I am a volunteer at EFBC and it has easily been the most enjoyable and lesson-filled experience of my life, so far. Every day I learn something new, and the bonds that I've built with my coworkers and the cats is worth more than I can express. It takes determination and willpower to continue this journey, starting from the bottom of course, but everything is well worth it. We take extreme safety precautions that should be honored and praised. I love EFBC!
I have been volunteering at the EFBC for a year and still can't wait to get there every weekend. It's a safe, meaningful, and fulfilling experience. Volunteers are depended on to take care of the felines, provide a quality of life factor, and spend time with them. They hold many events over the year that also add fun and excitement. We are held accountable for safety of fellow volunteers as well as learning about the cats. It is not a free for all, they make sure you are ready before they allow you direct contact. Their purpose and goals are incredible and successful. I have a part in feline conservation, education to the public on endangered species, and preventing cats in the wild from being put in zoos. It has been a wonderful experience and I am sure it will continue to be for as long as they will have me!
EFBC is an amazing place. I've volunteered there for 15 years (the last five being long distance drives for fund raisers since I moved from Southern Cal to Northern Cal) and the experience has brought me some of the most meaningful and memorable times of my life. Whether you're a volunteer or a visitor, the beauty of the cats combined with the care of the staff and an opportunity to see these animals (the cats, NOT the volunteers) in such close proximity is balm for the soul. I love this place.
The term conservation is often used loosely. There are very few true conservation facilities, EFBC is one that does it right. Their focus is directed at preserving the most endangered species of wild cat and educating the public on all facets of saving these magnificent creatures. I have been very impressed with the staff and care of the animals in my visits to EFBC. They are open to all ages, so getting the youth involved at an early age is very important. I recommend them highly and they will have my continued support.
I first went up to the "Cathouse" almost twenty years ago - it was a small band of volunteers with a dream - to provide a place for the great cats of the world. The neat part was it was free, and anyone could join in and help. Well, I lived too far away, and didn't have the time or money. Then in 2003 I was reminded of this facility, and was pleased to hear they had survived. I had the means and the time now, and so I headed up to volunteer - current sight unseen. I was pleased and overwhelmed by the changes that people had made - not rich people, but just people. Students, elderly, boy scouts, infants, all pulled together to create an Oasis of hope in the high desert. Current admission is still very low, and the value is tremendous. It is cat nirvana.