She Rescues Wild Animals!

Brittany Donovan talks about life at an animal sanctuary.

April 2026

by Alex Lim-Chua Wee

What’s it like to look after nearly 400 bears, lions, and tigers every day? Brittany Donovan can tell you. She’s the co-director of animal care at the Wild Animal Sanctuary in Colorado.

Brittany and her team help rescue and care for animals living in dangerous situations. Many of these wild animals were kept illegally as pets. They lived in small cages or in people’s yards. They weren’t fed a proper diet or given enough space to run and play.

At the sanctuary, these animals are given a caring home for the rest of their lives. We asked Brittany about her important work.

The Wild Animal Sanctuary

Brittany helps make sure animals are brought to the sanctuary safely.

How did you find this job?

I studied zoology in college. I have also loved animals my whole life. When I was in school, I decided to start volunteering here. I quickly fell in love with it. I applied for a job, got it, and never left.

What’s a typical day like for you?

I work closely with our veterinarian to make sure that each animal is healthy. I also train our team members on how to properly feed and care for the animals. Since we often work with larger animals, safety is always one of our biggest priorities.

Do the sanctuary’s animals ever go back to the wild?

No. Many animals we rescue are captive bred. This means the animal was born and raised in a controlled environment, like someone’s backyard. Because of this, the animals don’t know how to find food or survive on their own in the wild.

Do you have a favorite animal that you work with?

I’ve gotten close to all the animals. I can’t pick a favorite! But I could tell you every animal’s name and personality. Some of them love attention. Some just come to you for food. We sometimes give them treats. The bears like cheesecake!

What do you love most about your job?

I love seeing how the animals change. When they arrive, they may be struggling. Some of them have never had much room to run. But over time, they blossom. The bears splash in the ponds, and the tigers play in the field. Seeing them feel this free is so cool.