Animal Park at the Conservators Center

I cannot express (5 stars are not sufficient) what this place means to me! After a tour in 2013, I applied to be a volunteer, began training two weeks later, and have been part of the park as both a volunteer and adopter of multiple animals ever since. I know firsthand the excellent care the animals receive, and I am proud to “spoil” them regularly with extra treats, scent enrichment, and even music. The people, both staff and fellow volunteers, are united in working tirelessly not only for these animals but also for those in the wild; our focus remains on education and conservation. I am forever thankful I stumbled across a Groupon for this place 11 years ago!

Highly recommend visiting this Zoo, the animals are well cared for and appear to be content in their care. Unlike many other zoos, the tour path is within 3-5 feet of the enclosures so you get a wonderful view of each animal. The animals are familiar with and comfortable around the tour guides, so many will approach for an even more up close view!

The Animal Park is an excellent visitation destination. The staff are extremely knowledgeable about the residents at the Animal Park. So any tour is going to be educational. But the Animal Park offers experiences typical zoos don't offer. At the Animal Park, visitors can experience lions' communicating with each other and feel their voices rumble. Or visitors can hear and see wolves howling or a coyote or New Guinea Singing Dog responding to them. So the visits are also exciting. And these are just a couple reasons that the Animal Park is an excellent visitation destination.

The Animal Park at the Conservators Center is the best!! The staff, volunteers and animals are all incredible :)

I've been coming to the Animal Park since 2022. I started as a visitor before becoming a volunteer and lifetime adopter. Currently, I assist with preparing the diets for the smaller animals. Seeing how specific each animal's diet is (even if they're the same species) affirms what I've felt about the Animal Park since day one. This is a wildlife facility that gets it right.

This is a facility you can trust. In an ideal world, all animals would be free to live in their natural habitats. But due to climate change, poaching, cub petting, and other human-based interferences, we don't live in an ideal world. And too often, wildlife suffers because of it. And sadly, humans further exploit these animals by putting them in roadside zoos or mismanaged facilities.

But at the Animal Park, the care and well-being of the animals comes before anything else. Each animal receives regular enrichment and vet visits. They are only on the tour path if they aren't stressed by people (meaning the Animal Park takes care of animals that you don't see as a visitor).

There are staff and volunteers who have been with the Park for years. Meaning the information they possess is insightful and valuable.

And what I value most of all is the Park's transparency. The tour guides are happy to answer any questions about the animals' care and backstories (they all have one). That should instill your trust that this is a wildlife facility that gets it right.

There are so many ways to experience the Park throughout the year. I encourage you to check them out and book a visit to see the wonder for yourself.

can I please have a zillion more stars to rate APCC? this place is amazing! my first visit was in 2011 - a gift from a friend. I was immediately in love! I have taken many opportunities to bring family members and friends to visit. the tours are fantastic - given by very knowledgeable volunteers who introduce you to the species, the conservation efforts needed to keep the species' habitats across the world intact, and even individual stories about the residents. and you learn something new with every tour! the founders are so passionate in their mission for these animals and animals worldwide, and more than happy to share and educate.
the facility is fantastic - animal habitats are immaculate, the result of an amazing team of staff and volunteers' love and devotion to residents' welfare. staff and volunteers are trained to recognize behaviors and physical conditions, so that they are addressed (if needed) immediately. the construction team ensures that dens and hammocks and other structures are always perfect for the animals' comfort and enrichment.
I started volunteering a few years ago, and have come to realize the community at APCC is like family (only we don't fight!) - it's always a pleasure to see everyone! I started adopting too - my beautiful Jungle Cat boy, Aten. but adoption is like potato chips - you can't have just one!!! I have also adopted our beautiful princess Serval, Akai, and the world's cutest Binturong, Baloo. the adoption program is great because you are allowed (and encouraged) to develop relationships with your critters. it also results in an increased awareness and passion for animal welfare.
APCC is my happy place, and I'll never leave! this place needs to be shared with everyone!

I started my journey on an Adventure Tour and never left!
Have you ever heard a chorus of singing dogs, wolves, coyote, and lions? Maybe chuffed with a tiger? How about making eye contact with a Serval and be honored with a slow blink?
Each experience is new and each guided tour is full of information.
On a side note, when you visit, ask questions about the animals. The tour guides love talking about these babies!!

Legends & Lore was so much fun! Seeing these magnificent animals and learning about them was a lot of fun. I'm making plans to take my grandchildren to the park.

I have visited the Animal Park many times and I’ve never been disappointed. The staff and volunteers are all so knowledgeable and caring about the many different resident animals in their care. The Park is always well maintained and clean and the staff and volunteers are very friendly.

Animal Park at the Conservators Center is one of the most unique, enjoyable, and life changing experiences. I have been on several tours and attended a number of special events in support of an organization that is made up of a group of people clearly dedicated to caring and loving a number of remarkable creatures. I’m never disappointed and enjoy being so close to the wildlife. Truly communing with nature. Go and visit any chance you get!

What a wonderful place! The animals are very well-cared for and obviously loved by the staff and many volunteers who work there. A tour is a must.

Such a wonderful place to experience animals of all sizes. Who knew there were so many types of small cats. You can tell the animals love the staff as much as they love them.

I love this place! Came on a couple of tours abd got so hooked that you can now see me volunteering! You can see the park either on a guided tour, or come enjoy a self-guided event and see the animals at your own pace. The best tours are in the mornings right after breakfast or in the evenings for a twilight experience, but definitely come check it out!

This place really moves you. No words can do it justice. The love the keepers have for the animals is obvious and the animals seem so well taken care of, and comfortable, you just have an experience like none other when you are here.

There is no better place to volunteer! Great people who put their hearts & souls into caring for the "residents" - & those residents! I love helping with events & hearing the lions "oof" - when you're standing nearby, it vibrates your insides! Amazing assortment of animals, from big cats to wolves to binturongs to foxes. The tigers & geoffroy-cats are my favorites, but ALL are special. Every time I help with a tour, I learn something new from the amazing tour guides, & its the greatest feeling when residents recognize & acknowledge you. If you're looking for the most unique volunteer opportunity EVER, this is your place.

I recently had the pleasure of attending the Legends and Lore event at Animal Park, and I can confidently say it was a truly unforgettable experience. From the moment I entered the park, I was captivated by the magical atmosphere and the genuine passion of the staff, which made this visit truly outstanding.

The first thing that struck me was the enthusiasm and knowledge of the staff. They were not only friendly but also incredibly engaging, sharing captivating stories and fascinating facts about the animals in their care. Their dedication to the well-being of these creatures was evident, and it added a whole new layer of depth to the visit. It's clear that the park's employees are not just there for a job; they are passionate about their work, and it shines through in every interaction.

In conclusion, Animal Park's Legends and Lore event is a must-visit for anyone seeking a magical and educational experience. The passionate and engaging staff, the enchanting atmosphere, clean facilities, and the stunning animals make it a destination that exceeded all my expectations. I can't wait to return to Animal Park and explore more of the incredible adventures they offer. It truly was a day filled with legends, lore, and lasting memories.

Mindy and the staff at Animal Park are truly the best advocates for the species in their care. All the animals are well taken care of, and the care is tailored to the individual animal's needs. I initially went to see the wolves and canines, but was fascinated by the wide array of felines, and especially loved hearing the roar of the lion!

Beautiful, well-cared-for animals. Passionate and knowledgeable staff. Dedicated, long-term volunteers. This place is the real thing -- a fantastic place to learn about wildlife up close and personal. Lions roaring, wolves howling, tigers and small cats playing with toys and scents, the APCC gives visitors the chance to safely experience animals that they've only seen at a distance or on television. Want to learn? Take one of the adventure tours - especially the twilight tour. Guides are happy to answer questions and share their wealth of information about species, conservation needs, and the lives and loves of each individual animal who resides at the Park. Want a truly unique experience? Check out seasonal events (Pumpkin Prowl and Tree Toss are annual favorites!). They even offer a Halloween tour in the dark with storytellers who regale visitors with tales of animal legends and folklore from around the world.

I've been a volunteer and donor for going on 16 years now, and in that time the Center has remained unwavering in its dedication to the health and wellbeing of its animal residents.
The Center is also a valued member of the community, providing unique educational opportunities in the area, as well as a series of one-time and ongoing events.
I cannot recommend the Center highly enough!

Every tour and event is wonderful! The animals are so well-cared for and guides are knowledgeable and friendly. what a great way to learn about animals you might never otherwise get to see.

The workers and people were extremely friendly, knowledgeable, and uplifting. The animals are well taken care of and love to show off! We got to hear the wolves howl and the lions roar. Such an experience I will never forget. Definitely a place worth supporting!!!!! I hope to volunteer there soon!

Amazing experience! We were able to see many of the animals! Heard the lions and wolves calling to each other! Terry, our tour guide, was great!! Very patient with all our questions.

