Why Selling Big Cat Rescue’s Sanctuary Land Was the Best Decision for Wild Cats

After over 31 years of operating Big Cat Rescue on our 67-acre sanctuary grounds, we recently sold the property for roughly $20 million to two developers who will transform it into apartments and townhomes. This decision has sparked a mix of reactions, with some expressing disappointment that the sanctuary won’t remain open for visits. However, the decision was guided by a commitment to prioritize the well-being of the animals—both those that remained in our care and their wild counterparts.

Here’s why this was the best course of action for the animals, now and in the future:

The Decline in Resident Cats

At the height of Big Cat Rescue’s operations, we housed over 100 rescued big cats. By 2023, after the landmark passage of the Big Cat Public Safety Act in 2022, which ended private ownership and cub-petting exploitation in the U.S., the number of captive big cats needing rescue dramatically decreased. Our population dwindled to just 33 cats. Continuing to operate the sanctuary at a cost of $3.5 million annually no longer made financial or ethical sense.

Larger Enclosures for Our Cats

The remaining cats in our care were relocated to the accredited Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge in Eureka Springs, Arkansas. This sanctuary spans more than 400 acres, allowing for much larger and more naturalistic enclosures than what we could provide in Tampa. The proceeds from the land sale will ensure we can fund their food and medical care for the rest of their lives. Knowing our beloved cats now live in more spacious habitats brings us immense satisfaction. Knowing they are safe from hurricanes is a relief we can’t even begin to convey.

A Shift to Saving Wild Cats

The proceeds from the land sale are being invested to amplify our impact on global conservation efforts. Historically, we were able to contribute about $100,000 annually to in-situ conservation projects worldwide. With the funds from the sale, we anticipate increasing that amount to $300,000 annually. Through careful investment and management, we hope to multiply this figure tenfold, creating a sustainable source of funding to protect wild cats and their habitats for generations to come.

The Land’s Best Use

Some have questioned why the property wasn’t preserved as a park or left wild. However, the sanctuary is surrounded by urban sprawl, making it unsuitable as meaningful wildlife habitat due to the lack of corridors for animal movement. Urban planning experts determined that using this parcel for housing will alleviate development pressure on the city’s outskirts, protecting more viable wildlife habitats and reducing the risk of roadkill and human-wildlife conflicts.

Continuing the Fight

While we’ve said goodbye to the sanctuary grounds, Big Cat Rescue remains steadfast in its mission. Our focus has shifted to funding and vetting global conservation initiatives that address the dire threats facing wild cats, including habitat destruction, poaching, and human-wildlife conflict. The remaining Big Cat Rescue board and staff are committed to this fight, ensuring that the legacy of our sanctuary lives on through impactful conservation work.

A Win-Win for the Animals

This transition represents a win-win for all. Our former sanctuary residents now thrive in more expansive enclosures, while the funds from the sale enable us to make a greater difference for wild cats worldwide. It’s an emotional shift after three decades on the land, but the overarching feeling is one of satisfaction and hope for the future.

To our supporters, thank you for standing with us as we continue to fight for a world where wild cats live free and protected in their natural habitats. Together, we are ensuring a brighter future for these magnificent animals.