Exotic Feline Rescue Center by Steve Gifford
With my parents in town for a few days, we decided to take a road trip to the Exotic Feline Rescue Center in Centerpoint, Indiana. With over 230 big cats on site, the center is one of the largest rescue operations in the country for abused, unwanted and neglected exotic felines. For a donation of $10/person, the center offers personal guided tours of the operation with close-up views and stories behind over 90 of the big cats.
Now, I have been to several zoos before and seen lions and tigers at a distance, but it isn't until you have stood within a couple feet from one of these felines that you can fully appreciate their beauty, size and power. On the 40-minute tour we were able to see cats of every type and size including lions, cougars, lynx, bobcat, cervals, and leopards (including a black one!). While touching the fence or the animals is strictly prohibited, almost all of them are in large enclosures right along the guided path with only a chain link fence separating you and them.
Although seeing these beautiful cats up close was an amazing and unforgettable experience, it was also an eye opener to the sheer number of them that have required rescuing. The stories of individuals that had previously owned these cats and their gradual awareness of their inability to meet the huge cat's needs as they grew struck a common theme throughout the tour. Having seen them up close, I can't fathom trying to raise, feed, exercise and safely contain such large, powerful animals! Fortunately the center has been able to intervene and assist in hundreds of these situations and provide a safe and healthy place for the cats to spend their "retirement."
For more information on the Exotic Feline Rescue Center go to:
Exotic Feline Rescue Center by Steve Gifford
With my parents in town for a few days, we decided to take a road trip to the Exotic Feline Rescue Center in Centerpoint, Indiana. With over 230 big cats on site, the center is one of the largest rescue operations in the country for abused, unwanted and neglected exotic felines. For a donation of $10/person, the center offers personal guided tours of the operation with close-up views and stories behind over 90 of the big cats.
Now, I have been to several zoos before and seen lions and tigers at a distance, but it isn't until you have stood within a couple feet from one of these felines that you can fully appreciate their beauty, size and power. On the 40-minute tour we were able to see cats of every type and size including lions, cougars, lynx, bobcat, cervals, and leopards (including a black one!). While touching the fence or the animals is strictly prohibited, almost all of them are in large enclosures right along the guided path with only a chain link fence separating you and them.
Although seeing these beautiful cats up close was an amazing and unforgettable experience, it was also an eye opener to the sheer number of them that have required rescuing. The stories of individuals that had previously owned these cats and their gradual awareness of their inability to meet the huge cat's needs as they grew struck a common theme throughout the tour. Having seen them up close, I can't fathom trying to raise, feed, exercise and safely contain such large, powerful animals! Fortunately the center has been able to intervene and assist in hundreds of these situations and provide a safe and healthy place for the cats to spend their "retirement."
For more information on the Exotic Feline Rescue Center go to: