Virtual Visitors from New York!

A few days ago, students from Bemus Point Elementary School in Bemus Point, New York visited the International Exotic Animal Sanctuary – without ever leaving their classroom!

The first graders took a virtual tour of IEAS via Skype, and they had the opportunity to meet and learn from some of the Sanctuary’s many amazing residents! The students were virtually guided around the Sanctuary by Nissa Marione, the IEAS Education Coordinator. They had a blast being “sniffed” and chuffed at through their computer screen. It was a wonderful opportunity for these students from across the country to be able to meet the amazing IEAS animals and learn about their species, stories, and needs! 

We had some great feedback from both the teachers and the students. Our favorite responses were those in the form of handwritten notes and drawings from the first graders! Here are a few of our favorites! 

Her favorite animals, Akbar, Arusha, and Kumar - three white Bengal tigers! By Stephanie D. 

Her favorite animals, Baby and Cookie the bobcats! By Hannah B.

Mork and Mindy, two white-nosed coatis beside their hammock! By Caleb B. 

His favorite animal, Ron, a male lion, eating from his pan! By Jack

Her favorite cat, Titan, a white Bengal tiger! By Melody S. 

We are so happy to have had the opportunity to introduce these youngsters to the amazing animals who call IEAS home. As they may not have had the chance to see the animals any other way, it was a great experience! Thanks for "visiting" IEAS Bemus Point Elementary! 

Is YOUR school interested in a virtual tour of the International Exotic Animal Sanctuary? E-mail us at education@bigcat.org for more information! 

Does your child already know and love IEAS or animals in general? Check out our Exotic Animal Adventure Program and schedule an adventure at IEAS for your child this summer! 

Calling All Kids! EXOTIC ANIMAL ADVENTURE!

WATER WEEKEND WAS A HUGE SUCCESS!

WOW! The 3rd Annual "Quench Our Thirst" Water Weekend was a huge success! We saw lots of people out at IEAS, some new visitors and some old friends. We couldn't be more thrilled with the outcome, and we want to thank each and every one of our visitors who donated a case of water to tour IEAS!

We collected over 100 cases of water, totaling exactly 2,273 bottles! With the hot, Texas summer on the horizon, we will be providing these cold, refreshing bottles to tour goers for a $1 donation, so these cases of water will help bring in over $2,000 for IEAS this summer!! 

We've always known it, but this is just another indication that our supporters are amazing! Thank you all so much for being a part of this year's Water Weekend, and we hope you enjoyed your tour!

Flat Stanley Visits IEAS!

If you have kids or know some, you may have heard of Flat Stanley. Flat Stanley, a book written by Jeff Brown, has become a very popular learning tool in schools. Years after the original book was written, The Flat Stanley Project began, encouraging students to create their own Flat Stanley and send him to friends, family, and others around the world. When Flat Stanley returns, he comes with photos and other tid-bits from his travels, immersing students in new places, cultures, and adventures. 

Recently, a Flat Stanley made it to IEAS all the way from Elizabeth, Pennsylvania. So far, he has had some awesome adventures and has met some truly incredible animals! Check out a few of his IEAS adventures...

Flat Stanley met Sajani, a Bengal tiger!

Stanley got to eat lunch with Rascal, an American black bear!

Flat Stanley even got a few sniffs from a friendly coati, Mork!

We can't wait to send Flat Stanley back to Pennsylvania, and we are so happy to take part in this educational project and experience for the students!

 

Our Mission: High Quality Nutrition!

A popular question on IEAS conservation education tours is how we determine how much to feed each of our residents. Believe it or not, there is no formula to use. Each animal is different, and their individual traits have to be taken into account.

When an animal arrives at IEAS, we start them on a diet consisting of 2% of their body weight. We then consider their age, metabolism, and activity level. Nala, an approximately 300 lb., 16 year old lioness, eats 3 to 5 lbs of meat per day. Allie Kat, a 300 lb, 7 year old Bengal tiger average 12-14 pounds per day. This difference is accounted for by the fact that Allie has a much higher metabolic rate than Nala, and is significantly more active. Additionally, diet amounts fluctuate with the season. During the winter, the amounts tend to increase as the cats exert more energy to stay warm, while during the summer, the heat brings a decrease in appetite for IEAS residents.

