center for animal research & education

We went here after seeing several video's posted on Vine. We went in the morning and was the first tour of the day. It was feeding day so the tigers were a bit more active than if it were not a feeding day, or later in the day. The animals are VERY WELL taken care of. The staff is excellent and you can tell by their stories that they know each of these animals very well. Personalities, eccentricities, history, etc. You get to hear fascinating facts about each of these majsetic creatures! They all have such different features and such diverse characters. My husband and I took our 11 year old son and his friend. We went to the store and picked up several items from the facilitie's "wish list" to donate when we went. We got to walk around with a guide and see each animal. The facility was very clean and the animals all seem very content and tranquil there. These animals are all ones who would be killed in the wild very quickly. Some have disabilities, some were caught as cubs to be kept as pets until the people realized that it isn't a very good idea. The facility plans events for different holidays that always include fun and treats for the animals. It is a small facility and you will not be getting to pet or feed the animals, but to listen to their stories, watch them explore and see how curious they are at their visitors is a fantastic experience. This facility does not breed the animals and those that come here live out their lives here and even find their final resting place here! It truly is their forever home! They do not get sold to zoos or exploited for our enjoyment. These care takers spend numerous hours taking care of these animals and doing their very best to provide a safe place as close to their natural habitat as possible while maintaining the safety of themselves, the guests, and the animals. I encourage anyone that can to take time to donate money, donate items from the wish list, and plan a good will visit where you are rewarded by getting to view these amazing animals!

Have taken a tour of this place on multiple occasions. The staff are all friendly and knowledgeable. They will give you a cat by cat background during the very close up tour as well as encourage visitors to ask questions. You can tell that the staff loves and takes great care in keeping the animals happy and healthy in this very clean sanctuary. They also have lemurs and will allow you inside the enclosure to hand feed them.

We have used them on several occasions to take our dead livestock. They feed the tigers and lions with the meat. I much rather donate then just bury the aged dead animals.

My girlfriend and I came wre twice during a two-week vacation - once at the end of May and again today. We called ahead to schedule a tour during the week, and were warmly received each time by staff. It was overwhelming to get that close to big cats: leopards, lions, and tigers. They also have some lemurs onsite. Staff member Jade guided us by each cat's enclosure and allowed us plenty of opportunity for photos while providing the history of each cat and big cat info in general. The tour lasted over an hour, and the time flew by. You can tell that the cats are happy and that they loved our guide. It was so mind-blowing to be that close to the cats the first time that we went back a second time. This morning's tour was just as amazing as the first. If you make the trip out here, bring some sunscreen and water as shade is scarce and it can get hot quick in the open. Don't get too close to the enclosures and please follow the rules using common sense. Respect the cats, please. This is a great facility with a wonderful staff doing good work. We will visit every time we are in the area.