The Exotic Feline Rescue Center in Clay County added three tigers to its family over the weekend.
The tigers came from a private owner in Houston, Texas and the center’s director says evidence suggests they weren’t treated well. Two of the tigers need corrective surgery on their eyelids which don’t open properly and cause the cats discomfort.
Founder and Director Joe Taft says people carelessly buy the big cats and don’t recognize the difficulties that come with housing and feeding them.
"One of the things I always find absolutely amazing is when my phone rings and somebody says I never wanted an animal that could kill me," Taft says. "Well then why did you get a tiger? Tigers kill people."
The Feline Rescue Center provides permanent housing for more than 150 cats that have been abused, mistreated or confiscated by law enforcement.