Lion roars and leopard cries echo across a rural stretch of land outside Center Point, Indiana, where 100 acres of what would be farmland have become a veritable jungle. The Exotic Feline Rescue Center is home to more than 200 big cats that have come to Indiana to live out their lives after being rescued from ill-equipped private owners or other derelict conditions.
Guests are invited to come to the center and see the cats up close. “You’ll get closer then you have ever been before,” says Jean Herrberg, the center’s assistant director.
The EFRC is one of the largest big cat rescue facilities in the country — home to more than 60 male lions. Large natural enclosures give these once abused cats the freedom to be themselves.
For visitors, this means being greeted by Coo, the talkative male puma, while watching Brumby the black leopard play with his mountain lion buddy Pauli Ann. Walking tours range from 50 to 90 minutes and showcase the cats’ personalities while teaching guests about their plight. As a national leader in the rescue and care of exotic felines, the center educates while the cats entertain.
Stop by on July 17 and catch Summer Safari, an afternoon of family fun with refreshments and special in-depth tours. For diehard adult cat lovers, a private guest room is available for an overnight stay — but be warned, the roaring might just keep you awake.
Located just one hour west of Indianapolis, this is the Midwestern alternative to the Serengeti. Lions, tigers, leopards, and lynx make this a great place to get to know the world’s great cats.