After more than two years of preparation, Carnivore Preservation Trust (CPT) is officially open to the public. CPT is a 55-acre wildlife sanctuary, located in Pittsboro, that is home to 115 animals of 10 different species, including tigers, leopards, jaguars, ocelots, binturongs and more.

For 23 years, CPT was a private facility, dedicated to preserving the genes of certain wild species in danger of extinction. In the last couple of years, CPT’s mission shifted to rescue and education.

The organization has developed a range of opportunities for the public to learn about these animals and their unique contribution to our quality of life on Earth.

“Cat Walks” are regularly scheduled guided tours offered every weekend, year-round. In season, “Twilight Tours” are offered every Friday evening at dusk, when the animals are most active, for adults only. For children and youth, “birthday party packages” are now available and every package includes a youth-oriented tour and other fun but educational activities.

“As CPT’s programs grow, so does the need for volunteers,” says a spokesman. “More volunteers are needed as tour guides, to work in the gift shop, to book reservations and answer phones, and for other roles, including animal care.

A grand opening celebration is being planned for Saturday, Oct. 23. Tours, food, and fun are just some of the activities planned for that event.

For more information or tour reservations, call 919-542-4684 or visit www.cptigers.org.

CPT is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization. Tax-deductible donations may be mailed to: 1940 Hanks Chapel Road, Pittsboro, NC 27312.