Check out the beautiful felines that are being protected and cared for, right here in Indiana (and as you can see, even in the dead of winter). Learn more about them at http://www.exoticfelinerescuecenter.org/home.html.
They provide permanent homes for exotic felines that have been abused, abandoned or for some reason have nowhere to live out their lives, and they also educate the public about these beautiful cats.
My friend Kyle and I made a day of it. She's been there several times before, and I'm glad she took me a long this time. What a wonderful experience!
When we first arrived, we were witness to a trio of male lions in a fight - obviously agitated when a new male was introduced recently to the center.
We spent quite a bit of time, getting personal and as up close as we dared. We saw the animals being fed (poor horses - all that was left were their hooves), and we saw them interact. They stalked us, tried to pee on us (marking territory), and several were very happy to see us.
What a great time seeing lions and tigers and cougars and panthers and bobcats. Oh my!