How to Help Big Cats in Captivity: Volunteer, Donate, or Sponsor

Consumr Buzz
Feb 10
4 min read

Big cats are among the most powerful and admired animals on Earth, yet many are living in cages, backyards, or roadside attractions—suffering from neglect, abuse, or abandonment. In the United States alone, thousands of tigers, lions, leopards, and cougars are kept in captivity, often under poor or illegal conditions.

Fortunately, you don’t have to be a wildlife expert to make a difference. Whether you’re an animal lover, a conservation advocate, or someone who simply wants to help, there are meaningful ways to support the rescue and care of big cats—especially through the work of true sanctuaries like EARS (Endangered Animal Rescue Sanctuary) in Citra, Florida.

In this post, we’ll outline the three most effective ways to help big cats in captivity: volunteering, donating, and sponsoring. Each option plays a vital role in giving these animals the lives they deserve.

How to Help Big Cats – Volunteer, Donate, or Sponsor at EARS

Why Big Cats Need Our Help

Despite their size and strength, captive big cats are among the most vulnerable animals in North America. Often bred for profit, photo ops, or exotic pet ownership, many end up in:

Small, unsanitary enclosures
Malnourished or neglected conditions
Illegal ownership situations
Traveling shows or circuses
Abandonment or euthanasia when no longer profitable

Once rescued, these animals cannot be released into the wild. They must live out the rest of their lives in safe, secure environments—like the habitats provided at EARS.

Caring for one big cat can cost thousands of dollars per year. Sanctuaries need ongoing support to meet their physical, medical, and psychological needs. Here’s how you can be part of that support system.

1. Volunteer: Offer Your Time and Energy

If you're in Central Florida and want a hands-on way to help, volunteering at EARS is one of the most rewarding things you can do. While volunteers do not interact with the animals directly (for ethical and safety reasons), their contributions are essential to sanctuary operations.

Volunteer tasks may include:

Cleaning and maintaining enclosures
Preparing food and feeding stations
Landscaping and grounds maintenance
Building enrichment features for habitats
Assisting with tours and educational events
Office work and fundraising support

Volunteer requirements:

Must be at least 18 years old
Able to work outdoors and do physical labor
Willing to follow strict safety protocols
Committed to the mission of ethical animal care

If you're looking to give back, gain experience in animal welfare, or join a community of compassionate volunteers, this is a powerful way to help.

Start here: Volunteer at EARS – https://www.earsincfl.com/donate

2. Donate: Give Financial Support That Saves Lives

For those who can't volunteer in person—or want to extend their impact—financial donations are one of the most direct ways to help.

Your donation to EARS goes toward:

Food for tigers, lions, panthers, and other big cats
Medical treatments, surgeries, and veterinary care
Habitat upgrades and enclosure maintenance
Utilities and sanctuary operations
Emergency rescues and transport

Giving options include:

One-time donations
Monthly recurring gifts
Tribute or memorial donations
Planned giving or estate contributions
Corporate matching or sponsorships

Even small donations help. A $25 gift can buy meat for a tiger’s meal. A $100 donation might help cover medication for a rescued cougar. Every dollar counts.

Make a difference now: Donate to EARS – https://www.earsincfl.com/donate

3. Sponsor a Big Cat: Build a Personal Connection

If you're looking for a more personal and lasting way to help, sponsoring a rescued animal allows you to directly support its care and well-being.

When you sponsor a big cat, you’re contributing to that animal’s individual needs:

Daily feeding
Enrichment materials (toys, scents, activities)
Veterinary exams and treatments
Comfortable, safe enclosures

In return, sponsors often receive:

A photo and bio of their sponsored animal
Updates or letters about the animal’s progress
A certificate of sponsorship
Recognition on the sanctuary’s website (if desired)

Sponsorship is a perfect way to:

Honor a loved one
Teach kids about wildlife
Celebrate a special occasion
Support an animal whose story moved you

Meet the animals and choose a sponsorship at: Sponsor an Animal – https://www.earsincfl.com/sponsors

Other Ways to Support the Cause

Beyond these three main pathways, there are other meaningful ways to help big cats in captivity:

Shop sanctuary merchandise: Support EARS while raising awareness with branded apparel, mugs, and gifts. https://earsinc.net/shop
Attend fundraising events: Keep an eye on EARS’ events page and Facebook for open house tours and special programs.
Share and advocate on social media: Follow, like, and share EARS posts to help reach new supporters. https://www.facebook.com/EARSSANCTUARY
Fundraise in your community: Host a bake sale, garage sale, or Facebook fundraiser in honor of EARS.
Leave a review on Google: Help build EARS’ local visibility by sharing your positive experience or endorsement.

Every action, no matter how small, contributes to the care and protection of endangered animals.

FAQs: Helping Big Cats Through EARS

Can I volunteer even if I don’t have animal experience?

Yes. EARS provides orientation and training. The most important qualities are reliability, responsibility, and a willingness to learn.

Is my donation tax-deductible?

Yes. EARS is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. All financial gifts are tax-deductible as allowed by law.

How long is a sponsorship commitment?

Sponsorships can be monthly or annual. You choose what works best for your budget and interest level.

Can I visit the animal I sponsor?

Visits are possible during scheduled tour events or sponsor days. EARS is not open to walk-in visitors, so check the events calendar or contact staff for options.

Final Thoughts: Your Help Has Power

Big cats may be apex predators, but in captivity, they’re entirely dependent on human compassion. Without sanctuaries like EARS, many of these animals would face shortened lives filled with suffering or abandonment.

By choosing to volunteer, donate, or sponsor, you become part of a mission much bigger than yourself—a mission that says every life matters, no matter how wild, how wounded, or how forgotten.

Want to take action today?