VolunteerAre you an animal lover? Because we are in need of volunteers! Safari's Sanctuary is a wildlife refuge for over 200 rescued, exotic species. To name a few, we have big cats, bears, wolves, primates, reptiles, birds, and barn animals! Here's a typical day as a Safari Volunteer:
ORIENTATION
In orientation, we will go over the handbook, basic rules, attire, where you'll start, minimal time requirements, and we'll show you around the work areas while briefing you on your duties. Please be aware that in volunteering, you will get dirty, so wear shoes that can get muddy and suitable clothing, depending on the season. Also, please minimize the amount of jewelry on your person and the remember to not to spray yourself with fragrances before entering the sanctuary. 
VOLUNTEER LEVELS
All levels involve the basic care of a specific group of animals; which includes grooming, preparing the food and water, cleaning the food storage areas, organization, trash duties, and basic interactions with the animals. Depending on the length of time you volunteer, you'll have the opportunity to progress to different species—those that require an extensive amount of care belong on higher levels. Level One: Barnyard animals, such as donkeys, horses, pigs, chickens, etc. Level Two: Primates, raccoons, lemurs, coati, and skunks. Level Three: Reptiles, birds, and wolves. CLICK HERE to print off the volunteer application |
InternshipPart of our mission is to allow others the opportunity to advance their understanding of the daily duties of a sanctuary through shadowing lead staff in all areas of animal care—such as learning preparation of diets, watering, cleanup, safety lock out systems, and more. Safety is priority. Interns may only interact with the non-aggressive, smaller exotics and assist lead staff on all others from outside the cage.
INTERN SCHEDULE Daily hours of basic duties are 8 AM till 2 PM (unless doing produce pickups, where we share/rotate in doing, leaving at 6 AM). After those hours, some activities may require extra work, such as repair and maintenance, miscellaneous projects, the outreach programs, ZOO 2 You's, and unfinished basic duties, etc. Week One: Hoof stock Week Two: Basic primates (interaction with lemurs only) and small exotics Week Three: Exotic birds, basic reptiles, basic wolves Week Four & Five: Big cats and bears (there will be NO direct interaction with big cats and bears) Please note that during the internship, you must comply with the hours of operation and you must be able to perform basic duties, which include: feeding the animals, scrubbing waters, walking on rocky terrain, raking pens, shoveling feces, basic lifting (grain bags, produce boxes, etc), working in potentially hazardous weather, building and repairing habitats, mowing, organizing, and cleaning. All volunteers and staff share the same basic responsibilities that are mentioned above. Additionally, interns will help with our outreach educational program. HOUSING Housing is available: we have a 4 person bunk room, full bathroom, kitchen, and living area. Interns interested in staying in the house must be approved and accepted by application in advance. In-house animal care and house cleaning are the daily responsibility of interns and must be kept at all times. Intern must have their own cell phone and transportation for their personal affairs. International interns must speak fluent English. All others interns must provide their own housing, communication, and transportation. Internship Checklist
CLICK HERE for the Internship Program application |
Rules For Internship & Volunteering
- No drinking and/or non-prescribed drugs allowed on sanctuary property. No smoking in houses, or near animals.
- Any damages to Safari’s property by you must be reported to Management in order to discuss repairs. Damages other than regular daily wear and tear are the responsibility of the intern.
- No entering animal pens and areas that are above your volunteer level. For instance, level one volunteers can not enter any primate area unless under the supervision of management.