Big Cat Rescue (Tampa)

[Scar]

Hi

Has any one been to Big Cat Rescue (formally Wild Life on Easy Street).

What is the night trek like.

[jjcollins]

http://www.bigcatrescue.org/


jj....... :light:

[Scar]

Thanks JJ. been there, interesting info. Now looking for first hand recommendations

[jjcollins]

Sorry Scar - don't be afraid to post a link so others can see :wink



jj....... :wink

[Doormatt65]

Hi Scar,

I am a senior volunteer at Big Cat Rescue. If you have any questions, I would be glad to answer them.

The night tour is much different that the regular day tour in that the animals are much more active. However, I would only recommend doing the night tour if you have already done the day tour. I am a tour guide and lead both tours. During the day you get to see much more of the cats. A lot of the time, on the night tour, you will only see the reflections from the cats' eyes if they are not near the front of their enclosures. Also, at night, it's not as easy to see the different markings and colors of the cats.

The winter months are perfect for visiting as the cats are active much more throughout the day. We get many visitors from the UK and currently have interns from Scotland and Wales working for the summer and fall.

If you have the time, I would recommend the all-day Expedition. You get to do more up-close activities and even get to feed some of the big cats in the evening-- including Shere Khan, our 850 lb tiger. There is much more info on the website.

The sanctuary is an amazing place. Unlike the zoos, you get as close as 3 feet from lions, tigers, leopards cougars, etc. Most satisfying to me, as a volunteer, is that these animals interact with the tour guides and genuinely seem happy. Many have been rescued from horrible conditions and it is very rewarding to know that they are living out their lives in peace and comfort.

If you, or anyone else, have any questions, please feel free to contact me.

Matt

[jjcollins]

A big welcome to the Dibb Matt, nice to hear from the workers :p:


jj......... :wavey:

[Claire_L]

Now this definitely sounds like a place to put on the 'must visit list' for next year. Thanks for all the info Matt.
Claire :wink

[Jewel]

:jump: thanks for the info, we have definately put it on our list for next march, my eldest is well into big cats, especially tigers :D
It will make his day.
julie

[Daniel&Family]

I havn't been yet, but will definitely be going next year.

Thanks for all the information and the link.


Yours

DANIEL

[Earthbound]

I've just seen the web-site for the very first time!! I'm a big cat lover & will change my itinerary to make sure we visit in August!! Some touching stories in the slide show - will make a point of adopting a cat whilst there!! :thumb:

[Doormatt65]

Hi everyone,

I accidentally stumbled across this site the other night, but will hang around to answer any questions you may have about Big Cat Rescue.

If any of you plan to visit, let me know and I will try to be available as your tour guide.

A few things I want to mention. Due it's up-close nature, only those 18 and over can take part in the day-long Expediation. This is an experience that I would recommend highly.

bigcatrescue.org/animal_encounters

We also have a minimum age requirement of 10 for our regular tours. However, we do offer kids tours that are a little shorter and geared to a younger audience.

bigcatrescue.org/kids_tours

Check the website for scheduled times. If your schedule does not permit you to make it for a regularly scheduled tour, please let me know and I will do my best to arrange something for you.

I look forward to answering your questions and will hopefully be able to meet some of you in person at Big Cat Rescue.

Matt

[rob@rar.org.uk]

Hi Matt

How many people are on each All-Day Expedition? This looks like a 'must-do' for us!

Regards

Rob

[kirstenjet]

I'm hoping to book the All-Day Expedition with a stayover for Nov 27 in a month or so (I've booked too much already this month, I don't think the credit card will take anymore:D ).

Think this could be the best bit of the holiday and it's fantastic the money all goes back to the cats.

Zoe

[rob@rar.org.uk]

Hope you do a trip report for this bit Zoe.

Regards

Rob

[Doormatt65]

Hi Rob and Zoe,

You will love the Expedition, especially if you are animal lovers. It is the best way to experience the sanctuary. I believe there is a limit on how many people can be on the Expedition, but I don't think we have ever reached that limit. If we have a lot of people, we break it up into smaller groups. Usually, we have about 4-8 people for the Expedition. The number fluctuates wildly from week to week. One Saturday we'll have 12 guests, the next week we'll have none.

As you would expect, Saturday is our busiest day for the Expedition and regular tours. Thursdays and Fridays are better options if your schedule allows. (the Expedition only takes place Thursday through Saturday)

I, too, love the fact that all the money goes straight to the cats. That is why I choose to spend my free time there. All the money you spend goes directly to the care of the animals. We have a minimal staff at the sanctuary and depends heavily on volunteers to run the place.

We are not about glitz and glamour. We cater everything around what's best for the cats. They all have large cages and if they don't want to be seen by tours, they have someplace to hide. We never force our animals to be on display. Although, we aren't above using bribery to coax them out...

As we get closer to the time of your trips, remind me that you are coming so I can keep an eye out for you.

Matt