Indiana’s Exotic Feline Rescue Center boats hundreds of big cats
Due to having Autism Spectrum Disorder, it is very common for people like me to have a very favorite animal that stands out from all the others. Mine? Tigers!
For Valentine’s Day 2024, my boyfriend Eddie symbolically adopted a tiger for me through the World Wildlife Foundation. They then sent me an adorable stuffed tiger we named Binks—he often calls me Char Char Binks.
For my 29th birthday Eddie took my love for tigers one step further by surprising me with a day trip to the Exotic Feline Rescue Center! Just an hour outside of Indianapolis, IN lays 260 acres of wildlife preserve specifically crafted to be the ideal oasis for rescued cats.
Not just any cats though, these are ones you will not see at your average humane society. The EFRC is home to over 100 big and small exotic cats! Tigers, lions, pumas, jaguars, you name it, they have it.
Pandora lounging outside her box.
Not just any cats though, these are ones you will not see at your average humane society. The EFRC is home to over 100 big and small exotic cats! Tigers, lions, pumas, jaguars, you name it, they have it.
For only $10 an expert volunteer will guide you through the facility and tell you the story of every cat rescued. Some were former circus performers, illegal exotic pets, or injured little ones in need of some love and care.
I could not believe my eyes when we walked through the front gate and were already surrounded by beautiful cats lounging inside their habitats, unbothered by human presence.
Just inside is a tiny shack where tickets and merchandise is sold. After accumulating a group of seven, our guide Kerry began us on our tour. She was wonderful! She knew the temperament of every cat and knew their life stories inside and out.
She introduced us to exotic big cats like they were her own pets. She told us about Zoey, a senior cougar who flaunted her belly to us because she was used to human affection as a kitten before she was found by a local police officer.
Sassy the leopard has been gaining weight as she ages and now looks like a spotted sack of potatoes as she poses and preens for visitors to adore her.
Zeus is another older resident, but this lion has the attitude of a newborn kitten. Any time he greets people he must make a small roar that scared some children in our group. He paced and shook out his main while Kerry vocalized back to him as if they were having a secret cat conversation.
Kimbo the tiger was a menace! Apparently, he is quite the fan of spraying—urine marking his territory— through his enclosure and onto unsuspecting visitors. He continuously put his tail up to aim at us, but Kerry hilariously explained that he had already victimized a large group of school children earlier that day.
Sassy the leopard sitting pretty for the humans.
The knockout star of the show was by far a tiger named Drago, and boy did he know it. Drago is used on most of the EFRC’s merchandise and it isn’t hard to see why.
One of the biggest of his species, Drago is a ginormous cat with a knack for looking into camera lenses and striking his best pose. He even gave us a show when he played with Kerry by stalking her and pouncing only to give a headbutt to the fence, indicating that it was a sign of affection rather than attack.
From Siberian tigers rescued from a Las Vegas show to servals and smaller breeds, the EFRC has every kind of exotic cat you could hope to see in your lifetime. They were far more playful and fun loving than any I’ve ever seen in a zoo. Everyone had huge personalities matching the stature of their physique which made for many adorable interactions.
On their website, the Exotic Feline Rescue Center states that their purpose is to rescue, rehabilitate, and provide permanent homes to cats and other animals which have been abused and abandoned. They also strive to educate the public about these beautiful creatures.
The EFRC has a field veterinary clinic for its cats that need medical attention and they follow strict rules to ensure everyone’s safety.
“We do not buy, sell, or breed. We do not allow public contact with the animals. We give animals a home for life. We provide stable social groups. We provide enhanced environments. We provide excellent veterinary care.”
A perfect example of their exemplary medical care was one Siberian who had her tongue lolling out of her mouth after having a tooth extraction. She still couldn’t quite feel her face and gave a hilarious look into how well these cats are treated by their angelic saviors.
From the Exotic Feline Rescue Center website.
The Exotic Feline Rescue Center also offers special events Eddie and I were unfortunate to miss. They have Big Cat Yoga where a guided exercise in mindfulness is enhanced by the beautiful nature which surrounds you and your new furry friends.
Other opportunities include Evening Roar. As the sun sets this after hours tour offers the excitement guaranteed from these nocturnal beats. Sip on beer and wine sourced from local breweries and immerse yourself in the enchanting atmosphere of the jungle at night.
Eddie and I had such a magical day communing with tigers like Drago, Tiger Lily, Beaux, and even one named Charlie! We plan to return in the winter to see these babies frolicking in the snow.
You can read animal profiles, volunteer, and donate to these feline rescuers by visiting www.efrc.org.
