The Wild Animal Sanctuary- Texas (formerly International Exotic Feline Sanctuary, Inc.)

I am impressed by the care they take to shield the animals from disturbances. They are large habitats, healthy food, and regular veterinary care, thus living out their lives in comfort and (relative) freedom. A+

This home to many animals is absolutely amazing! The staff and interns do a remarkable job keeping the animals safe, fed, and allowing them to live their lives free of abuse, harm or neglect.

Best managed and run facility in the state. I have never seen healthier and happier animals anywhere. They have outstanding enrichment programs that promote the emotional health of the animals. I will continue my contributions and visits for a very long time.

Interned here and saw how well they treat the animals and how focused they are on the cause.

I used to volunteer at the sanctuary years ago. This place is definitely a top notch sanctuary in animal welfare and safety. The residents are provided with appropriate space to explore and enrichments to enjoy. The employees and the volunteers go through training and there are clear rules to follow. I always felt peaceful when I was there and it was therapeutic to be with those animals. If I could, I would volunteer again.

I love visiting and volunteering my time at this non-profit animal sanctuary. You can really see the passion of the people that work there when you are there. The people are very knowledgeable about the animals and conservation. The animals are fantastically taken care of by seeing how happy they look.

My family and I love the Sanctuary! We appreciate all the work that goes in to taking care of these gorgeous animals. Such a great facility and cause.

My family loves this place. Without this organization, we know many of the amazing animals would not be alive today. My daughter and I even volunteered a few times. Saber is our all time favorite, but the are all amazing. The people there work hard to ensure the animals’ comfort and care are a top priority.

We took our church pre-teens to visit the sanctuary. They had an amazing time. I learned so much and enjoyed the Wonderful staff!

The animals at the sanctuary are able to live in a quiet natural setting that promotes their well being. Close attention is given to the best diet for every individual animal along with the best habitat. Enrichment is given out on a regular basis. The care takers are always respectful of each animal’s needs for comfort and stimulation. I having been volunteering here for several years and have thoroughly enjoyed getting to know the staff and the animals.

Such a great organization. Always able to help the captive large carnivores!

Beautiful Sanctuary with Wonderful people and animals.

It’s so nice to have an organization like this that fosters to the animals the way that they do. The facilities are wonderful and the staff caring, the animals are definitely the focus for care. Continue being amazing!

Amazing place for the rescued animals! So happy the Sanctuary is here to help with the Captive Wildlife Crisis.

I have been an intern at TWAS for about two months and can easily say I have learned so much in such a short amount of time. The staff here take such great care of their animals and they truly care about helping interns learn about the zookeeper field and to gain confidence in their own abilities. One of my favorite animals at the sanctuary is Karen, who is a white tiger. I will always appreciate the time I have spent here!

Just for the months that I’ve been interning here I’ve been able to experience the joy in working with these amazing animals. I’m so thankful and amazed at all this sanctuary for these animals. TWAS is an extraordinary place doing extraordinary things everyday and I’m so happy to have the opportunity to be a part of it!

I have been interning at The Wild Animal Sanctuary for almost two months now, and it is so rewarding to work at a facility that genuinely cares for animals and their welfare. I am grateful for the TWAS family and for guiding me through these life-changing experiences.

Awesome sanctuary with awesome animals who are being taken care of by a team who cares so much! The animals are loved and spoiled by every staff member and intern. Also! Safety is priority #1 to ensure that every animal and person is at their best at all times ������������

TWAS-Texas is an amazing sanctuary that provides lots of space and love for their animal residents. They educate others on conservation in order to protect exotic cat and bear species. They never take a day off and they work so hard to keep their animals happy and healthy. They provide a home to many abused, neglected, and starved animals who came from various backgrounds like circuses and private owners. These abused and neglected animals can now have a home free of all that sorrow. I highly recommend visiting TWAS-Texas, donating and trying to get involved with their sanctuary.

Lions, tigers and bears... oh my! Come for the tigers, stay for the bears.

I volunteered at the Sanctuary for many years till old age caught up to me! the welfare of the rescued animals has always been at the forefront of everything the Sanctuary does. the animals are provided with spacious habitats, proper nutrition and emotional enrichment, plus veterinary care when necessary. It was an amazing experience working around these incredible animals

This organization provides the highest quality animal care. Each resident receives endless love and enrichment. I’m tremendously honored to work with such passionate and selfless individuals towards such a meaningful cause!

I am working at this sanctuary as an intern and, not only has it been wonderful caring for the animals, every day is enjoyable with my coworkers. We all work hard to ensure the best life for each of our animals and I personally love how we each can contribute in our own way. Everyone is kind and considerate. The animals are enjoyable and happy. And we are constantly working to improve even when it isn’t needed just so we can make this the best home for all of our creatures

This is the best sanctuary I have been to. The animals are well cared for and are treated amazingly. I love helping out and learning about the animals and how to care for them properly.

I love seeing how much every staff member cares for each individual. The animals are all very well kept for and provided with ample enrichment.

This sanctuary is absolutely amazing. I have been visiting since I was 10, and every time I come I learn and see something new and something improved. You can tell that the animals are extremely well cared for and loved. They set the standard for animal husbandry.

The Wild Animal Sanctuary - Texas was a great eye opening experience for me. The animals had so much more space for movement. They were obviously very content and even "chuffed" during our visit. I will be visiting more often. It was a great experience for myself and my family.

I did not know about this sanctuary until a friend took me out there for a tour. WOW!!! I was blown away with this facility. Our tour guide was an intern who you could tell had an absolute love for all the animals out there. The facility is very clean. The guide pointed out all kinds of enrichment items that each animal has in their enclosure to help keep them active. She pointed out that this is a no contact facility (which all of them should be) and told us how they work the gates to feed the animals and have no contact at all. They put the animals' care and well being first!! The intern told us if we got to an animal and they might be pacing a little, that we would bypass them to give them all of the space they need in their "home." Wow! Putting the animals' needs FIRST!! They are living a stress-free and care-free life out there. They even have swimming pools in most of the enclosures for the animals to play in and cool off in. If you want to learn some interesting facts about the animals, I highly recommend going on a tour. The intern educated us on a lot of stuff about the animals that we did not know - like the white tigers, which are inbred for the white color. At the end, we went into the nutrition center where they prepare the animals' diets. Each animal has their own unique diet. Some get supplements for their bone strength, and others get medicine for their arthritis. I have visited a lot of zoos, and this place is by far the best animal facility I have ever had the chance to visit!!

I have been volunteering with IEAS/TWAS for 17 years now. This place is so very special. When I started volunteering, I immediately saw that the safety, care, and well-being of all of the animals is ALWAYS put first. I am an animal lover, and I knew immediately that these often-times abused, abandoned, neglected animals that had been rescued, had the very best home that they could ever have. After going on a tour and hearing their heartbreaking stories and how they came to the sanctuary, I signed up to help these animals have the best life that they possibly could. The keepers, interns and volunteers have the utmost respect and love for the animals. The sanctuary is their home, not ours. Everyone does everything possible to make sure each animal is very well taken care of and made to feel very comfortable in their home. The animals are never, ever made to do anything, thus simply living stress-free lives. It has been such an honor and privilege to get to know each of the animals and their sometimes funny, quirky personalities. After going on that first tour, I knew leading the tours was one of the top things that I wanted to do at the sanctuary. I absolutely love giving the tours and letting the public know how each animal came to the sanctuary, and at the same time, educating the public about each animal species that are there, and about the conservation efforts that are made to help further their existence living in this world today. The intern program at IEAS/TWAS is top notch. The interns work very hard taking care of the animals - from prepping the individual diets, to feeding, to cleaning the enclosures and feed houses, mowing, painting, cleaning all the food pans, etc. They are a very vital and integral part of the sanctuary, and after their internship is over, they go on to further their careers with the knowledge and experience that they gained at the sanctuary by working alongside the very best keepers. I never dreamed that I would be volunteering here for 17 years (and many more to come). I think that says a LOT about this place. Again, it is such an honor and privilege to be a part of this sanctuary.

It is absolutely incredible the love and care that goes to these rescued animals! I myself, occasionally volunteer at the sanctuary and it warms my heart to see the dedication that comes from the keepers and other volunteers. Every trip I, along with my family, take to IEAS is educational and heart warming.

Whenever I am in Texas, this is always a highlight of my trip! To hear the back story of these animals and see their change in quality of life since coming to the sanctuary is heartwarming to me. The staff makes great efforts to make sure they have the right nourishment, environment, medical care, and enrichment to keep them happy and healthy.

The care and hard work that goes into this facility is obvious. Very excited to see the wolves new habitat on my most recent visit.

My daughter is a keeper here and she absolutely loves it. They take amazing care of the animals, and the staff, including the interns, are like one big family. They have 4 of the greatest grizzly bears you've ever seen and you should totally come visit them! They are the cutest things ever and I would steal them if that wasn't illegal and a really bad idea for their well-being. But I digress. Seriously, IEAS is a wonderful facility and deserves all the praise and support in the world.

I love it here! I have been an active member of their community for the past 2 years and I never cease to be amazed by the work they are doing for the animals. 15/10 will forever recommend.

This sanctuary is one of the best I've ever visited, and I've been to several. You can tell that everyone is there to do whatever needs to be done to give the animals the best lives possible. They are constantly making improvements to the habitats and the facility as a whole and it has been great to see them grow and flourish over the past several years.

This sanctuary goes out of its way to make sure all of the animals are well taken care of and have the proper nourishment, medications, and enrichment. After hearing the back-stories of some of these beautiful animals and seeing where they are now I am grateful that places like this exist. I volunteered (did some dishes) a couple times and the staff really care about the well being of all the animals.

We had family in town and visited the Sanctuary. It was amazing!!! We learned so much. They do wonderful things for the animals here.

This organization is very passionate about helping animals and educating the public about the animals. This is an incredible place to visit, and you can tell the people there love the animals so much. Great place to take a child (ages 7+) to learn! They also have an awesome enrichment program so the animals live long, wonderful lives. Please visit or donate here.

It's a wonderful thing to see people care for animals in the way this facility does. The animals are treated so well and with such respect. I love visiting and seeing how kind the staff is both to animals and visitors alike. The animals really seem happy and it's obvious how much love the people who work there have for each animal. I always look forward to my visits! This place is truly incredible.

