Buffi Carone.

Buffi Carone is a lifelong animal enthusiast, accomplished breeder, and dedicated advocate for exotic felines. As co-founder of the Exotic Cat Heritage Only Registry (echoregistry.org), Buffi played a pivotal role in bringing this vision to life. Her dream of establishing a specialized registry focused exclusively on pure species exotic cats—such as servals, caracals, bobcats, ocelots, Asian leopards, and others—sparked the creation of ECHO Registry. This innovative platform helps build accurate pedigrees, promotes genetic transparency, supports responsible breeding programs, and empowers owners to prioritize health and lineage integrity for these magnificent animals. A passionate animal lover from an early age, Buffi has built an impressive career in the world of purebred and exotic animals. She has been a registered member of the American Kennel Club (AKC) since 1988, where she personally owned, handled, and finished over 20 Chow Chows to their Championship and multiple additional titles. Her Diamond Chows line has been featured on the front and back covers of Chow Life magazine and remains proudly registered with the AKC to this day. In 1993, Buffi expanded her expertise to the Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA), becoming a long-time member under her Alibi Persians cattery. She has imported animals from around the world and brings a unique multilingual advantage, speaking five languages fluently and understanding 12 others to a conversational degree. Buffi’s journey with exotic cats began in 2000 when she welcomed her first African serval, Sabre, who became a cherished companion for 20 remarkable years until his passing in 2020. Inspired by this deep bond, she established her small private sanctuary, Karma’s Korner, in Alabama—a dedicated space for servals and caracals where she provides exceptional care and enrichment. A loyal friend and steadfast supporter of The Serval Conservation and Educational Refuge (TSCAER), founded by Donna Whitaker, Buffi has consistently championed TSCAER’s mission to rescue servals in need, educate the public, and dispel misconceptions about these animals being inherently dangerous. She shares TSCAER’s commitment to promoting safe, responsible exotic pet ownership—through proper home preparation, family integration, and professional husbandry training—to ensure these cats thrive in ethical environments. Buffi’s decades of hands-on experience, combined with her unwavering dedication to animal welfare, ethics, and education, make her an invaluable leader in the exotic cat community. Through ECHO Registry, she continues to drive positive change by fostering transparency, health-focused pedigrees, and responsible practices that benefit both pure exotic cats and the people who love them.