Nala

As these animals would not eat every day in the wild. Instead, they may feed on up to 60 lbs in one sitting. Several species, including cougars and leopards, will cache what they don't eat and finish it later. To simulate their wild nature, we only feed them their normal diets 6 days a week. On the 7th day, we have a Bone Day. Beef bones are provided to the cats to exercise their jaws. They also provide benefits to their teeth and digestive tract, while simultaneously functioning as an enrichment device.

Here at the Sanctuary, we have seen the consequences of a poor diet in animals upon their arrival. When Noel, a male Siberian tiger arrived at IEAS, his bones were soft and riddled with hairline fractures as a result of poor nutrition. He was unable to walk or even stand up for the first two or three weeks at IEAS. Nala, a female lion, was malnourished and suffering from severe osteoporosis when she was rescued. At just four months old, all of her major bones except a front leg had hairline fractures as a result of improper diet. Fortunately, both of these amazing animals have made incredible recoveries with the help of proper care and nutrition.

Noel

Proper nutrition can deter other health problems such as loose stool, feline urinary syndrome, taurine deficiency, poor reproduction, tooth and gum disease, metabolic bone disease, and obesity.

At IEAS, we know that health and happiness go hand-in-hand, and we ensure that each and every resident animal is provided with the proper diet, thereby ensuring their happiness, comfort, and well-being! 

3rd Annual "Quench Our Thirst" Water Weekend at IEAS!

Rise and Shine Bears!

Bear Orphanage is bustling once again! Winter is always a quiet time down in Dorfman Bear Orphanage, but with spring time here at last  (well, supposedly - the temperature is telling us otherwise), the American black bear residents are up and about!

It is wonderful to visit the Orphanage and see our favorite black bears again. The whole group of them is eager and hungry after their long winter torpor. Their appetites are wonderful, and everyone is exploring to see how their habitat has changed in the past few months! Now is a great time to come out and see them on tours. They'll be eager for visitors and happy to say "hello!"

Get Your Garden Ready!

Spring is right around the corner, and many of you are probably thinking about your starting up your gardens! Well, we've got an awesome way to help keep those pesky garden pests from ruining all of your hard work - Big Cat Scat!

Researcher's have found that a predator's feces, like that of a tiger, may help to drive away garden pests. Just the smell of a predator is enough to keep them at bay. It's been proven for goats, feral pigs, kangaroos (though we don't imagine these are much of an issue for you), and rabbits. We've also gotten feedback from past buyers that the Big Cat Scat has deterred deer as well (though it's not guaranteed)!

While we realize that you probably don't have much tiger poop laying around, here at IEAS, we've got plenty to share! We've got a fresh supply of tiger scat that we are ready to process for use in your yard. That all natural pest repellant is separated, dried, and packed safely in childproof buckets.

This spring, save your sapling, seedling, or garden AND support IEAS as all Big Cat Scat proceeds go directly to the animals!

1 Gallon Bucket    $15.00

2.5 Gallon Bucket    $35.00

5 Gallon Bucket   $50.00

(1 Gallon of Scat should be enough to cover 100 square feet)

Remember, we can SHIP the SCAT to you (please contact us to determine shipping and handling costs)! To order, call 940-433-5091 or e-mail us at richard@bigcat.org.

Spring Break!

Spring Break week is always a busy one for us here at IEAS. We welcome lots of folks from all over who come to the Sanctuary for a tour and to meet the animals who call it home! 

Are YOU looking for something to keep the kids busy this week?! Bring them out to the International Exotic Animal Sanctuary! They'll have an awesome time and learn a little something along the way! Our conservation education tours are designed to bring conservation to life and instill a respect for nature, as well as introduce the IEAS animals and teach about the plights of their wild cousins! We promise you'll enjoy your time and so will the kids!

Tours are every day at 11 AM with an 

additional 3 PM tour on Saturday only. 

