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Annual Transparency

Central Florida Animal Reserve believes transparency builds trust. This page provides an overview of our mission, programs, leadership, and organizational practices to help supporters, partners, and the community understand how CFAR operates and plans for the future.

organization overview

Organization Name

Central Florida Animal Reserve, Inc.

LOcation

St. Cloud, Florida 500 Broussard Rd St. Cloud, FL 34773

Website

https://cflar.org/

Ruling Year

1998

Formerly Known As

Thunderhawk Enterprises, Inc.

EIN

59-3418943

NTEE Classification

Wildlife Preservation and Protection (D30)

IRS Filing Status

CFAR is required to file IRS Form 990 annually.

A lion lies on the ground inside an enclosure at Central Florida Animal Reserve, next to a large blue plastic toy showing signs of being chewed, reflecting the Reserve's transparency in animal care and enrichment.

our mission

Central Florida Animal Reserve is a big cat and wildlife reserve focused on providing a platform to address the challenges of big cats for tomorrow, while providing value to society today.

Our work is guided by a long-term vision centered on compassion, conservation, and commitment. Through responsible care, education, and community engagement, CFAR strives to support animal welfare while fostering understanding and stewardship.

programs & results

What We Aim to Address

CFAR works to address ongoing challenges facing big cats through education, responsible care, and community involvement. A core component of this effort is the support and engagement of volunteers who help drive daily operations and mission-based programming.
Ongoing challenges include staffing needs for facilitating tours, supporting animal care operations, and maintaining consistent engagement with members and visitors.

A Bengal tiger stretches and rests its head on a large concrete pipe in an outdoor enclosure, exemplifying Central Florida Animal Reserve transparency in providing naturalistic habitats.

our programs

Big Cat Encounters

Big Cat Encounters are guided walking tours designed to educate guests about big cats and their role in the world. Tours are led by long-term volunteers who share their direct experience working with the animals and provide insight into species education, care, and conservation challenges.

Tours focus on helping visitors better understand big cats, their needs, and why thoughtful care and education matter both in managed environments and in the wild.

population served

Adults

primary location

St. Cloud, Florida, United States

Animal Care Internships

Animal Care Interns commit to a three-month program designed to build practical skills related to animal husbandry. Interns gain direct experience supporting daily care activities such as feeding preparation, habitat cleaning, husbandry training, and behavioral observation. The program also includes participation in on-site activities related to veterinary care and facility operations, allowing interns to learn how thoughtful planning and collaboration support the well-being of big cat residents.

population served

Adults

primary location

St. Cloud, Florida, United States

A tiger lies on its side on wood chips inside a shaded wooden enclosure at Central Florida Animal Reserve, looking toward the camera with a relaxed expression.

Program results

CFAR tracks participation as one way to measure engagement and outreach.

Number of Visitors by year

  • 2024: 1,525
  • 2023: 1,432
  • 2022: 1,295
  • 2021: 1,362
  • 2020: 952
  • 2019: 1,134
  • 2018: 1,694
  • 2017: 653

These figures reflect participation in guided experiences and educational programming.

photos

videos

global goals alignment

CFAR aligns its work with internationally recognized goals, including:

  • Quality Education
  • Life on Land

These goals support CFAR’s commitment to education, conservation awareness, and responsible stewardship.

goals and strategy

Central Florida Animal Reserve approaches impact with intention and reflection. Our goals and strategies are shaped by the question of how best to support big cats, engage our community, and build a sustainable future for the reserve.

What We Aim to Accomplish

CFAR’s primary goal is to address the ecological, educational, and economic impacts associated with big cat care and conservation within St. Cloud and the surrounding regions of Osceola, Orange, Seminole, Brevard, and Polk counties.

Through wildlife-focused education and environmental stewardship, CFAR seeks to engage local residents, visiting guests, and broader audiences in meaningful ways. By increasing awareness and encouraging responsible stewardship, the reserve aims to provide lasting value to the community while strengthening public understanding of big cats and the challenges they face.

Planned infrastructure, including a dedicated visitor center and veterinary hospital, supports a more strategic and resilient approach to fulfilling the mission. These initiatives are designed to enhance educational outreach, improve animal care capabilities, and create opportunities for deeper community connection.

CFAR’s presence also contributes to regional impact by supporting local ecotourism and related service industries. As visitation and programs grow, the reserve anticipates creating employment opportunities across a range of roles, from entry-level positions to specialized professional support.

Over the next three to five years, CFAR’s goals include expanding capacity to care for additional big cats, strengthening educational programming, completing the development of the visitor and veterinary centers, and growing a stable base of members, supporters, and donors.

These efforts are grounded in CFAR’s guiding values of compassion, conservation, and commitment. By caring for residents with intention and collaboration, preserving what is appreciated, and remaining dedicated to long-term stewardship, CFAR works toward meaningful coexistence for the animals in its care.

How We Work Toward These Goals

CFAR’s mission is supported through the combined efforts of staff, volunteers, donors, and board leadership. As a volunteer-driven and professionally run organization, collaboration and shared responsibility are central to achieving long-term success.

Key strategies include expanding public engagement through education, guided experiences, and outreach initiatives that invite individuals to become active supporters of the mission. Increasing community presence through marketing, storytelling, social media, and educational presentations helps extend CFAR’s reach and impact.

Partnerships with educational institutions are also a strategic priority. By working with colleges and universities, particularly those with veterinary, animal care, or husbandry-focused programs, CFAR provides students with meaningful learning opportunities while supporting the future of conservation-focused professions.

Together, these strategies strengthen CFAR’s ability to serve big cats, support the community, and advance thoughtful conservation through education and collaboration.

A black panther lies on wood chips, looking directly at the camera with a serious expression. At Central Florida Animal Reserve, transparency is key—you can see fences and greenery blurred in the background.
A solid green paw print icon with four toes and a central pad represents the Central Florida Animal Reserve on a black background.

Financial Transparency

Central Florida Animal Reserve is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Financial reporting is completed in accordance with IRS requirements.

Detailed financial filings, including Forms 990, are available through public nonprofit reporting platforms for recent fiscal years.

Those seeking additional financial context are encouraged to review publicly available filings or contact CFAR directly for general inquiries.

contact

governance and leadership

Executive Leadership

CEO & President
K. Simba Wiltz

Board of Directors

As of September 24, 2025

  • Tom Blue, Director & Board Chair
  • Sharon Brindley, Director & Vice President
  • Effie Blue, Director
  • Brian Braitsch, Director
  • K. Simba Wiltz, CEO & President

Governance Practices

  • Conflict-of-interest policies are reviewed, and disclosure statements are completed by board and senior staff.
  • Governance practices are guided by established nonprofit standards and internal review processes.
Certain governance assessment practices are currently not applicable due to organizational size and structure.
A cougar lies on mulch, licking its nose with a paw resting on green palm leaves at Central Florida Animal Reserve; blue balls and wooden posts are visible in the background, highlighting the reserve’s commitment to transparency.

Organizational Demographics

CFAR recognizes the importance of understanding who leads and serves within nonprofit organizations. Demographic data is self-reported and collected where applicable.

Leadership Demographics

  • Race and ethnicity: Black or African American
  • Gender identity: Male

Demographic data collection for board members, staff, and senior staff is limited at this time.

Affiliations & Memberships

Commitment to Accountability

Transparency is an ongoing process. CFAR is committed to sharing accurate information, reviewing internal practices, and communicating openly with supporters and the community.

Questions about CFAR’s mission, programs, or governance are welcome and can be directed through the appropriate contact channels

contact