Sailors from the Center for Security Forces (CENSECFOR) Learning Site (LS) Mayport, Fla., took part in a community outreach project at Catty Shack Ranch, Nov. 22.

Sailors provided manual labor to help take down and relocate fencing and to remove unwanted wood around the property in an effort to restore some of the natural beauty of the landscape.

"I've never seen anything like it," said Sonar Technician Surface 1st Class Hector Herrera, CENSECFOR LS Mayport leading petty officer. "These animals are truly amazing. What an awesome experience to be able to work with them so closely!"

The Catty Shack Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary is a non-profit organization whose mission is "to provide a safe, loving, forever home for endangered big cats, and to educate the public about their plight in the wild and captivity."

The focus of the ranch is to rescue cats from less than ideal situations, though in most cases the animals are adopted from owners that no longer have the desire to care for them. In other cases, animals are also adopted from zoos that no longer have the ability or resources to care for them properly.

Jordan Joseph has worked at the ranch for eight years. When asked why she volunteers she replied, "I love animals. I love caring for them and although I can't take them home, the experience of working with them is very rewarding."

The ranch hosts a variety of animal breeds that includes tigers, lions, cougars, leopards, bobcats, arctic foxes, and coatimundis. The ranch does not breed, sell or trade any of the animals, and once adopted by the ranch, they have a home for life. The ranch has its own medical facility, complete with a team of veterinarians and dentists who care for all the animals onsite.

"These majestic creatures deserve to be taken care of so well here at the ranch," said Chief Gunner's Mate Phillip Baker, who serves as a course supervisor at Learning Site Mayport. "It is such a privilege to represent the Navy and our command as we continue to strengthen our community relations."

The Center for Security Forces provides specialized training to more than 28,000 students each year. It has 14 training locations across the United States and around the world where training breeds confidence.

For more information about the Center for Security Forces, visit http://www.navy.mil/local/csf.

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