Panther Ridge Conservation Center
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June 15, 2013
Having heard a little about Panther Ridge, I was thrilled when my husband arranged for us to get a tour! It was everything I'd hoped for and so much more.
The attention to detail, the love for the animals, the effort put in to make sure each one is getting the absolute best possible attention and care, it is mind boggling.
Judy took us around and thoroughly introduced us to each cat, telling it's personal history and details about that particular type of cat in the wild.
It was obvious that she loves the cats and that they recognize it. Even one cat who had only arrived a short time before was already happy to see Judy and interact with her.
My daughter could not get off work to come with us. We will be sure to go back soon so she can have this experience.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Make it more widely known and financially spported.
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?
2013
May 16, 2013
I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to tour this facility in early April. To say I was impressed would be a complete understatement. The staff and volunteers are consummate professionals. Knowing each animal as thoroughly as one would know their own children.
I was enthralled with stories of each individual cats' history, how they came to the facility and their day to day antics. I was further impressed by the care which each resident receives. I watched as the daily food allocation for each animal was carefully prepared, weighed, and measured, and was stunned by the care and thoughtfulness that went into every aspect of their care.
Additionally, Judy was extremely kind and accommodating, answering all of my questions with grace and kindness, regardless of how naïve. It was an amazing "once in a lifetime" experience and I look forward to the opportunity to share it with friends and family in the future.
The best part of the experience, I was the proud recipient of my very own "Duma Doo"
You tube it, if you are wondering.
Nikki Vaught
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Find a way to increase their funding so that they could do their work on a larger scale.
More feedback...
How would you describe the help you got from this organization?
Life-changing
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?
2013
May 16, 2013
Having volunteered at several facilities across the Country, I have to put Panther Ridge Conservation center at the top of my list. Habitats, diets and enrichment plans for the cats go way above standard and resident felines receive a level of exceptional care. Tours for guests are unparalleled. Fully guided, visitors never need to walk past an enclosure wondering "did they see all there was to be seen." At the end of an approximate two hours, guests leave with an expanded knowledge of not only each species but each individual cat's special story.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
......like to find more people who love it as much as I do to lend their support.
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?
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
1 person found this review helpful
May 12, 2013
1 person found this review helpful
My family and I just spend a wonderful day at this amazing facility. The care these beautiful cats receive is evident in their perfectly suited habitats and in the interaction with owner Judy Berens. From the cheetah, to the jaguars, ocelots and servals, each species of cat had a glowing coat and bright eyes. It's evident that they love Judy and, outside of their natural habitats, I can't think of a better place for these animals, some of which were badly mistreated or surrendered as pets when owners could no longer manage them. Thank you Judy for the invaluable care you give these magnificent animals. I hope that many others visit Panther Ridge and learn to appreciate the majesty of these cats.
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?
2013
May 5, 2013
I have had the privileged also of beeing a volunteer in the past, and I now help with fundraising and its a wonderful place. Everyone that visits can see how well they take care of cats, how clean and beautiful it is! A paradise for abused, abandoned cats! Judy is a special lady and Panther Ridge is a place were you can be sure your donations is going towards the cats well beeing!
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?
2013
May 2, 2013
I have been privileged to work with Panther Ridge and Judy Berens and have been to the facility a number of times. This is a wondrous place devoted to the care of rescued big cats that, at Panther Ridge, are obviously completely loved and contented. The world is a far better place for Judy and this sanctuary that work, unceasingly, on behalf of creatures that must be protected but would not be but for places and people like these. More than five stars!
More feedback...
Will you volunteer or donate to this organization beyond what is required of advisors?
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?
2013
1 person found this review helpful
April 27, 2013
1 person found this review helpful
I am privileged to provide veterinary care for the panther ridge facility. judy berens is super knowledgeable in the care and handling of these remarkable animals. she is tireless! the cats are happy and healthy. I rarely have to do anything at the sanctuary besides inspection. on the rare occasion that one of the cats needs care judy never hesitates or questions the need for treatment. the place is immaculate and beautiful.
