VOLUNTEER WITH CFAR
WHY YOU SHOULD VOLUNTEER
As a volunteer of the CENTRAL FLORIDA ANIMAL RESERVE, you get a ground-level look at the tremendous effort it takes to manage captive wildlife. Working closely with experienced handlers, you’ll be reborn into an amazing world. With access to up-to-date information about big cats, you’ll embark on a journey of mind and body full of discovery. Volunteering at CFAR is an exciting, rewarding venture. Volunteers come from all walks of life and bring their many diverse talents to the organization. We take a ‘whole village’ approach to the stewardship of our creatures. There are many opportunities to help, both at the facility and in the community.
Opportunities to Help
- Animal Care
- Construction Trades (electricians, welders, etc.)
- Event Planning / Hosting
- Fundraising
- Graphic design / Print productions
- Internet / Web Development
- Maintenance / Landscaping
- Social Media Development
- Tour Operations
- Any other talents that can help!
Volunteer Requirements
Note: On-site volunteers will be expected to commit to one work day every week.
- Completion of the Online Application as the first step in the process.
- Participate in an interview with a member of the Volunteer Council.
- Must attend Volunteer Orientation.
- You must be over 18 years of age.
- You will be required to sign a consent to come on the property.
- Volunteers must be able to work well with people, take direction, and receive evaluation openly.
- You must exhibit strong attention to detail and be able to read, process, and execute directions both spoken and written in English.
- Be able to show initiative to perform tasks as assigned to their full completion.
- Be free of unsafe physical or psychological limitations.
- Maintain a good attitude.
Volunteers must demonstrate the ability to work with people before they can work with other species.
Volunteers will NOT be in direct contact with the animals.
Keeper’s Corner
The Power of a Single Moment
“My favorite memory is with Iyo. It happened about 3 years ago, when I first started volunteering at CFAR. Maria, Michelle, and I were walking around to clean all the signs and refill the plastic bags after animal diets were done. They stopped at Maaki and Anpawi’s enclosure, but I walked around to take care of Iyo’s. When I walked over, he was on the other side of his enclosure, so I didn’t think he knew I was even there. Suddenly, he slowly started walking towards me and, the next thing I know, he chuffed at me. It took me a second to process what was happening, but, of course, I chuffed back. He gave me a few more chuffs then walked to his den. This moment is really special to me because it’s the first time a tiger chuffed at me when I was by myself.” – Ashley Saturday Volunteer
