Having spent countless hours and dollars at EFRC... I still cannot resist the hour and a half drive, the donations, bad weather or whatever.. Just to be there several times a year. I plan my spring summer and fall around my trips to see everyone there. Each cat is simply gorgeous in their own right. Though there are many who are missing a tooth, are blind, require numerous surgeries. All to try and correct the results of years of abuse from private or public owners. I can't remember the roll count of film, or the number of memory sticks full of photos that have been used to capture this moment or that moment. I miss them... one by one...

The more time you spend the more you get to know them.. and they get to know you.... There are just a very special few who know me now.. and they chuff as I come closer to them.. they recognize my smell before I ever turn the corner... they know I am there.... Have you ever heard up close and personal a big cat purr? Have you ever had a tiger close her mouth around your arm? Just to sample you.... I have both.....

I met Tessa in Aruba several years ago... Tessa is the retired Tiger who did all the commercials for Exxon Oil... She is old now, but still playful... I had the once in a lifetime opportunity to have spent an entire day with her and her owner Marc. I was asked not to use his last name. He wants to keep it that way for personal reasons. The amazing size of the cat is awe striking to be sure, but the immense size of their heads is enough to make your eyes bug out...especially when they engulf your arm.. even in a playful.. I'm going to mouth it for fun mood... Their paws are simpy unforgettable and they do not take kindly to having them handled in any way.. The paws are the cats livelihood and they protect them as such... You will be hurt should you ever attempt to touch them.. this I can assure you....

Should you ever get a chance to visit Indiana and you have a special place in your heart for the big cats? I emplore you to make the time to go and visit the great cats at EFRC.. It will be a trip and an experience you will not soon forget....