“What if we could build a haven for abused big cats?” That’s the question that sparked the beginning of Big Cat Rescue.
Big Cat Rescue in Tampa is more than just an animal sanctuary. It’s a powerful voice against the exploitation of exotic felines. Founded in 1995 by Don Lewis and Carole Baskin, Big Cat Rescue has evolved into one of the world’s most effective accredited sanctuaries for exotic cats.
Initially named Wildlife on Easy Street Inc, its mission was the acquisition shelter feeding and breeding of exotic animals. It also provided public education to benefit their wild counterparts. Over time, the sanctuary shifted its focus. In 2003, it became Big Cat Rescue Corp. Its purpose became the prevention of cruelty to animals by providing rescue and a permanent retirement home to exotic cats.
Big Cat Rescue’s early history involved misguided efforts. It once offered a bed and breakfast experience. Guests could spend the night with a young wild cat in their cabin. The sanctuary now acknowledges this was a misguided effort. It was supposedly to aid captive conservation and animal welfare.
The sanctuary was denied accreditation by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums in 2001. Concerns included visitor contact with the cats and insufficient veterinary programs. Big Cat Rescue ceased physical encounters between the public and the cats in 2003.
Big Cat Rescue faced legal battles. In 2013, Joseph Maldonado-Passage also known as Joe Exotic was ordered to pay Big Cat Rescue $1 million. He used confusingly similar trademarked materials. Joe Exotic was later convicted of murder-for-hire for targeting Carole Baskin.
In March 2019, Big Cat Rescue opened a zoo exhibit without live animals. It used augmented reality and virtual reality technologies.
Big Cat Rescue temporarily closed to the public in March 2020. This was due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Big Cat Rescue is deeply committed to conservation. One of its main goals is to end private ownership and trade of exotic felines. The center campaigns for a total ban regardless of keeping conditions.
The sanctuary played a key role in the Big Cat Public Safety Act. This act bans private ownership of big cats and ends public contact with them.
Big Cat Rescue received attention for rescuing Skip the bobcat in 2011. Skip likely had been hit by a car. Fans organized online watched his recovery.
The Netflix documentary series “Tiger King” featured Big Cat Rescue. The series centered around Joe Exotic. He was convicted for a murder-for-hire targeting Carole Baskin. Baskin has expressed displeasure with the show.
Big Cat Rescue has moved its cats to Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge in Arkansas. Big Cat Rescue plans to sell its Florida land. The funds will support TCWR and wild cat conservation projects.
As you leave Big Cat Rescue reflect on its history. Remember the rescued cats and the ongoing fight to protect these majestic animals.