By Susan Steffens | Executive Director
Overview
The Echoes of the Wild initiative continues to move forward with steady progress and deep purpose. While our long-term goal remains the 10-acre preserve expansion, Tigers for Tomorrow is currently focused on redeveloping one of our existing exhibit spaces—a vital step toward improving animal wellness and strengthening the preserve’s foundation as we prepare for larger-scale growth.
Current Progress This phase of work centers on the redevelopment and enlargement of a former enclosure within the preserve’s existing footprint. The old enclosure has been completely dismantled, allowing us to rebuild the area into a larger, more naturalistic habitat. Tree and debris removal are now underway to prepare for grading and fencing installation. A donation of fencing materials has been secured, ensuring construction can proceed without additional material expense. This smaller redevelopment serves as a meaningful bridge between our current preserve layout and the future 10-acre expansion—providing immediate improvements in animal welfare while demonstrating our continued commitment to responsible, sustainable growth. Education & Community Impact As we expand physically, we’re also expanding our reach through education and empathy. Thanks to a grant from The Latham Foundation, Tigers for Tomorrow continues to offer free educational field trips through our Empathy for Tomorrow program. These programs provide opportunities for Title I schools, at-risk youth groups, and students in diversion programs to experience the preserve, learn about instinct and empathy, and build a connection to wildlife and nature. This program represents the heart of our mission: fostering compassion between people and animals and inspiring future stewards of the natural world.
Partnerships, Recognition & Leadership Feline Conservation Foundation (FCF): As active organizational members, we proudly participate in the FCF’s professional keeper-education programs. The FCF Keeper Education Program—in which our staff are involved—recently received recognition for advancing excellence in exotic animal care and training.
National Leadership: Our Executive Director, Susan Steffens, serves as Vice-Chair of the FCF, strengthening collaboration and conservation leadership nationwide.
Media Feature: Tigers for Tomorrow was recently featured in Alabama Magazine, helping share our story of preservation, education, and compassion with new audiences across the state.
Looking Ahead, The enlarged exhibit now in progress will serve as a model habitat for future builds within the upcoming 10-acre expansion. Once complete, it will feature: Expanded roaming space and climbing structures for natural enrichment. Improved shade, shelter, and visitor viewing areas. Enhanced educational signage to deepen public understanding of animal behavior and conservation. Meanwhile, planning and fundraising for the full Echoes of the Wild expansion continue, laying the groundwork for two 2.5-acre habitats within the 10-acre addition.
Closing Thoughts: Every fence post placed, every tree cleared, and every student who visits represents a step toward a stronger, more compassionate future. Through Echoes of the Wild, Tigers for Tomorrow continues to grow in both reach and impact—creating larger, healthier spaces for our animal ambassadors while inspiring empathy and conservation across generations.
Photos coming when we start clearing. Photo attached is second hand fence purchased for Perimeter
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