I spent all day yesterday volunteering up at The Wildcat Sanctuary and boy can I feel it today!

It was a volunteer group day yesterday so a lot of regular volunteers came up and worked together to get some of the larger projects done. With three new tigers and some new bobcats coming from Texas, we definitely had a lot of work to get done. I was put into a group with the new interns and we worked on building the trusses for the new Bengal Bungalow being built in Hybrid Haven. All day, we worked with every volunteer’s bane… Hog Rings…little open circular metal rings used to clamp fencing together for the enclosures. These little guys frequently jump out of the pliers used to clamp them shut, slowing us down and causing great amounts of frustration. But with 5 people working together, we were able to build and secure all four trusses into the big circular enclosure! I can’t wait until they get the roof on and some bengals are able to move in.

It always feels great, working with such diverse people who all have at least one thing in common, the desire to make a difference in the lives of animals that can no longer live in the wild but are still wild at heart. It’s also exciting to see how the work you do helps such a great organization accomplish its goals. I’m so glad I finally have the opportunity and the time to volunteer up there on a fairly regular basis.  The work I’ve done there since February has been so varied, it’s exciting every time I go up there.

If you’ve ever considered volunteering, I highly recommend going for it. Find something you are passionate about, do some research, go to volunteer fairs, ask your friends, I can guarantee you will find something you want to become a part of.  When you find something you care about so much, the idea of working for free isn’t an issue. The rewards you get in return are so much more valuable. Friends, skills, experiences (and in my case, the peaceful look on a wildcat’s face as they enjoy a beautiful early fall day, lounging on top of a cave that a group of volunteers, just like me, built) are all priceless.

I woke up this morning feeling stiff and sore, barely able to fall out of bed because we worked so hard yesterday…but I can’t wait to go back up there!

Also, if you are wondering how you can help The Wildcat Sanctuary, check out their website for information on sponsorships, events or even volunteering some time yourself! They are currently getting ready for their biggest event of the year, Jungle Boogie. Tickets are still available for this year’s Mystical Mas-grr-ade! But hurry up because tickets are only available until September 24th!