The Big Cat Sanctuary

Type:Animal Collection

Headcorn Road, Smarden, Ashford, Kent, TN27 8PJ

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Tel01233 771915

Tiger at the Big Cat Sanctuary

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About

The Big Cat Sanctuary… “Protection is our Passion”

Providing a future for some of the most beautiful and endangered cats in the world...

Home to over 50 cats including African Lions, Sumatran Tigers, Jaguars, Amur Leopards and Snow Leopards to name just a few, we are located in the heart of the Kent countryside. The 32 acre plot began as a refuge for big cats that had been rescued from less than desirable homes, the site has now become a sanctuary and breeding centre that takes a personal approach to their wildlife residents. Our four pillars of ethos are welfare, breeding, conservation and education. The Big Cat Sanctuary does not operate as a conventional zoo but by way of personal big cat experiences, although we do operate under a zoo licence and we are regulated as members of EAZA and BIAZA.

Visitors learn about the work being done to save what are some of the most iconic yet endangered species on planet. The charity hosts a number of events throughout the year to raise funds and awareness of the in-situ conservation projects they support. The Big Cat Sanctuary is a leading conservation organisation of wild cats in the UK and are proud to have recently piloted an education programme within schools. With the knowledge and dedication of Managing Director and Big Cat Expert Giles Clark and the team, the facility thrives in its ethos to give the animals a fulfilled quality of life in captivity - stimulating them both mentally and physically.

With progressively more involvement in both fundraising and supporting conservation initiatives at The Big Cat Sanctuary, we also contribute to in-situ conservation projects around the globe. By securing a future for both big and small cats we are conserving and restoring the balance of the ecosystem in which predators play such a vital role. In doing this we are saving not just isolated species but our entire natural world.

The key issues for cats around the globe are that they are victims of habitat loss and degradation as well as conflicts with humans and the illegal wildlife trade. The aim is to reduce human/wildlife conflict - by pioneering and utilising various conservation techniques and strategies, ultimately mitigating the conflict enabling the local communities to coexist with the surrounding wildlife.

It is only with a dedicated holistic approach to conservation that meets the need of both wildlife and local communities that we will succeed in our quest to help save some of the world’s most magnificent animals.

The Big Cat Sanctuary operates by way of personal big cat experiences only, these include tours, ranger days, a selection of different photographic workshops, overnight stays in our luxury lodges and adoptions. This is our main source of funding and aids the day to day running costs of the site. The reason for this is simply to ensure our cats reside in tranquil surroundings and remain content, to aid our success in breeding contributions.

 

Book Tickets

Guide Prices

Ticket TypeTicket Tariff
Weekday£199.00 per ticket
Weekend£249.00 per ticket

Experience holder must be aged 16 years & over.

For this event you may bring up to four guests for a suggested donation of £20 per person.

Visits must be booked in advance.

TripAdvisor

TripAdvisor

TripAdvisor Traveller Rating:

5 of 5 stars
    • Excellent
      1145
    • Very Good
      47
    • Average
      16
    • Poor
      5
    • Terrible
      18

    Recent Reviews:

    • Shellbellwar
      Great birthday experience
      5 of 5 stars
      Sunday, 6th October 2024
      Want to say a massive thank you to all the staff. Just had the most amazing day as a ranger for my 50th birthday. Thank you especially to chris and michael. The work you all do for these amazing cats... Read full review
    • Theresa L
      Birchington, United Kingdom
      Trip Type:
      Couples
      Fantastic Afternoon Tea with the Lions
      5 of 5 stars
      Sunday, 13th October 2024
      Fantastic Afternoon Tea Experience at The Big Cat Sanctuary. Delicious sandwiches, cakes, and scones with the unforgettable experience of being mere feet away from 2 beautiful lions. A fabulous... Read full review
    • emeralddx
      Kent, United Kingdom
      Trip Type:
      Family
      Big Cat Encounter experience - brilliant!!
      5 of 5 stars
      Tuesday, 29th October 2024
      Highly recommend. Although it’s pricey, it’s definitely worth every penny and it’s going to a good cause. We did a Big Cat Encounter experience, which involves a private guided tour, with 2 hand... Read full review

    Map & Directions

    Opening Times

    Big Cat Encounter (1 Jan 2024 - 31 Dec 2024)

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