Shop to save wildcats! Check out BigCatRescue.BIZ for all of your holiday shopping. Your purr-chases help us fund the care of our cats at their new location and help us save exotic cats from extinction in the wild.
The sanctuary is situated on 67 acres near Tampa but is moving the cat population to Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge in Eureka Springs, Arkansas in late 2023. Learn more at BigCatRescue.org/moving
Big Cat Rescue’s Mission
At Big Cat Rescue our mission is to safeguard the world’s exotic wildcat species through a multifaceted approach.
With an unwavering commitment to conservation, we strive to protect these majestic creatures both in captivity and in their natural habitats.
By championing the Big Cat Public Safety Act and funding insitu projects, we work tirelessly to combat the threats posed by the pet trade, wildlife trafficking, bushmeat and sport hunting, as well as the collection of wildcats for zoos.
Our ultimate goal is to ensure the survival and thriving future of wildcats, fostering a world where they can roam freely and their presence continues to enrich our planet.
See projects funded by Big Cat Rescue by clicking on the pins on the map below or the + by cat at left:
NO PUBLIC TOURS, BUT LIMITED DONOR TOURS AVAILABLE
We continue to be closed to the general public and all of our tigers have already moved, so there are only about 28 bobcats, servals and caracals to visit in Tampa. However, we have a limited ability to provide small private tours. Donors of $500 or more per year may schedule to come with one additional guest. Donors of $1000 or more may bring three guests with them. All guests must be at least 10 years of age. Our tour guides are vaccinated and we ask that you and any guests be vaccinated as well. If you experience any COVID symptoms in the ten days prior to your tour please contact us to reschedule. Masks are optional. Do not bring any pets with you (may seem obvious but it happens.) To schedule a visit email Howard.Baskin@BigCatRescue.org.
We are always available to connect with you on our social sites at Facebook, where we go LIVE daily Instagram, YouTube, Twitter, and TikTok where we post daily updates, photos and videos so you can stay up to date on the cats.
About Big Cat Rescue
Welcome to Big Cat Rescue, a dedicated organization committed to the preservation and protection of exotic wildcat species. Founded with a passion for wild cat protection and conservation, we have been at the forefront of critical efforts to safeguard these remarkable creatures for over 30 years.
Our journey began by recognizing the urgent need to address the issues faced by big cats in captivity. Through tireless advocacy and collaboration, we played a pivotal role in the passing of the U.S. federal Big Cat Public Safety Act in December 2022. This landmark legislation stands as a testament to our unwavering commitment to the well-being of big cats across the nation.
While our efforts in securing legislation are pivotal, we believe that true conservation lies beyond the walls of captivity. To ensure the long-term survival of wildcat species, we have turned our attention to protecting them in their natural habitats. By funding insitu projects, we empower local communities and conservation initiatives to combat the various threats faced by wildcats, including the perils of the pet trade, wildlife trafficking, bushmeat and sport hunting, as well as the collection of these magnificent creatures as zoo specimens.
At Big Cat Rescue we are driven by a shared vision of a future where wildcats roam freely in their natural habitats, unhindered by human interference. We recognize the intrinsic value of these awe-inspiring creatures and the pivotal role they play in maintaining the delicate balance of our ecosystems. Through collaboration, education, and unwavering dedication, we strive to protect and preserve the irreplaceable legacy of wildcats for generations to come.
Join us in our mission to make a meaningful impact on the lives of these extraordinary animals. Our Goal is for our donors to find their gifts to us to be among the most satisfying they make by accomplishing our mission in the most financially responsible manner possible. We consistently receive Charity Navigator’s highest 4 star rating. Together, we can create a world where wildcats thrive, where they inspire awe and respect, and where their existence serves as a testament to the beauty and diversity of our planet.