I’ve had the opportunity to be an intern here for 3 months and it’s been such an incredible experience! IEAS provides exemplary care to their animals and it’s refreshing to work around people who genuinely love the animals they care for and are willing to do anything to keep them happy and healthy. The habitats are well built, spacious, and provide so much enrichment. The diets are top notch and creativity is put into different feeding routines and activities. The tours are an incredible way to get up close enough to see these animals while also respecting them from a safe distance. The animals are not asked to do anything or perform in any way and are instead allowed to simply live the way they want to with no stress. As a work environment, the staff are close knit and friendly, everyone is passionate about this work, and it’s a fun environment considering how difficult the work can be. Such a great experience that I’ll forever be grateful for!

I came to know about IEAS through Nahla, the young Bengal tiger found roaming the streets in Conroe, TX a few years ago. IAES took her in and I adopted her providing support when and where I can.

IEAS takes exceptional care of all the animals, never exploits them, and conforms to all regulations required of them. The staff has always been very friendly and will take all the time necessary to answer every question asked. I have toured the facility and highly recommend them as a premium animal sanctuary.

We've gone on a tour here a couple times and have enjoyed it both times. The animals are in nice habitats and are well taken care of. We will definitely go visit again.

This is an exemplary facility. I was truly amazed by the wonderful job they do and by how much they care for their animals and put their needs first. When we were there on tour, one of the tigers was a tad irritated and instead of allowing our group to stand and gawk, the tour guide had us move on. That impressed me very much because it put the tiger’s needs first! The cleanliness was outstanding. I constantly talk about this with people I meet and recommend they visit.

The animals appear very content with their habitat and are regularly enriched. The intern that took me around did a great job of explaining their background, habits and characteristics. I will be back.

I have had the privilege and pleasure to visit some 30+ times in the last 15 years. I am so impressed with their dedication to the quality of the life of each animal that is fortunate to be there. The staff and interns and volunteers have but ONE thing in mind: how can they help these animals have the best life they can. I have enjoyed bringing groupsand individuals to IEAS and introducing them to these wonderful creatures! Their personalities are evident and would not be possible if they didn't feel safe and loved by their humans! The standards followed and the education provided stand strong!

Man, if I were to intern at an animal sanctuary, I would pick this place! The International Exotic Animal Sanctuary's main priority is the animals. Their animals get the best food, care, and enrichment opportunities available. I especially love how every donation goes straight to the animals, not the staff, which should be true of every animal sanctuary. Their tours are also top-notch.

As an intern I've learned so much from this sanctuary! We work very hard to keep these animals their happiest and you can really tell when they behave exactly as they would in the wild. Very friendly staff and fun guests!

I am in intern here for the summer, and this internship is hands down the best experience I could possibly ask for. The animals here are so loved and well cared for, and I am learning more than I could have ever imagined. It is a great learning environment, and I am getting amazing hands on experience. They hold their facility to such high standards, and they never compromise when it comes to the health and happiness of their animals. I am beyond excited to be here, and I'll be extremely sad when I leave.

I visited this sanctuary with family for the guided tour and had a wonderful time. The staff was pleasant and knowledgeable, the tour was done at a leisurely pace with plenty of time to see the animals and learn about them.

The animals themselves were beautiful and in good spirits throughout the tour. We saw black bears play fighting, big cats lounging, and multiple exposed bellies. Wonderful place and strongly recommended, thank you for the memories and happy to donate!

I have been a volunteer here since April and I absolutely love it! I wish I lived closer to be there more often. The interns and keepers keep it running smoothly and I love introducing my friends to this place. The animals all seem very happy and well taken care of. I love learning new things and seeing the animals personalities. They make sure the animals aren't forced into anything they don't want to do and have great safety procedures to keep everyone safe. I'm so thankful to help out and be a part of this amazing place!!

My son and I have been volunteering at IEAS for over a year now. What a great experience! We LOVE the staff and the animals. These people work incredibly hard to care for these animals and give them a better life than the one they came from.

I love coming out and getting to see all of the animals! I love the fact the animals come first at this facility. It makes it a great place to go.

I am an intern at the sanctuary and all of the staff are completely dedicated to giving the animals a real home where they can spend their remaining years. Everyone works extremely hard to make the sanctuary a great place for the current residents and visitng tour guests. The intern program is great for anyone wishing to learn a lot about animal husbandry.

Working with this facility has been a great experience. Very helpful in my pursuit to further my experience in this field. The animals are well taken care of and given the full respect that they deserve. I recommend everyone to check them out or even volunteer.

I've been an intern at IEAS for just under 3 months now. On our tours we talk about the difference between being an certified facility vs being an accredited facility. Here at IEAS we are certified by the AZA which means that upon taking a tour, you may not have the most luck always seeing an animal. While that may sound negative, it's actually one of my favorite aspects of working at IEAS. We want to give every single animal the option of not showing themselves to a tour group. We want to encourage natural, Instinctual behavior. These animals have already been denied their basic right to live and survive in the wild, so while they carry out their lives here, we want to make it as comfortable as possible. Even if that means they want their privacy today more than they want me to get a cool picture. Highly recommend for anyone who may be curious about conservation or exotic animals in general to swing on by for a tour the next time you're in North Texas!

In my time as an intern at IEAS, I have seen an incredible amount of dedication from the keepers and volunteers. The love everyone has for the animals is palpable, and each animal gets individual care based on their personality and needs. I have learned more than I could have ever expected in my time here in every aspect of animal husbandry, from diet to enrichment to safety measures and everything in between. These animals have an amazing home and support system, and are being cared for by people who will do anything and everything to make sure they have the best lives possible.

I am currently an intern living on site for the summer. My experience at IEAS has been incredible. I have seen so much hard work and dedication that the keepers and volunteers have put in to make sure all of the animals are happy and healthy. Running and maintaining a nonprofit can be a challenging job, especially with so many animals to take care of, but IEAS has impressed me. They have gone above and beyond basic care. You can really tell how passionate all of the keepers are. The emotional enrichment program and the tours are just a few ways that IEAS shows their dedication to the well being of all of the animals. I am happy to be working for a sanctuary that takes such great care of their animals.

I have been an intern living on site for about a month. The animals are well looked after, with the keepers clearly caring deeply for the animals and their physical and emotional well-being. Here, the residents are seen as individuals with distinct personalities. The keepers cater to the various needs and usually wants of the animals they work for. The guided tours offer a wealth of information about the backstories of all the animals involved as well as their conservation status and ways the public can help. The small staff and long hours ensures that the animals are treated by the most dedicated people. Though the necessary work can be unappealing and abundant at times, it is definitely rewarding.

Animals appear healthy and very happy, keepers and interns are passionate and knowledgeable, everyone works as a team, and they have been wonderful! I've learned a lot with these guys and look forward to being with them for a long time.

I've been interning here for almost a week now and the experience has been great! I'm getting a chance to help out at the sanctuary and I've already learned so much about all the work that goes into taking care of all the cats, bears, and other animals.

My family just went through the tour and it was incredible! The white tigers are very beautiful and the tour guide is very knowledgable. I thought it was great that they give a tour of the nutritional center where they prepare the food for all the animals. It was a great time spent learning about and seeing all the wonderful animals.

I worked for a small 501(c)(3) exotic zoo in another state for almost a decade. Most people don't realize how many laws, rules, and regulations there are regarding exotic animals, and honestly a lot of people really don't care. We worked with all of our local organizations, and especially the USDA in regards to every aspect of our exotics. When we weren't using our hand-raised exotic animals as therapy animals for people and children with disabilities, we were educating the public on the animals and strongly advocating for the proper care of exotics. I love and appreciate sanctuaries like this not only for the grueling hours everyone who works there puts into the care for each and every animal, but also for doing so much to educate the public so we can one day hope for laws that truly prevent people from acquiring and abusing these amazing animals. All of the props to you guys! You're amazing!

Great facility, that takes excellent care of their animals. The tour is very educational and informs you of the captive care of animals.

The animals are cared for with the highest of standards and the habitats are impeccably maintained.

The International Exotic Animal Sanctuary provides permanent homes for exotic species. They reach out and educate the public about animal welfare, natural history of the species and conservation. The animals have great environments to live out their lives in their forever homes. Overall, IEAS treats all the residents very well and provides them with proper diets, enrichment and care.

As an intern at the International Exotic Animal Sanctuary, I can tell you first-hand that the staff truly cares about the animals. Literally everything we do is to benefit the animals. From carefully preparing their diets, to cleaning up/maintaining their habitats, to caring for their emotional needs, these animals are extremely well cared for and definitely spoiled! :) Be sure to make a stop here if you're in the area or even just passing through to see these amazing animals!

I volunteered with IEAS from September 2014-August 2015. They are an absolutely wonderful sanctuary, and provide great, safe homes for the animals. They are dedicated to providing education to the public and training responsible future keepers through their internship program. They are a large sanctuary, but allow you the opportunity to learn about the animal residents, take in-depth tours, and provide opportunities to develop personal relationships with the residents. They are accredited and follow stringent safety measures. The animals are relaxed, happy, and have plenty of enrichment! They are only a short drive form Ft. Worth or Dallas - and totally worth the time! You will not be disappointed with your visit - be sure to go during tour times so you can get a personalized 2-hour tour and see most of the residents as they relax and enjoy your company. The residents love the tours, and many make sure they are awake to see each group and show off, play some hide-and-seek, or vocalize for you. I feel lucky to have been a part of their organization!

Small town. Small sanctuary. Staff and interns that are large in heart and effort to provide lifelong homes for those that have been victims of human ignorance. Animal habitats, diet, veterinary care, etc. are overseen by a fantastic group of interns and staff. These animals should not have been bred, BUT, they are now in caring hands for the rest of their lives. Please donate for their care.

The International Exotic Animal Sanctuary is truly a safe haven for the animals that call it home. These animals are very well cared for with spacious habitats filled with naturalistic elements to provide comfort and enrichment for the animals. A lot of thought and effort goes into the daily care of each animal, from cleaning, to diet, to their overall emotional health. It is obvious that the sanctuary places the animals well-being before anything else.

This sanctuary goes above and beyond making their resident animals comfortable and happy. They ensure that each habitat creates the most natural environment for each individual animal/species. Along with giving exceptional care to their animals, the International Exotic Animal Sanctuary has a phenomenal internship program where students and recent graduates can learn a great deal about the animal care industry.