Remember, kids must be at least 7 years old to tour IEAS. 

We look forward to seeing you here this week!

For more info or to book YOUR tour, click here!

Meet the Spring 2013 Interns of IEAS!

Today was the first official work day for the Spring 2013 Interns at the International Exotic Animal Sanctuary. Lots of information, as always, was presented to the six new interns, but they took it all in and seem ready to work!

We're happy to have these interns at the Sanctuary, and with the weather warming up, we're excited to have them help us with lots of maintenance and construction projects! Once they complete training and pick up the routines here at IEAS, the new (human) faces at the Sanctuary will have the chance to take part in projects involving, cementing, mortaring, PVC piping, working with pumps and more. They will also have the opportunity to be instructed in several intern classes including Laws & Regulations, Firearms Safety & Training, and Grant & Proposal Writing.

We'll be sure to keep you updated on how these new interns are spending their time here at IEAS. Soon, they'll be able to take part in our Emotional Enrichment Program and bond one-on-one with some of the animals we all know and love!

More About Rio!

Most you have probably already heard that IEAS recently became the home to a beautiful ocelot named Rio. Well, we just wanted to let you all know that she's settling in well! 

Being that she only arrived less than one week ago, she still has some settling in to do. She's shy for now, but her appetite is great! So far, she has been coming out to eat at night, once everything has quieted down, and we imagine that she's also taking that time to explore her habitat. Soon enough, we're sure to see her poking out during the day as her confidence and comfort increase!

Rio's habitat has plenty to keep her occupied and enough environmental enrichment to make her feel right at home. Rio has plenty of high perches, ramps, and even a platform that encircles her entire habitat. There is a heated house for this warm weather loving girl, a fire hose hammock to lounge in, a large log to lay on and hide behind, plenty of grass to roll and relax in, and plenty of nooks and crannies for privacy! Rio also has several behavioral enrichment items such as toys and a hanging buoy to bat around.

As she settles in, we are taking the time to provide Rio with Emotional Enrichment to give her the confidence, security, and comfort she needs to thrive in her new home. We are eager for the steps she will take towards opening up to her new home. As always, it takes time for a new animal to adjust to the change, and we will allow her as much as she needs! For now, Rio won't be seen on IEAS tours as we don't want her to feel overwhelmed, but once she's up for it, visitors will walk right past her habitat and see this amazing endangered Texas native happy, content, and enjoying her life at IEAS!

The Bear That Started It All

Up until 2007, the International Exotic Animal Sanctuary was known as the International Exotic FELINE Sanctuary. The Sanctuary rescued only exotic cats. This was until we heard about Bill, an American Black bear.

Bill, a 600 pound bear, spent the first thirteen years of his precious life in a 4x9 foot cage on a concrete floor inside a barn. He was denied his instincts and the life he deserved. He never saw the sun or sky, never felt grass beneath his paws, and never knew compassion. Bill was, in all actuality, a prisoner. After over a decade in this setting, Bill and a number of other animals were confiscated by authorities and taken out of those deplorable conditions. Bill was then sent to the North Texas Humane Society until a home could be found for him. When IEAS heard about this special bear, we knew we needed to help.

Bill's First Tree Climb

When Bill was finally brought to IEAS, he wasn’t sure how to be a real bear. In his new home, Bill found 3,500 square feet of grass, trees, open sky, and fresh air. With a pool to cool off in, trees to climb, and quiet, private cave to sleep in, Bill found love, kindness, safety, and comfort, along with proper care. 

Since his arrival, Bill has truly flourished. After about a month, he made his first big "bear" step; he climbed a tree. His natural instincts have been nurtured and encouraged, resulting in a bear living as just that – a bear. There is nothing more gratifying to us than seeing Bill in his pool, walking in the grass, or lying on his perches in the sun, feeling the warmth that he had been denied for so many years.

Since Bill's rescue, IEFS became IEAS and has rescued 15 more bears, providing them with as wonderful and as natural a life as possible. With our ten acre Dorfman Bear Orphanage habitat and the Emotional Enrichment Program, the IEAS bears are some of the happiest, most secure bears you can find. We are so proud of how far Bill has come in the past six years, and we can't wait to continue to help this wonderful bear! 

