Check out this 5 star review of INTERNATIONAL EXOTIC FELINE SANCTUARY INC on GreatNonprofits.org

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April 13, 2013

1 person found this review helpful

3 previous reviews - show all

October 23, 2012

IEAS is my favorite place of all time! I'm so pleased that, years ago, I discovered its proximity to my house. After touring several times, I truly wanted to have a connection with this spectacular ... more

April 13, 2013

1 person found this review helpful

If you love animals, this is the place to be! If you don't love animals, please take a tour and see how you feel about them afterward. The animals at IEAS are beautiful, happy, and certainly well-cared for . . . all of which they deserve after the lives they were forced to live before coming to their forever home. The sanctuary staff is fully knowledgeable, the habitats are spacious and clean, and everything possible is done to educate the public about conservation. The great enrichment program ensures that the animals have emotional, as well as physical, care. I will continue to volunteer at IEAS as long as possible because it is such a meaningful and pleasant experience.

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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?

Some

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

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October 23, 2012

IEAS is my favorite place of all time! I'm so pleased that, years ago, I discovered its proximity to my house. After touring several times, I truly wanted to have a connection with this spectacular facility and its beautiful, well-cared-for animals . . . so I became a volunteer. If exotic animals don't have the option of being free and living in their natural habitats, IEAS is the next best place for them to live out their lives. The welfare of every creature there is top priority and the sanctuary provides such a terrific opportunity for the general public to learn more about each of the species and the importance of conservation. I am very grateful to be having this experience of getting to know these animals - they have personality and SOUL.

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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

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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

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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!"

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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

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Sharron B.

My Role: Volunteer & Login to send private message

April 12, 2013

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1 previous review

January 19, 2012

With a degree in Veterinary Technology and now retired; I recently adopted a little cougar who had stolen my heart from day one. I am looking forward to sitting with little Thor and spending quality ... more

April 12, 2013

This facility is perhaps the best there is. Last year, I adopted a lonely little Cougar who has grown into a BEAUTIFUL 1 1/2 year old. Whether adopter, volunteer, worker, intern or visitor, you will leave this place a better person for having been there. The animals are so precious; many having arrived at IEAS in the nick of time or as a last resort. Living out their lives - whether babies, adults or seniors- they have arrived at a forever home that is fitting for them. It's a shame all animals found in some of their circumstances cannot come to IEAS. Education is foremost as one of their goals, but taking care of these animals, even through enrichment, is their TOP priority. I would not hesitate to recommend visiting IEAS - you won't be sorry; and you will never forget it either. :)

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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

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January 19, 2012

With a degree in Veterinary Technology and now retired; I recently adopted a little cougar who had stolen my heart from day one. I am looking forward to sitting with little Thor and spending quality time with him when he gets used to me. This facility is so well maintained and staffed that I am extremely impressed with the care and attention each and every animal receives. It is definitely a "must visit" for anyone in the North Texas area. Please make it a point to do so, you won't be sorry. Truly lots of "lions, tigers and bears, oh my."

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How does this organization compare with others in the same sector?

Very Well

How much of an impact do you think this organization has?

Life-changing

Will you recommend this organization to others?

Definitely

When was your last experience with this nonprofit?

2011

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Jessica110

My Role: Volunteer & Login to send private message

March 11, 2013

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March 11, 2013

The International Exotic Animal Sanctuary has established a reputation that far exceeds those of other facilities of its type. As an AZA accredited sanctuary, they maintain standards that focus on the optimal well being of the resident animals. Every detail of the daily routine has been carefully formulated to ensure that the safety of the animals as well as the staff are ensured. This facility does not settle for average living conditions for its animals; enclosures are continually renovated to provide an enjoyable living space for each individual. As Jane Goodall said "The least I can do is speak out for those who cannot speak for themselves". IEAS has embraced this view and it is evident in the work that they do!

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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?

2013

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Jenni2455

My Role: Volunteer &

March 11, 2013

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March 11, 2013

As an intern at IEAS, I take great pride in the work that that the sanctuary does. I am honored to be a part of the amazing work that they do there. It is immediately apparent that their animals are very happy to be where they are and well taken care of. If you have a chance to come check out this great facility you should!

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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?

2013

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Lexi D.