This sanctuary exceeds expectations in that it truly puts the animals' needs first. Hardworking staff members arrive early in the morning to ensure that the animals get fed at their instinctual times and specialized diets are prepared to fit each animals' needs. The animals are given plenty of space and privacy, and even though tours are given to exhibit the animals, they are designed to provide minimal stress to the animals while raising awareness for the issues they face.
They also provide a tough but rewarding and generous internship that allows individuals to gain a foot in the door into the field of animal husbandry.

The International Exotic Animal Sanctuary is past beyond animal friendly.I would consider the sanctuary a heaven on earth for all the animals that they house. One thing that was very impressive is the image that the exhibits are manipulated to imitate the animal's natural habitat in the wild. Not only are their exhibits a mirror image of the wild but also large in size including ramps/caves/pools which only compliments the animals in helping to maintain their instinctual behavior while being held in captivity. Those methods alone with detailed tours of the animal's history strongly helps in aiding conservation to ensure future generations of animals to come.

The International Exotic Animal Sanctuary is a great facility for educating the public, volunteers and interns on the care, conservation, etc of exotic animals such as bears, tigers, lions, and various other small cats. The people are friendly! The animals are happy! The tours are informative and all the staff are personable. Great place to spend a bit of your afternoon. I recommend to anyone who shares a love of these magnificent creatures and wish to help a great foundation.

IEAS far exceeds my expectations as all the awesome people work night and day to provide the proper care, nutrition and emotional enrichment to supply the residents with the drive to explore new avenues and build new memories with people. Their stories serve as advocates for their species to help educate and conserve them in hope that one day we will work to conserve them effortlessly and coexist. The sanctuary touches your heart and is a great learning experience while being entertained.

This is a wonderful place doing amazing things for animals who, if not for this fine organization, more than likely would not be with us. We had a great 2 hour tour of the sanctuary. They show the animals on the tour that are making themselves available to see - as our tour guide said, we are there for the animals' entertainment, they are not there for ours! There is far more shade (at least on the 11am tour) that one would have guessed, so while it's hot in Texas, don't make that your excuse for not stopping here. Each of the animals had a usually very unfortunate start to their life, but this place is making up for it in their later years (though there are certainly 1 and 2 year old animals here too!). We enjoyed it greatly!

This place is great. It looks far away on a map, but it doesn't take long to get to, and is easy to find. The young lady conducting the tour was knowledgable and a real treat. The facilities are well kept and everything looks very well taken care of. Definitely find time to visit the cats.

I've been an intern here at the sanctuary for the past week and it's already beyond any sanctuary I've ever been to. With habitats far exceeding the sizes required by AZA standards and each habitat having a nice house for the animal, a large pool (for those that want them), and plenty of toys, it definitely is a sanctuary for the animals. Many of them have come from difficult pasts and it's truly a great feeling seeing them content and relaxed in their homes here at the sanctuary.

I am an intern here at IEAS and I have to say that this place is truly amazing! If you are looking for an internship, you need to apply here. I wake up and go to bed everyday seeing amazing animals and being surrounded by the most kind hearted people. Yes, it is a lot of work, but at the end of the day, this is the experience of a lifetime!

As a new intern that has only been working at this facility for 5 days, I can already say that this sanctuary is definitely one of a kind. It is run by passionate animal lovers and experts in the field that know exactly what these exotic species need. These animals seem truly happy and I'm glad I can be a part of making their lives better than they were prior to being rescued.

Upon arriving at this facility as a new intern, I was impressed by the beautiful, spacious habitats. By far, this facility offers one of the most desirable internships I have ever seen since they give their interns a stipend, housing, and even a vehicle to use. If this wasn't enough, I know that this internship will provide me with an extensive amount of valuable experience working with large carnivores and other exotics. Upon touring this facility, I was not disappointed in anything I saw. They have put a considerable amount of work into making sure each animal they rescue and take in is in a more than suitable enclosure with plenty of natural and emotional enrichment. I am truly impressed by all that this sanctuary is able to do for the animals and every person associated with it.

I have been following the Sanctuary via internet for 2-3 years now, and today I was able to see the animals in person. It was amazing! It is devastating to hear where these animals come from, but it is wonderful to see how well they are able to live now, in a secure home where they are treated with kindness and respect. The tour was great. It was very cool to see these animals up close.

I found this facility when looking for jobs/internships on the AZA website. Wanting to work with carnivores i felt that this will be a good experience for me, but I didnt know much about this facility before applying. And today I took my first walk around the sanctuary with a walking tour, and I have to say that I am impressed with the enclosures and how the animals lives changed after being brought here. It was a bit difficult to see all the animals on tour, but that is a good thing, allowing the animals to hide or be seen on their terms. Each enclosure was tailored to each species needs.

I have been visiting this sanctuary since 1990. It has always maintained a wonderful, clean and caring environment for the abused big cats that are fortunate enough to leave their life of abuse behind and now call this sanctuary home. The tours are always given by kind, knowledgeable volunteers. The staff is also caring and very knowledgeable. They originally offered sanctuary to exotic cats only, but now give sanctuary to bears. Try to go during the spring or fall, even a good day in the winter, when the weather is cooler and the animals are more active. I truly praise the work that is done here. I also enjoy donating to this organization as I truly love the big cats and know that my donations will go to improve their lives.

As an intern, I've seen first hand just how much work goes into keeping all of the animals at IEAS happy and healthy. They strive to provide the best for the animals and everything done here is done for them. I am proud to have the opportunity to work with people who care so much about what they do.

While I have visited and interned at a number of other sanctuaries, this one is by far the best! I've always had a strong passion for the well-being of animals, especially big cats and bears, and this sanctuary meets every high standard I set. I'm very honored to have been selected to intern here, as it is the exact kind of facility that I'm hoping to get hired on at. Everything here is 100% about the animals, and it really shows when you see how content the animals are in their habitats here. While it is a lot of hard work, it's very rewarding, and seeing their precious faces every day make it all worth it!

As an intern, I get to see first hand how well these animals are taken care of. Everything that is done here is for the animals and I am grateful to be able to help care for them. You can tell that the animals are very happy here.

I am currently an intern here and let me tell you it is full of hard work and is very fast paced! This facility is dedicated to maintaining cleanliness and running smoothly. The animals are healthy and seem very happy in their habitats as well. There are so many amazing animals here with unique personalities that I am enjoying getting to know!

This sanctuary is the best I have ever visited and is one of the few that is certified by the Association of Zoo and Aquariums, and I take pride in the fact that I am able to intern at this facility. The animals are extremely well cared for following Association of Zoos and Aquariums Husbandry Standards, so you know they are getting their nutritional needs met along with being kept in a habitat suited for that animals needs. The safety standards here are also designed to meet AZA requirements so you know when touring or working as a volunteer/intern they are always people double checking every lock and making sure the sanctuary is as safe and secure as possible. The grounds are also well maintained and aesthetically pleasing. The animals are very content with their environment and are always relaxed even when tour groups are walking by. The internship program is amazing and the staff really cares about teaching interns everything they can and giving them an opportunity to grow their knowledge and experience level while they are here.

As an intern at the Sanctuary I take pride in how content and well cared for the animals are. It is obvious by the relaxed nature of the animals and the ease that they greet visitors with that these animals are very content to call IEAS home. Anyone that has a chance should stop by for a tour it is an experience like no other. At no zoo will you get the chance to see animals that are as relaxed and comfortable as here at IEAS. Also as an intern I can also say that the intern program is an amazing feature of the Sanctuary, an experience like no other. IEAS is a sanctuary that exceeds all expectations for interns and for the animals.

As an intern , it is completely obvious that everything that is done at the Sanctuary is done for the animals. By helping with everyday tasks and maintaining the facility and every habitat, it feels good to know that we are improving the lives of each and every animal. Being able to watch the animals enjoy their habitats and the company of the keepers and interns makes it clear that they have a great life at IEAS! If you get a chance to visit and go on a tour, I definitely would!!

I visited my sister-in-law during her time at IEAS and was so impressed by the quality of care these animals receive. Not only are they treated incredibly well and deeply cared for, the interns all make it a point to know the animals on a deeper level. Interns provide tours to the public, and their level of knowledge about these animals, their environments, their temperaments, and their stories blew me away. The animals are all blessed by the dedication and care of all the staff at IEAS.

My daughter worked as a intern at this facility last march and now is back as an assistant keeper. We had the pleasure of visiting her and the sanctuary. The animals are wonderful! They are very well taken care of and they take pleasure in seeing their caretakers. It was amazing to hear the tigers "chuff" at us as we came up to their habitats. It is an experience that you never get to have in a Zoo type setting. All of the animal caregivers were very knowledgeable on the animals and their care. Titian even gave us a little show as he rolled his ball up the hill. I have been telling everyone about the great experience I had there.

The animals at the Sanctuary are very well taken care if and content. You can tell that they enjoy having IEAS as their 'forever' home. If you are ever in the neighborhood you should definitely stop by for a tour and let us show you what satisfied, happy cats and bears look like!

I am an intern at IEAS and I'm so happy to be a part of this team! I learn something new every day and I'm looking forward to the rest of my time here. Not only am I learning a ton about animal care, but I'm also learning many other aspects of being a keeper, like maintenance and repair, enrichment, writing grants and proposals, and interacting with the public through tours. At IEAS, the animals' needs always come first and they receive the best care. I'm thankful and proud to be a part of this organization and would highly recommend this internship.

As an intern currently working at IEAS and I can honestly say that I've learned more about animal care working here than anywhere else. If you are looking to pursue a career in this field, then this is the place to be. It is difficult to find an internship in animal care anywhere which will provide a stipend and housing, I consider myself lucky to work at a facility which does and is AZA certified. Whether you come to the Sanctuary as a volunteer, intern or just to take a guided tour of the place, you are sure to walk away knowing more than you did coming in.

I am currently an intern here at IEAS and am happy to be here. The sanctuary is consistently meeting their mission and continuing to strive to provide the best care for the animals here and uphold education through the intern program and through tours.

I'm currently an intern here and during the last three and a half months I've learned more information about animal care, daily operations, and even basic yard care than I ever could have imagined. The people that care for these animals on a daily basis truly have the animal's welfare at the forefront of their minds. Everything we do here is 100 percent for the animals. We keep their agitation and stress to an absolute minimum and we make sure their emotional needs are being met with our Emotional Enrichment Program. We show them comfort and security in ourselves so they feel comfortable in their environment. The staff here is extremely knowledgeable and truly love their animal family. They have been so helpful helping interns reach their potential in this field.

