INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — Honorary event chairman Peter Busch was joined by John Walsh, members of the all-volunteer staff at the Central Florida Animal Reserve, and about 130 guests for an inaugural Roar for the Big Cats fundraiser Wednesday evening at The Plaza to benefit the “big cat” sanctuary.
The clock is ticking for the Central Florida Animal Reserve, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the preservation of lions, tigers, cougars and panthers.
Because of zoning issues, the facility has only until March 2014 to relocate from its current Cocoa location.
The sanctuary will be moving to a new expanded facility, operating independently at Florida EcoSafaris at Forever Florida, about a half-hour north of Yeehaw Junction.
Organizers were seeking to raise awareness about the plight of these magnificent animals in the wild and in captivity, and to enlist monetary support to enable the relocation.
“We’re hoping to raise about $1 million,” said CFAR senior vice president/CEO Simba Wiltz.
“No, we are going to raise $1 million dollars,” stressed Busch.
CFAR was founded in 2007, initially to restructure and improve the conditions and quality of animals from a prior organization, which began in 1996. Additional animals were subsequently acquired.
“Basically we came into existence to rescue a rescue,” said Wiltz.
“The four principal goals are rescue, providing appropriate care for cats in captivity in this country, to be a social safety net for big cats, and to provide a public value by allowing people to engage in this unique world.”
“I found out about it just recently and it’s a really good cause,” said Busch.
“How cool is it to be surrounded by elephants, chimps and now big cats. There are synergies we can use together.”
Also nearby, the Busch Wildlife Sanctuary in Jupiter annually provides medical and rehabilitative care to more than 5,000 wild animals indigenous to Florida.
“It’s just been really nice,” agreed son David Busch, new proprietor of Chelsea’s on Cardinal.
“The community really came together for this event.”
Wildlife photographer Hal du Pont was chatting with CFAR devotee Marsha Edmonds about several of the stunning tiger shots he had donated toward the silent auction.
“Oh we love them. My husband’s fascinated by this; they’re so beautiful,” said Edmonds, who with husband Andrew had “adopted” two of the CFAR tigers.
“This is a great event. It’s going to be wonderful to get them the awareness and money they need.”
As the haunting chuffing and vocalizations of big cats played over a video at the start of a presentation, Wiltz said it was the welcome heard by volunteers every morning and evening.
However, despite the alluring beauty of the 45 cats residing at the sanctuary, volunteers are ever mindful that these are apex predators.
“Without these types of organizations, these animals would be living a horrible life,” Peter Busch told the crowd.
“We’re asking you to open up your hearts and to open up your wallets. I think what this organization is doing is wonderful; I applaud them.”
Referencing the Walsh and Busch families’ shared love of polo, John Walsh said, “It’s time to saddle up. They’re rescue animals and they’re gorgeous. Think about this legacy. We’re going to have this in our own backyard.”
Several board members and volunteers spoke about the daily care and interactions they have had with the fiercely handsome predators.
The trust process isn’t an easy one, but board president Dr. Thomas Blue said, “The bonds develop and deepen over time. They sense our love for them.”
For more information, visit www.cflar.org or call 321-637-0110.
