My Nonprofit Reviews

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.

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