I am currently an intern at IEAS and I am very proud to work for an organization that takes such exceptional care of its animals. Every animal here is treated as an individual and careful thought and consideration is taken to assure that every animal receives everything they need in a stressfree way. This is a great organization that truly cares about its animals and does everything to make their lives better.

I am currently an intern at IEAS. I have only been here a couple of weeks and I already have a huge amount of respect for this place and all the people that work here. The work is long and extremely tiring, but so rewarding. This place puts the animals first for everything, unlike at a zoo. During tours, if an animal gets agitated, the tour will either not go by that animal or not stop by them. Everything is done to ensure the least amount of stress on all the animals. IEAS doesn't have a ton of people to rely on getting everything done, less than fifteen people, including interns, do it all. If you want to be an intern, expect to work hard, right away. This is a great organization, run by people who really care about the animals there.

I am currently an intern here at IEAS and over the past three months have learnt a great deal about caring for exotic felines and bears and also what it takes to keep a sanctuary like IEAS running. This is indeed truly a sanctuary for these previously abused and neglected animals and everyone works very hard to provide them with a relaxing, comfortable, and peaceful place to live. Every animal is treated as an individual and a lot thought and planning goes into making sure each of them receives the care that is right for them. The animals are fed well balanced nutritious diets and are provided with spacious naturalistic habitats with trees, pools and perches. Especially the Bear Orphanage is one of its kind with 10 acres of forested land for the bears to roam around and dig dens and live as free as they can in captivity. IEAS is not a zoo so the animals are never forced to be on display and everything is done to make sure they don't have to feel agited or stressed. Those animals who yearn for company and attention are part of the unique Emotional Enrichment Program that caters for the animals' emotional needs by offering them comfort and security. Staff, interns and volunteers participate in this program by sitting with the animals safely on the other side of the fence. This is truly an amazing place and I would highly recommend to everyone to come out on one of the educational tours and visit the amazing animals that call IEAS home!

I am currently an intern at IEAS and it has been an amazing learning experience thus far. The staff here is extremely knowledgeable about each individual animal and they strive to provide each one with the best possible care. Everything including their diet, habitat, physical well-being, and emotional well-being are taken into account during the day to day operations so that each animal is content and stress-free. With 77 animals in their care this is no easy task, but the Sanctuary is run very efficiently while still maintaining safety as their number one priority. I've learned so much during the first half of this internship and I am so grateful to the IEAS staff for running such a great internship program.

If you are a big cat, bear or other exotic animal, then IEAS is the place to be. You'll get top notch nutrition, spacious living quarters, toys to play with and qualified individuals constantly looking out for your health and well-being.

And if you are looking for a nice place to visit, by all means stop by and take a guided tour of this tree-filled, park-like facility filled with beautiful big cats, bears and other amazing animals.

However... If you are a prospective intern or volunteer, think twice before setting foot in this place. In many cases the interns are treated harshly, and from what I heard it wasn't much better for the volunteer help. If you don't stack up precisely to their very high standards, they will treat you "accordingly". There was much favoritism- those not favored by the staff would be given the dirtier, harder jobs while those that they liked were chosen to help with or observe things that the others didn't get to do. Even asking a simple, reasonable question or getting confused when you're doing something can get you a look of contempt or getting snapped at. In a nutshell: after the "training period", *everything* should be second nature to you and there shouldn't be any questions. Don't even get me started on making mistakes (which, last time I checked, we all do as humans...).This makes for a very anxious and stress-filled 3 months for an IEAS intern. It really is an environment of fear.

I thought an internship was a learning experience, where one is supported and encouraged while they gain skills and knowledge for their desired career path. Instead, it is like bootcamp. They paint the picture that all is happy and harmonious on the surface, but underneath- what the public doesn't see- is tension and angst.

I don't write this to try to 'bring down' this organization. For the most part, they do good work. It's just sad that they can't treat people as well as they treat their animals.

I found the sanctuary several years ago and have been a supporter ever since. It is one of the most amazing places because of the wonderful rescue and rehabilitation work and the hands on training it provides for the interns every year, who receive real world practical application of caring for and studying large animals. The visitor experience is equally rewarding as the guides take special care to instruct visitors on the needs and sensitivities of each animal. The habitats are spacious, clean and have plenty of stimulating "toys" to keep the animals healthy in mind and body.

My husband worked for National Audubon as an educator for 35 years and continues to serve as an environmental consultant. I am a retired science teacher and environmental educator. During a visit to my sister's home in Fort Worth, I had the opportunity to visit IEAS and tour the facility. What an amazing place! Thank you for caring for these species that humans have put in danger and for providing as normal a setting as possible for their living environment. My sister, Carolyn, is a great supporter of yours and after my visit, I understand her support.

IEAS is a great place. I am currently an intern here. This sanctuary takes excellent care of their animals and puts their needs above everything else. I love that they cater to the animals' emotional needs. Their Emotional Enrichment program is awesome and unique, and their habitats are beautiful and spacious. The staff here are very hard workers and work very efficiently. All of the animals here seem very happy and comfortable, which they definitely deserve after the lives they had previous to their arrival here. I highly recommend that everyone visit this amazing sanctuary.

IEAS is a great place, I am currently enrolled in their intern program. Their safety protocol is the best and the care that the animal receive is above and beyond any other place that I have worked. IEAS is run efficiently and I love that the animals emotional health is considered along with their physical health.

I am currently an intern at IEAS and the staff is incredibly knowledgable. They know all the animals on a deeply personal level and are very accomodating to the needs of even the quirkiest of animals. An amazing group of people working with a truly astounding group of animals. Far exceeds any expectation I had or could've had.

Upon visiting IEFS, my husband (a veterinarian)and I were impressed with the level of care and the physical condition of all the animals there. Pens were clean, enrichment items were in lots of enclosures, and residents seemed at peace and interested in the visitors. Safety of care givers and visitors was clearly present. I currently receive the email newsletter. I love the positive community outreach-invitations to visit and get involved. And, I enjoy the personal background stories about the animals origin, and how it came to be at IEFS. I am concerned about conservation of the worlds wildlife, and the end result of our exotic pet trade. It's obvious by the growing number of residents that we have a problem with exotic pets in the US. Sanctuaries provide a life of dignity to an animal whose return to the wild is not possible. I choose to visit in honor of our anniversary or birthdays, and support the work they are doing here.

It's wonderful how this sanctuary takes care of all of their animals with the most respect toward the animal's well-being. The animals appear to enjoy their home by the expressions on their faces and through their body language. These animals got a second chance to live the life as they were meant to be. A wonderful sanctuary to take them all in.

You can never say enough about a group of people who volunteer their time to take care of beautiful creatures that mankind decided to use and abuse for their own entertainment.

The sanctuary has given these regal animals their life back, and gives them the ability to live their lives the way the earth has intended, with respect, dignity and everything they could possibly need.

IEAS is working on erasing the negative impact that man has created, giving them back their sense of pride. What could be more important.

I have visited the sanctuary twice and am always impressed with their care of the animals and their professionalism. With the exception of being in the wild, the animals have the best possible environment and are treated with individual respect and love. The personnel are tops and the tours are very informative. I wish I could just sit down by the fence and "talk" to a tiger!

IEFS is a good steward of donations. It is important to kn ow that $$$ is going to the care and enrichment of the animals. A GREAT ORGANIZATION!

I just found out about IEAS when they were so generous to take Misha. Without the work they do many animals would not be able to survive. Wonderful organization.

I have been going to the feline sanctuary for a number of years now. The passion they have for their mission and purpose is all encompassing and infectious for all members and visitors there. Their goal to provide a comfortable life for animals that are rapidly disappearing from the wild is rare, and their pursue with all ambition and ability. Sadly, in our lives places like these will be the only places in the world to see such beautiful animals. They are protecting marvels of the wild for generations to see and experience, while providing a home to the animals that have been miscared or abused. The people there are committed and kind, and this is a truly fantastic non-profit organization.

Their intern program is top notch and their emotional enrichment program helps the animals stay healthy in all ways.

I have been supporting this charity ever since I visited there many, many years ago. I am a cat lover, from the smallest to the largest, and at the time I visited back in the early 1990''s all they had were exotic cats who had been purchased as pets and then - well - we all know what happens. Some were also injured and couldn't be in a zoo or returned to the wild for other reasons. When I took a tour of this place I knew that very special and loving people were involved in it. They were working hard to get donations to make bigger and better habitats, and provide more emotional and physical stimulation for these cats. They have continued this work and done great things since then, and now have even added bears! I now live in the mountains of New Mexico and have had many bears coming through my yard. Most of the people up here are afraid of the bears and see them and nuicances and dangers. I see them very differently and I know that the state of New Mexico routinely kills approx. 600 bears every year - and that is not all during bear hunting season. It makes me so happy to know that some of the orphan bears are being taken in and cared for by IEAS so that when they are all gone in the wild, thanks to the ignorance and selfishness of people - my great granchildrean will get to see bears in a happy and stimulating habitat.

We have donated to this wonderful place for many years now. It has been quite a few years since we have visited, but we are kept apprised of their accomplishments, additions, and animals through newsletters and their website. I have first-hand met some of their employees and interns and they really care about the happiness and fulfillment of life of these animals. It is apparent from the natural surroundings that they provide for these animals to live in that they really care about how they spend their lives. This sanctuary/home meets the animals' specific needs not only environmentally and nutritionally, but also physically for their exercise and well-being. We have watched the animals flourish under their care. I cannot say enough great things about how they treat these animals.

Not only have I donated to this wonderful sanctuary for exotics, I have visited the site. I found the staff entirely committed to providing wonderful and beautiful new permanent homes for their residents, some with heartbreaking histories. Not only are the animals provided with a new home, they are provided with great enrichment programs and medical care. The residents, often for the first time, are allowed to be what they are...a big cat gets to act like a big cat, a bear gets to act like a bear. They are not there to meet some need of human society. Instead, they are given sanctuary from just that.

