V O L U N T E E R
"A person who offers himself for a service without obligation to do so" - Random House Dictionary
Volunteering at Keepers of the Wild provides a unique, rewarding and challenging experience... with daily activities varying from food preparation for our animals - to working in our gift shop or park - to working in the compound caring for our 140+ animals that reside here! Days are busy and full of camaraderie with like-minded individuals.
After some experience, volunteers may also have the opportunity to lead tours and presentations, participate in fundraisers, help with rescuing animals and animal feeding.
Persons with building and repair and/or maintenance skills are also considered very valuable.
Volunteers must be 18 years of age or older.
What volunteer opportunities are available?
Routine animal care tasks such as feeding and cleaning (depending on the species). Kitchen help is always appreciated – laundry, dishes, preparing fruits and vegetables.
Environmental enrichment items are created and prepared for
foraging, sensory stimulation and manipulation activities for
various species.
What are the daily volunteer shifts?
Most volunteers work from 8:00 am – 5:00 pm.
What should volunteers wear?
Closed toe shoes and long pants are required. Dress in layers
in all types of weather. Bring sunscreen during warm weather.
Bring a sack lunch or plan to purchase snacks in the gift shop.
You will work with a staff person at all times.
Special groups as volunteers – Group projects are available for community service geared organizations. Habitat development, landscaping and fundraising are some of the activities regularly performed by community groups. If you have a special project in mind, please contact us with your group’s ideas.
Volunteer Internships – Individuals interested in working in the field of animal welfare / wild animal care may choose to perform a 30, 60 or 90 day animal care internship. This program would be open to individuals who may be pursuing a career in an animal-related field. Species specific training will be provided by experienced staff members. Internship candidates should have some animal knowledge and work/volunteer experience in a related field.
Volunteer Vacations – (minimum commitment of 5 days) Sometimes a vacation is an opportunity to share a common value or interest. When parent/child adults or siblings want the chance to experience their love of wild and rescued animals in a real life situation they can come to Keepers of the Wild for a volunteer vacation. Simple daily tasks in animal care may be reminders of shared childhood experiences. Individuals planning a volunteer vacation often find lodging in Kingman, Peach Springs or a nearby RV park.
Here are some suggestions if you are interested in performing a volunteer vacation at Keepers Of The Wild.
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Establish how much time you can give - usually a minimum of 5 days is the best.
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Identify what skills you can offer or how you picture yourself working on your trip.
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Be willing to work in any capacity from duties in the Animal Care Center to helping with landscaping.
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Plan on staying in a local area hotel in Kingman or Peach Springs and driving to Keepers Of The Wild.
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Contact Keepers Of The Wild for you volunteer application and to schedule your extended visit!
I drove 23 hours from College Station, Texas, with a group of 14 students from Texas A&M University to volunteer at Keepers of the Wild. We sacrificed our "spring break" as a service project. It was an amazing experience for all of us. The owners, staff and volunteers worked their hearts out for the benefit of the animals. The facilty, habitats, and cages were cleaned to insure good health for the residents. Feeding time, twice a day, worked like a well oiled machine. The animals are know by their names, dietary needs and personalities. Each animal has a story and if it wasn't for Jonathan Kraft, they wouldn't have the opportunity to live their lives in this most humane way. If you love animals and can help, this Nonprofit organization deserves your help. Donate time, materials, supplies or MONEY! I fell in love with a hybrid wolf, Moondance. I am his sponsor and you can have your choice of an animal to sponsor. Check out the web page and learn more about Keepers of the Wild.
Keepers of the Wild is an outstanding organization that is truly dedicated to helping animals in need, as they have demonstrated with their infinite animal rescues. I started volunteering at this wonderful exotic animal sanctuary when I was a teenager back in 2003. Currently I am a living my dream career working with exotic animals and marine mammals while promoting environmental conservation and education, and I owe credit to Keepers of the Wild for allowing me the great opportunity to learn from them and gain invaluable experience helping care for their numerous rescued animals. Keepers has an amazing volunteer program that will offer you extensive experience while you give back to the community. As any true non-profit, they rely on generous donations and I can assure that this is absolutely a legitimate organization worthy of support!