I started as an animal enthusiast on a twilight tour falling head-over-heels in love with a white tiger and a white wolf. Then I booked another tour... and another one.... and another one... now, my family 'adopts' (sponsors) multiple animals. We get to visit regularly and build a relationship with our animals. I have also joined the organization as a volunteer to help with events. The Animal Park is an amazing opportunity to meet a variety of animals that one wouldn't often be able to encounter. A tour is typically 1-1.5 hours where you learn about the general species as well as the stories of the individual residents. Every visit has been unique and I am always looking forward to my next one whether it is as a volunteer, adoptor, or animal enthusiast head-over-heels in love with a lot more animals than when I started.

The Animal Park at the Conservators Center is a magical place! I signed up for a photo safari tour and the staff was extremely knowledgable and caring towards their animals! The photographs I was able to take were national geographic level and I cannot wait to go back to see what else I can capture! Highly recommend to anyone especially those looking to get outside.

I’ve gone to this Animal Park / Conservators Center every time I visit in North Carolina. The animals are well kept, obviously loved and cared for by folks that understand how to care for these animals. I appreciate the activities this center hosts to include their surrounding community, it raises awareness about these animals! And not just for adults, but they also have many activities for the kids to come in, have fun, and learn about their animals at The Park.
On a personal note - I’ve always loved bobcats, but since visiting here I have added a new love - the caracals

This is truly a wonderful place. So close to the animals yet very safe.

I have been a long time fan of the Animal Park and I am a lifetime adopter. From the first time I stepped foot on the property, I could sense the passion and care that the staff and volunteers here have for their animals. Visiting Animal Park is like being welcomed into family every time. They are professionals, yet you feel their warmth and eagerness to share their knowledge and provide a stellar experience which I think is an unusual combination to find in business. I visited recently and they are definitely on top of safety measures during the pandemic. It felt wonderful to be outside and be safely within a few feet of lions, tigers, leopards, binturongs and many many other species. The Park is a hidden gem and they provide so many fun and educational experiences for all ages. HIGHLY recommend Animal Park! It is a must do in the Triangle area and Triad area!!

I love the Animal Park at the Conservator's Center. My husband and I started coming out on tours practically every month - we eventually became Lifetime Adopters and haven't been able to pull ourselves away. Everyone at this park loves what they do - which is caring for these amazing animals. I am so glad I found this place - truly my happy place!

I heard about the Animal Park at a Holiday party 2 years ago and I am so glad I did! I have since been on multiple tours - on each tour I have learned additional information as every tour guide has a wealth of knowledge. I am so glad I am now a volunteer. The passion for the mission and the animals are on the forefront of everything that is done!

I first came to visit The Animal Park when I was a first year in college. I absolutely loved every moment of my visit and have learned so much from their educational experiences and mission. In fact, I enjoyed it so much for the past four years I have been checking to see if they have employment opportunities. This summer I finally found a match! I am so thankful for everything this organization has done for the community as well as myself.

I have been a volunteer at this organization for about three years now and I am seriously obsessed! On my first tour, I was moved to tears not only by the incredible experience of hearing wolves howl and lions "oof," but by the love and dedication of staff and volunteers and their touching relationships with the animals. It's pretty rare that you can go to a zoo and hear about every individual animal's favorite treats and unique personality quirks. By forming a personal connection with the animals and becoming educated about their species and wild counterparts, vistors (myself included!!) are empowered to love and conserve the world around them and protect endangered species and ecosystems. You can't leave this powerful place without feeling deeply enlightened and moved! The Conservators Center is wonderful organization that does amazing work and I cannot say enough good things about them

My husband and I fell in love with the Center and its residents during our first visit as part of a tour. Came back for a special event, realized we wanted to be a bigger part of this place, and became a lifetime adopter to a gorgeous caracal. Then fell in love with the human "residents" (the amazing staff and volunteers), signed on to volunteer, and added a handsome lion to our lifetime adopter circle. All the animals are so loved and well cared for (many, if not most, are geriatric, so their care can be complex); it's an honor and a pleasure to spend time in their company. We learn something new about the animals, and each species' important role in our wider world, on every visit.

I have been involved with the Conservators Center for 20 years. This is one of the best non-profits of their kind. They take excellent care of the animals and go above and beyond to ensure the safely of the employees, visitors and the animals. They provide various enrichment items for the animals to keep them active and entertained. I have always been very pleased at how clean the animal enclosures are kept.

They offer a variety of tours and other programs that are suitable to all age groups. They also provide for individuals that have mobility issues.

We adopt 3 animals at the center and it’s truly been an enriching experience in our lives. We tell all of our friends and family members about the center and as a result, several people have visited and made donations. We are thrilled to be part of the family!

I worked for a short while in a small capacity for the Center. To say that the staff is passionate about their work would be a serious understatement. Everyone works so hard, and so many people donate their time simply because they LOVE it there. It is an amazing place to visit, and touring the site is a very unique experience compared to the average zoo! I will always recommend this place!!

I fell in love with the Conservators Center on my first tour in 2013 and it’s only gotten better since then! Lions oofs are amazing each and every time! The animals are loved and cared for and the community of volunteers, donors, adopters, and visitors is unmatched. Truly a special place!

We have only made it to one event Lions, Tigers, and Beer. Timing only allowed for a short tour, but it was enough for us to want to adopt a couple animals and will be returning soon to get the entire experience. Thank you for taking such good care of our furry friends!

Best place in central NC. People are great, animals are great and it is a great educational experience.

I first visited The Conservators Center back in 2004 and was immediately hooked. Ever since that day, I've volunteered there every weekend I am able to. Everyone at the Conservators Center - owners, staff, volunteers - puts the welfare and happiness of the animals 1st. I have "adopted" 2 animals and it makes me happy that I am contributing to their well-being and that they know me when I am there. It is so wonderful to get to know the animals - and to hear the lions "oooph" (that's conversational roaring) and the wolves howling is incredible. All these years later I stop what I'm doing to listen. It's still a thrill that brings a smile to my face each time. Every time my family visits from out of town they ask to come out to the Conservators Center and each of them has a different favorite animal. My nephew's 5-yr old daughter is currently in love with Muraco bobcat; she sponsors him (thanks to mom and dad) and sends him (appropriate) gifts from California.

An amazing place with well-cared-for animals that you can get to meet up close and learn so much more about than at a typical zoological facility. A great place to visit for adults, kids and everyone in between, with walking tours from 45 minutes to two hours. Anyone who loves animals should visit!

My daughter and I came for a tour in 2010. I never left. We became volunteers together. She interned with the Conservators' Center before college. Over the years, I have moved from animal care to tour guide. The animals are such a joy to be around. The people are just an added bonus!

Amazing organization, where the animals truly come first!!

Most zoological parks offer a visually entertaining experience. This place is so much more. You don't just see a lion, you meet Ra or Willow or Katrina...or some of the others. You learn about their species AND you learn about that particular animal. You observe the relationship these animals have with those that care for them. It's personal, it's intimate, it's educational, and it's so much more memorable because you don't just remember what you saw - you remember how it made you feel. After attending several times as a guest I knew I wanted to be a volunteer. After becoming a volunteer and developing a relationship with a special animal, I became a Lifetime Adopter. I

Wonderful time with family visiting the animals at this zoo! My kids, age 8, 4, and 2, really enjoyed the Whisker and Tails tour. It was long enough to learn cool facts, but short enough to keep their attention and end before they lost interest. We love this place, and the animals are so awesome to see and interact with.

The Conservators Center is a wonderful organization and place. The animals and their welfare are top priority, and the leadership and staff understand that education is a vital part of ensuring animal welfare and species preservation. Whether you're visiting, volunteering, or donating, you know you are a valued member of the community and have a role to play in their mission of caring for animals, educating people, and advocating for species.

The conservators center is a beautiful place that really cares for their animals and their community.

Fantastic organization! This staff has nothing but care and devotion to their animal residents. Fun and educational environment!

The Conservators Center is a truly remarkable place. The staff and volunteers clearly devote their all to the care of the animals who live there. The tours are informative and entertaining, and the events are always a blast!

I am not sure where to begin. My family and I made the trip to the Conservators Center and we of course were excited to see animals. Seeing animals is only a small portion of the experience provided by the center. The knowledge and kindness of all of those who work and or volunteer there can be felt as you visit. The animals care and safety are clearly number one for everyone there. The bond with the animals is a joy to see. Visiting the center made me want to move closer to it to be a part of the family. We are already planning our next visit.

My husband and I first visited the Conservators Center shortly after we moved to the area. Friends had recommended it so highly, we were excited to check it out. The experience did not let us down! It was nothing short of incredible to be so close and personal with such magnificent animals. We enjoyed all parts of the tour, from the animals to the stories the staff told. It was such a wonderful experience, we now share it with our family and friends whenever they come to visit. Everyone always leaves thoroughly impressed! We can't wait for our next visits.

Great experience with the animals and staff! I highly recommend for anyone who loves big cats or wants to get involved in animal husbandry!

