National Foundation For Rescued Animals

This organization should be ashamed of its financial mismanagement. If you check them out on reputable non-profit evaluation sites like Charity Navigator they get one star. That is because they only spend 50% of their revenue on their actual mission! They take in about $500,000 annually and spend half of it on fundraising and administration! I would never donate to an organization that spent less than 85% on its stated mission. This is a sham. I feel sorry for the animals they have. If you want to protect animals, donate to another group that actually uses your money for the stated goal.

My experience with Tiger Creek over the past ten or more years has been excellent. The staff care for the animals at this facility with utmost respect, patience, and kindness. All of which must be exhibited when caring for any animal, but especially those that are in private collection. The habitats the animals live in are exceptionally clean and spacious with plenty of room for outdoor play and enrichment as well as indoor shelter from our storms. Each and every staff member I have encountered is extremely knowledgeable about each and every animal, and the love they feel for them is evident. I am so thankful there is a wildlife resource in East Texas that takes such pride and care in the animals at their facility.

My experiences at Tiger Creek are always so wonderful. My family and I love seeing not only the animals, but also how dedicated the entire staff is to rehabilitating and caring for all of them. Each time we go, we are a bit more educated. These men and woman pour their heart and soul in to what they are doing and it shows. I encourage you to go!

My visit to Tiger Creek Animal Sanctuary was an unforgettable experience. As soon as I arrived, I was impressed by the sanctuary's commitment to providing a safe and natural habitat for big cats. The staff was incredibly knowledgeable and passionate, offering a fascinating guided tour that highlighted the unique stories of each resident tiger, lion, and other exotic cats.
Walking along the well-maintained paths, I could see the animals up close in their spacious enclosures, designed to mimic their natural environments. The sanctuary's efforts in conservation and education were evident throughout the visit. Informative signs and interactive exhibits provided insights into the plight of these majestic creatures in the wild and the importance of wildlife conservation.
One of the highlights was observing the enrichment activities. It was heartwarming to see the tigers engaging with toys and treats, showcasing their playful and inquisitive nature. The sanctuary’s dedication to the well-being of these animals was truly inspiring.
The experience was not only educational but also deeply moving. It reinforced my appreciation for wildlife conservation and the critical role sanctuaries like Tiger Creek play in protecting endangered species. By the end of my visit, I felt a profound connection to these magnificent animals and a renewed commitment to supporting conservation efforts. Tiger Creek Animal Sanctuary is a must-visit for anyone passionate about wildlife and eager to learn more about the incredible work being done to protect big cats. - Chase

This facility has a beautiful layout and a passion staff. Definitely, worth taking a tour! My kids loved watching the staff train the cats while talking about the history of each cat. Most had a sad start before coming to Tiger Creek with each story being unique and inspiring. Tiger Creek goes above and beyond to give these cats, and other animals on the grounds, the best life possible. Thank Tiger Creek for all the great work that you do!

During our visit, it was evident that each tiger's story is one of rescue and rehabilitation, showcasing the sanctuary's unwavering dedication. The tigers thrive here, enjoying ample space for enrichment and play, thanks to the expert care provided by passionate staff.
They are more than just a sanctuary, it serves as a beacon for wildlife conservation, actively promoting awareness and education. Whether you're a nature enthusiast or conservation advocate, a visit here promises a heartfelt connection with these magnificent animals and the exceptional people who safeguard them.
In short, the Tiger Creek Rescue Sanctuary offers a remarkable experience that resonates with anyone who values nature, conservation, and the profound bond between humans and animals.

NFRA is a wonderful nonprofit. I have never been prouder to support a cause

I recently met the Director. Since he was soliciting my support, I looked up the organization's 990 tax returns. I was appalled to find that in addition to his and his family member's extremely high salaries, he also RENTS to property to the foundation for an average of $150,00 a year for the past 5 years. Property that the Smith County appraisal district is valued at $95,039
How can anyone in good conscience donate to this man.?

The 990 tax form for 2015 has recently been added. Please review this form before considering a donation to this organization. It shows that the Executive Director is financially benefitting from the organization way above and beyond his salary, all while still owing over $500,000 back to Tiger Creek. In order to be transparent with donors, an explanation is required regarding the "accrued interest" in the amount of $1,598,449. Is this money owed to the Executive Director? If this is the case, than it is obvious that the animals are not the priority.

Awesome Charity, the executive director is VERY transparent when approached in person. Clearly being attacked by cyber trolls with untruths!!!

