Big Cat Rescue Reviews 2011 Jun July Aug
Big Cat Rescue Reviews
I was privileged to be a guest for the feeding tour on Saturday, September 3rd, accompanied by Mikel C. I’ve never been to a facility such as yours and was amazed by the work you do. Matt, our guide, was personable, knowledgeable, and you could feel the passion he has for these beautiful creatures. There were times when I was left speechless by the stories he told about the cats and how they came to live there. I hope that some day I will have the opportunity to visit Big Cat Rescue, again. You and your staff are very special people.
Thank you for a most memorable experience, Ellen
From TripAdvisor.com
130 reviews
Reviewed September 6, 2011 NEWMe and my girlfriend went and had a great time. You can tell they love their cats and each unique story will touch your heart. Go on the 10 AM tour since they cats are more active then the 1PM due to the heat. I saw one of the biggest lions I’ve ever seen in my life and new cats…
Reviewed August 26, 2011The Big Cat Rescue is a place my family and I had wanted to visit for years, yet finally made it there in July. We are so glad we went. This sanctuary is home to more than 100 cats who were abandoned, turned in when they grew too big to be pets, rescued when mothers were shot for fur, retired,…
Reviewed August 21, 2011It’s wonderful to see these big cats-being taken care of and loved. It’s a nonprofit and provides a permanent home for unwanted wildcats.
Reviewed August 14, 2011
Reviewed August 10, 2011If you are in the Tampa area please go along and support the Big Cat rescue sanctuary. This is not a zoo so you are not allowed to wander around unescorted..The sanctuary has a vast array of beautiful cats from bobcats to tigers.Be aware that no children under 10 are allowed.There are a number of different tours available and some…
Reviewed August 7, 2011I thought the feeding tour would be interesting, but it was not what I had hoped for. You were only able to see a few of the many cats, and they rushed you so that the cats awaiting their dinner did not get agitated. After you have seen one cat eat a rabbit, you really don’t need to see 10…
Reviewed July 30, 2011Incredible. Excellent tour. At the time we went there were 117+ bigs cats. The volunteer that gave the tour – you could tell that she really cares for the cats, not just takes care of them. Very informative. The white and black tigers, the lion, the cougars – each had a story of rescue. You get to be pretty close…
Reviewed July 17, 2011My husband and I were kid-less for a weekend and decided to venture out and do something completely different. I found Big Cat Rescue here on Trip Advisor and wanted to check it out. We arrived for the 11am tour and the staff and interns were very friendly. Our tour guide was energetic and knowledgeable. She answered all questions and…
Reviewed July 10, 2011Big Cat Rescue is always on our list of things to do when we are in the Tampa area. It is an educational experience to see these big cats and learn the history of each one. The cats are obiously very well cared for – actually loved. Their relaxed manner in the enclosures is indicative that they feel secure in…
Reviewed July 9, 2011you can bring water bottles or soda on the tour. Wear comfortable shoes.
Reviewed July 9, 2011My family and I visited Big Cat Rescue on June 24, 2011. This was our second visit – our first visit was in 2010 – and we will continue to make a special trip to Tampa to visit Big Cat Rescue whenever we come back to Florida. We took several tours this year and they were all wonderful. The staff…
Reviewed July 8, 2011BCR in Tampa is not an attraction,it is an experience. This was my second visit and I took the “Feeder Tour” this time.To hear about the abuse that these beautiful animals suffered prior to coming to BCR can be upsetting to some people. It should be. This is reality. I became a supporter after my first visit. To see the…
Reviewed July 2, 2011Great time. Great cause. Went there with my family. Able to see many interesting cats. On the tour you get many facts, as well as some sad stories about the animal trade. This is a great tour and a great cause, well worth the trip in the Tampa area.
Reviewed June 27, 2011This place is definitely worth a trip to see! You get right up close to all of the big cats they have there and the tour is fantastic. It’s a preservation for all kinds of big cats that were rescued either from owners who realized that big cats are not pets, or from other circumstances. The cats are all very…
Reviewed June 12, 2011Second time at Big Cat Rescue. Strangely different this time. Half the tour into the back area was shut off. They said it was because the cats were becoming agitated with the tourists. The tour was still 90 minutes long, with the showing of about 50 big cats. You can hear the lions roaring during the visit, very cool. Much…
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“Lions and Tigers and Bears oh my! Oppps no bears!”Reviewed August 27, 2007
Reviewed June 9, 2011Big Cat Rescue is an amazing place. I’ve visited several times and always encourage my friends who live locally. Friends and family who visit Tampa, well I take them personally! The wonderful life they offer these beautiful animals who would otherwise be abused, abandoned, or worse, meet their demise is an incredible testament to the heart of humanity.
