Just outside of Cave Junction is a large cat refuge (I guess this is what you'd call it). They have about 15 different types of wild cats, and most of them you are allowed to get within 3 feet of. This is The Child standing in front of Voltar the black leopard, easily the most foul-tempered cat they have at the park. Also, hands-down, my favorite...The guide ran through an easy going patter about natural habitat, eating habits, blah, blah, blah, all while Voltar just sat and glared at all of us. She then turned halfway toward him, and flexed her right arm Popeye-style. I swear to god, that cat flung himself at the fence (and her head) with a scream that turned my blood to ice-water. Every single one of the patrons jumped straight back at least 5 feet, and quasi-screamed. I pulled Ivy behind me before I realized that it was all part of the act, but it still took a good 20 minutes for my heart to stop racing.

I also wouldn't recommend this for anyone in the midst of potty-training. Voltar set me back forty-some-odd years...I can't imagine what he'd do to a 2-year-old.

I think this was either an ocelot or a clouded leopard (shut up...I was still too busy checking my drawers from Voltar). All I remember is that I wanted to cuddle the shit out of this little girl. What a vicious little sweetheart!

Okay, *this* was the ocelot! (I'm totally cheating - I can see the name on the little sign right there) This one had amazing range and dexterity in her wrists. She's just hangin' out, upside down, eatin' raw meat like it ain't no thang. Look at her claws...these are what some (idiot) people actually have has house pets. Not that they aren't gorgeous and wonderful, but with my (nonexistent) trust level, there is just no damn way I would fall asleep with one of these bastardos in the room.

I believe this was a caracal...foul-tempered, absolutely, but my man Voltar would wipe his ass with this one.

This was where my heart broke. I've spent time in South Africa, watching lions in Kruger National Park. To see one cooped up in this teeny, tiny enclosure just ripped my heart out.I 'm not sure if this enclosure only seemed tiny because the lion was so huge, but I do know that this space was absolutely inadequate for him. Boo!

This was the little missus...I think she was stalking Ivy. Hee.

A female fishing cat...very cute. The guide said she would do belly flops into the water, but we didn't see any of that. She mostly just fished her meat out of the water with her claws and hoarded it for later.

A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away, I used to own a Bengal housecat who loved the water. She'd prowl around the bathtub when I was in in, and sometimes would go in. She'd also *hunt* me while I was fixing dinner (freak), and didn't really have the ability to meow. She'd kind of chuff. Unfortunately, this was in Southern California, and she escaped one night and tangled wth the coyotes. No more designer cats for me.

Just your average, run of the mill leopard. He knew that when he struck this particular pose, he would get a nibble of meat. It was kind of hilarious how often he did it. It had to be about 13 times in 10 minutes.

After all the amazing cats, the tiger really didn't do anything to distinguish himself. You know...except maybe weigh almost 500 pounds and tower over all of us when he stretched up on the fence. Standing in front of Tony, I really felt myself sliding backwards on the food chain.

The white tiger was so achingly beautiful to watch. He was so regal, but so playful. And also 500 pounds.

The American Cougar...this one got under my skin just as much as Voltar. When he wasn't watching the guide with her bits of raw meat, he was watching Ivy. We backed away from this enclosure nice and slow, and I kept my eyes on him.

This is the owner loving up on a snow leopard. They adore him! And, to be honest, he adores them too.

A lynx and she was a total bitchface. She yowled and complained at the guide the whole time we were standing there. Nag.

Other than the tourists collectively crapping themselves because of Voltar, this was the funniest thing at the park. They have this tubby little housecat that just showed up one day, and has the run of the free park. I'm sure all the big cats are like "WTF! Come here, you little shit!" But he's a total lovebag.

All in all, it was a good experience. I did struggle with seeing all these gorgeous cats cooped up in the small enclosures, but it's not like I could run around, flng their cages open and shoo them off to freedom. They'd probably turn around and eat me in gratitude.