My husband and I were taken to this center by some friends who are adopters/volunteers. We loved the experience! We saw some species that we had never seen before in person--a couple we had never even heard of. So cool! I was amazed how close we were to the animals which helps to truly get to know them through observation. The grounds were very well taken care of, the pens felt appropriately sized and thoughtfully created and located, and the animals seemed relaxed. I would recommend a stop to this center to anyone!

I have been a life time adopter to one of the center's Lions (going on 2 years) and one of their Dingoes (just over a year) and it is truly a wonderful experience. I've read a review before where the person said there wasn't enough stars and I would have to agree. The animals here are taken care of very well and loved by all the keepers, staff, guides and volunteers. The people that run the place and take care of the animals continually go above and beyond and it shows. I have taken all of the tours and gone to nearly all of their special events as well. I love getting to know the animals and the people there better every time I go. It is my place of zen and helps me put life in perspective in life's difficult times. Thank you conservator's center, for all you do for the animals and for me.

Went to the Tree Toss on Jan 9th. What an experience!!! This was my second visit to the Center - the staff are so knowledgeable and helpful! And the animals!!!! What can you say about being that close to such wonderful loving animals!!!! If you haven't been there you MUST go!!! It is an experience that you won't soon forget!!! Visit, donate, volunteer!!! This is an experience like no other!!!!

The tour was terrific. The animals so well taken care by the staff. The tour guides were extremely informative. We could have spent ALL DAY! Worth my trip from Ohio!

Our summer camp program at TRU Teakwondo Center in Winston Salem, NC visited the Conservators Center for a field trip in the summer 2015. The kids and adults loved it! The caretakers of these animals are amazing and the animals have a wonderful environment full of love. Many of the animals here come from situations where they had nowhere else to go and the center took them in and in most cases made special accommodations to make sure the animals had a great home. It is a small environment where the caretakers are very knowledge about the animals and know their habits and personalities at a very intimate level. It was wonderful seeing animals being loved and accessible to the public so there can be knowledge passed along to others so these creatures can continue to receive the utmost care.

The animals here are amazing - a twilight tour is up close and personal. You'll learn their rescue stories and about the species and habitats and conservation. The passion in the staff and volunteers is palpable.

I cannot say enough about these guys & what an amazing, educational & entertaining job they do on the tightest of shoestrings. Their organization & volunteer coordination is second to none.
Kudos

The Conservators Center is an amazing place. It is clear that the staff all really care about the animals and want to educate visitors about their wonderful animals. The sound of the lions "offing" is primal and moving. I highly recommend a photo tour, but any tour is worthwhile.

Took our grandkids there and had a great time. Our guide was great, and it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience to hear the lions communicating with each other at dusk.
Ev & Bill Wesson, Henrico, NC

Everytime I go, my pace slows down, my heart fills with joy, and my smile broadens. I never want to leave. My daughter and I went about 5 years ago, just to witness the Xmas tree toss, and went home having adopted Bella, a glorious tiger. She caught my eye, and my heart, when she fell asleep on a tree, legs splayed around it like it was a favorite pillow. Although I don't get there as often as I would like, I am ever grateful that we have Bella. It is a thrill each time we offer her some favorite treats, or listen to the lions oofing, or watch the binturongs play, or look into the eyes of a majestic wolf. The humans who serve these beloved animals are gracious, informed, generous and loving. They wear their hearts on their sleeves and it shows. The Conservator's Center is a magical oasis amidst our sometimes frenetic lives. These four-leggeds are a treasure to behold. Give yourself the gift of spending some time there. You will not regret it!

My family attended the tree toss after Christmas. I wasn't sure what to expect, and was unprepared for the incredible experience. The staff and volunteers were extremely knowledgeable and truly loved the animals. The habitats were well maintained and the animals looked to be well taken care of. To be so close and be able to watch the joy the trees and presents brought to the animals was unlike any other experience. I highly recommend this center to people to visit and donate to. One visit and you're hooked! We will be attending again this year!

We visited the Conservatory Center this summer. We did the treats and toys tour which was the best! The animals are well cared for and the care takers work hard to keep all the animals happy. They have an adoption program where you can adopt an animal of your choice and even visit your adopted animal. All employees were very courteous and informative.

We had never heard of the conservators center, but I had a coupon, so I figured why not? I'm so very pleased we went! It was easily one of the most amazing experiences my family has ever had. Being able to interact with the animals and see them in such a natural way was just an absolute blessing. It's really an incredible place.

I visited the center on Sunday, March 29th for probably the 8th time or so. I brought two friends who wanted to know about this place I always talk about. Our tour guide Mandy was great. I had never met her before and really enjoyed her Toys & Treats tour. I love this center. It's definitely my "Happy Place" and now I am a Lifetime Adopter so it's an even happier place for me! It is not problem to drive the 2.5 hours from Fort Mill, SC, and I plan to bring more friends there soon.

I've had the opportunity to visit the Conservators' Center twice as a guest - the first time with 100 elementary school children on a field trip and the second time on a photo safari tour. Both times I was treated to a wonderful experience with tour guides who truly cared about the animals they are entrusted with and the guests to the center. Our tour guide for the elementary students was able to answer every single question the students posed - and anyone with young children knows they come up with questions that can be quite challenging! Our field trip tour was one our students still talk about months afterwards. My photo tour almost can't be described (by me anyway) because it was so amazing. My tour guide knew exactly when and where to take me to get the most wonderful photos of the animals. He was able to get wolves to howl and Lions to call to each other - giving me amazing photo memories that I treasure.

It is a wonderful place!! All of the animals are so loved and the staff are caring and loving individuals who really love the animals. I tell everyone I know about this wonderful place. It is not every day you can up close to a lion or tiger. Here they are right in front of you and are so beautiful. The most interesting animals to me are the Binturongs ( or bear cats). They are so cool. They smell like corn chips and take other animals as pets. :)

Linda Cohen :)

My three friends and I went on a tour and were treated with great respect by the volunteers. You could immediately tell that they all have a true connection with these animals and are truly devoted to their well being. They answered all of our questions, let us take our time admiring all of their animals and we all even got to roar with the lions and howl with the wolves. It was an unforgettable experience and one we hope to have again soon!!!!

I went on three (3) different tours (Adult Adventure, Treats & Toys and Adult Twilight) at the Conservators' Center this past summer (2014) when my daughter, Courtney, was working a 6 weeks Summer internship there between her Junior & Senior years of college. It's like nothing you've ever seen or heard before. Definitely something you have to experience yourself to truly know what it feels like to meet & learn about an animal you never knew existed, to be only a few feet from a tiger when he stands up on his hind legs for a treat, turning a corner & coming face to face with the wolves for the first time or hearing the lions oofing to one another. Hearing the stories of how all of these beautiful creatures came to be at the Conservators' Center will both make you laugh & break your heart. You'll never look at a picture of someone holding a tiger cub with envy because you'll think about Arthur Tiger and his life before coming to the Conservators' Center. The love & dedication of each person involved in caring for these animals is evident in everything they do 24/7 365 days a year. The tour guides are extremely knowledgeable. The Visitors Center staff are friendly & helpful. The keepers, interns & volunteers are insane - working long hot & cold hours to ensure the needs of every animal are met daily. The animals are happy, engaged & healthy living in a place where they are loved. My daughter continues to work at the Conservators' Center as an Animal Care volunteer because being there makes her happy. I'm happy being there too. We're both looking forward to the upcoming Pumpkin Prowl & Tree Toss tours!

The Conservators Center is an amazing place. You can see the love for the animals and everything that is done to keep them healthy and happy. We have visited several times and have more trips planned. It is great to see that these animals will be able to live out their lives in comfort and love. The center is also a great education on not just the animals they house but on animal trafficking and profiting off of animals. It always warms my heart to visit with the animals and to hear the amazing stories.

My first experience at the Convservator's Center was the best birthday present I've ever gotten. I got to see Servals and a freaking cute young Caracal. I found out what Binturongs are and why they are important! I heard the wolves howl, met some New Guinea singing dogs and a Dog who pretended to be a New Guinea singing dog just to find his Furever home, and saw their beautiful and graceful neighbors Ramsey and Savannah Leopard. I could tell that all of these animals were loved and cared for regardless of the situations they came from.

Then I had an experience that changed my life forever. Standing less than 5 feet in front of Matthai Lion, face to face with one of the most beautiful creatures I've ever seen, I witnessed the sheer power of somewhere between 10 and 20 lions oofing (think roaring) which is the way they say greet each other! Imagine something so powerful that it both physically and emotionally rattles your core! I do not have the words to explain how powerful this is!

After seeing the lions we got to chuffle with the tigers who are also beautiful and powerful creatures! I may be partial to the lions (My wife and I adopt Kiara, a beautiful lioness off of the tour path) and have a sweet spot for the beautiful tigers and leopards, but don't let them steal all of your attention! The conservator's center is home to almost 90 animals, every single one special in their own way, each one loved and cared for in every way they need.

The Conservator's Center is an experience that should not be missed. Every single volunteer and staff member loves what they do and cares for and respect the animals. You can hear it in the stories that they tell about the animals that they love.

