2008 Woodie Awards
Lions and tigers and ... pumpkins?
Tracey Rector
Issue date: 11/7/07 Section: College News
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The EFRC, located about 60 miles southwest of Indianapolis in Center Point, is home to 186 exotic felines of nine different species. Joe Taft founded the Center in 1991 to give abused or abandoned cats a home. The Center also helps cats that were owned and bred illegally, neglected or just need a permanent home.
When the EFRC opened, it was located on 15 acres of land and now, 16 years later, the Center owns 108 acres to house these big cats.
Those who attended the event watched the cats play with and eat pumpkins filled with meat. Some cats did not touch their pumpkins at all, while others were excited to get to their treat in the pumpkin's center. Still other cats enjoyed knocking their pumpkins around and chewing on them.
While the ERFC is home to a number of exotic felines, it is not to be mistaken for a zoo. Grass and gravel paths lead visitors to the cats and the only thing separating you and these large exotic felines is a tall chain-link fence. With lions on one side, tigers on the other and other exotic felines around you, it can be intimidating.
Each of the cats has a name and distinct personality. Some cats enjoy attention while others startle easily. The cats seem cute and cuddly, but as they are wild animals, people are encouraged to keep at a distance, as these cats are known to charge the fence when they feel threatened. Their roars are not only heard but can be felt.
"I've been here many times," said Barbara Tanner from Trafalgar, Ind. "I love it here. Joe and his staff are so kind and take such good care of these animals that have been abused. It's nice that they [the cats] have a place to go."
The cats available for the public to see are the ones that can usually handle the attention. Taft says that cats not thoroughly socialized are not shown to the public.
Despite its small-town location, the EFRC has many supporters and visitors and Taft says he would like to continue seeing more.
The EFRC, 2221 E. Ashboro Road, is open Tuesday through Sunday.
There are a few different options for those interested in visiting the center and seeing these cats in their natural habitat. The shelter offers tours featuring their beautiful exotic cats during their regular business hours and has special events about every six weeks. They also offer overnight stays where people can see all the cats, not just the ones available to the public on normal tours.
Information about the EFRC as well as biographies and photos of some of the cats can be found at their Web site: www.exoticfelinerescuecenter.org.
Contact Tracey Rector at trector@iupui.edu.
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