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Position Statements |
| Private Ownership - we
oppose private ownership of big cats as 'pets' and 'eccentricities', and
favor appropriate sanctuary by trained individuals. |
| Entertainment - we believe
that entertainment with an educational focus is beneficial for bringing big
cat issues to light. |
| Circuses - we oppose the use
of any methods that encourage unnatural behavior for human enjoyment. |
| Animals in Captivity - we
support the responsible stewardship of animals in captivity in light of
unfavorable alternatives. |
| Breeding - we believe
propagation of the species should benefit wild populations and not private
ownership. |
| Hybrid species - we oppose the
intentional propagation of species used solely as an attraction. |
| De-clawing - we oppose the declawing of big cats excepting for medical necessity. We take no
position on the declawing of domestic animals. |
| Hunting - we oppose the trophy
hunting of big cats and abhor the practice of canned hunts. |
| Animal Products -
we oppose the illicit use of endangered species as medicine. |
| Vegetarianism - we take no
stance on vegetarianism. |
I heard you had to move the
facility. Why?
Is it true that you will be going to Forever
Florida?
Where do these animals come
from?
How do you rescue a big cat?
Why does CFAR exist?
What makes you different than a zoo?
How do I volunteer?
Can I come see your residents?
What do you do with these cats?
I heard you
have to move the facility. Why?
The Brevard Board of County Commissioners
made the decision after a lengthy process to provide us with two years to
remove the facility from its current location due to zoning issues. This
coincides with our need to expand our operation to accomplish our educational
and outreach goals.
Is it true that you
will be going to Forever Florida?
Yes. CFAR will be integrating its
programs into the existing Wildlife Education Center to accomplish our shared
goals of promoting education and conservation.
Where do these animals come from?
Some of our animals come from pet
situations, some were rescues, some born at the facility, and others from
governmental agencies. No cats at the facility were wild-born.
How do you rescue a big cat?
Rescue is traditionally the practice of taking cats out of a
poor situation and bringing them to a better situation. In recent years,
this term has fallen out of favor due to unscrupulous individuals using 'rescue'
as cover for purchases from a breeder. In our case, rescue
involves the safety, security, and daily care necessary to maintain a positive
quality of life.
Why does CFAR exist?
By most estimates there are more big cats in captivity in
this country than there are left in the wild. This is especially true of
tigers. The organization exists to provide big cats a home to live
out their lives surrounded by individuals dedicated to their needs. The
relationships developed through this care are used to educate the public and
bring attention to the issues surrounding big cats.
What makes you different than a zoo?
Most zoos are organizations that are accredited by the
American Zoological Association (AZA) that sets standards amongst its members.
There is no single definitive accreditation available to Sanctuaries.
How do I volunteer?
Contact us to set up an interview. See 'Volunteering'
for more information.
Can I come see your residents?
Members receive invitations to visit the facility for
Member Day. CFAR is not open to the public at this time.
What do you do with these cats?
Daily care is the largest component of
our activities. That includes feeding, watering, facility maintenance,
and enrichment activities.
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