Reviewed June 7, 2011We went to the Big Cat Rescue on June 5th, and had a really nice time. It was very hot (around 93 degrees) which does affect the cats. If you can, try choosing a cooler day, or earlier in the day, which might allow for more active cats. It’s about a 90 minute tour, and you have to stay with…
Reviewed June 2, 2011The wonderful thing about Big Cat Rescue is the way they care. It was very hot the day we went and most of the cats were in their dens sleeping, so I didn’t get to see as many as I would have liked. But, every time I go I learn something new about them. The way the staff and volunteers…
Reviewed June 2, 2011Reviewed June 1, 2011Big Cat Rescue is an amazing sanctuary. I have known about it for years but never had made the time to go. Now I can’t wait to make the time to go back. These people are doing excellent work for big cats in Florida. As an animal writer, I do a lot of research about animals. But I learned more…
Reviewed May 23, 2011I love this sanctuary. It has really educated me on exotic animals. I always loved animals, but I love them even more now. Thank you Big Cat Rescue for taking in those abandoned beautiful animals.
Reviewed May 23, 2011I’ve now been 3 times, and every time is a delight. BCR takes cats (lions, tigers, bobcats, etc.) from roadside zoos and individual owners and gives them the care and lifestyle they deserve. The cats are well fed a diet that is right for them. They get great vet care, all sorts of “enrichment” toys and treats to keep them…
Reviewed May 23, 2011I have been on 2 tours at Big Cat Rescue and both were awesome! It’s so easy to tell that these animals are very well cared for and loved. All of these cats have either been abandoned or rescued from abusive situations. You can tell the cats love being there by the way they come up to the edge of…
Reviewed May 23, 2011All of the animals are at peace, the setting is tranquil. Big Cat Rescue is not only a Must for cat lovers, it is a must for everyone. And, if you’ve been there before, as we have, it is also a must you return! Newly rescued cats to meet, all have individual stories that are explained to your by your…
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“Absolutley Amazing Sanctuary”Reviewed May 14, 2010
Reviewed May 22, 2011I really can’t say enough good things. We had a knowledgable tour guide and learned a lot. We were just saying tonight how amazing it was to see a tiger in person. The size of the tiger really blew me away while I could have stared all day into the cougar’s intense eyes. Each cat was special in their own…
Reviewed May 22, 2011The beautiful animals at big cat rescue are lucky to have the wonderful staff and volunteers of BCR who truly care for them day in and day out. I would visit everyday if I could.
Reviewed May 22, 2011My husband and I visited BCR, Big Cat Rescue today and we had a wonderful experience meeting the big cats in person and hearing their stories! BCR is doing great work in helping the plight of the big cats. If you are in the Tampa area, we highly recommend you visit BCR! You will love the cats and the volunteers…
User Reviews
BCR is rescueing animals, in the interest of the animal, not to make profit. more
Big Cat Rescue provides medical rehabilitation for wild big cats that have been hit by cars or surrendered by people who mistakenly believed that a wild cat could ever be an appropriate house pet. If the animal can be rehabilitated, it is released back to the wild. If it is impossible to release … more
Big Cat Rescue is an extraordinary haven to abused, abandoned, neglected big cats. BCR is always rescuing and caring for big cats in need. There is no where that compares. more
Big Cat Rescue is a volunteer non profit whose primary goals are the care and comfort of rescue big cats and prevention and elimination of exploitation and breeding for profit of cats that belong in the wild. There is no breeding of animals on their site. They offer sanctuary to unwanted large cats … more
BCR is exceptional in education all visitors that if people didn’t think these cats could be domesticated and kept as pets then there would be NO cats at BCR… The cats here are all from people that thought they could keep them as a pet and then within time realized they could not! The first cat … more
I went to BCR in November . After learning about the cats since 2000 I was very excited to see them in person. The staff are volunteers and are very knowledgeable in all the cats. Each year there is… more
I have visted BCR on several occasions and have always had a wonderful experience. The cats are well taken care of they have large habitats which enable them to roam freely instead of pacing back and forth in a concrete cage, they are given enrichment treats on a regular basis. It’s a shame that … more
I find the Big Cat Rescue’s philosophy quite intriguing and their approach of respecting wild life and neglected cats has pioneered the way of the welfare of the animals should be taken care of. I find that they use holistic approach and seems to be working the best for the cats they care for. … more
Great experience for the whole family. BCR is a wonderful sanctuary, and takes pride in educating the public on the mess we humans have created for Big Cats. Many years ago I had my picture taken with a lion cub in Las Vegas for a hefty fee I might add. I was uneducated about how the babies are … more
This is such a great organization full of caring individuals. They also are constantly educating the public on the perils of owing and breeding wild cats. Their tours are awesome! You can tell that every single volunteer loves the animals and cares about their welfare. more
Why do I donate to this organisation and not to any other? They do not breed to raise money, they do not abuse puppies in Malls to raise money, they work with volonteers mostly, they have only tours with a guide – so no-one can harm or disturb any of their inhabitants. I could go … more
