Click here for a copy of the Magazine Article in Dutch about our sanctuary

A Volunteer Story

My 2 weeks in the USA

By Erik J., Netherlands

(Photo below by Erik J. 10/2005)

I arrived at Peace River Refuge with the only notion that I wanted to volunteer my time for a worthy cause. I had no idea what to really expect and this was my first visit to the United States. I was ready to learn about exotic animals in captivity and ready to get my hands dirty.

In the mornings we were doing the standard feeding schedule. At first we would start with feeding the farm animals (goats, horses, cavies, tortoise, mule, deer and the best part, the bears). Feeding the bears was a lot of fun, because the sisters Dolly and Molly like their fish and the fruits and are ready and waiting. After that first run it was time to learn to prepare the food for the primates (tamarins, lemurs, capuchins and spider-monkeys). We spent quite some time chopping fruit and vegetables in standard portions and then afterwards bringing it to the monkeys. It's funny to learn each animal has it's own favorite fruits and veggies, but moreover I learned that diet is a very exact science and the animals need to get a well-balanced diet at all times. For example, the best part was having Fatso (a really fat Spider-monkey) on a diet, and in doing so, we had to temporarily separate him from the others, and that was quite challenging. I noticed that after a few days he outsmarted us and we had to come up with new strategies... those guys keep you inventive.

After the primates it was time to chop the fruit for the fruit-bats. This is a lot of work, and it is nice to see there is always somebody willing to help with the food-prep. In the afternoon there was time for doing various activities: Collecting produce (fruit, vegetables, fish, pastries and live-stock feed) at the local shops. Then we ended up sorting out the produce, cleaning up the terrain and the animal enclosures.

We also spent time building new "enrichment" items for the animals, like new ropes for the monkeys or new toys for the tigers. If you don't mind you can also help cutting up the meat for the big cats (jungle cats, lynxes, servals, cougars, tigers, wolves and one leopard). This activity definitely makes you dirty in the process.

At the end of the afternoon it was time for the grand finale: Feeding the cats, this was done together with the animal coordinator and we would take 2 big crates of meat to the enclosures. This was a serious activity and it was good to see that you were able to learn each animal’s behavior during feeding. Some can be aggressive and some are very gentle, but you always had to keep in mind that, no matter how gentle they are, they stay wild animals.

Depending on the load of activities we would finish in the end of the afternoon or at the beginning of the evening. In the evening there was time to chill out a little at the camp fire and sometimes we would go out for dinner. Most times we were tired and resting in front of the TV and getting to bed to be prepared for another fantastic, busy and educational day. 

I had a really, really, really great time. If you're thinking of doing this, just do it!! Be prepared for the heat because in the summer it is very hot and very humid. Take a lot of old clothes (you will get dirty!!) and long trousers, otherwise the bushes, fire-ants and mosquito’s will have a ball with you. 

The people on the project were very nice. Volunteers are treated as family. You are always welcome in the house, in the kitchen, behind the TV and even in the bathroom. It is clear that they need and like having volunteers and that they act like that. 

I had a really great time. I recommend everybody to be part of this project. I will certainly go back some time.

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