The staff and volunteers are totally dedicated and passionate about providing the highest quality care for their animals. The facilities, work ethic, and emphasis on safety and education are exceptional. They truly provide a better life for many animals that have been the unfortunate victims of selfish, thoughtless human actions. IEFS works diligently to educate the public on respecting wild animals so they are not needlessly brought into lives in captivity or forced to be put down because people want wild animals as pets. The incredible devotion of the staff shows in every aspect of the organization and they should serve as a model for not just non-profits in this area, but for all non-profits that strive to set the highest standards for work and education.

IEFS is an awesome non-profit that is full of caring and knowledgeable individuals who want the best for all of the residents. Each animal has a specific diet crafted just for them. The residents are treated with awe as well as respect. IEFS provides Lions, Tigers and Bears (OH MY!), the best nutrition and care. Enrichment is provided as well so the animals are never bored. All you need to do is visit just once and you can see what a fabulous sanctuary they have created and how well organized it is.

I have donated financially as well as with pumpkins and I know that both gifts were equallly appreciated by the cats and the humans!

The number one priority of the International Exotic Animal Sanctuary is to provide a permanent safe home for animals that have most likely been neglected or abandoned. This sanctuary was built for the animals, and the staff continue to ensure that the animals' needs come first. The respect and care that the staff shares with the animals is amazing. Come for a tour and see the sanctuary that these animals now call home.

This sanctuary is very impressive in terms of the quality of care each animal receives. This includes not only feeding but emotional care as well. Everything that is done is based solely for the well being of each individual and the safety of the animals, staff, volunteers, and guests. From the perspective of an intern, the experience gained here can only be beneficial and one can learn as much as one desires. It is a huge stepping stone for this career field and one will quickly learn their limitations and if this career is for them.

I am an intern here at the International Exotic Animal Sanctuary. I am very proud to say that I have chosen a great animal facility to work at for many reasons. The staff, including the animal keepers, behaviorist, and director, are very knowledgeable about each exotic animal housed here and strives to provide a stress-free and safe environment for each animal. The staff is very serious about the safety policies for both themselves, the public, and the interns so that any mistakes, minor or major, are and will be avoided. They are very specific in their training methods and expect the interns to learn and work quickly, but efficiently. Some things that I admire the most about the sanctuary is that each habitat is large enough so that the animals do not feel constricted, there are many enrichment items to keep the animals occupied and happy, and that so much effort is put into reducing the stress and anxiety of each animals after they are brought into the facility. The emotional and behavioral enrichment methods have made animals that were once abused by previous owners and came to the facility as easily agitated beings into friendly and calm animals. I am excited to continue my journey at IEAS and learn many new things about exotic felines and the work and dedication it takes to becoming a zookeeper!!

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

I took my first tour here last year. I was very impressed with the professionalism and courtesy of the staff. They were very knowledgeable, safety for the animals and the visitors was a high priority, and they took the time to answer any questions to the best of their ability. If an animal became upset with the visitors, we were quickly moved away so that the animal was minimally disturbed. I thoroughly enjoyed myself on the tour and plan to go back again soon. I have shared my experience many times with my friends and on Facebook. I am a very big fan of the International Exotic Animal Sanctuary and the wonderful work they do with these magnificent animals!

This place is awesome. The tour was very interesting and my boys and I loved seeing all the different animals can't wait for the summer so we can adopted an animal

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

International Exotic Feline Sanctuary is a wonderful place that gives high quality care to big cats and other animals needing sanctuary. The animals are not only care for physically, but emotionally as well through their unique emotional enrichment program. I would highly recommend visiting the sanctuary and experiencing the love and care these animals are receiving. It will leave a lasting impression on you!

this sanctuary is great! theres so much space for the animals, lots of flowing fountains, and all the people who work there genuinely care for these animals. they may have had some sad beginnnings but all these animals now have a happy ending of thier own. all of the animals looked so calm and content. this place is really one of a kind- the only sanctuary to be a certified member of the AZA. i would recomend a visit if your in the area.

I love seeing the pictures of all the animals on Facebook and learning something about each animal posted. I know this can help the general public become aware of the scarcity of many of these creatures and pull our planet together in their conservation efforts.

The International Exotic Femile Sanctuary is wonderful place for big cats. Here, the cats and bears are placed number 1 at all times. Everything they do is to ensure the most comfortable and stress-free environment for the animals. The keepers are highly knowledgable and work hard every day to keep the Sanctuary running at it's best. They also take time to inform the public about the importance of these animals and their conservation. It is truely a amazing place!

I heard about the Intetnational exotic feline sanctuary through an intern Kate Carson. She speaks very highly of the organization. It Is great to see such amazing and exotic felines being cared for. I hope to visit one day and see more of the great work these kind hearted people do!

I learned about this place through my sister who is interning there. From what I have heard from her and seen on the website, this place is doing something really amazing. I just wish I could make it out to visit. Hopefully someday I can.

I live in Chicago but have had many opportunities to visit the animals at IEAS. Each trip is a joy. The wonderful and knowlegable staff doing a wonderful job of caring for the anmals. It is heart warming to know that there is a sanctuary where these cats ( and bears!) have a home to live out their lives. I appreciate the great work of IEAS!

We visited IEAS last month. Found the staff to be highly professional, informative and knowledgeable. The tour guides B and Kira we amazing with the level of detail that know about each of the animals histories and stories. IEAS provides an immeasurable service on behalf of the creatures under their care. Thank You to the IEAS staff and especially the intern volunteers.

They take great care of the critters they save. If they can't be in the wild, IEAS is as good as it gets.

I attended the tour with a group of ladies from our church. I enjoyed the day. The animals were beautiful and fun to watch. The tour guide made it even better because she was so excited about giving us the facts and fun on each animal.

I visited the sanctuary this year. The professionalism and dedication to these beautiful animals is truly amazing. Knowing the background and how many of these animals survived incredible odds only makes the experience that more interesting and inspiring. Thank you IEFS for your hard work and allowing the public to share in this unique environment. Visiting a zoo will never be the same.

I visited the sanctuary and was very impressed with the staff's knowledge and care for the animals. It is a great place that provides excellent care for the animals while providing a close to natural enviroment. The employees show great concern and respect for each and every animal. It was truly a wonderful experience to visit the sanctuary.

My husband and I came across the the International Exotic Animal Sanctuary in Boyd, TX several years ago while on a motorcycle ride. Shortly afterwards we returned to take a tour. I was so thouroughly impressed with what they were doing to educate the public and take great care of their "residents", that I quickly put in to be a volunteer. Getting the behind the scenes look at the operations and the people involved, I continue to be impressed and find great joy in helping this non-profit organization with my time, talents, and treasures.

I have always been what I consider an animal lover. My definition of animal lover was changed once I experienced the love and devotion to these magnificent creatures at IEAS. Richard and his "crew" are single minded in the pursuit of comfort and quality of life for the animals here. Each of the interns are kind, helpful and quite knowledgeable about the animals and about the function of a sanctuary. You can see it in their faces how much the opportunity to be up close and personal with the animals is to them. The work is hard, but the rewards are life long and life changing. We adopted a wonderful tiger named Allie Kat. The visits are so are so warm and being able to look her in the eye and know how comfortable she is and will be is very rewarding to me. The residents of the IEAS are "job 1" and it shows.

You can truly tell this sanctuary cares for every animal they have. The tours are amazing, educational, and yes, sometimes heartbreaking. The volunteers, interns, and staff are all amazing people. I have visited countless times in the last 3 years, and even "adopted" a tiger there that I could visit and have one-on-one time with. Even though I now live in Hawaii, I will visit IEAS every chance I get when I come back to the mainland.

This place is amazing. The animals are amazing, and so are the dedicated people involved in providing a place where the animals can live their own way of life, and be nurtured after often suffering situations that no sentient being should have to endure. Also, IEAS very effectively educates the public about these wild creatures, and how to appreciate them.

I was an intern at IEAS for six months from September 2011 to February 2012. I learned so much during my time there about animal care. I love that everything at IEAS is about the animals' well being and that the emotional care for the animals is as important as the physical care. The animals are so well cared for at IEAS. Some of the animals that call IEAS home have come from horrible places where they were not properly cared for. They receive the proper care while living at IEAS and it is amazing to see how an animal's personality changes after they have received the proper care. I am currently a zookeeper at a zoo and have put all the skills that I learned at IEAS to use. IEAS helped me get to where I am today and I will always treasure the time that I was privileged to spend there and learn how to care for such amazing creatures.

I have a soft spot in my heart for animals, and IEAS is a wonderful place to nurture that interest. They have such a love and devotion to the animals, as evidenced by the detail and thought that's put into taking care of them. I was fortunate enough to go on a tour of the facility, where one of the staff members was able to introduce me to each animal and share something special about them that would only come from personal experience and devotion to the animals. IEAS is a wonderful place and a true sanctuary for these lost creatures!

I was raised on a horse ranch which dealt with many rescue horses and mustangs. We did our level best to provide happy, healthy homes for every orphan that graced our gates, which sometimes meant we cared for as many as 75 horses at a time. We were taught as children to always care for the critters, never cause harm, and to always look out for their welfare. Now I'm grown, with an adult child of my own, and I see a kindred spirit in the people at IEAS. It is ironic that Texas has 1/3 of all the world's tigers (4,000 of 12,000 worldwide), most of which are in the hands of private individuals. If they care for them, and make sure they have a safe, healthy home, great. Too many times, however, people bite off more than they can chew, not realizing that the needs of an exotic animal usually out-weigh the novelty of having one. It's not the animal's fault, and these are CERTAINLY NOT the kind of animals you can drop off at your local shelter for adoption. As endangered as many of these species are, euthanasia is not a viable option, and it's certainly not fair to the animal. IEAS provides an answer, as best they can. Limited resources prevent them from caring for all the animals that need it, but they don't compromise by lowering the standard of care for the ones they do have, just so they can afford to take on more. It's a terrible position to be in, trying to decide which ones they can take and which ones have to take their chances elsewhere. I love tigers, and think they are some of the most beautiful creatures on Earth. Their habitat, sadly, has shrunk far faster than their ability to adapt, which puts them in serious jeopardy. This is usually the case with many exotics. IEAS needs more resources to do what they do best: provide life-long homes for these amazing creatures, while educating the public on WHY we need to do so. -Russell Boyd

I am so very impressed with these people. They definitely have their "act" together. If I lived closer, I would quite honestly want to be a volunteer there!

