OUR MISSION
The Center for Animal Research and Education’s mission is to provide a safe, permanent, and loving home to big cats and other animals in need with a focus on excellence in physical and emotional care; education; and research that will improve living conditions for captive animal populations world-wide.
WHO WE ARE
The Center for Animal Research and Education (CARE) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to rescuing and providing lifelong care for exotic animals, while advancing education and research to enhance the well-being of animals in captivity.
Located on 22 acres in Bridgeport, TX, CARE is home to more than 40 animals, including majestic lions and tigers, elusive Asian leopard cats, playful bobcats and cougars, rare margays and lynx, ring-tailed lemurs, and even a llama and a tortoise. Each resident has a unique story—some rescued from abandonment, abuse, neglect, or exploitation, while others were retired from zoos or facilities that could no longer provide for them. No matter their past, all our animals are given a safe, loving home and exceptional care.
Our mission prioritizes the well-being of the animals who already call CARE home, but we also strive to help others in need whenever possible. Beyond rescue, we are committed to improving animal care and veterinary practices through education and research initiatives.
Our work is powered by the generosity of our supporters and the dedication of our mostly volunteer team. Thanks to their contributions, CARE’s animals don’t just survive—they thrive.
CARE does not buy, sell, trade, or breed animals, nor do we permit public contact with them. When animals come to CARE, they find not just a home, but a safe haven for life.
OUR HISTORY
In the early 2000s, Executive Director and Founder Heidi Berry-Krahn, alongside a group of passionate supporters, envisioned what CARE could become. With over a decade of experience working with big cats, Heidi drew on both her positive and challenging experiences to establish CARE. She crafted a set of core standards focused on providing exceptional care for big cats while upholding the ethics and integrity needed to build a nonprofit organization that people are proud to support. These guiding principles became the foundation of CARE and continue to shape our mission every day.
CARE’s Core Beliefs
1. The Animals Come First
At CARE, the animals are our top priority. We are steadfast in our commitment to never compromise on the quality of food, medical care, housing, or enrichment. Beyond their physical needs, we prioritize the psychological well-being of our animals, ensuring their health and happiness always come first.
2. Passionate People Drive Our Mission
Our dedicated volunteers, staff, and interns share a profound passion for creating the best possible home for our animals. Their tireless efforts have been instrumental in shaping CARE into what it is today, and their commitment will continue to improve CARE for years to come.
3. Every Donation is a Gift
We deeply value every donation, no matter the amount. Each contribution is a precious gift, and we treat our donors as heroes. We strive to make every dollar count, using funds responsibly and with the utmost gratitude.
4. Compassion Over Criticism
CARE was not founded to judge others but to provide a safe and loving home for animals in need. We do not criticize other facilities or former owners. Instead, we focus on what we can do to help without prejudice. While we acknowledge that our methods may not be the only way, we respect others in the field as long as their practices are not abusive or negligent.
5. Advancing Knowledge for a Better Future
We are committed to contributing to a brighter future for animals through research and collaboration. By participating in studies and partnering with research organizations, we aim to uncover causes and treatments for common health issues affecting animals in captivity and the wild.
6. The Power of Education
Education is a cornerstone of our mission. Through social media, tours, internships, and professional development, we aim to inspire understanding, compassion, and action. We share the stories of our animals, hoping to ignite a love for them and a desire to protect their wild counterparts. While we may not have all the answers, we remain dedicated to asking meaningful questions and continually learning.
7. CARE is for ALL
CARE is a sanctuary for all—every animal that needs us and every person who believes in our mission. Together, we can create a world where these incredible animals are not only cared for but celebrated.