 

The Cruelties of Declawing

There are many of those prospective exotic cat "owners" who think that declawing their cat is an fast, easy, and harmless way to alleviate the fear of being injured by the animal. However, nothing could be further from the truth.

The procedure of declawing a big cat is anything but harmless - particularly to the cat. In declawing a cat, it is not a "nail" that is being removed. Instead, an entire bone is being broken away from the foot's structure, completely destroying the framework of the paw. Essentially, it is the equivalent of removing the end of a finger, from just below the first knuckle. It is a painful surgery, with a very painful recovery period, as the animals have no choice but to use their damaged paws following the process. Once the wounds have healed from the surgery, the terrible physical effects continue. Most often, big cats who have been declawed suffer from a gradual weakening of the muscles of the legs, shoulders, and back, impaired balance, altered posture, and abnormal walking ability (the declaw causes the cat to walk with its weight center over the read of its pads, whereas it would normally be centered closer to the front of the foot - effectively walking on its "heels" constantly).

All of these negative consequences of a declaw imply that the declaw surgery went WELL. Often times, the surgery is not perfect, and fragments of the bone that has been removed are left behind, moving around in the foot over time, which can be excruciatingly painful for the animal.

Another thought to consider is that while the sharp claws of a tiger (or other exotic cat) may be dangerous, they are not the most deadly body part. More often than not, it will be the piercing canines of one of these wild predators that will do the most damage and potential kill the "owner."

Here at IEAS, we see the consequences of exotic animal owners who selfishly declawed the big cats who were at one point in their care. We hope that by spreading the world about the harmful effects of declawing more people will understand why the procedure should be avoided at all costs (though, of course, there should be no need as these big cats should never be kept as pets). In the meantime, we will continue to provide soft ground/grass which is easier on feet and joints and supplement the diets of those animals who were declawed with chondroflex, which helps ease the joint pain that may result from the altered foot structure. 

Species Spotlight: JAGUAR!

IEAS is home to just one jaguar  - DOMINO! A fan favorite, Domino does his species proud. He is a truly handsome cat, with a noble and proud personality to match.

Jaguars are powerful, deep chested, stocky cats, with a large, rounded head and short, sturdy limbs. Its size and spotted coat make it look much like a heavyset leopard, but there are minor differences in their spot patterns. A leopard has open rosettes with no spot in the middle, while a jaguar's rosettes will have a black spot (or two) within them.

A jaguar will feed on almost anything that is available, including lizards, snakes, other small animals, deer, fish, turtles, and even cattle. Having the strongest bite force of any feline in relation to body size, the jaguar is able to bite straight through a turtle's shell and kill livestock weighing three or four times its own weight. They are different than most other cats in their hunting techniques in that they will kill in one bite to the back of the skull, rather than the more common neck or throat bite.

Jaguars are often found in well-watered areas, such as the swampy grasslands of the Brazilian Pantanal. In other areas, jaguars will be found in riverine forests alongside streams, rivers, and lakers. They can and do live in more arid areas, but only where water flows through.

Jaguar populations are declining and the jaguar's range has been substantially reduced in the past 100 years due to habitat loss and conflicts with humans. Its present range includes Mexico, through Central American, and into South America as far south as Northern Argentina. Current conservation efforts for the jaguar have focused on educating ranch owners on coexisting with the animal and promoting ecotourism.

Recently, a jaguar was spotted in Arizona - the first jaguar siting in the U.S. in some time. After being spotted by University of Arizona researchers, federal and state wildlife officials released photos of the male jaguar. The photos were taken by automatic cameras set up to track jaguars and ocelots across the state. This is exciting news as this is the only known wild jaguar in the United States! Click here to read the article and see the pictures of this awesome jaguar!

Domino is a wonderful ambassador for his wild cousins, helping IEAS staff and interns teach visitors all about his species and its conservation needs. His handsome face and alluring pride make him a crowd favorite, and we love that Domino has such a wonderful group of supporters! Be sure to head out to IEAS to see this amazing jaguar in person!

