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"When it comes to big cats, it's about vision."

Big Cat Encounter Policies at CFAR

Advanced registration and prepayment is required for all tours.  Guests arriving without a reservation may not receive the desired time slot.

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Encounter Policies

Tour Format

All tours at Central Florida Animal Reserve are guided walking tours.  This helps us fulfill our educational objectives and safety mandates.  Visitors are not permitted to walk around on their own.  Plus, having knowledgeable staff able to discuss the interesting world of the big cats brings great perspective and fun!  Guides are great resources for answering questions and sharing key stories.  The total walking distance for the standard tour is about 300 yards — other tour formats may be longer based on content.

Food and Drink Policy

You are welcome to bring water or purchase on site.  Guests are NOT permitted to bring alcohol or be under the influence while on site.  No food is permitted on tours.  Guests are required to appropriately discard any trash produced.

Smoking/Vaping

Smoking/Vaping is not permitted on the tours.

Cancellation Policy

Activities may be cancelled due to severe or unsafe weather conditions.  If the activity is cancelled by CFAR, we will work with you to reschedule or provide credit for a future booking.

Refund Policy

All tickets purchases are NOT refundable.  If you miss your tour, we will work with you to reschedule for another date and time.

Parking

Parking is available on-site at no additional charge. We have one concrete space for guests displaying appropriate handicapped placards.  Guests will be directed to the Visitor check-in area.

Restrooms

Facilities are available in the Visitor area.  There are no public restrooms along the tour path.  If you need to step out during a tour, we can accommodate you.

Age Restrictions

Our tours are best experienced from ages 10 and up.  Due to the potentially dangerous nature of the tours, children under 10 are not permitted except as part of Private Tours or Family Tours.  Minors 10 to 17 years of age are welcome if accompanied by a responsible adult. Event specific exceptions may apply — contact events@cflar.org for questions.

Accommodation/Disabilities

Central Florida Animal Reserve (CFAR) has an ADA accessible building. The following is provided to assist you in planning your tour and visit.

  • Our outdoor tour paths are crushed concrete and dirt, and are not recommended for wheelchair or stroller use.
  • Guests with mobility impairments may request in advance a seat on our standard electric golf carts.
  • Guests that need to use the golf cart to enjoy our tour may do so at no additional fee.  In order to accommodate our disabled guests, golf carts are reserved for those parties only.
  • We ask that reservations be made at least 5 days in advance so we may ensure both cart and driver are available.
  • Please note the weight limit of our carts is 350 pounds for all guests and driver.
  • Guests joining the tour via our golf cart will have the option of using the rear-facing bariatric-sized bench seat, or single-person forward-facing seat.
  • Guests are asked to specify seating requirements when making the golf cart reservation – again at least 5 days before your scheduled tour.
  • Golf cart seating reservations may be made by contacting our events team at events@cflar.org
  • We are not able to guarantee golf cart availability unless reserved in advance.
  • Guests may not operate golf carts.
  • Only CFAR golf carts are permitted to operate on the premises. (No other personal motorized vehicles are permitted.)
  • Service animals are not permitted on tours, but may wait with an adult handler at the Visitor staging area during your tour. Please notify CFAR in advance when bringing service animals to the site, either at the time of tour booking or by contacting events@cflar.org during regular office hours.
  • Companion and emotional support animals are not permitted on tour, nor on the property.  These animals are not permitted to remain on site in vehicles, regardless of whether air conditioning is running

 

Planning Questions

Where are you located?
Our Osceola Campus is located at 500 Broussard Rd, St.
Cloud, FL 34773
Are the tours guided? Can I walk around on my own?
All tours at Central Florida Animal Reserve are guided tours.  This helps us fulfill our educational objectives and safety mandates.  Visitors are not permitted to walk around on their own.  Plus, having knowledgeable staff able to discuss the interesting world of the big cats brings great perspective and fun!  Guides are great resources for answering questions and sharing key stories.
What about the weather?
Our guided tours are not generally cancelled for light rain. However, in the event of dangerous weather, we will do our best to determine whether tours will be cancelled 24 hours prior to the start time. If tours are cancelled, you will receive notice via the contact information you provide during reservation. In the event of cancellation on our part you may opt to transfer your reservation to an alternate day.   We appreciate your understanding that you will need to keep an eye on the forecast and dress for unpredictable weather when you reserve space on any of our tours.
Can I get on a tour if I just show up?
Please reserve your tour prior to arrival.  We are only open for tours on Saturday and Sunday excepting calendar noted blackout dates.  Guests who arrive without a reservation may not get the desired time slot.
Will I be able to touch a cat?
Guests are not permitted to touch or come into contact with any animal throughout the tour.  For the safety of both visitors and resident animals, any attempt to come in contact with the cats will result in being asked to leave without a refund.
Can I bring gifts for the cats?
All toys, food, and enrichments are carefully chosen as part of our Animal Care Program.  We do not permit outside toys or food for the safety of our animal residents.  Consider a donation add-on if you’d like to provide meals for the cats that week.

 

 

 

Affiliations

 

Nonprofit Search - Central Florida Animal Reserve
AAZK Logo - Central Florida Animal Reserve

 

 

 

More Questions?

Please note: Because we have a very small staff, the most efficient way to reach us is via email. If you cannot find an answer to your question on our website, you are welcome to call (321)-637-0110. Just be aware that it may take us up to 24 hours to respond. We appreciate your understanding.

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