Meet the crew

Lori Ensign founded Safari's Sanctuary in 1995. For 18 years, Safari's was open to the public leading Lori to work 12+ hour days including her other jobs that helped fund the sanctuary. These jobs included race car driving, modeling, and engineering. When Lori was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, her doctor recommended she find a hobby. Safari's Sanctuary became this hobby. Today, she continues to put the animal's needs before her own and advocate for animals that can not speak up for themselves.​

Rachel Atherton began volunteering at Safari's Sanctuary in 2016, but first began coming out to Safari's as a child to pick up her big sister from a day of volunteering. The unique bonds created between Rachel and the animals are what tied her to the place and now she can't imagine not caring for such cool critters everyday. School and competitive dance limited her from volunteering as much as possible, but in May 2023 she graduated with a Bachelors of Science in Zoology and Biology from OSU. Rachel is Lori's "Mini Me" and will be stepping up into a leadership role.

Lynsey Bray Lynsey recently transplanted  from Central Florida so she could expand her wings without getting blown away by hurricanes. She earned her Bachelor's degree in Animal Science with Animal Physiology concentration and Zoology Minor from University of Florida then worked with small-animal pets, as well as wildlife. She is a certified children's advocate in the court system which helps her mentor young volunteers and voluntolds…if you're completing mandated community service. Her passion for animal-care and wildlife rehabilitation is contagious: you'll laugh with her as she deep cleans cages then treks through waist-deep water to catch an injured shorebird and laugh at her as she puts live bugs in her hair for the monkey to groom.

David Styers is the “Animal Ambassador” of Safari’s. Not to be confused with the Ambassador animals that he (and other volunteers) takes to schools, churches, birthday parties, and many other events. Scared of snakes? David can educate you about all the reasons that snakes are beneficial to humans. When you learn the real facts about snakes, instead of TV, movie, or old wive’s tale “information “, you will find out all of the reason to not only not be scared but feel better about having a snake around your property.

Kristin Campbell was the first in her family to graduate college with her registered nurse license. She first came to Safari's for community service, but she fell in love with the animals and worked her way up to lead volunteer. Safari's has been there for Kristin through thick and thin, and it's where she goes for her therapy. Her favorite animal is a capuchin named Theo and the unique bond they share.  Theo always brightens her day and takes any sadness away. Kristin is a shameless selfie taker and loves to get shots of herself with all the animals. The residents at the nursing home she works at are always excited to hear about the animals and see the most recent pictures.

Taylor Moser, once a troubled child, was first recommended to Safari's for animal therapy. However, months later she began to love the staff and most importantly the animals. Taylor met her 2nd family at Safari's' including her best friend Rachel who is considered the Sugar to her Spice. Taylor is currently a CNA and on her way to nursing school in the fall of 2023. She has come a long way all thanks to the love of animals and the amazing people she has met through the love of these wonderful critters. She has developed a unique bond with mini-macaw Molly who will accompany her to college.

Gil Keener graduated high school in 1974. Gil began working at Brockway Glass in 1976. In 2010, Gil made a career change and stepped into the world of animals. He became a professional pet sitter and is a licensed wildlife rehabber. In 2022, Gil decided to add Safari's Sanctuary to his resume. At Safari's Gil, can usually be found working with the mammalian carnivores. Recently, Gil has even been featured in the Muskogee Phoenix to honor his rehabilitation efforts. If you meet him, ask about his most recent save! A fun fact about Gil is that he was a semi-professional fisher from 1990 to 2010.

Sparky is in charge of security, wildlife management, and food inspection. As he gets older, he is training Sadie to help him with these duties. Sparky's biggest job is trying to bite the tires of moving vehicles and telling the rats who's in charge. Sparky enjoys hugs and snacking on the extra meats. He especially likes ground beef, chicken legs, ham, hotdogs, bacon, and bread. Sparky is the reigning winner of the "Bestest Boy" award.

Sadie is being trained by Sparky in security protocols, how to dig holes, and food inspection. Sadie's biggest priority is protecting her mama (Lori). She also enjoys playing with Sparky and Lori. Sadie is not afraid to use her height to steal from the food prep stations, but prefers to eat whatever Lori is eating. Sadie claims the roosters are up to no good and makes it a priority to keep them in check.

Destiny manages the front desk and is in charge of making sure volunteers and community service check-in. She may look grumpy, but she just wants some love and affection. She also performs routine inspections of the check-in barn to make sure everything is in tip top shape. Her inspections include climbing to the roof to help Sparky and Sadie cover areas above their reach.

Georgie is carefree and laidback in her duties so that she can focus her energies on making biscuits in the evenings. Her main park duty is to conduct surface inspections. She flops on the ground, into food bowls, and other things to ensure their quality. All she asks in return is that her belly is pet and full. She also determines the best nap places around the park. Her recommendations include: on top of fridges, in a flat pool net, and the plastic shoe-sized boxes in the office. When not napping she can be found anywhere around the park from perched by Mickey the Mini Horse, taunting the wolves, and showing the tigers what a real cat looks like.