INTERNATIONAL EXOTIC FELINE SANCTUARY INC
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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 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 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 18, 2012
It is my pleasure and privilege to be a volunteer at IEAS. The occasions when I'm there visiting my adopted bobcat, chatting with staff members, photographing the animals, and taking inventory on items I provide for the gift shop - - well, those times are significant highlights in my life. The animals and their habitats are very well-cared for, and taking a tour of this superb facility is an excellent opportunity to learn why exotic/wild animals should NOT be pets. You will hear stories of how many of the residents got to IEAS . . . and they will break your heart. But the whole experience of the sanctuary is very uplifting and I can't think of a better place to spend time.
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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
February 9, 2011
What a fantastic, marvelous organization! I have been to IEAS multiple times and am so impressed with the whole operation! Tours are full of information about the individual animals themselves, the history of why they came to the sanctuary, and what their care involves. All staff and employees - from the manager, to the interns, to the gift store supervisor, etc. - are knowledgeable and informed about each animal. Habitats are spacious and provide a natural setting (with pools and trees) for each particular species, allowing the inhabitants to exist in an environment as close as possible to the wild. They are offered enrichment items such as pumpkins, tires, swings, balls, slides, and see-saws to stimulate activity. The diets are programmed to the nutritional needs of each animal and there is a veterinary clinic on the site. If a wild animal has to be in captivity for some unfortunate reason, this is the place to be! My reaction to each of my visits has been "I really want to be a part of this experience in some way!"
Photos
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
I have always been a lover and respecter of all animals, and I consider it an honor and privilege to be able sit with my adopted bobcat and be allowed to take photos of the bear cubs.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Figure out a way to reach a greater number of people to educate about the dangers wild animals are subjected to in today's world. And educate in a way that would arouse compassion for these animals and a willingness to support facilities like IEAS that can meet the needs of abused, neglected, and orphaned sentient beings.
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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
How did you learn about this organization?
From a friend who was a volunteer.
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2011
January 9, 2012
I've had the priviledge of working as an Intern for the Sanctuary for the past 4+ months and have benefited so much from the experience. The internship has solidified my career path of working with animals for the rest of my life and staff here have helped make that possible. The animals here are unforgettable and bonds can be made very quickly which makes it harder than ever to eventually say good bye. I have worked with animals before and the quality of the animals' lives (enclosures and well-being) here at the Sanctuary far exceed any other place I have visited or worked. I'm very thankful that I am a part of such an awesome organization and encourage everyone to come out for a tour and say 'Hello' to us and all of our furry friends.
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 9, 2012
I have been interning at the International Exotic Animal Sanctuary for less than 6 weeks, but I have quickly learned that this is one of the best, if not the best, organizations pertaining to the care of exotic animals. Every day the daily duties are done around the needs of the residents, and the staff is very knowledeable about these needs and they do their best to give the animals the best care possible. Next to safety, the animals physical and emotional needs are the priority. Emotional, behavioral, and environmental enrichment is provided for each individual animal in order to give them a great quality of life. The animals that come to here have backgrounds regarding abuse, neglect, abandonment, etc. and the goal of this Sanctuary is to provide these animals with a permanent home, while being given the best possible care in captivity and to educate the public about the importance of these amazing animals. I believe that IEAS does just that.
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 8, 2012
I am currently an intern at the International Exotic Animal Sanctuary. Working here has truly been an amazing experience. One of the most admirable qualities about the Sanctuary is how loved and well cared for the animals are. Everything done here is to accommodate the animals, as to be sure that they are as comfortable and stress free as possible at all times. In addition, the animals are provided with spacious habitats, each one specifically constructed to suit the animal living inside, which is part of their environmental enrichment. The Sanctuary also provides behavioral enrichment by giving each animal several toys to play with. These two forms of enrichment along with their unique emotional enrichment program, allows the animals to be emotionally at ease by forming peaceful relationships with the staff, allowing the residents of the Sanctuary to be perfectly content. I’m so glad I have had the opportunity to be a part of this incredible facility and learn how to properly care for their amazing animals, and hope to pass on my newly obtained knowledge in the future.
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 7, 2012
I am currently an intern at the International Exotic Animal Sanctuary. I am very grateful to be an intern here because everything that is done here is done with the animals in mind. Anything and everything that we do at the Sanctuary is done with the animal's comfort in mind. It is amazing to see the difference in an animal when the first arrive at the sanctuary and after they have been here 3 months. With the care of the staff, the animals physical needs are met, as well as their emotional needs. An animal's emotional needs are as important as their physical needs. Since I have worked here, I have learned so much about a big cat's behavior and the importance of an animal's emotional needs: From Shauna (a Lion) playing hide-and-seek with the keepers during the morning routine and "surprising" them to Noel (a Siberian Tiger) enjoying his Christmas tree (enrichment). Since I first visited a zoo and saw a tiger pacing, I have wanted to be able to work in a zoo and help that animal feel more comfortable. Because of the emotional, behavioral, and environmental enrichment I have learned at the International Exotic Animal Sanctuary, I am now equipped to go out into the workplace and help animals and their emotional well being. The International Exotic Animal Sanctuary is truly a unique and special place that words can't even begin to describe.
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 6, 2012
I've been an intern at IEAS since early September, and have not only learned and experienced a great deal, but feel truly blessed to be involved with all the amazing work that is done here on a daily basis. Words cannot begin to describe the amount of passion the workers here have for the animals they care for. IEAS continuously thrives to exemplify the true meaning of the word sanctuary. A great amount of attention is paid to the emotional and physical needs of each and every animal on sanctuary grounds, stretching far beyond its official inhabitants, while holding true to a policy of always putting these animals before ourselves. The animal care field can often times feel stressful and daunting, but to see the brightness that staff here at IEAS are able to bring into the lives of so many deserving animals who have had so much darkness in their past, I can truthfully say there is no other place I'd rather spend each and every day. I greatly encourage anyone to come visit this amazing place. Let us share with you the work we all take such great pride in. Let us share these animals' stories, and their amazing journeys, in hopes that we can provide a standard for how such deserving animals can live out their days in peace and comfort, with little bits of joy along the way.
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 6, 2012
I have been an intern here for the past 4 months learning everything there is to know about taking care of the amazing exotic felines and bears that call IEAS home. We take the meaning of Sanctuary to heart and work very hard to provide the animals with a relaxing, comfortable, and peaceful place to live. They are provided with large, spacious habitats and are often seen running around, playing chase with their sister or brother, and even playing soccer with their balls. Staff, interns, volunteers, and adoptive parents spend time sitting outside the habitats participating in our unique Emotional Enrichment Program that focuses on the emotional needs of the animals and provides them with a sense of security and comfort. As much as I will miss it here, I can't wait to move on to a job in a zoo where I can put to play everything I have learned here. This is truly an amazing place to work and would highly recommend that anyone and everyone come out to visit the animals of IEAS!
More feedback...
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
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