ST. CLOUD, Fla. – This is the kind of storyline usually reserved for Hollywood.
Dr. Simba Wiltz is the CEO of the Central Florida Animal Reserve, a big cat sanctuary in St. Cloud run entirely by volunteers.
The sanctuary neither breeds its animals nor operates for profit.
“If you’re coming here, you’re not coming here because you’re padding someone’s salary. You’re coming here because these are the monies we use to provide food, provide medical care,” Dr. Simba told News 6.
The facility opened in 2017, and about a quarter of the budget comes from guided tours.
“If someone is going to be serious about the challenges these species face, then we have to start where we all agree, which is: we want these animals out in the wild,” Dr. Simba added.
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The challenges are also financial. If you think meat at the grocery store is getting expensive, try buying it by the ton.
“We have all experienced a little touch of inflation in the last couple of years,” Dr. Simba said with a hint of sarcasm.
When Dr. Simba walks tours around the collection of tigers, lions, and other large charismatic megafauna, you will hear him making a distinct chuffing sound.
Then, he says, “I see you.”
He explained that the felines don’t understand the words, but he feels as though they perceive his intention. The chuffing sound can take some practice.
“New volunteers spend a lot of time drooling,” Dr. Simba said.
If you would like to book a tour for your family or corporation, you can find more information on the Central Florida Animal Reserve website: https://cflar.org/.
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