Big Cat Habitat Facts

The Big Cat Habitat and Gulf Coast Sanctuary located in Sarasota, Florida is open Wednesday through Sunday from noon until 4:00 p.m. Opened in 1987, the sanctuary is home to many exotic animals to include big cats but also, goats, bears, different types of monkeys, camels, a bison, zebra, and many other animals. The Big Cat Habitat and Gulf Coast Sanctuary became a non-profit organization (501 3c) in 2005. The cost of admission is $18 for adults and $8 for children. All active military and military veterans receive free admission. In addition to the cost of admission, bring cash. For an additional cost, you have the opportunity to feed the bears and big cats via a stick through fencing.

Now I know there are going to be the critics, to include People Fort he Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), who are going to immediately say this type of zoo should not be in existence. They will claim the treatment of the animals is inhumane. For those of you who research attractions before you go, you will no doubt see where there have been formal complaints brought against the Big Cat Habitat and Gulf Coast Sanctuary. There are comments regarding the owners being former circus trainers. While visiting, I did not see any inhumane treatment of the animals and they all appeared to be happy and healthy.

Shows

There were two shows at 1:00 and 2:00 p.m. The first show gave information about the Florida alligator. We got to meet Flo. In the second show, we saw pound puppies and big cats. During the shows, they stressed to adopt animals from no kill shelters. In addition, they spoke about how many of the animals at the Big Cat Habitat and Gulf Coast Sanctuary came from private homes after people who spent thousands of dollars on the animals found out they were difficult to take care of. Instead of euthanization, the Big Cat Habitat and Gulf Coast Sanctuary took the animals.

Animals

Touring the facility took approximately three hours. Upon entry, you will see lions, servals, and bears.

There is a petting zoo area with goats and llamas. They are so adorable! Make sure you brush the baby goats.

Housed in separate cages, the tigers are let out into the large enclosure for exercise on a schedule. It was explained they cannot be in the larger enclosure together in order to avoid fighting.

The most impressive big cat was a liger named Brutus. He is close to 1,000 pounds and is the offspring of a lion and a tiger.

Along the back of the property is a pasture where you can view a bison and zebra.

New additions

In 2020, The Big Cat Habitat will be receiving new animals. They have agreed to take a pair of orphaned otters who cannot take care of themselves in the wild. In addition, they have agreed to take a pair of foxes who were raised in a home and the owner can no longer take care of them.

In summary

If you are looking for a purrfect afternoon in sunny Sarasota, Florida, I recommend visiting the Big Cat Habitat and Gulf Coast Sanctuary. You are able to view a wide variety of exotic animals to include many big cats. For an additional cost, there is an opportunity to feed the big cats.

Have you been to the Big Cat Habitat? If so, what did you think? I’d love to read your comments.