Few folks know that there are 52 big cats lazing away their retirement on a ranch outside Bridgeport. Visit and contribute to the costs of rehabilitating amazing animals rescued from ill-informed rock stars and truckers who think a putty tat is a putty tat. Interns at the Center for Animal Research and Education enlighten you to each beast's personality, background and general care.
Fun facts are plentiful - there's no such thing as a black panther (they're actually leopards with rosettes in the deep shadows of the fur); the more testosterone, the blacker a lion's mane; chuffing is as close to purring as a big cat (lion, tiger) gets - but the joy is the up-close and personal view of a tiger's canines; an arctic leopard's furry paws; or the bright eyes of a cougar sizing you up. Speaking of lunch, stop in for the blue plate special in town at Gail's "Best Food in Texas."
Plan ahead and detour through Boyd to visit the International Exotic Animal Sanctuary, where you'll see lions and tigers and, yes, bears - even a serval and a caracal. (Follow Hwy 114 through Boyd, continue towards Bridgeport; turn left onto FM 2123 for 1.5 miles; right on CR 3422, CARE is on the left; Saturdays and Sundays 10:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.; Monday - Friday by appointment. Suggested donation $10/adult, $5/child, www.bigcatcare.org. To visit the IEAS, see www.bigcat.org for tour information or call 940-433-5091)
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