Show Your Sweetheart You Care!

 Valentine's Day is just around the corner! In lieu of the traditional box of chocolates, roses, or mushy greeting card, why not go with a present that's a little more....WILD!

There isn't much better than bonding with an incredible exotic animal. That's something that each of us here at IEAS can attest to, and we want you and your sweetheart to know what it's like! This year, for Valentine's Day, how about you Adopt an Animal for you and your loved one? In doing so, you will be able to visit with your chosen animal by spending time with them and your monthly adoption donation will directly contribute to your animal's life, ensuring their happiness, comfort, safety, and security. The animals really do come to know and love those parents who come see them. You wouldn't believe the bonds formed between dedicated Adoptive Parents and their chosen animals, so experience it for yourself! Click here for more info on adoptable animals and the adoption process!



Looking for something a little smaller, but just as awesome? How about an Animal Packet? The purchase of one of these packets allows for a one time visit with your sweetheart's chosen animal! It's truly incredible to share time and space with one of these regal animals, and it's a once in a lifetime experience that might be just the thing to show how much you care! Click here for more info on Animal Packets!

Remember, all donations are tax-deductible and 100% of the money from your purchase directly benefits the IEAS animals.

Valentine's Day is coming fast so don't delay! 

Meet the IEAS Veterinarian!

Ever wondered who comes in to save the day when one of the IEAS residents is feeling a little under the weather? Well, meet Dr. Greg Moore, the IEAS veterinarian! 

Dr. Moore graduated Magna Cum Laude from the Auburn University School of Veterinary Medicine. Since then, he has been the Chief of Avian and Exotic Animal Medicine and Surgery at Metroplex Veterinary (Animal Medical and Surgical Hospital) for seven years, and he currently owns his own practice, Southlake Animal Hospital, P.C. in Southlake, TX.

The experience working with exotic animals that Dr. Moore brings to IEAS makes him perfect for the job, and his years spent teaching at Texas A&M, not to mention his eagerness to share his wealth of information, gives interns and staff the added bonus of being able to observe and learn so much from him!

We couldn't be more thankful to have this talented, experienced, and dedicated veterinarian to care for the IEAS animals when they need it most. Performing operations, diagnosing problems, and prescribing just the right medications on such sensitive and dangerous animals is a tough job, and we're glad Dr. Moore does it! 

The Truth About Bears: "Hibernation"

 It is a common misconception that bears hibernate during the winter. While bears tend to slow down during the winter, they are not true hibernators. However, black bears, grizzly bears, and brown bears do go into a deep sleep during the winter months, known as torpor.

Hibernation is when animals "sleep" through the winter. During this sleep, the animals will not wake up when they hear a loud noise or even if they are moved or touched. While in torpor, the animal can wake up quickly and easily. During true hibernation, the animal's body temperature drops to match the outside temperature, and their heart rate and rate of breathing slows down. During the bears' dormant state, or torpor, their heart rate is extremely low but their body temperature is relatively high, and they won't eat or release bodily waste. Animals hibernate as a way to adapt to their surroundings. They have to be able to survive the cold weather. They hibernate to escape the cold and because food is scarce.

To get ready for hibernation, animals will eat more than usual during the fall to store up body fat. During hibernation and torpor, they will use up this extra body fat to live off of while not losing any muscle. This allows the animal to come out of thinner, but still as strong as it was before winter. They will get their dens ready for hibernation during the late fall. The bears of IEAS usually get ready in late November depending on when the cold weather hits. The black bears in Bear Orphanage have taken full advantage of the caves we offer, but there are those who still dig a den.

For the bears of IEAS, they react differently during the winter months. All of the bears, grizzlies and blacks, store up during the fall, increasing their body fat. The four Grizzly bears will store up during the fall as normal, and once it really cools down (usually late November to mid December depending on the year) they will den up only to come out during the warmer days. When they do come out, it's only for a short bit, and they are not very active during that time. They are quick to retreat back to their cave. The black bears slow down and spend most of the time in their dens or caves; however, they still snack a little throughout the winter. Dakar and Meyote did become dormant and actually dug their own den during their first winter in Bear Orphanage, but have been a little more active during the winter seasons since then. We believe this is due to the other bears residing in Bear Orphanage. Their first year, it was just the two of them. Now, there are 8 bears residing with Dakar and Meyote!

