Lions, tigers, cougars and more were supposed to make Osceola County their new home when the Central Florida Animal Reserve moved this fall.
While the site in Osceola County is almost ready for the big cats to move in, the Central Florida Animal Reserve isn’t quite ready yet. The non-profit organization, currently based in Melbourne, said they can’t move just yet.
“We could probably open early next year but funding is the major hold-up,” said K. Simba Wiltz, CEO at the Central Florida Animal Reserve.
They need about $250,000 more to complete the project, and they primarily depend on donations. The Reserve is leaving Brevard County because of some rezoning issues.
When the new Osceola site is complete, visitors will be able to see certain animals through guided educational tours.
It is something Wiltz hopes will boost local tourism and business in the eastern part of the county.
“Osceola County is becoming an eco-tourism location. It will keep tourists coming back for something a little different, a little wild but definitely all Florida.” Wiltz said.
For now the Reserve organizers and the cats are in limbo. They are unable to stay in Brevard, and are without the funds needed to move to Osceola.
“It’s a race against time to make sure they get to see this new home.” Wiltz explained.