Each year, thousands of lions, tigers, leopards, cougars and other exotic cats are taken in as "pets" in the United States. Captive big cats can live up to 20 years, long after the novelty of owning them has worn off. As a result, many are abandoned or neglected by their owners who are unwilling or unable to provide for their care.

Additionally, changing state laws and natural disasters like Hurricane Katrina have orphaned many more big cats. And at the same time, poaching and the rapid destruction of habitats have created enormous pressures on the dwindling populations of these great animals.

The Panther Ridge Conservation Center is just one small institution fighting against these problems, trying to save the cats one at a time. But we've accomplished a great deal in a very short period of time. Watch this video to get a glimpse behind the scenes at Panther Ridge, and then please consider making a donation to support our noble cause.