Not far from where I live, tucked away under the trees, is Bear Creek Feline Center, sanctuary and future breeding facility for the "lesser" exotic cats, staffed by interns and volunteers. I was invited for a Sunday morning "Coffee with the Cats", an educational event where you can sit with Jim and Bertie Broaddus, their staff, curious visiting children and adults who are fascinated with the "house" cats. I am quite taken by the Servals, long-legged "lesser" cats of Africa whose tawny coats have the Morse code splattered loudly all over them.
The first time I visited, Bertie was bottle feeding their new goodwill ambassador, a Bobcat kitten, 17 days old. In residence, but not in the house are other Servals, a Caracul, the rare Jaguarundis, Bobcats, Russian Lynx and Dani and Thatcher, two beautiful Florida Panthers.
Returning several times (but not enough), I am always struck by the clean compounds, the beautiful condition of body and mind of the cats. Because of many hours of daily human contact and enrichment (playdays with boxes or hay bales, or...and prey stimulation, they are never bored, and never pace - that terrible habit that comes of small quarters and nothing to do.
If you are in Florida, take a side trip and visit. It's time well spent.
The goal of the Center is to breed the endangered cats to insure the perpetuation of the species.
2 comments:
I really like the first picture. Neat cat!
I work out there every Sunday with Jim , Birdie, and the cats and I LOVE it! They are devoted to the cats and their enviorment and are constantly thinking of ways to improve the lives of the cats! Thank GOD for such a beautiful place!......Marie
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