exotic feline rescue center

We made an impromptu visit to this center when traveling across Indiana. I told myself to manage my expectations upon arrival because I had no idea what was we store for us....It was incredible! We bumped into the owner upon parking, he showed us a few "behind the scenes" areas. I have never been so close to a tiger (through a cage, of course). I was disbelief with the level of care and knowledge the employees had. The tour was about an hour long, the path was a little muddy so don't wear nice shoes! It went by quickly and well worth the $10 entrance fee. I would much rather visit a facility such as this one, compared to a zoo. I learned so much about the tigers and how this facility saves exotic felines from terrible conditions. It runs on donations and visitors and I will happily visit again.

Knowing the cats are taken care of makes one realize this place is needed. They have the food they need, space to run, and a place of safety.Knowing why they are there is the hard part. The general public at large should never be given a license to "own" these large cats. A cute lion cub will grow up. What will you do with it when it is no longer cute or cuddly? Put it in a cage? Outrageous!The name of this place states it clearly: Exotic Feline RESCUE Center. And they have rescued so many.They do not take cats that are pregnant. Oops! Someone slipped up, for when we arrived, there were FIVE tiger cubs as fascinated with us as we were with them.We were reminded that these are wild animals when the guide stood in front of one of the cats and it appeared that she would receive some love, but when she sat down with her back to the cat, it pounced at the fence ready to attack her.The variety of cats, the closeness one can get to seeing the animals, the explanation of the guides make this an attraction I highly recommend. They can use all the donations they receive.

This is an amazing place that does incredible work! You go on small tours of the enclosures with an educated staff member. They tell you the stories of the big cats and you can ask questions. We've been here a few times when were driving through and have had a variety of really awesome experiences. It is at a very rural location, so it's a drive, but 100% worth it. I think it's better for school aged kids than little ones as it is much more than looking at cool animals - though you do that as well. The tour takes about an hour. Wear good shoes as you are more a guest in their environment than a zoo experience. Wonderful place!

We were sent to the rescue centre by friends who are subscribers to the centre in order to help them rescue and rehabilitate these wonderful large cats. There are not only lions and tigers but other felines such as puma, lynx, and bobcats. Many have been rescued from people who thought they would make a cool pet. Some are ex circus animals and some had been found roaming in the wild, released by people who can no longer care for them. They now livein big cages with luxuriant vegetation where they can hide if they wish. Every visitor is takenon a guided tour by very knowledgeable staff who tell the stories of eachanimal and keep you from getting too close. These are, after all, large wild animals who lived with humans. They also need your financial support to keep functioning and keep these animals alive. It was also amazing finding a shelter like this in a tiny town in Indiana. Recommended.

The tour of the big cats was about 1 hour long. The staff was full of knowledge. Very well cared for animals. They even have a house you can spend the night at with special privileges.

One of the best weekends of my life...!About a 4 hour drive from the Chicago area - we visited the EFRC for the 'overnight experience' on November 1, 2014 (left the 2nd). On the 1st, they had the annual 'pumpkin party' for the cats - which is the only time you get to do a self guided tour in the 'public' area. They do stop that before they close, however - and begin giving hour long tours through the area. The guides are knowledgeable - and have some great stories about the cats.These cats are all rescues of some sort - and are given a forever home here - and you can tell that they are well taken care of. Their stories are heartbreaking in some cases, which makes it that much better that the EFRC exists. We spent the night in the 'cabin' with our concierge, 'house' cat Longtail - who was always there to greet us and escort us to the house or our car :) Dusty kept his eyes on us at all times - and was good for playing with... and Pauli Ann and Brumby usually put on a show. When we woke up in the morning, we were treated to a 'private' tour of areas that are off limit to regular visitors - and it was even more amazing than the regular public tour (which I thought was pretty awesome) - and experienced the keepers feeding the cats.This is VERY educational - and great for families with kids (not for the overnight stay though, only 2 adults permitted). Every cat lover should go - as should people who are not cat lovers. This is a great way to witness the magnificence of the big cats, and to promote conservation. GO!! (I'll be going back in the spring with my mother)

