Breeding Endangered Species

saurora

Last weekend I went out to the Lancaster area with intentions of seeking out wildflowers. The poppies were sparce and the sun was too cloudy. Little poppies would not come out to play!!! So while driving around, my sister and I turned on a dirt road in Rosamond and spotted a sign to a feline conservation facility. The sign had a picture of a tiger on it, so that aroused our curiosity. EFBC/FCC is a breeding facility and home to more than 75 big cats representing 13 of the most endangered species. They are involved in cooperative beeding projects with other zoos and facilities throughout the world. The cages are not large by any means, but the animals look very well cared for and the people working, all volunteers as it is a 501K non-profit org., are very enthusiastic. The animals are displayed with a pathway that you are advised to adhere to. The cages are 5 ft. from the pathway, and the cats are easily observed and mostly up and moving around. Unlike the zoo, where they are usually hidden way in the back behind a rock or in a cave. I saw more cats in one brief visit than I have ever seen in all my many visits to zoos. The animals are gorgeous and huge!!! Tigers were not available for daylight viewing. They have twiglight viewing as well. Their website has lots of wonderful photos (better than mine!) and information if you are interested. There is a minor $3 charge per person for entry and it is well worth it.

http:://www.wildcatzoo.org/

I could have benefited from a better understanding of DOF to take photos through wire cages, but you can see some beautiful cats nonetheless...oh, and a few peacocks!!



They are looking for volunteers. The spokesman said that you don't get to work with the any of the cats on your 1st day...........on your 2nd day they ask you to sign a waiver!!!!!!

















Can you believe this facility and all these big guys are located about 1 mile (seriously!!!) from an elementary school?????

Harryb

Nice shots, love that peacock shot. Leaves me with mixed feelings though. I love looking at those majestic animals but hate to see them behind bars.

saurora

It kind of took my breath away, too, Harry. It's especially hard to see big cats that like to roam and have a huge territory in such small facilities. With endangered species, I'm not sure I know what the right answer is. The way we treat our world, all of these animals will probably be gone someday and that is something to consider.

Dick on Aruba

Thanks for the link (must be "http:" not "htt::") Saurora and your beautiful series.

Some awesome animals they have.

Dick.

saurora

D200-D70 wrote:

Thanks for the link (must be "http:" not "htt::") Saurora and your beautiful series.

Some awesome animals they have.

Dick.[/quote

Thanks, Dick....I edited that typo in that link!!!