Volunteer with Big Cats at Tiger Creek: Roles, Requirements, and How to Apply
People who want to volunteer at a big cat sanctuary often picture working closely with the animals. At Tiger Creek Animal Sanctuary, the work looks different. Volunteers do not have any direct contact or interaction with the animals. Instead, they prepare diets, clean enclosures after the cats have been moved to secure holding areas, build enrichment, maintain the grounds, and help visitors and school groups during the tour season.
This guide covers the six volunteer roles at Tiger Creek, the requirements for each, what to expect before a first shift, and how to apply. Current openings and the application are also listed on the Volunteers page.
The roles with the greatest need
Two roles currently need the most help.
Keeper Assistant. Keeper assistants prepare animal diets in the food prep kitchen, clean enclosures after the animals are secured, build enrichment items for the keeper staff, and assist with facility tasks. All of this work takes place in prep areas, or in enclosures only after the animals have been moved to secure holding areas. The role suits students exploring zoology, veterinary science, or wildlife management, and anyone comfortable with physical outdoor work and strict safety protocols.
Events Volunteer. Events volunteers help with setup and teardown, welcome and check in guests, manage crowd flow and answer questions, run merchandise and concession stations, support photography and social media, and hand out educational materials. The events range from seasonal open houses and community awareness days to holiday celebrations and fundraising galas. The role suits people who enjoy crowds and communicate well, and who would like to contribute on specific dates rather than a regular schedule.
Other ways to volunteer
Education Assistant. Assists tour guides during school field trips and group visits, helps prepare lesson materials and activity kits, supports age-appropriate learning activities, and supervises children at educational stations. Teachers, education and biology students, and homeschool parents are a natural fit.
Horticulture. Plants and maintains native trees, shrubs, and ground cover; manages garden beds and composting; helps with irrigation; grows vegetables, herbs, and browse plants for animal diets; and takes on seasonal projects such as erosion control, trail maintenance, and storm cleanup.
Maintenance. Repairs perimeter fencing and enclosure barriers, builds shelters, platforms, and shade structures, handles basic plumbing and drainage repairs, paints, maintains tools and vehicles, and responds to storm damage. Licensed electricians and plumbers are especially valued.
Special Projects. Builds enrichment items such as puzzle feeders and scent toys, creates photography and video for social media, designs print materials, supports fundraising and grant writing, and helps with event decoration and administrative work during busy periods. Some of these tasks can be done remotely.
Apply to Volunteer
Volunteers must be at least 16, or 13 with a parent volunteering alongside, and give a minimum of 60 hours per year. Applications are made online.
Requirements
Age. Volunteers must be at least 16. The minimum age is lowered to 13 when a parent volunteers alongside the child.
Time commitment. A minimum of 60 hours per year. There is no minimum term.
Background check. Required for all roles except Events Volunteer. Volunteers must also be eligible to work in the United States.
Health. A negative TB test result is required before the first day.
Communication. Volunteers need to communicate in English.
Before the first shift
Every applicant has an interview before starting. New volunteers then attend an on-site orientation that covers safety protocols, operational procedures, and sanctuary rules. Keeper Assistant volunteers spend their first 40 hours paired with a keeper.
Physical demands
Sanctuary work is outdoors and physical, and it helps to know what that involves before applying. Volunteers should be able to:
walk on concrete, grass, mud, and tall grass, including up and down hills;
follow discussion over a walkie-talkie;
lift 30 to 50 pounds;
work in a range of weather conditions, including extreme heat and rain, and snow for those who choose to come in on those days.
When help is needed most
Tiger Creek’s tour season runs from March 1 through October 31. The sanctuary needs more help than usual during field trip season, from March through May, when large school groups visit, so education assistants and volunteers who can support large tours are especially welcome at that time of year.
From volunteering to a career with animals
Many people who search for ways to work with big cats are thinking about a career. Volunteering offers hands-on experience in how a sanctuary runs, from diet preparation and enrichment to facility care and visitor education. The Keeper Assistant role in particular is designed with students of zoology, veterinary science, and wildlife management in mind.
For college students looking for a more structured placement, Tiger Creek also offers an internship program.
Anyone comparing programs may notice that some placements abroad advertise feeding or handling big cats. In the United States, the Big Cat Public Safety Act has prohibited direct public contact with big cats since December 2022.
Explore the Internship Program
For college students looking for a more structured placement, Tiger Creek also offers an internship program.
How to apply
Applications are made online through the Volunteers page. After an application is received, a member of the volunteer coordination team reaches out to schedule the interview and orientation. Questions can be sent to volunteer@tigercreek.org or by phone at 903-858-1008.
For anyone ready to give time to the animals at Tiger Creek, the application is the first step. Apply to volunteer at Tiger Creek.
Frequently asked questions
Do volunteers work directly with the big cats?
No. Volunteers at Tiger Creek do not have any direct contact or interaction with the animals. Keeper assistants work in prep areas, or in enclosures only after the animals have been moved to secure holding areas.
How old do you have to be to volunteer at Tiger Creek?
At least 16. Teens aged 13 to 15 may volunteer when a parent volunteers alongside them.
How many hours do volunteers commit to?
A minimum of 60 hours per year, with no minimum term.
Is a background check required?
Yes, for every role except Events Volunteer. A negative TB test is also required before the first day.
Is training provided?
Yes. Every volunteer interviews first, then attends an on-site orientation on safety protocols, procedures, and sanctuary rules. Keeper Assistants spend their first 40 hours paired with a keeper.
Is volunteering a good way to start a career working with animals?
It can be. Volunteering provides practical experience in animal care operations. College students seeking a structured placement can also apply to the Tiger Creek internship program.
When does Tiger Creek need volunteers most?
During field trip season, from March through May, when large school groups visit.