What a really wonderful place!! I wasn't sure what to expect since probably like most people, I had "zoo" in my mind. BUT this Sanctuary is just that...a "Sanctuary" and so NOT a zoo!! The animals live in environments as close to what it would be like in the wild as possible and they just look relaxed and so happy! The keepers and interns there are just great and put the animals first at all times! Can't wait to go back!

wonderful sanctuary! you'll learn something new about the animals every time you visit.

I had seen the santucary everytime I took my sons to boy scout camp...and then fianlly one year for my birthday I wanted to visit.... It was perfect the fall time ...cooler days and beautiful animals....oh my I was amazed.....to see how they live and the care they receive....I love exotic cats.... I wish I lived closer to volunteer my time....

I am a first grade teacher in New York State. I became aware of the mission of the International Exotic Animal Santuary in Boyd, Texas when my son began a six-month internship there. I have used their website bigcat.org in my classroom many, many times. My students have learned much information about various big cat species, how they arrive at the sanctuary and what it takes to maintain their diets and living quarters. We have learned that even though many people think exotic animals would make good pets, they are often unable to take care of them. Students enjoy watching the video clips of the animals and have even come to ask for some of the animals by name. When one of my children asked how the animals were transported to the sanctuary, we were able to go on the website and see a video clip of a new animal being moved into their enclosure. I think it is amazing that a non-profit group like this can work so well with its surrounding community, provide great information on its website and work so hard to maintain the exotic species in their care. My only regret is that I don't live close enough to take my class on a field trip there. Hoping that they will soon be able to provide virtual tours!

My family and I have visited the sanctuary (now the International Exotic Animal Sanctuary) many times over the last few years. The animals receive exemplary care and attention to their emotional needs. The staff and administrators are excellent. IEAS richly deserves its stellar reputation. We have adopted animals there and will continue to support the sanctuary with donations and volunteer efforts.

I've been a supporter ever since TEFF (as it was called then) began. Our family has visited the sanctuary many times. I also wrote an article (Marjahn Not forgotten) on the work of the sanctuary. In later years my husband joined in my support and now we donate under, Dick & Sally Roberts. It's a blessing that IEFS is in operation and providing the physical and emotional care the exotics as well as the bears deserve.

When we came for a tour, we could tell right away that the staff and volunteers truly care for these animals! Cages were well maintained and they animals looked happy!! I found out about IEAS threw my husband because his company was called out to fix some A/C units a few years ago. As soon as he was home and told me about the place I knew we would go back for a visit!! I really love this place and tell friends about it all the time! :)

I have followed this organization for over a year...maybe closer to two...and feel this is a wonderful group that takes such good care of these animals who can live out their lives in the safety and comfort of a sanctuary that is HOME for them. I have supported them with small monetary gifts (as I am able to do so) and am always pleased to read the newsletters and see the pictures of the wonderful animals lucky enough to be there.

I came to visit in 96 and was so impressed decided i wanted to be able to help so I eventually became a volunteer. I had some experience and was blown away at the professionalism of the whole place. Especially regarding the health and safty of the animals. Unfortunatly I was in an accident that left me unable to volunteer anymore. I still go out there and visit my old furry friends.

We've got on a field trip with our home school group and had a great time! All those we encountered as we went on the tour were pleasant, knowledgeable, answered questions posed (even if they weren't the "designated" tour guide), and seemed to enjoy their job, the animals, and guests. It was great to see the animals fairly close up and personal, certainly closer than any zoo when it came to large cats. Totally felt safe and the enclosures were obviously more than "just cages"--with enrichment toys and environments where the animals could play and interact with their environment. Hope to make it back one of these days!

I used to work with a young guy who bought a male lion cub. The little cub grew up to weigh over 300 lbs, and he kept it fenced in on a farm in Boyd,Texas. There is where I went with him to meet his lion. When I stepped out of his jeep and saw the size of the lion, I was without words. He was incredible but I wouldn't go much closer. The guy knew he couldn't keep the lion, so I believe he found a forever home for him in a feline sanctuary. It may have been IEAS. I lost track of the guy over the years, but I've gone back to Boyd a few times in support of the important work that goes on there. They give hope to wild cats and other animals who have been abused or outgrown their homes. It was the first santuary of its kind to be recognized and become a member of tne National Zoological Society of zoos. There are tours for the public for your donation. They educate about the animals living there and run an intern program for students. It is a cool way to spend an afternoon!

The first time that I visited IEFS was when my daughter-in-law was an intern there. She stayed for six months. I was very impressed with the way IEFS takes care of animals who had previously been in bad situations. It gives the big cats, bears, and others a place away from abuse, neglect, and unnatural settings. They not only give them a place to stay, but the environment there is as natural as it can be. The animals have very large areas in which to roam, play, lie down. I feel like they are well taken care of and comfortable. They aren't cramped in small cages; they are no longer in someone's house or backyard, chained up; they are not expected to do tricks or perform. They can just "be". The animals are also given toys and situations in which their imaginations are stimulated and they grow mentally and emotionally as well. I admire the work they do at IEFS and try to donate whenever possible to help them in their efforts.

I have been to IEAS multiple times, and every time I go it is just that much more memorable. I love being able to see the kindness that is extended to the creatures and also, I get to watch the new animals progress through their life. This organization provides clear explanations on almost every aspect of the facility and brings the reality of how much work it put in to making the lives of these animals as comfortable as possible. IEAS is by far one of the most amazing organizations that I have ever had to the pleasure of encountering, and I recommend a visit to anyone that every gets the chance.

I love Big Cats and saw an article in the paper about the great work these fine folks are doing for these beautiful majestic animals. I became a volunteer for about six months but, for me, the drive was too far for me to continue. I highly recommended this quality organization!

I found IEFS when looking for somewhere locally to take my grandchildren for an educational day. What we found when we visited the sanctuary was more than education. What we saw was an organization run by passionate professionals that had several obvious beneficiaries. First the beautiful and magnificent animals that we were caught in circumstances beyond their control and have landed in a haven of care and attention. Second as a training ground for the interns to get them started on a lifelong career of caring for such creatures. And finally the public, like me, who get a chance to see these animals in a humane and comfortable setting. My grandkids loved it and I go back as often as I can to visit and share. As I am able I hope to do more than just visit and observe. I'm glad to see an organization that has such a positive outlook and mission.

I have been a donor to IEAS for many years. I have watched it grow as more animals now have a quality of life that they would't have if it were not for Richard and the care and enrichment that the sanctuary provides. The enclosures that the animals are housed in are natural and as close to what their natural environment in the wild would be as possible. They are not in typical cages like animals in zoos and other rescue places. They are fed a strict diet that closely resembles what each animal would eat in the wild. IEAS also provides an internship which educates young people and provides them with hands-on experience so they can pursue careers helping animals. I keep donating because I truly feel that IEAS provides the best care and environment for so many animals that would have been far worse off otherwise. Next to being wild, IEAS is the best place the animals could be.

It is a privilege to have the opportunity to write and share this excellent organization with you. As a volunteer with more than ten (10) non-profits in Dallas, Texas, donating of my time and resources, I have gleaned experience in separating the marginal from the dynamic. IEFS is a dynamic organization, which has educated us while providing a safe haven for animals that through no fault of their own landed in someone's backyard, home or were terribly neglected. Mahatma Ghandi once said, "you judge a country by the treatment of its animals." IEFS is proof that in our country there are many excellent volunteers and dedicated individuals who believe in the care and support of our wildlife.

Have been a Donor of IEAS from its beginning. The facilities for the animals are top grade, roomy, and overseen with great care for what each resident needs. The study programs for the public are wonderful. The research and professional training for animal behaviorists, veterinary studients, and volunteers is one of the best in the world. Takes only a few minutes of seeing the webpage and the stories of these stunning creatures, and how IEAS has saved them from persecution, hardship and cruelty to know how worthy IEAS as a group to sponsor. I am so proud of the work they have done to rehabilate these animals. They are happy, healthy, active and love their homes. I hope everyone who reads this will give consideration to joining so many of us who love IEAS.

I support several big cat sanctuaries in my part of Texas. I so admire the people who sacrifice so much to take care of animals that have suffered from man's stupdity. I made my first actual visit to IEAS last month. I was beyond impressed by their professionalism and the way they put the animals needs first. The intern program was very impressive as well. The visit included a tour of the nutrition center where meals are prepared & medicines added to the food. This was information I have never gotten anywhere else I have visited.

I have toured the IEAS several times and have been awed by the quality of live provided for the animals there. They have grown from a large cat sanctuary to reach out to other animals in need of a human friend. I cannot say enough about what a wonderful organization this truly is.

In July of 2007 a momma black bear and her two cubs were in our front yard in Jackson, WY. Sadly, a few hours later the mother was shot and killed. Wyoming has no way of caring for animals like the two cubs. Thank goodness for IEAS. Now Dakar and Meyote have a wonderful, safe home.

I have been reading about IEAS online for several months now and am so impressed with their mission and efforts to protect these amazing exotic animals. When I read some of the animals' bios it made me both angry that some people treat animals so badly, and so very grateful that organizations such as IEAS work so hard to rescue and protect these amazing animals. Our daughter recently graduated from college with a degree in Animal Science and is currently an intern at IEAS. We are very impressed at the amazing opportunity IEAS provides to its interns to grow and learn about what is involved in taking care of exotic animals. In this way, they are both helping the animals while also training tomorrow's caregivers to continue the work of rescuing and protecting these unique animals. Our daughter's experience at IEAS is already proving to be a very important part of her post-graduate training and we know it will serve her (and the animals) well as she pursues a career working with exotic cats. We support IEAS in every way we can. I urge you to learn more about their mission and work and consider doing the same.

IEAS is an excellent organization that not only provides top-notch care for the animals in their sanctuary, but is also a responsible community partner. They are conscientious about their "neighbors" and go to great lengths to maintain good relations with their surrounding community. The education they provide for their interns is top-notch, and as a retired university internship director, I appreciate the quality with which they execute that program. In addition, they are a valuable source of education for all of us in this region on topics related to animal behavior, care, and ethics. They are a source of pride (no pun intended) for all of us in the North Texas area. IEAS deserves top rating and maximum support -- just like they give their animals.