Roars of Thanks!

We want to send a ROARING thank you to everyone who donated their Christmas trees this year! The enrichment hand out was a huge success: lots of fun for the animals and lots of entertainment for us! This year when we handed out the trees, the weather was a bit cooler, which always puts the cats in a frisky mood, so we had a great set up for excitement!

As we handed out the seasonal enrichment items, there was no shortage of pouncing, chewing, throwing, and playing. Noel was eager to rub all over his tree, letting the pine needles comb through his fur and soaking himself in the fresh new scent! He spent at LEAST thirty minutes with his head buried in the limbs of the tree! The Triplets weren't as keen on rubbing on the trees. They felt more like pouncing and throwing their trees all over their habitat. They were chasing each other around carrying the new toys, only stopping to take a chomp at the branches!

Even some of the animals who didn't show an immediate interest in the trees (largely because they were more interested in saying hello to all of us standing around their habitats) had a blast with them eventually! We found trees shredded up and thrown all over the day after the initial handout. I guess some of them like to enjoy their toys in private - especially Makeen, who dragged his tree all the way into his house, which was a pretty tight fit considering the size of the tree compared to the size of his doorway!

We are just thrilled with how much the animals loved their seasonal treats, and we can't thank you enough as it wouldn't have been possible without you.

Being able to provide the animals with these trees creates an opportunity for absolutely ideal behavioral enrichment, wherein the animals are able to exhibit many natural and instinctive behaviors. We love when they feel as WILD as they are, and that moment when they POUNCE right onto their new trees is perfect for that!

Thank you all for your wonderful donations. You made the IEAS animals very happy! 

Christmas Isn't Over Yet!

That's right! It's still Christmas here at IEAS as we collect as many leftover Christmas trees as we can! Many of you have seen what the residents here at IEAS love to do with the leftover pines, and we're eager and excited for this year's round of Christmas tree handouts!

In the next few weeks, IEAS staff will be providing these Christmas trees as enrichment for feline, bear and coati residents of the Sanctuary. If their reactions are anything like last year's, we are all in for some excellent entertainment. The biggest cats love to pounce, throw, and destroy these prickly toys, while the smaller cats tend to see these trees as a big, delicious smelling brush that they can rub all over! The bears, on the other hand, prefer to use these piney limbs as bedding in their caves. It's a great something extra to keep them super warm and cozy!

So, once your ornaments come down, your tree can make someone else's (someone furry) Christmas complete! Bring your tree to IEAS and let the holiday spirit keep on coming! 

Call 940-433-5091 or send us a message on our Facebook for 

information on tree pick up (we'll come get it if you live nearby). 

We look forward to seeing you (or your tree!) here at IEAS!

Christmas with the Animals!

Here at IEAS, we are often asked about how we spend Christmas. Most people have the day off from work or school, and have few obligations other than visiting certain family members or cooking tons of food. Christmas is a little different for us here at IEAS. We don't get a day off, but rest assured, we have absolutely no problem with that.

The longer we work here at IEAS, the more these animals become a part of our family, and what better way is there to spend a holiday than surrounded by cherished loved ones, human or animal! With the understanding that these animals need, want, and deserve our attention and care 365 days a year, we more than happily get up before the sun on Christmas morning to prepare diets, provide fresh water, and wish our furry friends a "Merry Christmas," ensuring that they know how much we love them! Don't worry, we do still get to take part in all of the traditional holiday activities. Though they can't join us, we're sure to have our own holiday feast and gift exchange once we know that every member of our family is happy, healthy, full, and safe!

More than anything, the holidays are about appreciating the blessings we have, right? And in that case, spending the day surrounded by 61 furry blessings might just be the PERFECT way to spend Christmas. 

