The Wild Animal Sanctuary-TEXAS is not a zoo… and therefore we do not have a large paid staff, or an army of personnel to take care of every task that needs to be done. Our facility is primarily operated by a very dedicated group of Volunteers & Interns.
Are you interested in volunteering or becoming an intern? If so, then you need to know a few details about how involved our volunteer program is before you apply.
First, we have over 70 large exotic animals currently living here at the sanctuary - and that number is constantly growing due to our dedicated efforts to save the lives of what seems like a never ending stream of animals needing to be rescued.
Second, you need to know caring for this many large carnivores on a weekly basis is a mind boggling task. We feed over 4,500 pounds of a specially blended USDA quality meat diet to our large cats per week - and over 5,500 pounds of specially blended Bear food too!
And cleaning the facility is an incredible task - as thousands of square feet in building space has to be hosed down, scrubbed, and steam cleaned, as we follow a rigorous schedule that keeps our facility amazingly clean - which provides a healthy home for the animals to live in.
But it doesn’t stop there, as we have a myriad of other tasks to complete each day — ranging from office work and educational duties, to fence building, to habitat construction, to fundraising, to working with animals, and always going on - or managing our cross-country rescue schedule.
“No one ever said running a Wild Animal Sanctuary was going to be easy… and after many years of back breaking work - I can testify to how committed you will have to be to succeed” - Michelle Biddle - Executive Director
It all boils down to one thing… we need dedicated people who really care, and want to help animals - especially these kinds of magnificent creatures!
However, this is not a part time, fun filled, once in a while thing to do. We require our volunteers and interns to commit heart and soul to the Sanctuary, as the animals here need people they can trust and depend on. If you want to come out once in a while, and stay just a few hours - then this isn’t the place for you.
We need people who will make the Sanctuary a true part of their everyday lives. Volunteers need to come a minimum of one day a month - and interns have to commit to a 3 month live-on-site program. We expect you to integrate the animals and their welfare into your daily life.
You will need to think, talk, and do everything you can to help the animals. And if this is too much to ask of you… then you really need to rethink whether volunteering or interning at a wildlife sanctuary is what you really want to do!
Now comes the part where you cross that line, change your life, and join one of the finest Sanctuaries in America! If you want to VOLUNTEER, all you have to do is click on this link, and it will take you to our Volunteer Application - where you will download the PDF... fill it out... and e-mail it to us. Our Volunteer Coordinator will then contact you to come to a volunteer orientation & training.
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If you want to commit to an INTERNSHIP, all you have to do is click on this link, and it will take you to our Intern Application Page - where you will review the PDF... then either mail your application to us - or apply online. Our Intern Coordinator will then contact you to review your application and then accept or deny your participation in the program
One last word of caution though! This is a serious opportunity, and we don’t accept anyone who isn’t ready to make a total life changing commitment, so be ready to truly dedicate your life to the animals!
If you are ready to apply, please click on the appropriate button below.
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*PLEASE NOTE: Minimum Age For Volunteering and/or Internships is 16 and there is a $40 processing fee to apply
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