DON'T WASTE YOUR TIME!!! WHAT EXPERIENCE? WHAT INTERACTION? WHAT SANCTUARY?
We arrived just before they opened at 10 AM. The gate to drive up to the place is locked with no way to enter by foot. Just after 10:07 AM Someone in a BMW pulls up and finally unlocks the gate. You have to drive up this steep hill to pull into a half basketball court sized gravel parking lot. We are met about half way up the hill by a woman that may have been the owner. I let her know that we came with a wounded veterans group. She walked off as she waived us through. STRIKE 1! We should be greeted with, "Hello" or "Welcome" or "Thank You for your Service." After we parked we didn't know where to start. The layout is not well put together. Our coordinator paid the entrance fee and handed us laminated maps of the center. These guides didn't tell us where any Raptors were located. It just listed the birds they may have in the header and a number of a cage at the bottom. The back of the map was just information on how to donate to their cause.
We walked around the sight to observe most of animals from a distance. There was no one walking around to answer questions or let us interact with the residents. My daughter and niece notice a class going on near the parking lot. They love learning about animals. These two walk up to an old woman who gives them a HAND TO THE FACE. She doesn't say anything. There was a volunteer with an owl leaving the area. This was our chance to fulfill my daughter's dream of an owl interaction. The girl (pictured) rudely walks by us, with the owl and says it's time for the owl to go back to its cage. Didn't stop to show two little girls, that may want to be in her position one day, the owl. Have you no soul? Have you forgotten what it's like to be a little girl? STRIKE 2! Our kids are respectful, reserved and always polite. She could have spoke to them that their was a private learning experience happening and they couldn't come. Do Something!!!
We walked along make shift gravel paths. These thoroughfares are not for those with wheelchairs or disabilities. Our little spots a person with a volunteer shirt on. She cautiously and politely walks up to the girl to ask a question. My daughter explains that she loves owls. She identifies with them and her dream is just a little interaction with one. The volunteer says she can't help her and she giving a private tour for two people. STRIKE 3! The volunteer should have directed our child to a time/schedule for an owl experience. Or donate today and we will schedule you a time.
IN SUMMARY: They are very welcoming to donations for their non-profit. It's posted everywhere. It can be seen on the website, Facebook, on the back of the maps, etc. They'll sell you on adopting an animal for a fee. If you forget your contribution, don't expect an on the spot experience, that will be down the road. The site sells you on an interaction. But unless you have the money donate, then go and observe the rich people having fun. This is not the place advertised on the web or Facebook. These postings are deceiving. It's a personal collection of our feathered friends that, like most non-profits, is someone's tax shelter. The Kids will surely be disappointed, your partner will be disappointed and you will be disappointed. Go to some place fun like: https://greatcatsworldpark.com same price, better parking, and better people. read more