The Exotic Feline Rescue Center was a contrast compared to our other stops. As our first stop on our last day of the summer ag tour, it was a splash of difference that left all of us in awe.
Located in Center Point, IN, it is a non-profit rescue for exotic felines needing relocation. Whether the felines are being rescued from a tattoo parlor like the tiger Kya, being kept in a small box for the circus like the lion Zeus, or even rescued tigers from Joe Exotic (notably known as Tiger King), the rescue has one mission in mind: to provide permanent homes for exotic felines that have been abused, abandoned, etc., while also educating the public about these beautiful cats.
Founded in 1991, the rescue started with only 3 cats, but today they have over 110 cats, and 10 foxes from 26 different states, with 250 acres of land. They hold an abundance of different species of felines, some that we saw on our tour being lions, leopards, tigers, African servals, and bobcats. All of those that they have rescued are considered “mutts” as they are mixed from bad breeding, making them subspecies or inbred.
While on our tour, guided by the lovely Jess, we were privileged to hear the feline’s stories. As this is a rescue center, these stories are sad to hear about, but being able to see how much they are thriving now after being relocated shows just how well the Exotic Feline Rescue Center does in saving these cats. They never force the cats to do anything they don’t want to do, they believe that it takes as long as it takes, which means feedings can take only minutes to hours. They get fed 20-25 pounds of meat a day, fed by a group that works throughout the day to feed them all.
Along with providing a better home for all of them, they have also made discoveries that have helped further the science surrounding these cats. Since they do not buy, sell, or breed cats, they will neuter/spay all of their felines. Due to a lack of knowledge in this area, after a lion called “King Lion” was snipped, he was still able to breed with his mate. They discovered that it actually takes 30-90 days to fully take effect, and shared this new knowledge with the rest of the world.
We also got to learn some cool facts. Did you know that no tiger has the same stripes as another? It’s like their version of human fingerprints. Or, did you know that a white tiger isn’t natural? They only achieve that color through inbreeding as it causes a double recessive mutation.
All in all, our tour at the Exotic Feline Rescue Center was a great one, and if you’re ever in the area I 100% suggest checking them out. All the cats we saw were just a magnificent sight and it made us all so happy knowing they are finally living the life they deserve there. (I also really wanted to cuddle all of them!)
If you would like to know more about the Exotic Feline Rescue Center or make a donation, you can visit their website here: https://efrc.org/about-us
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