim, White Oak, the Wilds, etc., etc. Whether its the cats, elephants, primates, or rhinos, if it is going to be saved, it will be through sancuaries and zoological preserves. The nat'l. parks and preserves in Africa and India are no longer viable or safe. I.E.F.S. is a wonderful island of safety, compassion, and purpose. Visit this 'island'...you'll never forget the experience.
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When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
1998
January 27, 2012
My daughter is currently an intern at the IEAS. The experience she has shared with me has been incredible.The love and care that is given to these animals has been inspiring. So much so that as a high school teacher in upstate NY, I have shared and created an interest and following by my students and coworkers in these animals and the Sanctuary. I am thankful for the work these people are doing and believe that they set a high standard for all animal sanctuaries and zoos to follow.
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Will you volunteer or donate to this organization?
Likely
How much of an impact do you think this organization has?
Some
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
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