What an amazing operation. The care, dedication, and passion that this place has for these rescued animals is evident throughout. The staff clearly loves what they do and their relationship with the animals is wonderful. You are able to have a very personal, up close experience that is also very safe. We enjoyed this wonderful and unique place and are so very grateful for how they care for these beautiful animals.

I was so very surprised at the number of animals in residence at the Conservators' Center and the cleanliness and professionalism of the operation. The tour was conducted by a volunteer who happened to be a medical doctor by profession. He was very thorough in describing each genus of animal as well as each animal individually. It was extremely interesting to see all of the animals up close and personal yet to not feel afraid that they would get out of their enclosures as you could see that they were adequately enclosed while having plenty of room to roam and play in their areas. I wish I lived closer to the center. I would volunteer my time to help in any way that I could. I will return to visit every chance I get and donate as much as I can to this very worthy cause.

Visited the conservatory center and experienced something that I have never experienced before, I was so close to the wild life and yet the animals felt at home. They were taken care off really well. I admire the passion of the volunteers and other staff to dedicate so much of their time for these wonderful animals at the conservatory center. Really loved being there and definitely recommend everyone to visit if possible as you will definitely experience at least one new thing you have never experienced before.

I became familiar with the Conservators' Center about a year ago when I took my granddaughter there to see the animals. I was so impressed that these were rescue animals who were like lived by the staff and volunteers. I gave my son-in-law, who is a photographer, a gift certificate to the Photo Safari, an up-close opportunity to photograph the animals. I just can't say enough about the Center...it's awesome!

Been volunteering for 6 years and I am a lifetime adopter of TIGERS! It's the most awesome place for visitors to be up close and personal to the animals there.

Three years ago we used a Groupon to have a family experience instead of giving gifts for a holiday and that Groupon landed us in the midst of a Twilight Tour at the Conservators' Center. As we pulled up, it was dusk and the lions were already oofing! and the wolves were howling! It was a spine chilling, goosebump experience. It did not take us long to decide we needed to be a part of this amazing place. We have been adopters ever since and love, love, love our family time spent with our tiger and the wonderful staff and volunteers who feel like family.

What an amazing place! We took our first tour a few short weeks ago and cannot wait to return. My daughter wants to volunteer when she is old enough. What an incredible place.
The staff was the best! Our guides not only were very well informed about the animals, but well trained in the language of the lions and wolves. It was beyond words to hear them communicate with the lions and get them to roar. We will return and soon! I was impressed by the level of safety and security, especially considering how close we were to the animals during our tour.

Came out Saturday for our first visit and the Treats and Toys Tour. What a AWESOME experience! We thoroughly enjoyed every minute and are singing your praises to everyone! Megan was our tour guide and did such a fantastic job!! Thank you for allowing us the opportunity to experience the wild up close and personal and especially for being there for these animals! Just Awesome! Lynn G., Mebane, NC

We took our first tour earlier this month and cannot wait to go back! The staff is very friendly and knowledgeable and the facilities are clean and roomy. I didn't feel sorry for any of the animals. In fact, I felt grateful they had such an amazing environment with so many people who loved them. It was absolutely incredible hearing wolves howl and lions oof and roar!

I can't put into words what it feels like when the lions 'oooff'. Or the joy I feel seeing a 500 lb cat playing in a cardboard box. The Conservators' Center is one of the most unique places I have ever experienced. The staff and volunteers are all there because they love what they do...and it shows. I'm forever taking new and old friends and visiting family to visit, and they are always simply amazed. I will always support the Conservators' Center.

My wife and I got addicted to this facility back in February. Since then, we are now Lifetime Adopters of 2 beautiful kids (a tiger and a binturong), volunteer for animal care/construction or tours every saturday and I have started a website called savethebints.com. This facility/family is the most incredible experience of my life so far. They have become our home away from home and our only wish is that we could volunteer more and live closer.

After participating in one of their tours we were hooked!! The staff is exceptional and they have a large variety of small and large animals. We signed up to volunteer and have enjoyed working on various projects. It has been a very rewarding experience.

I recently visited my daughter who took me to the Conservatory - it was a wonderful experience to see how these magnificent animals can live in harmony with each other. The caregivers are a dedicated group of people who only have the animals' welfare at heart. I highly recommend a visit - it's worth every minute and penny! Thank you to all of you who have dedicated your lives to the saving of others. I only wish that people could get along as well as these beautiful creatures do! Thanks so much!

This place is fantastic! The volunteers and staff here not only educate visitors about the various animals in residence, but they create an atmosphere of love and quality care for each of the resident animals. Usually, I am saddened by the sight of animals in a "zoo." This is not a zoo. It is a refuge for animals who have no other home or who have outgrown the owners who tried to domesticate them. I have never been closer to tigers, lions and wolves. It was an amazing experience and one that we will do again!

This place is amazing! Not only do you get to learn a lot about big cats but also some smaller species most people have never heard of. The staff here is so dedicated and so nurturing to these animals many of them abused or with health issues. There tours are fantastic, I especially enjoyed the evening tour where the nocturnal animals were more active and the lions roared and the wolves howled! Go visit!

A wonderful place to visit! So glad these beautiful animals are well cared for. The facility is very clean, and the staff is great! You get closer to the animals here than at any zoo. Hearing the lions roaring was awesome! Great experience!

It is not a stretch to say that The Conservators' Center is my favorite place. I say it every time I visit, and to anyone who will listen! It is a remarkable facility focused on education, rescue, and conservation, and they take their mission seriously. The animals are incredible, special beings, with unique stories and needs, and you can learn about and see nearly all of them on any one of the many tours the Center offers. The tour guides are informed and energetic - they love their roles as educators and guides. And you will fall in love with a lion...or a tiger...or a lemur...or a serval...or a lynx...or a fox....or a binturong...or, if you're like me, with all of them! Visiting CCI is an experience you won't soon forget, and I'll wager one visit won't be enough. I am so grateful to have found this amazing facility so close to home!

I decided to visit the Conservators' Center when I talked to a friend who happened to be interning there. I purchased tickets and set up a time to take my mother, an artist who loves animals, for Mother's Day. Needless to say, we were amazed at such a gem right around the corner from our community! The guides were very enthusiastic yet professional and even lent us umbrellas when it started to sprinkle during our tour. I would definitely recommend a visit to anyone who loves animals and loves to learn.

I have personally visited twice bringing my family. The exceptional care theses animals get shows! Everyone was so helpful and even friendly to the two legged people!
However, you could tell by the facility and the staff they love that place and would do anything for the animals not at towing them harm in any way.
The structures were made with the animals in mind for their health and lifestyle..

I have visited the Conservators' Center with my daughter. It is a safe and wonderful place to learn about wild carnivores. The volunteers are very knowledgeable and the individual stories of some of the animal residents are fascinating. It's a fun and educational place to visit. I recommend it to anyone who loves and respects animals. If you are not aware of the issues associated with private individuals owning exotic animals, you should visit the center. Most of the animals there have been re-located there from situations in which someone bought them and then realized that owning a wild animal is not a good idea. I enjoyed it more than a visit to the zoo.

Great place to visit with the family. If your looking for a place to have a birthday party look no further then Conservators' Center they have a great deck or inside facility for a great price!

I actually came upon finding the Conservators Center accidentally. While trying to find a place to take my 3 year old for a day out for her birthday we came across this wonderful center. At first we were not expecting much since we found it on Groupon. Well it turns out it has been one of the best places that we had been to see animals! It had exceeded our expectations! My daughter absolutely loved it! The tour guide was very knowledgeable, friendly, and patient...especially with a very excited toddler who had asked a million questions. We loved that we were able to get closer to the beautiful animals. The best part for my daughter was when the tour guide allowed her to roar and howl at the wolves and lions and received them back! The facility was very maintained and clean, unlike some other places that we have been. We will definitely be coming back to this amazing place and have recommended it to all of friends!

I have been to the conservators Center 2 times and plan to go back again and again. The animals are wonderful to see. The lions are my favorite, especially Arthur. The tour guides have been great at explaining everything, answering questions and getting the animals to interact with the people.

An incredible way for people to learn and understand about exotic animals their habitats and how we have to save them before they become extinct

I was an intern this past summer with the Conservator's Center, and it was an amazing experience. The attention and care that the keepers show to the animals is amazing and inspiring to see. It's difficult to not fall in love with the Center, and it is the type of experience that stays with you long after you leave.

I'm not a member, nor really, a volunteer, but there's no field for someone such as I, one who deeply loves seeing an animal in such great surroundings. Also, I'm too poor even to be a donor. Were I not working on a free computer, I couldn't even tell you this!

I CAN tell you I enjoy the photos posted on FaceBook, & sometimes make comments. This makes me happy, because when I was physically able, one of my greatest joys was to visit =good= zoos, & see animals in realistic environments--not just bored silly in bare cages. Conservators Center obviously treats animals with love, as well as going well beyond their bare physical needs. These beautiful creatures obviously feel loved, & have more freedom than ALL zoos I've ever seen! It heals my heart to see this, & the value the animals receive seems priceless. Conservators Center DESERVES recognition for what they do!

