About Central Florida Animal Reserve

Central Florida Animal Reserve (CFAR) has been a dedicated steward of big cats since its humble beginnings in 1996. From its roots in Palm Bay, to decades in Brevard County, and now its home in beautiful East Osceola County, CFAR’s mission has always centered around the care and conservation of lions, tigers, leopards, and cougars.

In its early years, CFAR was deeply involved in the larger narrative of big cats in entertainment, institutional roles, and species propagation. At the time, the threat of extinction loomed large, particularly for tigers, with predictions that they would disappear from the wild by the early 21st century. In response, CFAR committed to preservation efforts, including breeding programs that sought to ensure the survival of these magnificent animals.

However, in 2007, CFAR shifted its focus. The organization reincorporated, ended its breeding initiatives, and began concentrating solely on providing a sanctuary for its resident big cats. Around this time, the search for a permanent home began. In 2010, a suitable location was found, but it took until 2013 to secure the necessary agreements and complete environmental surveys. With a remarkable effort fueled entirely by volunteers and without paid staff, CFAR launched a four-year fundraising campaign, raising $1.3 million to construct a new facility.

In 2017, CFAR made its historic move, relocating 25 big cats nearly 60 miles to their new home in Osceola County. Since then, the organization has rehomed 15 more cats and continues to provide a vital platform for individuals passionate about entering the challenging world of big cat care.

Today, CFAR’s primary program focuses on advancing the art and science of big cat husbandry, always keeping the animals’ unique needs at the forefront. In addition, CFAR works to create meaningful connections between people and the wild, harnessing the power of the natural environment to inspire and educate.