Today on Twitter there was some talk of a Hyena sanctuary in Texas ( http://www.hyenasanctuary.org/ ) that is in need of volunteers to help with some construction projects going on. Immediately my five years working at a large cat sanctuary came flooding back. I remember the calls for volunteers to build enclosures, build fencing, helping care for the animals, and so on. The first and most obvious benefit for the person that is willing to donate their time and energy is being able to enjoy the company of their wild animal brethren. For me it was, and still is, the Lion. Its difficult to put into words what it was like the first time I was around a fill size male lion. intense hardly begins to describe the feeling. I'm not talking about viewing them from an observation deck like a zoo. I'm talking about being on flat earth with nothing but a chain link fence between myself and this cat. That moment my life was changed forever. Next came the cubs. We where a non-breeding facility but on occasion we would get cubs. First time playing with a lion cub was out of this world. Cute and fuzzy but they can still bite hard as shit.
Now not all sanctuaries will allow interaction with cubs, nor will they allow you to even stand at a fence watching. To just to be there and to know that your working to build a better world for these animals is amazing. Its a feeling that I can't begin to put into words. Especially identifying with a certain species, the feelings are magnified. For me, getting to know the mannerisms of Lions ad Tigers and being able to observe their intricate social structure from just feet away was a once in a lifetime type of experience. As a Furry, I cannot recommend it enough. Its extraordinarily satisfying to work with these animals. A simple google search will almost always find a sanctuary in your area that is working to rescue your particular soul brethren from some terrible condition as a road side display or someones neglected pet. Just get out there and do it, your life will be more fulfilled and you'll be helping to save an helpless animal.