I am the mother of an intern and have seen the great work this organisation does for the animals in its care who live very long and enriched lives free from the need to perform for their keep. The sanctuary also tries to educate the public on the truth about handling and owning exotic cats. The … more
Big Cat Rescue is an inspiration for all animal lovers. Their compassion for neglected, abandoned and abused animals is all encompassing and restores my faith in humanity, more
I’ve been a volunteer at Big Cat Rescue in Tampa for nearly 3 years. My role as a volunteer is “Senior Keeper”, meaning I provide care to all levels of the cats, including lions and tigers. I very much enjoy my role as a volunteer @ BCR, as I get to experience the cats relaxing in their … more
Our family has been supporting Big Cat Rescue for over three years. What a wonderful place it is, not only providing excellent care to the magnificent creatures who reside there, but by advocating fo… more
I’ve been to Big Cat Rescue 3 times now, and each time is more terrific than the one before. This wonderful organization rescues big cats from roadside zoos, private owners and abusive situations, and provides a natural, roomy habitat, veterinarian care, and a “forever home” for this mistreated … more
A short time ago, my best friend, Angela and I made our visit to BCR. While it did rain on us and we didn’t get to see everyone out and about, it was still a wonderful experience. I think my favorites were Nikita the lioness, and Amazing Grace. She was ever so vocal and followed us for the time we … more
lorax_37I have been to BCR on several occasions, and am always impressed with the shady green spaces the cats have to live in. The lake the cats share is awesome – the videos of the tigers swimming makes me smile every time. The fact that the founder started all this by buying ALL of the cats from … more
I love big cat rescue. I first heard about it about a year ago, and I have been following them on Facebook ever since. I first went to Big Cat Rescue a few weeks ago for my 15th birthday present. I was in heaven. Although I felt bad that the cats had been through so many terrible events to get … more
In five years of living in Tampa we brought many of our visitors to see the wonderful work Big Cat Rescue is doing. Now that we live in Illinois I can only follow them on Facebook. I have followed the rehab of Skip the Bobcat since the day he was found injured in 2010. There are not enough good … more
Big cats would not have a future without BCR. They are heroes for big cats and I would do anything to help them out. They are oftentimes the last resort for big cats that have nowhere else to go. I thank God every day that they exist. more
I’ve been around Big Cat Rescue for some time now and have seen them grow and learn from everything they do. They always strive to make the facility safer, convenient and more hospitable to the residents. The education they provide visitors and amazing views of relaxed well cared for cats is beyond … more
This place is A TRUE sanctuary. There is no breeding allowed. The tours are guided so the animals are not harrassed & the public is kept safe. Since first learning of them many years ago I have visited quite a few times. I also let as many people as possible know about their great work. They are … more
I have been visiting and donating to Big Cat rescue for over 10 years. This is a wonderful and beautiful sactuary. They really try to educate the public during their tours. Another nice thing ia their… more
I LOVE big cats. I came upon BCR on a visit to FL.in 2007 (Im from NH)…I set up a visit there on my last day, and I was extremely excited. There was unfortunately a bad storm, and the walk thru tour of the facility had to be canceled. .I was deviated…they offered to refund my money and I … more
We made a special effort to drive 3 hrs from Daytona Beach, FL where we were vacationing to take the 10am tour on Saturday August 13th. It was well worth the 6 hr round trip. The guide was knowledgeable, the animals were, for the most part, visible and close to the public. There were a couple of … more
Went on a private tour on 3/6/11. Had a wonderful 2 hour walking tour. The cats were all beautiful and the tour guide was very helpful and knowledgeable. I was amazed that the facilites that included pools, multiple shelters for each cat and toys, toys, toys! There was more than adequate shade … more
I have been to BCR many times and enjoy it greatly. I find this place to be a breathe of fresh air. I love that the main focus of the sanctuary is the animals. How many places could honestly say that? They go out of the way to save cats that are in need. Just check their facebook page, countless … more
My family visited Big Cat Rescue today and really enjoyed it! My boys, ages 6 and 9 LOVED seeing the cats up close. It was well worth our time to go, and I will go again for sure! I would recommend visiting the rescue to all who love cats and want to help their well being. more
i have seen many types of big cats and all i want is for them to survive and live their life to the fullest thank you … more
great tour..beautiful animals… this was my second time…amazing rescues!! more
I have been here twice. The first visit forever changed my life and I have been a monthly donor ever since. Amazing place, amazing people, amazing animals. I am so grateful there is somewhere in this world that cares so much for the big cats. more
I’ve now visited Big Cat Rescue 3 times and continue to be blown away by the gorgeous animals and the great care they receive. They’ve rehabbed Florida bobcats and released them back to the wild….rescued a beautiful lioness from drug dealers…saved tigers from a life in a tiny cage…All the … more
Big Cat Rescue is a fabulous sanctuary for exotic big (and little) wild cats that have either been abused, abandoned or are retired from a circus. They have saved hundreds of these cats who enjoy their years at a sanctuary that not only gives excellent care, but lots of love personally to each … more
