ST. CLOUD, Fla. — St. Cloud’s Central Florida Animal Reserve is a place providing a home to a variety of big cats.

The reserve has taken in tigers, lions and leopards because owners no longer wanted them, mistreated them or could not afford them.

Dr. K. Simba Wiltz, is a pharmacist by day, and donates his time each week to the exotic cats. 

The nonprofit depends on volunteers and the community for both time and money.

He said he’s concerned with cats disappearing in the wild and the impact it could have on the big cats in captivity.

“As the laws and rules have changed, we have actually taken in cats from people who may have had them as pets and decided they really did not want to do that anymore,” he said.

Wiltz has been working with big cats since the 90s and has seen firsthand how the animals have lost wild habitats and are being threatened to extinction in captivity.

“Not just less cats. But there are so few cats, we are actually in danger of not being able to have big cats in captivity for future generations,” Wiltz said.

Guests can visit the Central Florida Animal Reserve and tour the facility.

The 60-minute walking tour costs $25 for adults and $19 for youths 10 to 17 years old. Reservations are made online.

Depending on the visit, guests go behind the scenes to see how meals are prepared to feed the 18 big cats 100 pounds of meat each day.

Wiltz said he believes there is a value in seeing these animals in person.

“People can come and engage them in a safe and respectful environment," he said. "That gives them the opportunity to see something that is not digital but real.”

Guests also can sign up for several behind-the-scenes tours.

For more information, visit the Central Florida Animal Reserve.