Big Cats

Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

If you want to embark on a wildlife escapade with family and friends, you should visit the big cats in Tampa. During a week-long or weekend trip to Tampa, do not miss out on a chance to drop by Big Cat Rescue.

A close glimpse of Big Cat Rescue

The sanctuary offers guided tours that can provide an educational experience where you can learn about the dilemma of big cats in the wild and captivity and what you can do to save them.

The Big Cat Rescue covers 67 acres in the Citrus Park area of North Tampa which started back in 1992. In 2014, Big Cat Rescue welcomed up to 27,000 visitors. As of August 2015, the sanctuary is home to 19 big cats and 67 small cats.

Throughout the years, they have sheltered cats in all sizes such as:

Cougars
Binturongs
Caracals
Bobcats
Civets
Geoffrey’s cats
Lions
Leopards
Lynxes
Sand cats
Ocelots
Tigers
Servals

As one of the world’s biggest sanctuaries for exotic cats, it has been accredited by the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries and is a member of World Animal Protection. Big Cat Rescue is a non-profit sanctuary and the leading advocate dedicated to ending the mistreatment of captive big cats and saving the wild species from extinction.

If you are interested in doing your part in helping out, there are several ways – some are free and some have a cost. Check out the ways to help here.

Final thoughts

Several species of cats – big and small – are found all over the globe. Sadly, the numbers have dwindled throughout the years. If you want to learn more about big and small cats and experience a close encounter, Big Cat Rescue is worth visiting soon once it opens its door to the public again.