ST. CLOUD — For those who have only seen lions, tigers, or leopards from a distance at a zoo, visiting Central Florida Animal Reserve (CFAR) is an entirely different experience. Less than an hour from Brevard County, the nonprofit offers a rare opportunity to stand just a few feet away from some of the world’s most powerful predators — close enough to hear their purrs, see the twitch of a whisker, and truly appreciate the massive size of their paws and muscular frames.
Founded nearly three decades ago, CFAR relocated from Brevard County to its current home in St. Cloud in 2017. Today, the reserve cares for 13 big cats, including lions, tigers, cougars, leopards, and smaller species such as servals. Many are aging animals, some with medical needs, and all with their own unique personalities.
“Some of them actually came in under witness protection from Tiger King,” said Dr. K ‘Simba’ Wiltz, president of CFAR, noting the federal relocation of cats after the Netflix series fallout. He didn’t say whether any of CFAR’s current residents were part of that group, keeping the details intentionally vague…