My Nonprofit Reviews

Amazing organization, where the animals truly come first!!

Wow, where to begin...Claws does so many different things including but not limited to educational programs, rescue & placement of exotic pets in need of new homes on a national level, rehabilitation & release/placement of local wildlife (I'm talking about songbirds, birds of prey, small mammals, deer! You name it, they take it! They truly do not discriminate species where alot of non-profits really must make a distinction in order to be successful)...Claws is also active in international breeding programs and they mentor/train rehabbers throughout the year.

My experience with Claws is two fold, as a volunteer AND also as a fellow wildlife rehabilitator. I've never been apart of an organization that did so much good in so many different ways concerning so many different species. I've learned so much from volunteering with Claws at local educational programs and fund raisers, even coming to them with an exotic care background, I am constantly learning new things about animals.

Claws is strictly a volunteer organization with no paid employees. The staff is made up mostly of a core family and other volunteers. Their knowledge of the many species they work with on a daily basis is just amazing. Alot of their permanent animals that cannot be released due to injuries, would have to be euthanized by law if they were not apart of an educational program. Kindra's animals are not only given the best care possible, but they are happy. They are handled and socialized so that these educational experiences are not stressful, and in Claws fashion, the animals always come first, if they do not wish to participate that day, they are not forced to do so. Their educational programs reach children and adults alike...people learn so much about the animals around them, as well as exotics and how to live with nature as a whole.

As a rehabber, I've enjoyed networking with Claws so that local wildlife in need can be delivered to a rehabber as quickly as possible. Claws (Kindra specifically) has been an incredible resource for local rehabbers. Claws is always willing to train or brainstorm any problems or odd issues that might arise...and often help out with the overflow from the home rehabbers if the season becomes crazy busy. I've had the pleasure of training under Kindra on songbirds...and I could not have asked for a better teacher.

I am/have been involved in numerous nonprofits over the years working with exotic animals/wildlife. I can not say enough good things about Claws. Here the people revolve around the animals at all hours of the night and day, here Triage is constantly on-going 24-7 and the vet, meds and food bills are extremely high, even with discounts (ever wonder what a hawk surgery costs?)....in this house, people ask is this fruit for animals or the two legged household member?

I consider myself blessed to be a part of the Claws family.

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I have been a volunteer and friend of the founders of the Conservators' Center from the beginning days. I have had the unique opportunity to watch them grow from only a couple of rescues to the amazing organization that has given over 100 exotic animals not only shelter (often the only available second chance at life) but a loving environment with proper care and lots of love & enrichment.

Over the years I've helped with direct animal care, feeding the animals & cleaning cages, socializing young & new animals, clearing brush, construction, cage enrichment, tours, training new volunteers & interns, and assisting with fund-raising events! As you can see, the volunteer opportunities at CCI and the rewards of volunteering with these incredible animals AND equally amazing people are endless. You will fall in love with the individual animals and their stories, and you can't help but learn from the knowledgeable, passionate staff.

If you don't have the time to volunteer, I highly recommend at least scheduling a tour to see these majestic creatures in person. We offer several kinds of fun tours- basic, twilight, photography, shadow the keeper and treat enrichment! After visiting, you will see that the animals come first and all donations, every penny, truly does go into the care and happiness of these beautiful animals.

If you fall in love with a specific animal you can even adopt them...while you can't take your animal home, you can learn how to appropriately build a relationship with your animal. There are animals that even recognize the sound of their adoptive parents cars!! It's an amazing opportunity. Make sure to ask about adoption opportunities when you tour!

Although my life is crazy full with juggling a full time job, my own mini-zoo at home, and being a NC Wildlife Rehabilitator, you will find me volunteering most every Saturday out at the Center. I'm truly blessed to be a part of the Conservators' Center.

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