My Nonprofit Reviews

I was fortunate enough to be a keeper at IEAS for 13 months. The Sanctuary is unlike anything I had experienced before. Their mission is to give the resident animals the best possible life in captivity while refusing to compromise their comfort and dignity. The respect and emotional care these animals receive has made it possible for the staff, interns and volunteers to turn heartbreaking stories of previous abuse and neglect into awe inspiring happiness. Some of the animals of IEAS came from pasts that gave them no reason to ever trust humans. But when treated with the consideration owed to another sentient being, amazingly, the animals have been able to overcome their experiences and choose to trust and build emotional relationships with their caretakers. Working in exotic animal care, I know I have become somewhat desensitized to seeing close and in person animals that most people only see on T.V. or occasionally in zoos. However, I was always moved when Mia, an Amur leopard, would hear my voice leading a tour and was waiting when we got to her. Or Rani, a female tiger and oldest resident, who would get up and greet anyone she saw walking remotely her way. Despite trying to be as quiet as possible, one snapped stick or slip on a rock, and she would be on her way over. Getting to see these animals be themselves and get to know their characters and personalities were the greatest and most humbling opportunities. These animals are allowed to be who they are, even if sometimes that means a little mischievous or uncooperative when you were hoping to get some work done. There’s always tomorrow to paint or weave vines. I am proud to have been a part of IEAS. Visitors are expected to show the same respect to the animals and, while they may not see when the cats and bears are feeling playful and active, they are still able to tell that they are, indeed, happy. IEAS also works hard to educate those who visit about the plight of the residents’ wild and captive cousins, but is not concerned about creating “exciting exhibits” out of the animals. The animals of IEAS are home. We are only there to care for them. IEAS defines what a sanctuary is.

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