I volunteer and i am a lifetime adopter of one of the lions at the center.
All the animals are well taken care of and look so happy to be in a better environment. Most of the animals at the center came from not so good conditions and the center took them, and gave them a better place to live.
The conservators center is an amazing place to visit and i recommend everybody to visit. It is definitely an experience of a lifetime.

A friend of mine was sponsoring a Geoffroy's cat. She showed me pictures of the cutest little kitten by the name of Clara. I thought that was neat, and Clara was so cute, but my friend told me that Clara wasn't the kind of animal that you could keep at your house. She invited me to come out with her and meet Clara in person so to speak, during an event that gave the residents pumpkins. I had no idea that cats liked pumpkins, but apparently they do! On the trip out, I got a tour of the center, and learned about not just the many cats, but the other animals there. Each group or animal have a very touching story, some had been pets, others had more tragic stories. The one thing that all the stories had in common however, was a happy ending at the Conservators' Center. This devoted group of people do just as much if not more to enrich the lives of these animals as a zoo or even Seaworld. They find ways to enrich the lives of the residents and teach each and every visitor about the animals and their role in the world. I know that the Conservators' Center didn't start out to be the place that it is, but what it has become is something fantastic. Ask Arthur Tiger, Kiera Lioness, Clara Geoffroy's cat...they will tell you how lucky they are, and remind you of your own place in the world, and what you can do to help make the world a better place for every living creature. I'm looking forward to introducing others to this amazing place.

How can you not just fall in love with the Conservators Center. From the moment you step on the grounds it is amazing. To be so close to these amazing animals and know they are loved and care for. I am honored to be able to volunteer here and will be picking that back up soon. It has helped me get through deployments with my husband gone. There is no better place to give your time and energy to to volunteer and know these animals are benefiting from it.

WE had no idea about the Conservators' Center till a friend told us about it. It was only over an hour from out house, so we decided to take a tour with our kids. My older daughter loves to learn about animal, so we thought this would be perfect. The facility was well maintained and the guides were very knowledgeable. We all had a great time and learned a lot about all the animals. I would highly recommend this facility to anyone in the area wanting to see some beautiful animals and their great rescue stories.

Took the tour on Labor Day with my two grandchildren and was truly amazed at the number of animals and the excellent care they are given. The tour guide was very educational and both children - age 14 and 7 enjoyed the visit. We have never been this close to lions, tigers and learned several new animals that we never new existed. This center provides an amazing service to the animals and educational experience for the public.

The Center is amazing! The love they have for their animals (and all animals) clearly shines through in everything they do! You can see just by looking at the resident animals there that they are happy, healthy, engaged and well-cared for in all aspects of their lives. More than worth the drive and price of a tour!

The conservator's center is an amazing experience for the whole family. It really is exciting! It has been the best experience ever! I'm hopin to get back down there soon. The workers and volunteers are soo heart warming and amazing!

We all just loved this sanctuary! We were invited to go and visit by our friend and took our three grandchildren in July and although it was warm, it was wonderful! We learned so much and came away with a great deal of respect and admiration for the staff and the great job they do with those beautiful animals. The complex is amazing and the cheetah has a "home to envy"! We would go back in a minute! The cats are so lucky to be in the care of such loving people and the interaction between them is amazing. The caretakers are lucky as well and so knowledgeable! Truly a feel good experience!

My family visited on the recommendation by a friend & it was fabulous! Well worth the drive & MORE than worth the tour fee. We were thrilled by the excellent condition of the facility, the animals are very well housed & taken care of & the tour guides know their business. We know the money they receive is being well & wisely used & I gladly bought even more things in their gift shop! We will be back to take a twilight tour so we can get to interact with all of the animals at the Conservators Center!

Although I have yet to visit, I have read and understand from my daughter all that the Conservators' Center does to help these animals. You have given these animals so much, and are there for each of them. The photographs and stories really warm the heart! I am so thrilled that I will be able to visit later in the summer. What a wonderful place! Wendy Butzer

Our family visited in April, and we cannot wait to go back over the summer with relatives. The guides were extremely well informed, but more importantly you could tell how passionate they were and their love and respect for the animals was abundantly clear. We couldn't believe how close you could get to the animals and I can still hear the lions talking to one another and we were thrilled to hear and see the wolves howling so up close and personal! I tell everyone about the Center and I hope they go because it's an amazing experience. The facilities are fabulous, which you don't expect when you first turn in the driveway. I suggest they spruce that up a bit because some may turn around based upon a first glance.

Conservators Center is such an amazing place. They care so much for the animals that they have rescued. They also help and give advice to other rescues around the world. I feel at home there and the animals are very well loved and cared for. It is just amazing.

I'm a veterinary technician as well as a member of our state animal response team. The care that these animals get, everything from natural habit (as close as you can get in NC), medical care, enrichment (toys, scents) and the love of their handlers is evident everytime you visit. Most of these animals have been rescued from horendous situations. I thank god that there is a group like this to help these animals out and to educate the public. Their one on one interaction with the tour groups is phenomenal, everyone from the youngest to the oldest in the tour get their questions answered. There are no stupid questions at CCI.

I never expected this to be like how it was when I visited for a tour. I was stunned by the size and amount of animals they have on hand. In no way is this a zoo, these animals are truly happy and act as they do in the wild. I would compare this experience to a safari before I would a zoo. The tour guides are extremely knowledgeable, energetic, and they truly care about the well being of the animals cared for here in the refuge. I would recommend this to animals lovers, anyone looking for something to do, or anyone wanting to feel the thrill of hearing lions roaring all around you. An unbelievable place that I will definitely visit with friends and families.

I never expected to be THAT close to magnificent animals--including lions and tigers. Hearing them "speak" thunderously or chuff more subtly to one another or to our guide all across the sanctuary is an experience I will never forget. And our guide was extremely knowledgeable about this wide variety of animals, and more than willing to speak to us at length to answer any questions we might have. I am proud to have a facility like this in my county and will try to raise awareness to get more support for this center so that these lucky animals can continue to thrive and others less fortunate than they may be able to join them one day.

I cannot begin to tell you what a great time, my husband, daughter and myself had. We visited on Nov.21, 2012, arrived a little over an hour early and they were able to change us to an earlier tour. The place was awesome, it is so wonderful to hear about the animals, how they came to them and what their personalities are. Our tour guide I believe was Stephanie and she was awesome, said she had only been there 1 year and you could tell she loves it. My family wishes we lived closer so we could volunteer, it was an amazing day and we were able to capture some great photos. We will be back soon, hopefully for the Christmas Tree toss. The Caldwell Family - Kernersville NC

I love this place! Fun, educational, and the work they do with animals is superb. Wonderful staff and volunteers, and the mutual respect between humans and animals is most evident. We are so lucky to have this wonderful place so near us so that we can visit. I have to get my "big cat" fix every so often!

I'd been hearing about the good work the Conservator's Center had been doing and finally went for a tour about 4 years ago. First thing I noticed was just how nice the staff was. They were very patient on the tour answering lots of questions especially about the more exotic animals. My tour group was fascinated by the Binturongs and I suspect we were able to watch them longer because of that interest. The kinkajous and the tigers were fun to watch and one tiger, Arthur, has a wonderful Facebook page. He even ran for President this year. The website for the center explains their mission better than I could. " The Conservators' Center is a home of last resort, providing a haven for elderly animals, animals with behavioral problems, or those with extensive injuries. " This is a wonderful place for any age group and the special occasions, like the Pumpkin Prowl. I don't live close enough to volunteer but am able to send a little money occasionally.

I am a lifetime adopter and volunteered at the Conservators' Center yesterday for the first time at Pumpkin Prowl. What an amazing experience! I didnt realize the incredible amount of work that goes into putting on an event like that for the public. The staff and the other volunteers worked tirelessly to get everything ready. After helping to distribute the pumpkins that were going to be scented for the animals, I was stationed by Mufasa's pride for the event itself, which also meant I was near my adopted girl Willow lioness for a few hours. I wouldnt trade that experience for anything!

I first visited Conservators' Center in February of this year and by March, I was volunteering at least once a week. It is so amazing to hear the stories of where these animals came from, to see how happy they are, and to see their individual personalities. It is evident they are well cared for and so loved by everyone there. No matter what kind of impact my work there has on the animals, I think the impact the animals have on me is at least 10 times greater. It is a place that any animal lover should visit because they will just fall in love with both the center itself along with each and every animal there.

The Conservators Center is a wonderful place for volunteers, visitors and animals alike. The staff work tirelessly for the good of each and every animal in their care. The tours are entertaining, educational and thought-provoking, and do much to raise awareness of the plight of captive and threatened animals. Many of their resident animals had nowhere else to go, or were kept in appalling conditions prior to being rehomed at the CC site. But all have found comfort and happiness in the care of the owners, staff, volunteers and adoptive parents of the Conservators Center. They have done so much with such limited financial support. No animal lover could leave this place untouched, and most return to visit again and again - drawn not just by the charming animals, but by the atmosphere of sincere devotion and selflessness that pervades the organization.

