Big Cat Rescue, Florida, United States

5Emily L 5:00 PM Jan 12, 2020

Choose This Over The Zoo
I was in Tampa for a few days visiting a friend, so we had to choose what things to do and what things to skip. This was high on our list since he had lived there for a few years and never been. If you can only do one animal experience while you're in Tampa, choose this one. You can see a zoo or aquarium anywhere. This place is special. We did the standard day tour, it was $39/adult, which seems steep but all of the money goes to the care of the cats, so I'm not mad. You're taken on a small group tour around the facility (15-20 people) and they tell you about each cat individually as you go. A lot of the stories of how they acquired the cats are quite sad, so while all ages can visit I wouldn't take small children. You can tell the whole facility is truly about the wellbeing of the animals. The habitats are quite large and have places for the cats to be away from the public if they're not feeling social. One of the cats doesn't enjoy being near other cats (while most of them are all in solo habitats they're within sightline of other cats), so they put here back in the back by herself where she seems quite happy. It's truly a special place. I wouldn't hesitate to go back for an after dark, photo, or feeding tour. Also note: The person I was with has an allergy to cats and it flared up during the tour, so if you're allergic, definitely pack your benadryl!

5Andrea W 5:00 PM Jan 4, 2020

Wonderful Tour of Big Cat Rescue
We took a day tour of the Big Cat Rescue on 12/27/2019. You need to make reservations in advance and be part of a tour to visit. This in itself is telling, because it lets you know that Big Cat Rescue puts the cats first. Visitors must be guided. The cats all live in large, sprawling enclosures, and if they don't want to come out and be seen, that's how it is. But don't worry, because there will be plenty of cats to see along the beautiful habitat pathways. Everyone has a headset, and the stories of the cats can be adapted to each tour based upon which ones you see. Our tour guide was Gina, and she was smart, friendly, and absolutely passionate and compassionate about the big cats. Many of the stories are heartbreaking, and it is horrible to know that our country has very little regulation about citizens keeping large cats in small backyard cages. But the ones who live at Big Cat Rescue are very fortunate, and the more visitors come here, the more word can spread about how we can help. Our tour was 1.5 hours (starting earlier than our 3:00 scheduled time because enough people were already there), and there is also a great gift shop. The tiger Max touched my heart because he is still shy and scared, so I bought his picture on a keychain. The grounds here are impeccably clean and everything is so fresh. It was a beautiful tour. There is even a 2.5 acre space for the big cats to go on vacation! If you are in Tampa, please go see the big cats!!!