Community Services/Non-Profits near Sharon, WI

“If I could give VOTK 6 out of 5 stars, I would. They truly treat their animals like family and are incredibly kind. Although I'd love it if the cages were bigger, I didn't think they were too small; they are about the same size as most big, good zoo's. Sometimes it looked like they only had one area, but if you look closely, they had another big cage attached so they actually have a lot more room than some people think. I've never been to a place that tries so hard to honor their animals and give them the utmost dignity and respect. VOTK is in critical need for volunteers and funding, so I'm going to start volunteering there one or two days a month. If you are interested in having a really cool experience and volunteering there, contact them and they will happily accept you, even if it's only for 1 hour once a month. They are also always in need of meat and produce, so if you have any extra that isn't bad but maybe not fresh enough that you would want to eat it, VOTK will gladly take it when you visit. The cool thing about VOTK is that they aren't just a big cat rescue; they also have bears, over 50 barn cats that freely roam, emus, goats, horses, geese, alpacas, a woodchuck, foxes, and wolves. They are also a farm and barn cat sanctuary. They truly appreciate their donors and if you have a membership here (which costs less than a lot of zoo tickets), you can visit as many times as you like with one tour guide that will take you through the place and tell you all about the animals. Another way that I know that all of their animals are loved and happy is because when you approach their cages, they actually come up to you and show signs of trust. The tigers will lay on their backs with their bellies up, indicating feeling safe and trusting. Despite many of these animals being abused previously, it is clear that they feel safe, happy, and healthy here. VOTK is what every sanctuary and zoo should strive to be. Their mission is not to make a profit or exploit their animals in the slightest, but rather to give them a final resting place where they can feel safe and can live the rest of their life without being exploited or abused. They treat their animals like people and give them so much respect and dignity. I cannot recommend VOTK highly enough and think they are a truly unique and special place.”

“My son has been to both facilities. He is on the spectrum as well as other issues and enjoys being with the horses. It gives him a sense of responsibility,self worth and really helps with his self esteem.The staff and volunteers are amazing people to work with and are there to help in anyway possible. We could not be happier to part of such a wonderful organization.Thank you for all that your organization does to help with the veterans and individuals of all abilitiesTraci”

“My son just loves this organization as well as his father and myself. The staff and volunteers are amazing and the connection he has made with the horses he has ridden is a beautiful sight to see. My son is on the spectrum and this gives him a sense of accomplishment,responsibility and boosts his self esteem. I can not say enough about this organization.”