I would advise that people read over the form 990's. Take a look at salaries but then also look at the section on loans to key employees. For the fiscal year of 2014 a key employee owed the non-profit $595,563. His salary reported on that form is $323,973.

Another question I would recommend asking, is why aren't the habitats, mentioned in the review from 3/2015 below, finished YET?

That they allow the key employees to have outstanding loans of half a million dollars (at least in 2014) and have not completed an important project like habitats for the cats, is the reason I rate this non-profit as only one star. My "role" should be listed as "Former Donor"

Exciting work at Tiger Creek Wildlife Refuge for 2014-2015. We've just completed a capital expansion of more than $1 million. This includes the construction of the last 6 habitats, the staff should be able to complete them over the next 12 months. Now the 1st phase of development is that much closer to completion. Additional improvements for 2015 include paved walk ways for guest, clearing land for the new veterinarian science center and the future visitors orientation center as well as much needed parking space that was tested with more than 2,000 park visitors during Spring Break.

Great job tiger staff,

B. Werner
Executive Director

Wonderful and exciting growth, new developments are looking amazing. New habitats, new buildings, new public access areas.

I had the honor of meeting the executive director and his wife, my planned short visit turned into a 2-hour sit down. I have never seen anyone more dedicated to animals in my entire life. This man had a wealth of knowledge and insight to the issues involving big cats especially tigers. And I could instantly see in his eyes and expression how compassionate he is about his work. Like the old saying goes, Still Waters Run Deep; I could tell that this man is gifted and he clearly works around the clock because he instantly responded to a personal thank you email that I sent out to him at 2:30 am.

I've actually seen Tiger Creek in-person. And its new structures are amazing. Here's the real question that everyone should be asking: If I was a big cat in the USA where would I want to live? And hands down, I can honestly say Tiger Creek. Go see for yourself!

I have been a donor for many years and I am very happy with Mr. Werner. I think he is doing an amazing job. I will continue to donate for years to come.

As a current member, and someone who has donated several hundred dollars in the last five years, I am rather stunned to find out about the excessive salaries taken by the top positions of the organization.

Deferred compensation or not, the numbers indicate that TMLF/TCWR is not quite the "Labor of Love" professed publicly by this charity's administrators.

I won't be renewing my membership when it expires in 2014.

Guidestar does annual nonprofit compensation surveys, as does NonProfit
Times, and as do others. The NonProfit Times guide for 2012, for the
record, suggests that for organizations with budgets ranging between
$2.5 million - 4.9 Million, the CEO averages $119,167; the median is
$110,500.

Brian Werner's yearly salary as CEO is $130,000
Terri Werner's yearly salary as COO is $110,000

Looks to me that they are both on target considering they each have 20
plus years of experience.

Anything in addition to these annual salaries was clearly "deferred
compensation" being removed from the books from the first 10-years of
operations.

I cannot speak to the abilities of the Werners to care for the animals. I can, however, speak to the incredibly inflated salaries - well over $300,000 between the two of them. I am a 27 year nonprofit CEO who has worked in organizations with much larger budgets - and I have never earned what he is paying himself. As a lifelong animal welfare advocate, this truly saddens and appalls me - no one goes into these fields to get rich - and while I wholeheartedly support the mission, these people are totally outrageous in their compensation, and I will not give to their organization as a result. Guidestar does annual nonprofit compensation surveys, as does NonProfit Times, and as do others. The NonProfit Times guide for 2012, for the record, suggests that for organizations with budgets ranging between $2.5 million - 4.9 Million, the CEO averages $119,167; the median is $110,500.

It's a shame that the animals are deprived because of the greed or arroganceof the people who run these organizations. While they may be due a living stipend, constantly soliciting money so they can stuff their pockets seeems to be dishonest at the least and, at worst, a scam.

I agree, there is too much money spent on salary of the founders.n I will spend my money on better run organizations, who do not just compensate themself.

I have been a donor for several years, but I've just discovered this website. Prior to beginning to donate I checked out this group to ensure it was a legitimate enterprise and that they were really making an impact. What I didn't know until now is that the founders are VERY higly compensating themselves at $320,000 between the couple.
Brian & Terri should be ashamed of themselves. Most non-profits compensate their Directors at a nominal fee (if any) such that the majority of the revenue is spent on the animals, with some spent on investments to ensure the survivability of the organization.
I will no longer support Tiger Creek opting to redistribute my donations to other organizations who do the work for the love of the animals without regards to personal profit.