Meet Dr. Simba: The Central Florida Pharmacist Who Talks to Big Cats

A local Pharmacist named Dr. Simba who talks to big cats. This is the kind of storyline usually reserved for Hollywood. Dr. Simba Witz is the CEO of the Central Florida Animal Reserve. The big cat sanctuary is run entirely by volunteers. The sanctuary neither breeds its animals or operates for profit, "If you're coming here, you're not coming here because you're padding someone's salary. You're coming here because these are the monies we use to provide food, provide medical care," says Dr. Witz. The facility opened in 2017. About a quarter of the budget comes from guided tours, "If someone is going to be serious about the challenges these species face. Then, we have to start where we all agree which is we want these animals out in the wild," says Dr. Simba. The challenges are also financial. If you think meat at the grocery store is getting expensive, try buying it by the ton, "We have all experienced a little touch of inflation in the last couple of years," Dr. Simba says with a hint of sarcasm. When Dr. Simba walks tours around the collection of tigers, lions, and other large charismatic megafauna you will hear him making a distinct chuffing sound. Then, he says, "I see you." He says the felines don't understand the words, but he feels they perceive his intention. The chuffing sound can take some practice, "New volunteers spend a lot of time drooling," Dr. Simba says. If you would like to book a tour for your family or corporation, you can find more information on the Central Florida Animal Reserve website, Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Meet Dr. Simba: The Central Florida Pharmacist Who Talks to Big Cats is an episode from Florida’s Fourth Estate by ClickOrlando.com and Graham Media Group.

This episode is 18:58 long.

This episode was published on Jan 6, 2025.

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