This place is well worth a visit and your support. There are well over two hundred animals on site that have been rescued from a variety of situations. I visited with a youth group who were given a behind the scenes look at the facility and I have nothing but good things to say about the Exotic Feline Rescue Center. I was impressed by so many things! The animals, many which have very sad and tragic back stories, have found a good home. You can tell they are well loved by the staff and even though the staff is not able to enter the enclosures and interact with the felines, they still know them by name, talk to them and the individual animals interact back with them showing familiarity, trust and interest. A highlight of our tour included our guide playing hide and seek with one of the female tigers. The animal was so excited to participate and it was apparent she was having a great time. It was not sad to meet the blind, injured and aging animals under their care because it was very apparent they were well taken care of and loved.The staff and the volunteers we met during the afternoon worked together like a well-oiled machine. We were there while they were feeding and cleaning enclosures - a task they do daily! Can you imagine the organization and coordination it takes to care for over two hundred felines on a daily basis and the amount of food it takes to feed them? I am impressed.The setting of the EFRC was pleasant for guest and animal alike. There are lots of trees and vegetation in the enclosures and the path the tour follows allows for great views of the variety of felines up close. Visitors should wear good walking shoes and be ready to walk on gravel and through some occasional mud. Distance-wise, the amount of walking is not very far and the pace is slow allowing time to experience each animal. The EFRC offers options to individuals who are handicapped or need assistance in viewing the animals (contact them for more information). Restroom facilities are available on site.Indiana is fortunate to have this jewel hidden south of interstate 70 just west of Indianapolis. It is well worth a visit to get a chance to see the felines up close in a natural setting and learn about their often tragic lives and how they have come to this facility.The non-profit organization is also worthy of your support in order to allow it to continue serving these animals. Take the time to check it out. You will be glad you did.

This place had me a little worried when we first arrived as some of the smaller cats were in small enclosures. My concerns were quickly put to ease once we got to the larger cats. The enclosures are large, they are well fed and well cared for rescue animals.

Wow, what an amazing place! This was my first visit and my husband's second. The event was very well organized. Our tour guide was AWESOME ( I wish I remembered her name)! She was very informative and knowledgeable! The tour itself was mesmerizing. There was an abundant amount of food with a LOT of variety...even vegatarian options! We roasted hot dogs and smores over the bonfire. I really enjoyed the walking "VIP" tour. We could have rode in the circus cages, but opted for the walking tour! Great place, great event, great time...thank you EFRC!!! I'll be seeing you again for your 5k and Evening Roar...I cant wait!!!

Joined a tour and walked thru the rescue center. Saw around 30+ felines and lions within 5 feet. Listen to them pur roar and saw them jump around. Simply amazing

We really weren't sure what to expect. As others have mentioned it is really incredible to be able to walk on a path so close to many of the animals. Most seemed curious enough to want to be seen too. We heard them roar, purr, and make other noises that you usually don't hear when visiting a zoo. Their enclosures are spacious and shady for them. The official parking lot is past the entrance. Most people were just parking along the gravel road. It is a no-frills operation which makes it even nicer in my opinion. We will go back again.

We went here for a wedding and were impressed with the mission of the center. Animals are rescued and given a safe place to spend their lives. All animals are spayed or neutered. It was a little unnerving to be so close to such big cats! They also have a cabin to spend the night that we may try later...

Had no idea I could hear a lion ROAR so close to home! The Exotic Feline Rescue Center is an action packed way to spend the afternoon. Volunteers give guided tours between pens of big cats; we could tell our guide, Diane, was really passionate about her job.We center is bigger than we anticipated; we saw lots of tigers, lions, jaguars, bobcats, etc. The animals are housed in humble accommodations but have lots of space to move around. It was a sweltering August day when we went, and the cats were enjoying taking baths in big tubs of water (perhaps it was intended to drink, but they had other plans)!Cost is $10/adult; $5/kid. Port-a-potty onsite with hand sanitizer. Visa accepted but bring coins for the vending machine (which we forgot). Teva sandals worked well during the tour but my sis-in-law was sliding in flip flops.

We have been to the EFRC four or five times, and it's a great experience. You get so close to the cats you could almost touch them. The tour guides give you a bunch of information on the cats, and their background. If you go bring comfortable walking shoes, it's a long walk on a gravel road. All of the proceeds of the tours go to the animals, it's NOT a zoo, these are all rescue animals. Going during lunch time can be fun, that's when they feed the cats, and seeing a cat eat a horse's leg, or Cow's head is something to see, although not for everyone. I would bring some sodas/snacks, it's in the middle of nowhere, so there aren't a lot of food/drink places nearby

A friend recommended this place and it was well worth it. You're able to really get right next to the big cats but still feel safe. The guide was amazing, with an amazing knowledge of each rescue animal. We went on a Sunday at 1, right at feeding time, so that made for sn even better experience. We were able to watch a huge tiger chew on a leg from a cow. The kids thought that was really cool