I have been working with the Conservators' Center as a volunteer since I was in college, where I heard about them from my Professional Writing & Rhetoric mentor. The staff allowed my classmates and I to use our writing skills to help them promote their work, and in return, we learned more of what it meant to write for a nonprofit. Many of my classmates were so touched by that experience that they now work at other nonprofits around the globe, but I went right back to the Center after I graduated and continued volunteering. Every single time I come down the driveway and hear the wolves howling and the lions oofing as I get out of my car, I feel so honored that I'm able to dedicate my time at such an incredible place. It is my job to make other people feel as amazed by the Conservators' Center as I am... but truth be told, the animals do that job far better than I ever could.

I first discovered the Conservators' Center through a friend who works there. I grew up as an animal lover, and her ability to tell the stories of the animals before they came to the Center was beyond compare. Some of the stories were chillingly beautiful, while others were heart-breakingly sad. Many animals at the Center came from mishandled human captivity, either through simple neglect or outright abuse, while some others came from homes that loved and cared for them, but simply could not meet their needs. I was amazed at their ability to take in all these animals, despite their limited budget, and provide good, consistent care. Each animal lives a comfortable, well cared for life, getting top quality veterinary/medical care, consistent food, and companionship both from members of their own species and from trained, dedicated staff. The Conservators' Center is truly an amazing place to visit and see.

I LOVE the Conservators' Center! There is no place I would rather spend my free time. From the first moment you pull onto the long gravel drive, through the winding road through the woods, you are then welcomed by the friendly staff if the gift shop. The tours are both knowledgeable and fun, with each animal exhibiting their unique personalities. The intimate enclosures give you the feeling of a closeness with the animal that cannot be experienced anywhere else. I highly recommend the Center!!

This place is AMAZING - the work they do is to be admired! I have never encountered wild animals up so close, learned so much about them or been so inspired to return to a place.

Awesome visit. Great view of the animals. Staff were knowledgeable and eager to share the wonderful stories of each of the animals. Will definitely visit again!

i visited the conservator's center last week with my five children. they had a great time, and learned a lot. i was very impressed with their professionalism, cleanliness, definitely the care for the animals, and safety guidelines. i think what they're doing for those animals is just awesome! it made me want to work there! i will spread the news about them to everyone i can think of. ~mandy jones

My husband and I took our six-year-old son and 18-month-old daughter to The Conservator's Center recently. We all had such a great time while there! We were very impressed with our tour guide - it was obvious to us that she was incredibly passionate about the mission of this organization. She was so knowledgable about each animal, and not only did she give us detailed information about their backstory, natural habitat, and habits..she shared the animal's individual histories as well. It really opened our eyes to the plight of these animals and the seriousness of their situation. You certainly can't get this kind of personal experience at the local zoo. It was amazing to be so close to the animals and to have the opportunity to feel a closeness with them, and not to feel rushed (which is how I feel whenever I go to the zoo). The facility itself was clean and well maintained. My husband and I can't wait to go back for one of the enrichment or twilight tours to find out what else we can learn. Our only suggestion is that they email you the consent form with your tour approval or put it on the website - it would have been easier to fill this out at home and bring it with us. The kids were getting restless waiting for everyone in the group to fill this out. And, hopefully they would save money on paper and ink for the forms. Great job, guys. We'll be seeing you again.

This is one one my favorite places on the planet. The animals are so peaceful and at home and loved here. And the people give everything they have to make sure the animals continue to feel that way. I was introduced to the Center by a work colleague. My first tour was a photography tour that I gave my husband as a birthday gift. Since then. I've been on at least 30 tours - I've brought groups, students at the college where I work, etc. I've also done three service learning courses with the Center as our partners so students are working directly with these passionate people for the good of the animals. I'm a lifetime adopter of Ugmo lioness and will be starting as an outreach volunteer soon. You won't find a place where people care more about their animals and their happiness.

I visited the Center on Easter weekend 2012 for the first time. I fell in love with all the good things going on here and can't wait to visit again in the future. My favorites were Arthur tiger, ALL of the wolves and finally the singing dogs. Megan was our tour guide and also Cody helped out when it came time to tossing the scented treats up and over the fences. I wish everyone at the center and ALL the animals continued happiness in everything they have left to do.

I've been volunteering with the Conservators' Center since fall of 2011. Every time I drive out there, I am amazed with the staff, animals, and facility. I was immediately welcomed into the family made up of amazing, dedicated individuals. The compounds are utterly amazing and I can only imagine the time it took to plan and build each cage to the needs of the individual animals. Each animal is wonderfully content and well cared for. I recently adopted Victoria, a 23-24 year old Geoffroy's Cat - you KNOW they're well cared for when they can live to that old age! Being able to spend a Saturday helping the public to experience the magic of the Conservators' Center never fails to make my day. It IS magical to stand in the compound listening to dozens of lions oof, singing dogs sing, and wolves howl. I can't wait to continue working with this wonderful organization!!

I visited the Conservator's Center with my 7-year-old not too long ago. I was so impressed with the staff and the place itself--I'm not a fan of zoos; wild animals should live in the wild. But the reality is, many are bred in captivity or removed from their natural habitat by people who then can't care for them. They can't be re-introduced into the wild and need and deserve to be provided for in an environment that suits their nature as closely as possible. Conservator's Center is the solution to this problem. And its thrilling and expertly guided tours through the compound serve to educate people and hopefully deter further exploitation of wild creatures.

I recently visited the Conservator's Center and took 3 friends, because I purchased a Groupon. I was surprised at its remote location and had no idea what to expect, but it sounded interesting. We went on the Treat Feeding and Enrichment Tour. What a fabulous experience!!! We fell in love with the animals and the place! The animals are obviously happy and well cared for. The staff respects the animals and allows them to engage with the visitors only to the extent that they wish to, but the animals seem to enjoy the visitors and to be stimulated by their presence. The animals "communicate" with staff and visitors, play soccer, and enjoy cardboard boxes just like house cats do. I enjoyed the Center so much that I took 3 more friends to visit a few weeks later, and I plan to take another group to visit soon. It is rare to get to view and interact with exotic animals in such close proximity, while still totally respecting them. The Center always places the animals needs and public safety first, and that has made the Center a wonderful place to visit. I am actively encouraging people to support the Center by visiting and making donations. I think about it and the animals every day, since I visited there.

Very special people taking care of very special creatures. Animals that humans, in their ignorance or apathy, would have let starve or be mistreated. This facility provides quality of life for many types of wild animals in a rural setting only enhanced by the animals presence. I originally brought my son to visit on his birthday because tigers are his favorite animal. Little did I know that I would become a donor, albeit a small one. The volunteer who led our tour took the time to frame a picture of one of the residents and give it to my son. It hangs on the wall in his room to this day. Thanks to the staff for providing a wonderful experience.

I would like to tell you our story about Jerimiah our Lemuar and how we had to find him a home he had grown into an adult and was becoming more and more diffult to manage especially to females, I was starting to be afraid of him and knowing I would have to be the one to feed him and change him was getting harder. We called many places and no one wanted him, I even called the Asheboro Zoo thinking they would take him because they had lemuars but they would not they told me to put him down. I was so angry with that response I could hardly think straight. Put him down, a perfectly healthy lemuar with no health problems no way I said storming out of my room, I was outraged a zoo that is equipted supposably would tell you to do that, well with that response I was more now than ever more determined that if I could not place him in a faclity that would be educated enough and equipted to handle this presious creation of God's work of art that I would somehow find a way to handle him at my own home some how some way. But I wuold not and I repeat I would not put him as they say down. So I continued to call and finaly my prayers were answered God turned me to the right phone call and they told me about the Conservators Center, I spoke to Mindy and she talked to Doug and we were asked to bring Jerimiah to meet them. They saw this lovely creature and said that they would take him on a trial basis. We gave a good size donation along with our help and built his house inside of the cage that they could put him in until they could fix up his permanant place. These two people along with their voluntiers are a Gods blessing to us as well as the wildlife animals that can no longer live in the homes of people who think that having a wild animal is something that they can handle. As small wild animals they are cute and cuddley but as they mature they endow their natural wildlife habits and can become harmful to people that know very little about how to handle them. I feel that I was called by God to take Jeri in as a small baby and then find him a home once he grow up becuase God knows how much my husband and I love animals of all kinds and we would make sure Jerimiah was taking good care of and loved. We love Jerimiah very much and we know that Mindy and Dough do as well and that they are God's care takeres for these beauitful creatures of God's and he will provide for them through people like us and you because if you are reading this you must love these babies too. May God bless you and alll, Kathy and Ron Humble the previous partents of Jerimiah and lifetime adopting partents for Jerimiah which now has a companion Cookie, a female Lemuar. If you can help out with their cause I am sure God will bless you greatly with his love and graciousness.

