Hello,

I’d like to introduce you to two lionesses.  On the left is Cunsi.  On the right is Nyotausi (we call her Usi for short).  They will be eight years old this October.  That’s me in the middle with the book–reading between the lions.

Yes, it’s a real picture.  You’ll probably agree that it can be a pretty dangerous place.  No bars, no barriers–just me and 8 years worth of relationship leading up to one snapshot in time.

I wish I could tell you every detail of what that time has been like.  I would like nothing more than to convey each setback and victory in the relationship–how we disagreed and compromised. We don’t always spend time together like this, but try to enjoy the moments we have.  After all–they are not ‘tame’ lions.

This moment was captured at Central Florida Animal Reserve–a place that is faced with a significant challenge on either side.  We must build a new facility from the ground up so that these lionesses and over 40 other cats can continue to have the relationships they hold dear.  Failure to do so means that it all goes away–not just for the three of us but for over 40 other lions, tigers, leopards and cougars–all with people that they hold dear.

So I’m taking the unprecedented step of sharing this with you now, because you’ve got a chance to do something about it.  Donations to CFAR today build a future for big cats–tangibly.  You will see your contribution turn into roads, enclosures, and exhibits.  You will bring into existence the very future that these cats need and deserve.  We can build it together.

I’ve done the reading between the lions for you.  All you need to do is donate now.

-K. Simba Wiltz, PharmD
Sr. Vice President, CEO
Central Florida Animal Reserve