Brazil, Indiana is home to one of the largest exotic cat rescues and sanctuaries in the United States. Home to nearly 150 animals, nearly all felines are saved from poor conditions and failing industry projects.
Retired circus tigers, New York City apartment jaguars, and Tiger King animals are just a few of the situations from which the EFRC has rescued large felines during its 33 years of operation.
Joe Taft founded the Exotic Feline Rescue Center in 1991, opening one of the first feline-specific rescues in the Midwest. Now operating one of the largest sanctuaries, it is fully donation—and grant-funded by the community and surrounding areas. Tours and volunteer work are essential to the upkeep and maintenance of the property while spreading awareness and information on the harmful impact of domesticating big cats.
Haleigh Boyer, a keeper at the Exotic Feline Rescue Center, explains the ins-and-outs of the rescue. Along with the appeal and dangers of owning large cats.
After the release of Tiger King in 2021, the world of abuse surrounding large cats and exotic animals was exposed. A key piece in the Tiger King documentary was Tim Stark and his Wildlife in Need rescue, located in southern Indiana. The rescue was used as a money laundering scheme, and an improper handling of young animals, exploiting them for money through a petting exhibit.
After the Department of Wildlife shut down Wildlife in Need and sued Tim Stark and his wife for the abuse of animals and the laundering scheme, the animals were dispersed to sanctuaries and rescues across the country. 15 tigers, lions, and small cats were rehomed at EFRC in hopes of rescuing and regaining their courage as top predators in the wild.
As Congress and executive leaders continue to tighten the laws regarding the domestication of exotic animals, the EFRC community hopes to continue to be a sanctuary to the horror stories that many felines face in America.
