Applications are open for summer 2025!
Big Cat Research Week at Exotic Feline Rescue Center, Center Point, Indiana
This is an extremely rare opportunity to learn in a small group with your teaching veterinarian to see up-close how a big cat sanctuary operates.
The Exotic Feline Rescue Center (EFRC) is a non-profit organization located in Center Point, Indiana. It serves as a sanctuary for abused, abandoned, and neglected exotic felines, providing them with a safe and caring environment.
The primary mission of the EFRC is to rescue big cats from various situations such as private ownership, circuses, roadside attractions, and other exploitative conditions. The center aims to educate the public about the plight of these magnificent creatures and the challenges they face in captivity. Over 100 big cats make their home at EFRC. On this program, you will learn about and practice research methods and data collection related to big cats in captivity.
At the EFRC, you will find a diverse range of exotic feline species, including tigers, lions, leopards, cougars, and more. These animals come from various backgrounds, with many having experienced mistreatment or inadequate living conditions before finding refuge at the center.
This program is designed for undergraduate-level students who are interested in researching ways to enhance the lives of the cats at the rescue.
Participants must be at least 18 years old. Most are 18 to 25, but we also accept full-time undergraduates over 25. There are no prerequisites for this program. You do not need to be in school currently to apply. Individuals of any nationality may apply.
This program is limited to a maximum of 10 participants.
Participants are expected to be positive, attentive, fully engaged, and eager to learn. This is a research program. Students will not be feeding or touching the cats, but studying their behaviors.
Big cats are obligate carnivores and must be fed meat in captivity. Please note that this program may include surgical practice or other educational procedures on the bodies of deceased feeder animals.
You will receive a certificate for 40 service hours per program week upon completion.
Many of your fieldwork hours can be classified as research hours, veterinary hours, or animal experience hours. Students can calculate their own record of research hours for their VMCAS or other applications.
Students will learn about the cats’ behavior, habitats, and the challenges they face in captivity. This experience can be valuable for those interested in pursuing careers in animal care, conservation, or related fields. Note: This is NOT a veterinary medicine program. Students will earn research hours under the supervision of the EFRC staff and Loop Abroad Teaching Veterinarian.
There will be one Loop Abroad group on site at the project with a Loop Abroad staff member. Program teaching is provided by a Loop Abroad Veterinarian. Monday thru Friday will take place at EFRC.
The closest airport is Indianapolis, IN Airport and it is 2 hours and 35 mins to Terre Haute, IN.
A Loop Abroad staff member will be on-site 24/7 to help you each day and in case of an emergency. Housing will be simple, shared rooms. Rooms are shared with other Loop Abroad students of the same gender. Wifi is available.
The program starts with the welcome dinner on Sunday evening. The welcome dinner is provided but other dinners are not. We provide breakfast each morning at the hotel and lunches Monday to Friday. We can accommodate vegetarian and vegan diets and food allergies with advanced requests. The program will end on Saturday and breakfast is the last meal provided.
Regular tuition for the one-week program is $2100.
This program is limited to 10 participants. Your space is not held until your $1,000 deposit (credited toward tuition) is paid.
Tuition includes housing (hotel), daily transport to the rescue center, the center program project, 24/7 on-site emergency support, breakfast, and lunch.
Tuition does NOT include airfare, medical insurance (the policy we suggest is under $25), dinners (other than the welcome dinner on Sunday), or snacks. Participants are welcome to drive – parking is available. Participants who drive or ride with other students may need to fill out an additional waiver and release form.
