Florida’s Fourth Estate looks at everything from swampy politics to a fragile environment and even the crazy headlines that make Florida the craziest state in the Union. Ginger Gadsden and Matt Austin use decades of experience as journalists to dissect the headlines that impact Florida. Each week they have a guest host who helps give an irreverent look at the issues impacting the Sunshine State. Big influencers like Attorney John Morgan, renowned Florida journalists and the scientists protecting Florida’s ecosystem can often be found as guests. Look for new episodes every week, and visit ClickOrlando.com for the latest WKMG News 6 coverage of Orlando and beyond.
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Florida’s Fourth Estate looks at everything from swampy politics to a fragile environment and even the crazy headlines that make Florida the craziest state in the Union. Ginger Gadsden and Matt Austin use decades of experience as journalists to dissect the headlines that impact Florida. Each week they have a guest host who helps give an irreverent look at the issues impacting the Sunshine State. Big influencers like Attorney John Morgan, renowned Florida journalists and the scientists protecting Florida’s ecosystem can often be found as guests. Look for new episodes every week, and visit ClickOrlando.com for the latest WKMG News 6 coverage of Orlando and beyond.
Meet Dr. Simba: The Central Florida Pharmacist Who Talks to Big Cats
Florida’s Fourth Estate
18 minutes
10 months ago
Meet Dr. Simba: The Central Florida Pharmacist Who Talks to Big Cats
A local Pharmacist named Dr. Simba who talks to big cats. This is the kind of storyline usually reserved for Hollywood. Dr. Simba Witz is the CEO of the Central Florida Animal Reserve. The big cat sanctuary is run entirely by volunteers. The sanctuary neither breeds its animals or operates for profit, "If you're coming here, you're not coming here because you're padding someone's salary. You're coming here because these are the monies we use to provide food, provide medical care," says Dr. Witz.
The facility opened in 2017. About a quarter of the budget comes from guided tours, "If someone is going to be serious about the challenges these species face. Then, we have to start where we all agree which is we want these animals out in the wild," says Dr. Simba. The challenges are also financial. If you think meat at the grocery store is getting expensive, try buying it by the ton, "We have all experienced a little touch of inflation in the last couple of years," Dr. Simba says with a hint of sarcasm.
When Dr. Simba walks tours around the collection of tigers, lions, and other large charismatic megafauna you will hear him making a distinct chuffing sound. Then, he says, "I see you." He says the felines don't understand the words, but he feels they perceive his intention. The chuffing sound can take some practice, "New volunteers spend a lot of time drooling," Dr. Simba says.
If you would like to book a tour for your family or corporation, you can find more information on the Central Florida Animal Reserve website, https://cflar.org/.
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Florida’s Fourth Estate
Florida’s Fourth Estate looks at everything from swampy politics to a fragile environment and even the crazy headlines that make Florida the craziest state in the Union. Ginger Gadsden and Matt Austin use decades of experience as journalists to dissect the headlines that impact Florida. Each week they have a guest host who helps give an irreverent look at the issues impacting the Sunshine State. Big influencers like Attorney John Morgan, renowned Florida journalists and the scientists protecting Florida’s ecosystem can often be found as guests. Look for new episodes every week, and visit ClickOrlando.com for the latest WKMG News 6 coverage of Orlando and beyond.