I visit my mother in Bridgeport, TX close to the sanctuary, and have been able to visit several times with different members of our family. We've always been impressed with the way the animals are housed, fed, and given objects to play with and extra attention to increase their quality of life there. We enjoyed the tour especially because we got to hear about where these animals come from, what they've been through and how they're cared for. This center is essential to care for those animals that have been so poorly treated by their owners, and to provide information to the general public about why they should not be kept by individuals - keep up the good work, especially with the interns!

Loved my tour of the sanctuary. The (intern) guide was friendly and knowledgeable and never tried to hurry us along. The only negative aspect for me was the lack of shade over the paths -- we were all sweating by the end of the tour.

While visiting in Oct. 2011, I was so excited to see the animals in habitats as close to natural as safely possible. The bears were climbing trees, eating fruit and chasing each other as I imagine they would in the wild. The staff were friendly and answered all questions very knowledgeably. What a wonderful place for these beautiful animals to live out the rest of their lives. Specially after the abuse some of these animals experienced at the hands of their owners!!

The care the animals and bears get at this sanctuary is exceptional. The habitats the animals live in have everything the animals could want including water features, perches, and enrichment.

Visited the sanctuary what a good cause and caring volunteers to so many animals that need love and care

IEAS is a top-notch animal sanctuary and all other such places should be modeled after it. They are very well organized, and I have never seen such animals more at peace on a daily basis anywhere else. These animals finally get something they deserve after being mistreated or whatever sad story some person bestowed upon them. This is a must see sanctuary if you have any interest in large felines, bears, or now coatis'! I was fortunate enough to spend a good amount of time at IEAS and enjoyed every moment helping give these animals the life they deserve. I must say the staff is very good at their jobs and train many interns that get hired in a very hard career to get into based on IEAS's reputation. I will continue being a part of this organization for my lifetime!

I remember when my friend talked about this place a few years ago because she wanted to participate in their internship program. I have always wanted to work with animals too and IEAS seemed like a great place to do it. I was so happy for her when she found out that she was accepted there as an animal care intern. She has told me a lot about the sanctuary and all the animals that live there. I have also looked at their website and you can definitely see that they really love their animals and they take great care of them.

After looking at the website and talking to my friend who is currently an intern I think that the international exotic animal sanctuary
seems like a great place to get experience working with carnivores. They have an excellent safety record because safety is their
number one priority. Interning there is a great way to kickstart any zoological career. Each animal is cared for individually and is
given the utmost respect. Not only do they have behavioral enrichment but they also have this one of a kind emotional enrichment
program that focuses on the emotional well being of each animal. IEAS is a special place filled with dedicated and hard working
individuals who are there for the animals.

I have been an intern here for almost a month and the last several weeks have been some of the most challenging and most rewarding moments I've had the opportunity to experience. I am continually amazed by the magnitude of dedication and commitment that each and every staff member reveals, no matter what the task at hand. It is because of them that this facility is so successful and the animals are genuinely content in their environments. Working at IEAS has allowed me to see first hand how animals that come from the most deplorable conditions and at first may seem to be beyond behavioral rehabilitation can, with the proper care and attention, recover from a lifetime of neglect, abuse, and exploitation. Thanks to the tireless staff, interns, and volunteers, many of the animals here have beaten the odds and learned to trust again. This second chance at a happy life is what makes IEAS such a remarkable sanctuary.

As an intern working at the International Exotic Animal Sanctuary I can say the people here truly care about the animals they have rescued. Everything they do, down to how they walk and talk around the animals is done to keep them calm and happy. The sanctuary’s distinctive emotional enrichment program is a great opportunity to have a relationship with these beautiful wild animals. The work is hard but the rewards are great.

The International Exotic Animal Sanctuary is a facility that provides a home for abandoned and abused exotic animals. Every animal here is treated with respect and is given the best quality of life that it deserves. They use environmental, behavioral, and emotional enrichment to make sure every part of the animals needs are taken care of. I have only been an intern here for 3 weeks and I have already learned so much about what it takes to run a sanctuary (and it is HARD work!!). Come take a tour of IEAS and see all the animals!

IEAS treats each animal as an individual and with respect. They truly care for each of the creatures that call IEAS home. They also have a unique program dealing with the emotional needs of each animal providing a sense of security and comfort for them. They really do love the animals here and give them the best care possible.

IEAS is am amazing facility that provides a comfortable permanent home for previously mistreated and abandoned animals. The staff and volunteers show an admirable dedication to each animal and IEAS successfully provides a stress-free habitat full of enrichment and care and they put a strong emphasis on safety. As an intern here, I have the honor of participating in the unique Emotional Enrichment program that helps to comfort and calm each animal. IEAS also helps to educate the public about the lives and conservation efforts of each of the magnificent animals that live here through tours and outreach.

I am truly honored to have had the opportunity and privilege to work with the staff and animals here at the International Exotic Animal Sanctuary. This sanctuary is remarkable for their efforts in animal welfare, conservation, education and much more. The purpose of IEAS is clear and is undoubtedly upheld by the loving staff and community. Every minute spent here at the Sanctuary is to ensure that the animals are treated with the upmost respect and cared for with various needs. We tailor to each individual to make sure they are safe and are receiving the necessary diet, medication, habitat construction, and emotional enrichment. Countless hours are spent on the general maintenance and upkeep of the sanctuary to demonstrate the quality of life we provide for the animals. The Emotional Enrichment Program has opened my eyes to a whole new way of thinking about animal bonding and behavior. The unique program here at IEAS distinctly demonstrates how much the animals can benefit from a program, which shows that humans are a source of trust and comfort. I look highly to IEAS and know that many more exotic felines, bears and animals will be in excellent hands once they make way to the sanctuary grounds. I strongly recommend the internship program here and know that I am a better person because of the time and work I have put in.

As a current intern here at IEAS, I cannot even begin to express how thankful I am to be given such an amazing opportunity to work with these incredible animals. My expectations have been beyond met right from the start. Everything you'll read about in other reviews is absolutely true. Not only are the physical needs of each animal met here, but their emotional needs are attended to as well. To be honest, this didn't mean much to me at first (I mean how many emotional needs can a tiger have anyway, right? Wrong). The beneficial results of the Emotional Enrichment program are evident; you really will have a hard time finding more relaxed, happy, and affectionate animals anywhere else. I constantly have people on my tours who are not only surprised at how calm and satisfied all the animals are, but are also amazed at how clean and well maintained everything is. I always tell them there's a reason for this: we work on it every single day. From sorting through produce daily, to scrubbing the animal's houses, cleanliness and organization keeps the sanctuary running like a well oiled machine. The staff here have my highest respect; each and every one of them consistently go above and beyond what is generally thought of as acceptable or satisfactory. Yes, they push us hard, but that's because each one of them sincerely want us to succeed, not only here, but also in our future careers. This sanctuary is truly one of a kind.

I'm currently interning at IEAS. There are so many wonderful things to say about this Sanctuary, I don't know where to begin. Everything here is done for the animals to give them the most comfortable, stress-free life that they can have. This is apparent in just about everything that you see happening around the sanctuary, from the large, naturalistic habitats designed for the animals, to the food prepared early in the morning. Even the our daily tours are designed to both educate the public about the exotic animals we have here and be given in a manner that doesn't agitate the animals. All of the staff and volunteers display a clear love for the animals living at IEAS, and I am truly blessed to be a part of such a wonderful organization, helping to give the best care possible to animals that were once neglected, abused, and lived life without any love.

As an intern here at the International Exotic Animal Sanctuary I can personally say that this Sanctuary is the most well-maintained and safety conscience animal facility that I have ever been to. The animal’s wellbeing, comfort, and safety really do come first here. I have learned so much as an intern here at the Sanctuary, and I am more than grateful that I received this internship. Not only is the Sanctuary a great home to all its residents, but it also prides itself on the educational tours the Sanctuary provides every day. I personally have given many tours, and I have yet to see a person who was not impressed by the Sanctuary’s spacious habitats, its cleanliness, and safety procedures. It truly is an amazing place. I would suggest taking a tour or possibly becoming an intern or volunteer to anyone!

I have been an intern at the International Exotic Animal Sanctuary for two months and I can say with complete honesty that this facility treats their animals better than most people treat their own pets. Every minute of our day is spent making sure the animals are comfortable, and their well-being is the center of our operation. Each thing we do is catered to every animal’s individual needs, from diet preparation to the routine we follow when cleaning their enclosures. The landscape of the Sanctuary is beautiful, and the enclosures have been built to encompass it. Not only do the animals have spacious enclosures with large shade trees, they also have misters, fans, pools with waterfalls, caves, and houses to sleep in. Along with all of their basic needs being exceedingly met, the animals’ emotional needs are taken into account, and they are treated with items such as boomer balls and tires to play with. This is a truly amazing facility, and the animals are all so happy and healthy, despite some very poor upbringings prior to their arrivals here. I encourage everyone to take a tour to see for themselves what a fantastic lives these animals have. I am so glad I have the opportunity to dedicate my summer working for the benefit of these magnificent animals.

When I first accepted the internship at International Exotic Animal Sanctuary, I honestly did not know what to expect. This has become an eye opening experience. I was first off blown away on how clean and organized everything was and most importantly how happy the animals were. They have more than enough space to move around in their habitats, have waterfalls/pools, enrichment toys, trees, houses to protect them from the heat/cold, misting systems within their habitats to keep them cool. Another part of the Sanctuary that was truly wonderful to see is Bear Orphanage. You can come and see the bears actually interacting within their natural environment. They have 5 acres for the baby bears and 5 acres for the adult bears to roam around, a pond, enrichment toys as well, fresh water, and a lot of scrumptious food. Coming here has shown me how much hard work and dedication needs to go into running a good, safe sanctuary where the animals are truly happy and healthy. You can see this hard work and dedication in the staff here at IEAS, they very respectful, hard working, and know and care for each and every animal. They are more than willing to show us, the interns, each and every aspect of how to properly care for the animals and how to abide by safety procedures while feeding and cleaning their habitats. Everything we do here at the Sanctuary is for the animals, we want to provide them with a long, happy/stress free, and healthy life. I would encourage everyone to add this to their bucket list. This is a great place to see animals with various unfortunate backgrounds interacting in a stress free, natural environment.

I have never visited a facility that puts so much effort into ensuring animal comfort. I especially appreciate that they are never forced to be on exhibit, but have access to their houses as a haven from weather and unwanted attention. As an intern, I have especially enjoyed the opportunity to learn new skills such as grant and proposal writing, as well as the opportunity to be a part of their Unique Emotional Enrichment Program. Everyone here goes above and beyond to provide each creature with a high standard of life, and it definitely shows!