We wish you all a safe and happy time this holiday season.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays 

from the International Exotic Animal Sanctuary! 

Meet the New Interns!

They're two weeks in to their internship here at IEAS, and we want to introduce them to you - the Winter 2012 Intern Group! 

Chris, Scott, Jessie
Sam, Lexi, Laurel

These six new interns are starting to settle into the routines here at IEAS and are definitely immersed in lots and lots of new information every day! We've got a lot to teach them in the next few months, so we have them working hard! So far, the interns have been learning the habitat and house cleaning routines for each of the three sections of the Sanctuary. They've also been going on tours and familiarizing themselves with the information and routes. Soon enough, they'll be leading their own tours! 

Now that they've met the animals, Chris, Scott, Jessie, Sam, Lexi, and Laurel have begun to take part in the Sanctuary's Emotional Enrichment Program instituted by our Animal Behaviorist, Louis Dorfman. This is always a favorite internship feature for interns, as it allows them to form a strong, personal bond with an animal, while simultaneously making that animals life better, happier, and more comfortable. They've each selected two animals to begin the program with, and with dedication, patience, and trust, they'll end up with a lifelong furry friend! 

We'll keep you updated on the progress of these eager new interns as their time at IEAS progresses. They've got lots of learning to do and will soon be taking part in intern courses, such as Grant and Proposal Writing, Laws and Regulations, and Firearms Safety Training! Stay tuned! 

Remember, you can always sponsor an intern! Find out what that means here. 

First Big Freeze!

We've had our first big freeze of the season, with night time lows in the twenties and most of the past few days under 50 degrees. Brrr is an understatement! It's hard to believe that it can be 20 degrees AND 80 degrees in the same week.

The animals don't mind the cold nearly as much as we do. Well, most of them don't. While the tigers have been up and about, feeling even more frisky than usual, Mork and Mindy, whose species is native the more equatorial regions, have been spending lots of time in their heated cave, cuddling together in blankets and hay. The IEAS lions have been taking advantage of the sun, laying in the warmest spots, sunning themselves and absorbing lots of heat!

The cold does tend to make Sanctuary work more difficult, but we'd been keeping an eye on the cold front, and we were very prepared for what the drop in temperature meant. Frozen hoses and frozen waters were two of the biggest "bumps in the road" that we faced this morning, but after breaking waters and allowing the sun the do some thawing work for us, we were able to give every resident animal fresh water!

Needless to say, the freeze is a great learning experience for our new interns. When working in the animal care field, you have to realize that no matter the weather, the animals have needs every single day, and here at IEAS, their needs and their safety are always number one priorities! The new interns have seen that today, as we bundled up and ventured out to take care of these amazing animals! 

New (Human) Faces at IEAS!

Well, it's that time again. Another three months have come and gone, and IEAS is all set to welcome six new interns to the Sanctuary family! Between today and tomorrow, Samantha, Chris, Jessica, Lexi, Laurel, and Scott will arrive at the International Exotic Animal Sanctuary to begin their internships.

An internship at IEAS, as past interns have said, is "not for the faint of heart." We challenge our interns to perform at the absolute highest quality because we know just how much they are capable of! An internship here at the Sanctuary is not easy to obtain, as for each session we have approximately 100 applicants for just a few positions. The chosen interns are the best of the best, and we push them to learn as much as we can possibly teach them in the three short months they are here.

We always say that this internship will help interns decide very quickly whether or not they've chosen the right career path, as almost immediately upon arrival, they dive head first into the world of animal care. They get dirty, work long hours, and take in tons of information! We've found that sometimes, past interns say it best:

"They will work you hard, expect the best from you, and help you succeed in whatever your future endeavors may be."

"This internship was as rewarding as it was demanding. It was through this opportunity that I learned a great life lesson, which was the more you put into something, the more you get out of it."

"The staff at IEAS will push you to your limits, farther than you ever thought you could be pushed, but every one of them genuinely wants to see you succeed and become a better keeper and person by the end of it."

Check out more from our past interns here!

We're eager and excited for this next session, 

and happily welcome the new arrivals to IEAS!