International Exotic Animal Sanctuary in Boyd, Texas

Situated on the dividing line between the towns of Boyd and Aurora in Wise County on Texas Highway 114, the International Exotic Animal Sanctuary in Boyd, Texas is home to more than 60 animals, including bobcats, cougars, jaguars, leopards, lions, tigers and bears. A nonprofit organization dedicated to educating people about its animal residents, the sanctuary provides conservation education tours and a variety of interactive exhibits and programs. Some of the creatures at the sanctuary are endangered or near extinction. Employees and volunteers care about the animals and offer them a high degree of attention.

Honored by the American Association of Zookeepers, Inc. (AAZK,) the sanctuary has received the certificate of merit for Zookeeper Education; a distinguished award for individuals, institutions and organizations in the zoological community that actively promote zookeeper education programs. This designation is a shining example of the recognized commitment of the zoo's personnel. The zoo is proud of its internship program. Founded in 2002, the program is one of the country's leading facilities for providing internship opportunities with exotic cats.

In 1998, the zoo opened its doors, with its primary mission to offer abused, abandoned, neglected, confiscated or previously owned exotic animals a permanent sanctuary. Guests to the site can enjoy touring exhibits, listening to lectures, participating in education, conservation and interactive programs and attending public appearances. School groups often visit as part of class field trips and learn about ways to educate others, and how to participate in conservation initiatives.

Because these exotic creatures are completely uninhibited, the sanctuary takes every possible measure to promote safety for the animals, as well as the thousands of visitors who come out each year. The sanctuary provides necessary, appropriate care and accommodations for exotic animals, supplying them with the best food available, containing added minerals and vitamins, as well as spacious habitats with clean pools, ample shelter quarters, trees, perches, climbing poles and numerous items to enhance enrichment activities.

Emotional enrichment also is critical to ensuring the animals' health and well being. Animal behaviorists work with the large cats and other animals that have encountered abuse, abandonment, neglect and other emotional issues. Research has shown the value of positive emotional interaction for these animals. Interaction with the creatures is reserved for only properly trained professionals.

Visitors can take part in regularly scheduled weekend tours and weekday tours at 11 a.m. most Mondays-Fridays. Groups of 10 or more are welcome to take tours with advance notice. Corporate groups, school and civic organizations, girl- and boy-scout troops, science clubs and families have enjoyed touring the grounds each year. Tours last about an hour. No children under the age of 7 are allowed at the sanctuary and visitors are not allowed to leave pets in their vehicles. Because the sanctuary does not have a typical street address, visitors are strongly encouraged to use a hardcopy map to get the best possible directions.