The Conservators' Center (CCi) provides a home to big cats (like lions, tigers, and leopards), small cats (including servals, caracals, lynx, jungle cats, Geoffroy's cats, bobcats), fox, wolves, New Guinea singing dogs, binturongs, and more. They provide badly needed healthcare as well as a comfortable and loving environment for these animals, for whom the alternative is often inhumane conditions or euthanasia. The volunteers and staff at CCi really care about all of the animals, although each of us has our our favorites, just as the animals have their favorite people. Over the course of many years, I have volunteered for many tasks - feeding/watering, cleaning cages, and most frequently, construction. I love the opportunity to be outdoors, close to the animals, constructing a cage or building enrichment for the animals to climb, swing, or lounge on. It makes me feel like a kid again. Knowing that I can do something to help these animals, while being a part of a caring, dedicated community really takes me outside myself to be a part of something larger that is important. The work and the atmosphere centers me. I truly believe I get far more than I could ever give. The animals are all beautiful and interesting and you can get much closer to them than you can at a zoo, so you can see and understand them better. It's something that everyone should experience on a tour (the tour guides are great!) or as a volunteer.

Simply amazing. This shelter is saving our wildlife while educating the public and promoting animal rights and safety. The Conservators Center is breathtaking and a gift to this planet.

My family and I really enjoyed our visit to the Conservators Center. We could tell that every single person we met who was involved with the Center was totally committed to preserving these animals and providing the best environment and life possible. During our visit there was an altercation between two female tigers and their roars were very loud and scary to us visitors. We were really impressed with the staff's calm response to the problem and their quick separation of the tigers. We also liked the how our guide explained the Center's mission regarding wild animal rescue. We will bring our family and friends on many more visits!

The Conservator's Center is a bit off the beaten path but well worth the visit. Some friends and I went to see the "tree toss", where old Christmas trees are put in the cages for the animals to play with. What a great place! Every animal has a story and the volunteers talk about them as if they were their children. The highlight was when the lions began to "talk" to each other across the compound. Their roars sounded like we were in a stadium listening to loud speakers. Absolutely awesome! I'm looking forward to another visit in the summer.

My daughter wanted to go on an animal tour for her 9th birthday. I am so glad a friend recommended The Conservators' Center! We picked the Feeding and Enrichment tour. The tour had a good size group, was very informative and the animals were entertaining. It met all of my daughter's expectations and the rest of the family enjoyed much more than we thought we would. I would highly recommend this tour.

The Conservator's Center is an incredible facility that provides large cats and other animals with a wonderful environment in which to live, grow, and educate. I was always amazed by my time volunteering there, both with the animals themselves and with the people who care for them. The facility is attentive to the needs of each animal, and every worker there obviously cares a great deal for the work they do. The animals themselves are happy, healthy, and well-adjusted, and are clearly content to live where they do. I love this center, and hope to continue supporting it for many years. If I still lived in the area, I would be volunteering at every opportunity.

Every year, I drive 4 1/2 hours to visit this incredible facility! They give new meaning to the word heart-centered, for that comes across at every turn and each encounter. I feel so grateful for the wonderful service that they offer on behalf of these beautiful creatures who now live there. I am happy that they have a forever home at the Conservators' Center! Thank you!

The Conservaor's Center does vital work sheltering and caring for exotic animals, particularly big cats. They have nmany beautiful creatures in their care, and the staff is so devoted and atentive. They offer unique and informative tours of their facility and do truly marvelous work!

“I am extremely proud to be able to recommend the Conservators Center for an outstanding and informative time in this facility. I have known Mindy Stiener through my wife for 2 years. When I first met Mindy she was extremely welcoming me to her facility as well as her entire staff. I immediately noticed that Mindy was a standout in many core areas of my philosophies including Animal Welfare, habitat enclosures, employee awareness, customer experience, and Developing the team. Shortly after meeting Mindy she embraced my feelings with exotics and gave me the most enjoyable one on one experience I have ever had. Over these past few years I have gotten a more sense of understanding of what it actually takes to run a facility like this. The awareness to the public is bar nun. I wish we could have more facilities like this that actually educates the public. From my experience Mindy was able to assist in teaching, coaching, directing, within the facility while multi tasking and developing the knowledge of her team. In my professional opinion the conservators center is a true life experience which everyone needs to experience. It was great to watch Mindy in her environment and have the opportunity to recommend her and her facility for this review. I can tell you that I would not hesitate to hire Mindy into a position within my Organization due to the fact of their passion, desire and motivation for the welfare and education they deliver. The Conservators Center has a unique way of making thier customers and team feel comfortable. I can most definitely see a goal to give there customers a great experience so they would come back and recommend to friends and family. Any great Organization no matter what the product or service they offer should understand this is the key for any business to not only survive but to flourish. I strongly feel that the Conservators Center would be an strong asset to educate and communicate the life of exotic animals. Please feel free to contact me at anytime if you have any questions about my experience with Mindy Stiener and her Facility feel free to contact me @ 910-257-3016.” April 5, 2012

What a wonderful way for abused and/or abandoned animals to live out the rest of their days! The tour is great. It's very informative and the volunteers really want to anwser all of your questions.

Amazing animals and amazing people. Definitely a, 'not to be missed' place to see if you are in the area. The experience is unique an unlike any 'zoo' experience you may have had in the past.

I am a fan of big cats and the Conservators Center has big cats: lions, tigers, leopards, and small cats, too: bob cats, servals, caracals, jungle cats, lynx, ocelots, chausies, & Geoffroy's cat. They have other animals as well. The Conservators Centers does a fantastic job of caring for them all and ensuring for the safety of the animals are safe, the community, and their keepers. The animals are used now for educational purposes and in educating the public, they perform another much needed public service. The education primarily revolves around the stories of how all the animals came to be the Center and the role of some of the animals in their native habitat/ecosystem. You see, almost all of their animals are all wards of the state (so to speak); they've been confiscated by the department of agriculture, fish and game, or other government agency from their owners who held them illegally, or found they could no longer care for them. Yes the Conservators Center does Good!

Forget Disney World--The Conservator's Center is the "happiest place on earth", for the animals who were rescued from often horrible circumstances and now have the food, care, and safety they deserve, and for those of us lucky enough to have discovered it. The love and devotion of the staff and volunteers is very apparent. I first visited last November (couldn't believe I lived 30 miles away and yet had no idea they were there until I read their story in my AAA magazine!), have returned twice more, and look forward both to more visits and eventually to volunteering. Unlike a zoo, you really meet the animals, many of whom come up to greet you, and hear their individual stories, some of which will make you cry. The facility itself is wonderful, with a new visitors' center and gift shop. They also have a very informative website that includes bios of all their residents, and lists ways the public can help support their very worthy mission.

Rescue organization for large and small exotic animals. A large group of lions and tigers. All animals are very well cared for and are all animals experience enrichment. My first visit resulted in my adopting 2 animals. One very beautiful lioness and one very handsome singing dog.

Wow! What a great experience! We learned so much & can't wait to go back!

The Conservator's Center is an amazing place filled with special animals and people. We have been adopters for the past 2 years after taking a tour of the facility. If you haven't been, take the time and you won't be disappointed!

The most passionate and knowledgeable group of staff members! One tour moved my seventeen--year-old brother-in-law to want to sponsor Ami, one of the phenomenal wolves at the Center. Since he could not afford it on his own, he asked for the sponsorship to be his birthday gift from us. Every animal is so special and the staff works to share each and every one of them in all of their uniqueness. You will not find a group of people more in touch with their mission than the staff and volunteers at the Conservators' Center!!

The Conservator's Center was wonderful. I visited with 6 members of my family ranging in age from 8-75. Upon arrival, we were welcomed and told heart warming stories of some of the animals we were about to see. Our tour guide also told us about each animal, where they came from, and talked to us about how important their roles are on our planet. It was really neat being able to get so close to the big cats, and hearing the lions roar was something so awesome I can't even put it in words! The wolves were a favorite too, we just couldn't get over how big they really are! I am so happy this place was able to take these animals in and give them a safe, clean place to live and at the same time, allow regular folks like us to see & learn about them up close. Although we live about 4 hours away, we plan on visiting again this summer and will bring friends with us!

The Conservators' Center is an amazing place full of great people and animals. I started out at the Conservators' Center as a Summer Intern. We started the day at 8 and usually didn't end until 4 at the earliest. The Conservators' Center has a mission of Conservation, Education and Rescue. Many of the animals are rescued from bad situations where unqualified people were "caring" for them. Through outreach and tours CCI works to education the public on many species that are at risk but not part of the traditional AZA zoo population. The staff and most volunteers have dedicated their lives to CCI and work very hard to care for the animals, often spending what little free time and money they make on improvements to the site as well as basic transportation to the site. My internship had a huge impact on me and although I do not intend to have a career working with exotics I do see myself continuing to volunteer with CCI in my free time as I have continued to go back regularly as a volunteer after my internship ended. The

I was an intern during the summer months of 2011. I was very impressed with how organized the Conservators' Center was/is. I interned for 6 weeks and really got to see all of the work it takes to run this facility. I saw firsthand how dedicated the workers are to well-being of the animals, donors, volunteers, and visitors of the center. This center is full of love for the animals. During my time there, always recycled and only threw away what we absolutely could not reuse. This center is very green-friendly.

