With recent hurricanes putting a strain on both animals and finances, Tigers for Tomorrow, a sanctuary for big cats and other wild animals, will be moving from its site off western Orange Avenue to northeastern Alabama.
Susan Steffens, the refuge’s founder and president, said the preserve’s 13 cats, four wolves, three coatimundis and three African tortoises should be at the 140-acre site near Attalla, Ala., by Christmas.
Steffens is taking over Bluegrass Farms Wildlife Sanctuary, which has six big cats and other exotic and farm animals. She plans to rename the refuge as Tigers For Tomorrow at Untamed Mountain and open it to the public in January.
Steffens said she hopes to develop the property into an environmental center and park, with environmentally friendly lodges and cabins planned in the near future.
“The property is gorgeous,” Steffens said, “with rolling hills and beautiful views.”
The Fort Pierce site was badly damaged in hurricanes Frances and Jeanne last year and by a tornado that struck in April. Hurricane Wilma caused minor damage.
No animals have been killed or injured, but Steffens said they’re traumatized by the storms and the cleanup afterward.
“After every storm we work so hard to get the property back in shape,” Steffens said, “and the predictions are that the storms are only going to get more numerous and worse. … I just can’t see rebuilding every year or asking the community, which has been great in supporting us, to help pay for us to rebuild every year.”
Steffens said she has contracted to have several “habitat” cages built on the Alabama site for the animals from Fort Pierce.
One wolf already has been moved. Steffens said the first of the big cats should make the 450-mile, 12-hour trip on the Sunday after Thanksgiving.
“You have to make a lot of stops when you haul them,” she said.
Currently closed because of hurricane damage, the Fort Pierce preserve will be open to the today and Nov. 19 and 26.
For information, call Steffens at (772) 465-1852 or via e-mail at .
Tyler Treadway can be reached
