Places To Go - Big Cat Rescue (FL)

Big Cat Rescue
http://bigcatrescue.org
12802 Easy Street
Tampa, FL 33625
(813) 920-4130

Big Cat Rescue is the largest accredited sanctuary in the world dedicated entirely to abused and abandoned big cats. It is home to over 100 lions, tigers, bobcats, cougars and other species, most of whom have been abandoned, abused, orphaned, saved from being turned into fur coats, or retired from performing acts. As a non-profit sanctuary (not a zoo), its dual mission is to provide the best home possible for the cats, and to provide education about these majestic animals. The sanctuary is situated on 55 acres in the Citrus Park area of north Tampa. All tours are guided. The sanctuary does not allow people to wander around unescorted. There are a number of day, night, feeding, private, and children's tours to choose from throughout the week (Sun - Sat included).

Here is a fun BigCatStyle (gangnam parody) YouTube video showing some of the cats and the dedicated staff members who care for them - enjoy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jBn_nyPiZpE

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It's a cool place to visit, but they overstate a lot about their "rescue" and such. They bred a lot of residents, bottle-raising babies then state typical sob stories about how they got them out of horrible conditions. They used to breed and buy big cats and the owner of the place started it just to be considered a "rescue" instead of a "exotic owner".

That said... they do take in unwanted animals that take a lot of money and specialized care. I've never seen much to say they take anything less than excellent care of the cats mostly.

If it were closer, I'd probably like to visit.

Wolfy, Yes, you are absolutely correct. This sanctuary has a less than stellar history. I still remember the news articles and bad write-ups from years ago. The owners originally started out by buying exotic cats at auctions, breeding them, and selling the babies, all while claiming to be a nonprofit and taking tax write-offs. People used to be able to go there and buy lion cubs. Carole Baskin, one of the founders, addresses this openly and honestly on the website. She discusses her mistakes and regrets, and how her thinking evolved over the years. All intentional breeding was stopped years ago, in 1997. Spaying and neutering was done, instead. The last purchase of an animal was made in 1998. So the sanctuary has now become quite a different and amazing place. I hope you get the chance to go and see it, someday.