More feedback...
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?
2013
April 25, 2013
I had a tour of Panther Ridge in 2009 and found it to be the most well taken care of sanctuary I have ever seen. And, most importantly, the cats are very happy. I liked it so much that I began to volunteer in August of that year and I am still there. It is a lovely place to visit. The tours are small and personal and our staff takes the time to tell each cat's story and educate visitors on the challenges they face in the wild.
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
1 person found this review helpful
November 15, 2012
1 person found this review helpful
Panther Ridge is my heaven on earth. It is a beautiful property filled with unique cats that are seldom seen in such a close setting. I have been blessed to volunteer there for 7 months, rebuilding some of the decking and structures in the cats’ enclosures. It has been a life changing experience to communicate with and assist such noble animals and the dedicated people that take care of them so well. I can’t begin to explain how rewarding it is to raise a roof on the den for of an old, wise, loving, and very arthritic cougar. Then to see that cougar realize that he no longer has to stoop down to enter his den, and in his joy, approaches me at the fence and thanks me with his precious vocalizations and a dance of love. After re-decking the lock out enclosure for Amos the black leopard, he rubbed on the fence between us trying to hug me and vocalized his gratefulness. The world would be a more compassionate place if everyone was lucky enough to have the experiences that I have had while working with these big cats. Many of the animals were abandoned by their original owners and came to Panther Ridge feeling unloved and filled with anxiety. To witness their recovery and capacity to trust again is truly remarkable and gives me hope for the world. Judy, the director, has given so much of her time and love to ensure that these animals know their own worth and you feel that as soon as you enter the place. The staff is very knowledgeable about all the cats and their individual personalities and they work very hard at maintaining a healthy, clean, and loving environment for them. I recommend that everyone tour the place or spend some time volunteering. You will definitely receive more that you give!
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
1 person found this review helpful
February 9, 2011
1 person found this review helpful
Panther Ridge has sort of become my home away from home - I began volunteering there just short of a year and a half ago, and feel as if I'm accepted as family. As Dan mentioned in the review below, when my buddy CJ the cougar sees me on Sunday mornings, he gives me an excited chirp and runs over to greet me. Experiences such as these cannot be appreciated in word form - you need to see it for yourself.
I've interned with zoos and other conservation groups, and the living space alotted to the PR cats are not only exceptional in size (being several times larger than the minimum required by law), but are thoroughly cleaned daily (I would know - that's part of my job!). The food we feed them is top notch (another part of my job is diet prep), and each cat is specifically treated depending on his or her medical or nutritional needs.
There are cats of all sizes, places, and experiences. One of the most rewarding things that I have encountered is seeing personalities change for the better. Several of our cats came from people or places that left an emotional scar - these scars are often seen in their behavior. And, over time, the remarkable thing is that they become HAPPIER after arriving at Panther Ridge. One of our cougars, Apache, was shy and a bit reclusive when I first started. Now, whenever there is a tour, she chirps and plays with her toys and puts on a show for everyone! Her transformation is unbelievable. I think testimonies like these are what highlight Panther Ridge.
The founder of Panther Ridge, Judy, is by far the most dedicated woman I have ever met. She loves these animals with all of her being, and you can tell. The bond her and the cats have, and the bonds that I have developed, can be felt in the air.
I hope you decide to come visit us! You won't regret it! :-)
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
the past year and a half. I have learned much in that time, and still learn more each week.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
spread the word about it more! With the few number of people that work/volunteer there, it's difficult to get the public outreach we need to keep the ball rolling. Consider visiting us, or spread the word!
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
What one change could this group make that would improve your volunteer experience?
More public outreach. We can do it (why else would I be writing this review)!
Did your volunteer experience have an effect on you? (teaching you a new skill, or introducing new friends, etc.)
I've learned to appreciate the daily care for these animals, in addition to learning about each individual and the species to which he or she belongs. I have made life-long friends, and I know I will continually learn more.
How did this volunteer experience make you feel?
Great! The cats are unbelievable - you just have to see them for yourself.
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2011
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