Since 2000, In-Sync Exotics has been caring for rescued exotic felines and educating the public about exotic cats, including former entertainment animals or abused and neglected felines from inhumane breeding facilities.
Back in 1991, it was an abandoned 18-month-old cougar that founder Vicky Keahey first found a passion for rescuing and caring for exotic cats. She worked at the animal clinic where the cougar was brought in for treatment. Keahey sought advice from her vet and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department on how to care for it. Over the following few years, Keahey took in a other exotic cats and ended up establishing the nonprofit organization dedicated to caring for rescued exotic felines.
In-Sync Exotics, which earned the Carole Noon Award from the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries in 2020, is a sanctuary that does not participate in breeding and does not allow the public to touch the cats. Today, families can visit In-Sync to watch the cats through the double enclosures and learn each of their stories and those of their cats who’ve previously crossed the rainbow bridge.
In-Sync Exotics Hours
The rescue center is open to the public Saturdays and Sundays from 11am to 6pm, open for family-friendly special events throughout the year, as well as open to guided group tours by appointment.
In-Sync Location
3430 Skyview Drive, Wylie, on the southern edge of Lavon Lake. Driving distance is about 35 miles northeast from Downtown Dallas or 65 miles from Fort Worth.
In-Sync Admission
General admission during public hours is by requested donation: $15 for adults; $10 for seniors ages 65 and older and children ages 4–12; and free for children younger than 4. Admission varies for special events.
RELATED: A Guide to Zoos in Dallas-Fort Worth
How big is In-Sync Exotics?
In-Sync Exotics is currently home to 75 rescued exotic cats, including tigers, lions, cougars, leopards, cheetahs, bobcats, lynx, servals and ocelots. The sanctuary is also home to two lemurs and a coatimundi, along with a few domesticated cats that roam freely on the property. Volunteers largely run the facility and can answer any questions. In addition, each cat’s story is posted on their enclosure, and information about each species is placed near the enclosures so you can learn about the animals that call In-Sync Exotics home.
Families should plan to spend at least an hour at the facility. But to really see and spend time visiting with all the cats, visitors should plan to be there for at least 2 hours.
Can’t-Miss Exhibits and Activities
Because the rescue is home to so many exotic cats, there are plenty of animals to see. Some of the can’t-miss cats to see? Make sure to spend time watching Minnie, In-Sync’s youngest tiger. She has lots of energy and loves to play. Stop to see the many beautiful lions—both male and female. If you’re lucky you might get to hear them “sing” during your visit. The bobcats and cheetah like to camouflage, so it’s fun to see if you can spot them. And if you see the black leopards in the sunlight, you can see their spots—yep, they have spots, just like the orange ones.
For those who want a more structured visit, the staff at In-Sync Exotics hosts 90-minute guided group tours. These are available seven days a week, meaning you can have a tour when the rescue isn’t open for public visiting hours. You’ll just need to schedule it at least one week in advance. Guided group tours are $20 for adults, $15 for seniors or children; and free for children younger than 4. (Overall, a minimum suggested donation of $75.)
Want to plan your visit around something extra special? In-Sync Exotics hosts a variety of events for families year-round, including pancake breakfasts, a fall festival and the Big Cat Birthday Bash. This party for all the cats’ collective birthdays features a dunk tank and games for visitors and special treats (chicken and ice cream) for the cats. Twice a year, In-Sync welcomes teens and adults for an overnight campout.
If you’d like to help support the rescue, consider a membership or the Adopt a Cat program. A membership is $15 per month and includes a 10% gift shop discount and a monthly email with an exclusive photo. Adopt a Cat, which ranges from $600–$2,400 annually, includes an adoption certificate, a hat and/or T-shirt and a private tour.
Educational Opportunities at In-Sync Exotics
In-Sync Exotics also offers various educational opportunities to teach visitors about the felines that live in the sanctuary, including bone tours, feeding tours and an internship program.
Want to watch the cats enjoy tasty treats? Ages 7 and older can follow along with a tour guide as In-Sync’s feeders pass out evening dinner bones to the cats during a bone tour. The 90-minute tour must be scheduled at least a week in advance. Bone tours are on Sundays at 7:45pm for $50 per person.
On a feeding tour, older kids 13 and up can follow along as keepers give the cats their dinners. Throughout the tour, keepers will share behind-the-scenes information about the wild cats’ diet, favorite foods and special care for older cats. Feeding tours are on Saturdays at 7:45pm for $100 per person.
Do you have a child who wants to study biology or animal science in college? Keep this in mind for the future: In-Sync offers quarterly internships year-round for ages 18 and older. Designed for students seeking to pursue a career in animal care, interns gain experience in daily tasks like diet preparation and feeding, cleaning enclosures, building and distributing environmental enrichment and record keeping. Reach out to staff for volunteer and community service opportunities or signing up as a Cat Companion, who sit and talk with the cats outside their enclosures.
Tips for Visiting
Getting ready to visit In-Sync Exotics? Here are a few more things you’ll want to know regarding accessibility, and your behavior around the enclosures:
- Don’t run. This could entice a cat to “chase” you. If a cat runs into another cat, a fight might erupt.
- If it’s drizzling or the forecast calls for rain, make sure to wear raincoats. Umbrellas aren’t allowed in the sanctuary.
- Water is available for purchase, and you can bring in your own water bottles.
- If a cat growls or snarls at you, they’re telling you they’re anxious. It’s best to walk away calmly and do not tease them not growl or snarl back.
- If a cat turns their backside toward you and raises their tail, step aside. You’re about to get sprayed.
- Parking is free.
- Wheelchairs are permitted in the facility. There are gravel areas between enclosures, but most areas don’t have paved sidewalks.
Want more info? Follow In-Sync Exotics on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok or YouTube; call 972/442-6888; or visit insyncexotics.org.
Top image of Anakin tiger, courtesy of Aela Culver
