Whenever we make a trip to the West Coast of Flori...

Whenever we make a trip to the West Coast of Florida we always make a visit to the Big Cat Rescue. We have visited several sanctuaries around the country and put Big Cat Rescue at the very top of the list.

All enclosures are fashioned as closely as possible to the natural habitat of each animal. Consequently it is a peaceful place for them to live out their lives (retirement) as if they were in the wild.

To the credit of the BCR their tours are considerably smaller than those of other sanctuaries we have visited. Total number of people for day tours is 20 people. This is done so as not to upset the animals. The price of tours are very much in line with other sanctuaries and in some cases less. Public is NOT permitted to wander around outside of the tour as in other sanctuaries. Income from the tours provide money which is used for the benefit of the inhabitants and the wonderful education provided by BCR in regard to exotic animals.

Every animal has it's own cage to go to when their food is distributed. As a matter of fact, if one is at the BCR a half hour or so before feeding, due to the schedule one would see animals sitting patiently in their feeding cage waiting for the feeding. Animals are given any necessary medications and carefully observed while in these small cages. Also it is at this time that keepers clean out the enclosures which have always been clean and well cared for when we have visited.

BCR provides daily exercise for the cats by the numerous platforms, trees and ponds in the enclosures. Boredom is non-existant for the cats at this sanctuary due to the many different stimulating "toys" and activities planned for them. At Halloween, pumpkins are placed in the enclosures, Christmas trees are donated during the season and add new smells and as cats of all sizes are curious, the trees give them an opportunity to investigate something new. Large exercise balls are in the enclosures, dens to hide in, balls hanging from branches to bat around, various items made out of cardboard boxes to tear apart ......I could go on and on mentioning all the creative ways they do things to keep these majestic animals happy and content.

BCR has wonderful medical facilities on it's property and many a cat has been saved pain and suffering due to the compassion shown by these people. They have a tremendous volunteer organization "Skipaholics" that help monitor the recovery of cats that have had surgery.

I have found their tour guides to be very informative and excited over all that they are accomplishing in giving these animals a chance to live out their lives in a healthy and peaceful atmosphere. The tours not only provide an opportunity to see BCR but they are extremely educational. It is because of my first tour at the sanctuary that I became interested in Animal Welfare and the plight of these big cats. I would also add, that I am still learning from the newsletters, and informative postings they provide.

I would give BCR a Five Star rating any day and encourage people who want to experience an overwhelming adventure to visit the Sanctuary. They will come away with a greater respect and understanding of what a Sanctuary is all about.
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