I happened across an article on the Conservators Center in AAA's magazine last fall and thought it looked like a place I might enjoy visiting. My granddaughter, a friend and I visited the center around the first of December and they had just gotten settled into the new building which now houses their offices, a meeting room and gift store. We decided to do the late evening tour and knew it would get dark before we finished. The sun was getting low in the sky as we sat on the deck and waited for our tour to begin. We were treated to the big cats roaring and an occasional howl of the wolves. That was so awesome. The lady that conducted our tour was so knowledgeable and it quickly became apparent that these animals were very special to her. It did get dark by the time we got to the big cats but many of them did come up to the fences for us to see them. And Arthur of course, stole the show. He is so beautiful and it was very easy to see this handsome white tiger with a flashlight and the white lights they had on the fence. We were treated to cookes, hot chocolate and hot cider after the tour and had a chance to ask questions and learn more about this extremely interesting place. My only disappointment was that it was hard to get any pictures in the dark but it the big cats were active in the night and I loved hearing their roars. These are very dedicated people who love these animals and give them the best care possible. I don't like seeing animals confined and wish all of them could be in the wild where they belong, but the animals that are at the Conservators Center can not be returned to the wild, but they are given the best care and their lives are made as good as possible at this place by people who truly love them. I will be visiting again very soon.

I have visited the Conservators' Center twice and was very impressed with how it was run and how happy and relaxed the animals were. I will definitely visit again in the future!

Great place! The animals are well taken care of. Everyone that works there or volunteers really have the animals health and safety in mind. I have taken a group of customers to visit and it went perfectly. Everyone was safe, it was enjoyable as well as informative. Overall, just a wonderful place run by a wonderful group of people!

An old school friend is a volunteer at the Conservator's Center, and he took us on a tour. It was amazing to see how much they were able to do with the funds they had, and all of the animals seemed well cared-for and genuinely cared-about. I live 1000 miles away, so I haven't gotten to see the new improvements they've made to the facilities, but I get the e-newsletter every month. If you're in NC or near enough to drive, I definitely recommend scheduling a tour.

We visited the Conservators Center as a family and took their walking tour for all ages. My husband, my 4 year old son and myself thoroughly enjoyed our visit. It was educational, entertaining, and a real treat to see some animals we had never seen before and other close up. The tour guide was friendly, informative and courteous. We highly recommend taking the tour. Be prepared to walk on a dirt path, and dress accordingly.

Love the Conservator's Center! I have been twice and plan to go again and again! The staff are very knowledgable about the animals and their history- they obviously love what they do! They are also very friendly and do their best to to get everyone involved during the tours. They answer any and all questions one might have. It is just an overall GREAT place!

I went to visit the Conservator's Center with a school club and was completely blown away by how awesome the center was. The tour and information provided about each of the animals was awesome and really gave me a good feeling. It was clear that the volunteers and other staff truly cared about the animals well being. Each animal seemed to be happy and enjoying their lives there, unlike some of the other facilities I have visited where the animals just look sad. I was truly astounded by how great this place was and would definitely recommend it to anyone passing through the area.

I love the Conservators' Center! Wonderful staff, wonderful animals; they deserve all the recognition they can get! They have great events and outreach for their followers on facebook, and Arthur Tiger even has a page! Great experience, can't wait to visit again.

The Conservators' Center does such outstanding work. They protect and save wild animals, and at the same time educate children and adults about the animals and why we need to take care of them. They talk about the dangers (to the animals and humans) of having wild animals as pets. They have a wonderful, beautiful facility and guided tours that are so wonderful you can't even describe them. THANK YOU Conservators' Center.

The Conservators’ Center (CCI) is an exotic animal rescue facility located near Mebane, North Carolina (about 70 miles from my home). Working with the animals is the highlight of my week.

The work is hard and at times unpleasant, but the relationships I have built with the animals and the people at CCI more than makes up it. There is nothing like when a full-grown tiger sees me and chuffles a greeting of recognition or when I drive up to the facility and the lions, wolves and singing dogs recognize the sound of my vehicle and start howling their hellos.

I've had incredible experiences caring for the animals and have formed lasting relationships. I never imagined I'd ever get the chance to work with such majestic creatures that always manage to teach me something new and leave me in awe.

Over the past three years, I have had the opportunity expand my knowledge and experience in exotic animal husbandry and behavior training. Working there has helped me gain an appreciation for the challenges and difficulties associated with keeping exotics especially for a non-profit organization.

I have acted as an activist and volunteer in many different capacities over the years. Volunteering at the Conservator's Center however has meant more than giving my time and energy to a cause. I go out every Saturday and can see the difference this organization makes in the lives of the animals. Some of whom I can't help but wonder how it is they could ever trust humans again. Each Saturday evening I come back home tired, dirty and exhilarated with the knowledge that I have been given the opportunity to be part of something so genuinely good.

I first came to the Conservators' Center for a tour with my family over the Thanksgiving holiday and my husband and I have been onsite every Saturday since as volunteers. When our schedules' allow, we help out multiple days a week. We began volunteering for the animals and quickly realized that we were becoming so attached not only because of the animals but because of the amazing community of people at the Center. When we come to CCI, we feel like we are spending time with our extended family, both animal and human.

When you help at CCI, you also always have the feeling that you truly are needed. Every day that I am volunteering I know that I am assisting with a task that needs to be done, I feel useful and appreciated.

My wife and I visited CCI in mid-April 2011 to take part in a photography tour. We were so taken with the animals, their stories and the commitment the staff and volunteers have for those animals, that my wife wanted to return as soon as we could. So we did, the following weekend, bringing our son and his girlfriend out for a Twilight Tour. After that tour, my wife wanted to return again.

So we began volunteering the next Saturday.

Volunteering at CCI has given us a chance to see the amount of work, energy, planning and dedication it takes to care for all of the animals at CCI. This is a remarkable organization and collection of people who are putting their time and resources into making life better for animals who have no one else to care for them.

I know members of this group and have worked with them in our clinic and outside of the hospital. They are truly selfless and dedicated. The time and the care invested in this Conservatorship is immeasurable. They put it all out there everyday, every holiday, every snow day all those days when weather throws you a bombshell...they get up and they go and take care of the residents. Mindy is a dynamo and her heart and her passion are as real and right as the air that surrounds us. This place is a haven and a sanctuary for some of the most beautiful animals on this earth. They have found more than a home here, they are safe. We have the great privilage to share a moment with them, and realize our obligations to ensuring their continuing success in the future by participating in the educational benefits that the Conservators Center brings to the public Get on board, learn about the big cats, the singing dogs, and a host of other animals. It's a marvel, so participate, enjoy and spread the word.... and if you see a Bobcat named Reno, or a serval named Pasha give them a mwao, mwao,mwao from me.

This is a fabulous organization. I was a summer intern for 2009 and I had a great time. I got hands-on animal care experience and they helped shape the internship around my intrests. For example, I want to be part of the education field and they trained me to give educational tours. I was also very interested in young animal training and was allowed to work hands on with wolf cubs. These people are incredibly knowledgable and very passionate and it is, by far, the best animal care experience I've had to date.

The Conservators Center is a facility that takes in animals when their owners can no longer care for them and that also rescues animals from various unsafe or unhealthy conditions. They are amazing creatures and the Conservators Center guides will explain each animal’s story and how they came to live at the Center. Some of the rescued animals came from previously horrible situations, and it’s astonishing to see how well they are recuperating and actually thriving at the Center with proper nutrition, healthcare and even play time. The staff at the Conservators Center is wonderful with their animals and provides them with everything they need to live happy healthy lives. When touring the Center, you are always a safe distance from the animals, but you can get much closer than at a zoo so that you can really see the animal well. You’ll even be able to hear and smell them from such a close distance and it really enhances the experience. Learning the life stories of and interacting so closely with the animals makes you feel bonded to them. Sometimes one of the animals will begin creating a noise and then they all join in the chorus. The wolves howl, the lions roar, the tigers grumble, the singing dogs sing and even the smaller animals join in with their calls. The sound of all these animals in unison is out of this world and can give you chills. It’s a truly remarkable experience.

Having volunteered and interned at six other wildlife sanctuaries and zoos, I was very impressed with Censervator's Center Inc.! You could feel the compassion the founders have for their mission and inhabitants just by hearing them talk about the animals and the continuing plans they have for expansion and improvements. Every cage had animals who seemed relaxed, content and used the cage enrichments that had been thoughtfully added to their space. I wish I could help them monetarily, because like most non-profits, financial sources are stretched to their full capacity and there is always a need for more. My experience at the Conservator's Center was amazing because of the care Mindy Stinner took to answer all of my questions, she gave me a comprehensive tour of the facility and is a wealth of of up-to-date information. The Center is one I would want to model my own after. It is a great example of passionate people who are truly contributing to the animal cause and making a difference.