Cedar Cove Feline Conservatory and Education Center

Watch carefully for the road sign set back from State-68, or you might miss Cedar Cove Feline Conservatory and Education Center, which would be a real shame. Opened to the public in August 2000, the facility was the brainchild of William Pottorff, who wanted to educate the public about large cats of the world. Today, Cedar Cove operates with support from local community organizations and a nominal entry fee of $5 (children 3 years and younger are admitted free).

Highly trained and enthusiastic volunteers, who often dedicate entire weekends to care for and talk about these animals, provide guided tours on Saturdays and Sundays. Visit Voodoo, a beautiful green-eyed African spotted leopard that had been raised as a house pet with a Rottweiler until he became dangerous and his owners could no longer keep him. See the raw power of six tigers, including a gorgeous white Bengal, as well as a pair of small cats playfully wrestling with each other in the corner of their cage. The facility is a little rough around the edges in terms of peeling paint and aging wood, but volunteers do a remarkable job with their limited funding. You won't soon forget your visit.