Big Cat Rescue, a non profit educational sanctuary, is devoted to rescuing and providing a permanent home for exotic (i.e. wild, not domestic) cats who have been abused, abandoned, bred to be pets, retired from performing acts, or saved from being slaughtered for fur coats, and to educating the public about these animals and the issues facing them in captivity and in the wild. All of our animals are registered with the International Species Information System (ISIS).
And we do not breed any of the cats.
The narrow mission of Big Cat Rescue is to provide the best permanent home we can for the cats in our care. We do this by building enclosures in a very natural habitat with foliage and shelter on our 45 acre site, by providing the best nutritional and medical care possible, and by having active operant conditioning and enrichment programs to provide for their physical and psychological well being.
The broader mission of the sanctuary is to reduce the number of cats that suffer the fate of abandonment and/or abuse and to encourage preservation of habitat and wildlife. We urge people to behave in a way that will support these goals by teaching people about the plight of the cats, both in the wild and in captivity. We accomplish this through educational guided tours, educational programs for young people, and by maintaining a website that we believe is the world's largest and best resource for information about exotic cats.
Learn more please visit: http://www.bigcatrescue.org/
I visited BCR a few years ago. The facility was awesome. I took the 'behind the scenes' tour and volunteered for the day. The staff and volunteers were friendly and provided everything need to make the day turn out unforgettable. All of the incredible cats have beautiful, well cared for homes, enjoy proper nutrition, and play time (enrichment). My personal favorite is Hercules, the snow leopard. Any cat who is rescued or dropped off won't find a better home- a sanctuary, a retreat, a place to retire and life out their lives in comfort. If you're ever in the Tampa, FL area, you'll be happy to have encountered this little gem, which is very close to the airport. It is so worth the trip. There are options for showing your support on their site, if you can't visit. Tina-Sue, thank you for featuring them here!
ReplyDeleteI am planning a trip to Tampa this summer, I'll have to make sure to stop in!
ReplyDeleteThis is a very worthy cause. I posted about it on Twitter to help get the word out.
ReplyDeleteMargay
There shouldn't be a need for this kind of place but I'm glad there is. Such a wonderful and worthy cause. If I ever have the opportunity to visit I would so love to. One day I would love to be able to have a place of my own like this but not just for Big Cats but for all animals that need rescued.
ReplyDeleteReeny
Don't you just want to reach out and pet that kitty ?? But sad to say, too many people thought they could do that as a kitten and now we have a huge cat without the resources to be in the wild.
ReplyDeleteThank you to your wonderful organization.
I will tweet and fb chat about you now. I hope this increases your exposure. S>
I am a supporter of BCR and I am so grateful for everyone who volunteers, donates and helps these amazing creatures.
ReplyDeleteI hope all animal lovers show their support.
Blessings,
Karen Anderson
Animal Communicator
Thank you for bringing this to our attention. I live in St. Petersburg but did not know about it! Now when we get back (currently in Spain) I will be paying a visit. What a wonderful job you all do.
ReplyDeleteMy big support from Indonesia. You all my hero!
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