Big cats will pounce on pumpkins at In-Sync Exotics Wildlife Rescue and Educational Center's annual Fall Festival and Pumpkin Toss on Saturday, Nov. 7, at the Wylie sanctuary.
The centerpiece is the Pumpkin Toss, where the sanctuary's rescued lions, tigers, leopards and other exotic cats receive pumpkins as enrichment treats. Visitors can watch the animals bat, claw and devour the gourds up close, according to the sanctuary's event listing on Discover Wylie.
In-Sync Exotics said in an Instagram post that watching the big cats get pumpkins is "the highlight of the day." The sanctuary called the festival a returning favorite for families.
Beyond the big cats, the festival includes vendor booths with local artisans and craftspeople, a raffle, an online auction, face painting, games and a bounce house for kids. Food options include hot dogs, nachos, popcorn and soda. Raffle and auction proceeds support the sanctuary's mission of providing permanent homes for rescued exotic animals.
In-Sync Exotics operates on an annual budget of about $1.98 million, funded entirely by individual donors, corporate sponsors, grants and fundraising events, according to a press release the organization issued earlier this year.
The sanctuary is home to more than 90 animals. It grew out of founder Vicky's first cougar rescue in 1990, when an exotic cat was abandoned at the veterinary clinic where she worked, according to the organization's staff page. Eight years and two cats later, she opened In-Sync Exotics, which was officially established in 2000. The Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS) named it Outstanding Wildlife Sanctuary of the Year in 2020.
Advance tickets are available at insyncexotics.org. The sanctuary offers guided tours on Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Upcoming community events
- Saturday, Oct. 24: Murphy hosts a Halloween costume party with $500 in prizes.
- Saturday, Nov. 7: In-Sync Exotics Fall Festival and Pumpkin Toss in Wylie.
