The Project
Animal sanctuary volunteering program in Florida, USA

This is a non-profit exotic animal sanctuary, fully licensed and accredited by the American Sanctuary Association. The sanctuary is dedicated to the lifetime care of abused, neglected, confiscated or unwanted exotic animals to prevent them from being destroyed. The animals that are rescued and come to the sanctuary range from big cats such as tigers, cougars and leopards to wolves, bears, smaller primates and smaller cats. They are given permanent homes and most have come from situations that were potentially harmful for the animals.

The sanctuary do not sell, transfer or give away any of the animals, and they are not used for breeding; they are simply protected from harm. The highly-trained staff ensure that their medical, nutritional and emotional needs are well met. With help from the sanctuary's supporters, it is able to provide permanent habitats for these animals on its 90-acre compound.

There are many other kinds of facilities who keep exotic animals, including zoos, breeders, attractions and parks, pet owners, placement or adoption shelters, and even hunting ranches. These facilities are distinguished from ‘True’ sanctuaries in that their income is derived from the animals they have. True sanctuaries, by their very nature, can derive little if any income from the animals because the needs of the animals come first.

This facility offers guided, educational tours by advance reservation. During the tours, visitors have the unique opportunity to come as close as five feet away from many of the animals. All the while, they are learning about the animals, why they are there and the plight of their wild counterparts.

The sanctuary tries to provide the largest natural habitats for each animal that is possible. Where viable, they place animals in habitats together to enrich their lives by sharing their home with others of their kind. It is important for animals to have large enclosures that allow them to mimic, as much as possible, their natural foraging behaviour in the wild. With the help of donations, they are continually expanding the animal enclosures.