These people truely care about the animals in their care and it certainly shows. All of these beautiful creatures are very relaxed in their well kept environment. Many of the animals came from terrible living conditions yet they seem to have an amazing amount of trust for the keepers at the sanctuary. I think that speaks volumes about the compassion and attitude these wonderful people have. The sanctuary is a wonderful place to visit.

My first visit to the Sanctuary was September of 1995. I still remember the feeling of "awe" at being in the presence of such magnificent animals. It is a feeling I still get get everytime I am there. Over the years, I have seen it develop into the wonderful sanctuary it is today. It takes a lot of hard work to get accreditation from the AZA. Many zoos do not even have that status. IEAS was the first sanctuary. Everyone who cares for the animals are very devoted to them. They not only feed them and clean their enclosures but give them lots of love and attention that they need and which the animals reciprocate. The primary focus is always THE ANIMALS. Every tour is different because it depends on the mood of each animal as to who you will see. You may see many "lumps in the grass" as they get some "Z's" in the sun; they may be up and about and greet you; they maybe asleep in their house. It is entirely what THEY WANT TO DO. Their enclosures are always well maintained as well as the grounds. I have been a volunteer since 1998 and help with the care of the grounds. It is a continuous process but can be very rewarding, especially when you have such great supervisors. All of the animals have their degree in supervision and all of them are excellent supervisors. Most of my original "animal" friends have passed on. Many lived to be very old. Although I miss them very much, I know they lived the best life possible in captivity. They were given very good care and lots of love. I have many beautiful memories of each one. They have a way of giving you very, very "special memories". I have always said that if I worked 24hrs/day, 7 days a week, month after month, and year after year for 50 years, I could not begin to give back a small part of what they have given me through the years. I enjoy my 2 days a week at the Sanctuary and if I lived closer, would probably be there more often. It is a very special place.

Our Granddaughter is currently an intern at IEAS. The experience she is getting while working there is life-changing. We have not visited the sanctuary but do follow it on facebook. We love to see all the absolutely beautiful animals your staff and interns care for. Some of my favorites are the Bengal Tigers, American Black Bear and the Lions. It is great to know that these magnificent animals have a good home at IEAS. We look forward to your daily updates on facebook and hope to visit your facility one day.

The International Exotic Animal Sanctuary's main purpose is to provide a permanent home for exotic animals that have been abused, abandoned, neglected, confiscated, or previously owned by people unable/unwilling to give them the care they need and deserve. As an intern, one of the very first things you notice is the respect the staff has for each and every animal, and it shows in their work. The grounds are kept beautifully, the food preparation area is always clean and sanitized, and animal habitat's are extremely well kept and constantly being updated with new caves or waterfalls. And to top that off, the sanctuary runs one of the most prestigous animal care internships for large carnivores in the United States. This is truly a remarkable sanctuary that is providing the absolute best care they can possibly give to these magnificent animals. Working here taught me more than I could have ever imagined, and I know they will continue to touch the lives of future interns and visitors alike by creating such a wonderful home to all these animals in need.

I have two adoptees at IEFS and visit often. I am continually amazied by the dedication of the staff shows toward all the animals. The internship offered by IEFS is among the best in the nation. IEFS is a 5-Star organization!! Please visit soon.

I was our Homeschool Group's field trip coordinator and set up a field trip for our group. Over 50 people signed up and IEFS worked so hard to ensure that we had an awesome time. We even had a lady who needed to wheelchair. The paths there cannot accommodate one so they brought out their Gator and gave her a special tour all her own. Our kids got the whole enchilada! They got to see the kitchens, the hospital, and all the critters! It was the best field trip of the year! You can tell the animals are so loved and the care is top notch. Their homes are filled with enrichment items, shade, and places to just be lazy. I wish it was closer to our home so we could volunteer.

The International Exotic Animal Sanctuary literally does everything for the sake of the animals. As an intern, I learned very quickly what it means to work hard and from that, I realized that the dedication of the staff and volunteers is astounding. Each animal has their own likes and dislikes, and they are catered to personally. Some have a special diet, some need you to move around their enclosure in a particular way. All of the animals have a favorite toy. The keepers know each of those details and make sure that everyone else knows them too so that the animals are happy. When you visit IEAS, you'll obviously see magnificent animals, but you'll also see a group of people who have an enormous amount of love and passion for what they do. It was a great experience that I will remember forever.

I.E.F.S. is an org. that is in a league of luminaries and peers like Tippi Hedron's Shambala and Carole Baskins Big Cat Sanctuary. The Gilbreths along with the fore-mentioned have provided salvation and safe haven for these magnificient cats that otherwise, more than likely, would end up like the incident in Ohio or destroyed. I feel that 'sancuarialists' are the last bastion of hope for the worlds imperiled wildlife, and that goes double for the big cats. Eventually (should be now) wildlife that is to be saved will have to placed outside country of origin to sanctuaries like I.E.F.S., Fossil Rim, White Oak, the Wilds, etc., etc. Whether its the cats, elephants, primates, or rhinos, if it is going to be saved, it will be through sancuaries and zoological preserves. The nat'l. parks and preserves in Africa and India are no longer viable or safe. I.E.F.S. is a wonderful island of safety, compassion, and purpose. Visit this 'island'...you'll never forget the experience.

My daughter is currently an intern at the IEAS. The experience she has shared with me has been incredible.The love and care that is given to these animals has been inspiring. So much so that as a high school teacher in upstate NY, I have shared and created an interest and following by my students and coworkers in these animals and the Sanctuary. I am thankful for the work these people are doing and believe that they set a high standard for all animal sanctuaries and zoos to follow.

Awesome. They put the animals first and the passion of everyone who works there is so apparent it rubs off on visitors. Their intern program is an incredible introduction in to the animal care field. Can't say enough good things about this place.

I guess you would say I first visited IEAS as a "secret shopper". The goal was to narrow my list of candidates for a donation from an inheritance. I wanted to make sure it would have a maximum impact on the recipients. It wasn't long into our tour that I realized, not only is the IEAS sanctuary a wonderful place for the rescued animals, but it is very well managed. They are quite innovative about taking advantage of every possible resource, from produce and meat from local grocers, to used yard utensils, pumpkins & Christmas trees from supporters. The intern program is exceptional, and the enthusiasm of the participants is very evident. Having worked on a number of non-profit boards, I recognize this as a very special organization. Business aside, each time we tour, I learn so much about the animals. All the cats are exciting to behold, but the bears are the entertainers. Did you know they make a helicopter sound when they're content? Where else could you hear that!

I live about 45 minutes from IEAS. Every time I would drive by, I would say that I wanted to go there. I finally went a few months ago! We really enjoyed our tour. The facility is amazing. You can tell the animals are their #1 priority. The interns seemed to enjoy being there and really cared for the animals. IEAS works hard to provide an excellent environment for these animals.

I lived in Boyd for 11 years and have really seen this sanctuary turn completely around from being a total failure to a roaring success, pun intended. About 15 years ago, they had an executive director in trouble with the law, were accused of not caring for the animals, and were so unstable that the people who lived nearby kept rifles loaded and handy because they worried about the animals getting loose. New management has made a world of difference. Now the place gets national attention for its new strategies of caring for exotic animals mistreated elsewhere and allowing them to interact with adults and children so that we all can see how magnificent they really are. The AZAA certification that they have achieved is ground breaking for animal rescues nationwide and gives the locals the confidence that they really have their act together. IEFS should be rewarded not only for what they have done for the animals, but for their amazing work in turning around a failing charity. The sanctuary is a joy to visit and if you keep up with their blog, you can see your donated dollars at work.

The international Exotic Feline Sanctuary in Boyd, TX is a wonderful facility. They are doing great things for the animals. I've seen them featured on Animal Cops Houston on Animal Planet as well for taking in tigers during an ice storm in the middle of February. They are an asset to North Texas.

This sanctuary is REALLY a sanctuary for these beautiful animals. The care givers are amazing and give the animals more than just food and shelter. They are focused on enriching the lives of these precious animals and you can really tell. The animals are healthy and active. Their coats are beautiful. Their living quarters aren't just slabs of cement that you've seen at other places. I really believe in IEFS. You can really tell the difference between their animals and the ones in a zoo because the zoos I've seen have sluggish animals and their coats are as healthy. IEFS really deserves support so they can continue the wonderful work they do.

I had always wanted to intern at IEAS since I found them online about 6 years ago. I applied as a freshmen in college with relatively no experience and got a rejection, but I kept on applying after a couple summers of internships and more school. I was woken up one morning by a phone call and interviewed on the spot and got the position! IEAS is at the top of my list for places to work because of its coveted AZA accredidation and its mission. I have worked for many types of organizations and IEAS has remained the constant goal because of its well trained staff, animal welfare, and their strive for education.

My daughter is an intern at the Sanctuary. We have visited several times. Their philosophy regarding the animals is great. The animals' welfare is primary. One tour through it makes it evident how much they love their animals. Some of the animals have had a rough start on life but they get treated well now. My daughter will be changed forever as a result of spending 6 months there. Just a couple of trips has changed me. Getting chuffed at by a tiger is a rare treat.

I had the opportunity to visit IEAS over Christmas vacation. What an amazing place. It is truly a sanctuary for some of the most beautiful animals on the planet. They are so well cared for and hearing the stories of some of the circumstances that these majestic animals were rescued from was just heart breaking. Not only is it a loving home for the animals, it is an outstanding incubator for future zoo keepers and caretakers through their internship program. And what an internship it is. These young people are taught to see each of these animals as individuals and care for the specific needs of each… and it is not an easy task with long hours and lots of sore muscles. While they do work hard, I believe it is an experience that they will find invaluable for the rest of their lives. IEAS is a genuinely worthy organization that excels at its mission.

My husband and I had the opportunity to visit IEAS last Sunday. We both had a great experience. I enjoyed looking at all of the beautiful animals and learning about everything IEAS does. There are so many details and requirements necessary to operate this facility and I definitely learned a lot. I also gained so much respect for all of the interns, keepers, and volunteers. There is so much work that goes on and there is a lot to remember. Everyone should visit IEAS whenever they get a chance. You will have such a great experience looking at and learning about all of the majestic animals!