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December 22, 2012

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December 22, 2012

When they say that International Exotic Animal Sanctuary (IEAS) is run by the cats, they mean it. Every person who works here is dedicated 100 percent to these animals. They care for every aspect of the cats lives physical, mental, and emotional. Their unique Emotional Enirchment program has led to the animals being relaxed as people move around them every day. This alleviates any type of anxiety and allows that animals to live stress free. The physical aspect is taken care of by huge, beautiful enclosures and houses that could easily fit 10 people built by the keepers hands. As a member of the AZA the requirement for enclosure size is 800 sq ft., the smallest enclosure at IEAS is 2400 sq. ft for a tiger. All of the tigers have large swimming pools with waterfalls. Enrichment items are a common object found strewn about the enclosures all of which have been carefully selected for each animal for their mental health and to stimulate their instinctive behaviors. The Dorfman Bear Orphanage is one of a kind, it houses 11 american black bears and allows them to live in natural habitat of 10 acres. The Emotional Enrichment program is also used with the black bears. As an intern here at IEAS I can truly say that every minute of every day is filled with hard work to give these animals the live that they deserve because they must now live in captivity. Never have I been to a place where such emphasis is placed on personality of the animals and where emotions of the animals is considered. I am continuing to learn new things about how to improve these animals' lives every day. From Emotional Enrichment sittings to cleaning a pool. I am so honored to have been chosen to work with these amazing people and wonderful animals. I would be proud to say that I have been able to work here and would recommend them again and again.

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

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Jessie9

My Role: Volunteer & Login to send private message

December 18, 2012

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December 18, 2012

The International Exotic Animal Sanctuary is the only sanctuary of it's kind, with full certification from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). I am an intern for IEAS currently and have never seen an exotic animal facility put so much love and effort into the daily care for their animals. Most of the animals (though not all) that now call the sanctuary home have come from backgrounds of abuse, neglect, or abandonment. The sanctuary cares for not only the physical well being of each animal, but also focuses on their emotional needs. Louis Dorfman, an Animal Behaviorist, comes to the facility three times a week and has for many years, to just spend time with the animals. As a new intern, I learn new things every single day; not only about the normal upkeep of an animal sanctuary, but also about each animal's personality and their likes and dislikes. I look forward to the next two and a half months as I continue my internship here. At this point in time I can hardly imagine how much more there is still to learn, and I can't wait to see what comes next!

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

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Chris104

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December 17, 2012

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December 17, 2012

While it’s unfortunate that we live in a world where the International Exotic Animal Sanctuary even has to exist, it’s an absolute blessing that it does. IEAS currently gives a permanent home and refuge to 43 exotic felines, 16 bears and 2 coatimundis. Many of these animals came from places where they were abused, neglected or just not properly cared for by the people that “owned” them. As an AZA certified facility, IEAS gives these animals the proper diets, spacious habitats, medical attention and respect they deserve. Additionally, through their unique emotional enrichment program, the hard working and patient staff have helped many of these animals learn to trust humans again. The comfort and happiness of the animals is the staff’s number one priority. I highly suggest taking a tour of this facility and making a donation. Not only will you be contributing to the direct care of these animals, you will get to take a behind the scenes look at the peaceful life these beautiful animals have there.

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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

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Laurel Massey

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December 17, 2012

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December 17, 2012

The International Exotic Animal Sanctuary surpasses the industry standards in providing its inhabitants outstanding care. The IEAS staff provides the exotic felines, bears, and coatimundi optimum physical, mental, and emotional health. The staff is able to do this by understanding each animal and building relationships built on trust, respect and compassion. The relationships the animals have with their caretakers is apparent upon meeting them. They seem comfortable and happy in their environment. And although IEAS is a beautiful sanctuary for humans to visit and tour; its true priority is providing the best life possible for the animals. I would recommend everyone to visit this sanctuary to learn more about the standards of animal care that hopefully soon be used by all animal sanctuaries and zoos.

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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

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Scott49

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December 17, 2012

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December 17, 2012

An incredible facility that has been providing for big cats, bears and other exotic animals with the utmost care since 1997. The hard working, caring staff have developed a sanctuary that not only creates a comfortable and secure place for the animals, but offers one of the best intern programs for aspiring zookeepers such as myself. Personal tours are given by the staff everyday and I can't suggest visiting enough to see all the beautiful animals that call this sanctuary home.

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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

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Sam_13

My Role: Volunteer & Login to send private message

December 10, 2012

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December 10, 2012

This sanctuary is wonderful! The animals' happiness and comfort are top priorty here, with beautiful and spacious enclosures, enrichment opportunities for the cats/bears, and a great staff that cares SO much about these amazing animals. The animals show no signs of stress or unhappiness and it is very obvious that the care given to these animals is of the highest quality possible. This place is fantastic and all should visit if at all possible.

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

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The Great!

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