Big Cat Rescue | Tampa

Big Cat Rescue was a renowned animal sanctuary located in Tampa, Florida, dedicated to rescuing and providing care for big cats, such as tigers, lions, leopards, bobcats, and servals. Founded by Carole Baskin and her late husband Don Lewis in 1995, the sanctuary gained significant international recognition, especially after being featured in the 2020 Netflix series Tiger King. The sanctuary’s mission was to end the exploitation of big cats and raise awareness about the unethical practices surrounding their captivity.

History and Mission

Big Cat Rescue started as Wildlife on Easy Street in the mid-1990s, initially intended to provide a safe haven for rescued big cats. The sanctuary’s core mission was to rescue exotic cats that had been kept in captivity as pets, used in entertainment, or subjected to abuse and neglect. Over the years, the sanctuary expanded its operations and became one of the largest rescue centers for big cats in the United States.

Big Cat Rescue housed over 200 animals at its peak, representing more than 50 species, with a special focus on providing a permanent, safe environment for big cats that could no longer survive in the wild due to their background in captivity. The sanctuary aimed to provide lifelong care and educate the public about the dangers of private ownership of big cats and the cruelty involved in practices like cub petting, where young big cats are exploited for photo opportunities and entertainment.

Advocacy and Public Education

In addition to rescuing big cats, Big Cat Rescue was heavily involved in advocacy, seeking to change laws and raise awareness to prevent future exploitation. The sanctuary pushed for legislation to end the practice of private ownership of big cats and cub petting. The sanctuary often worked with other animal welfare groups to advance animal rights and welfare at both the local and national levels.

One of the sanctuary’s most notable advocacy achievements was the successful passage of the Big Cat Public Safety Act in December 2022. This law, which prohibits the private ownership of big cats, bans cub petting, and limits direct contact between people and big cats in captivity, was a significant victory in the fight against the exploitation of these animals.

Closure and Relocation to Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge

In March 2023, Carole Baskin and her husband Howard Baskin announced that Big Cat Rescue would close and its residents would be relocated to other sanctuaries. This decision was part of the Baskins’ long-term goal to "put themselves out of business" by ensuring that no more big cats were in need of rescue. The sanctuary’s remaining big cats were moved to Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge, a similar rescue facility located in Eureka Springs, Arkansas, that specializes in the care of big cats.

By December 2023, all the cats had been permanently relocated to Turpentine Creek, marking the end of an era for Big Cat Rescue in Tampa. The sanctuary’s closure was a bittersweet moment for those involved, as it signified the completion of its mission of providing lifelong care for abused and abandoned big cats.

Property Sale and Development Plans

With the closure of the sanctuary, Big Cat Rescue’s property—which spanned 67 acres in Citrus Park, Tampa—was put up for sale. In December 2024, it was reported that Boos Development Group, a Clearwater-based developer, had purchased 56 acres of the sanctuary’s land. This land is planned to be developed into a residential area, including 228 townhomes and 280 apartments.

The proceeds from the sale of the property are intended to be reinvested into wild cat preservation projects and support efforts aimed at conserving big cat species in the wild. The 11 acres that were not sold are expected to be developed for additional residential purposes.

Legacy and Impact

Although the physical sanctuary has closed, Big Cat Rescue’s legacy continues to live on through its advocacy work and contributions to animal welfare. The sanctuary was instrumental in raising awareness about the importance of ethical treatment of big cats and the negative effects of their captivity. The Big Cat Public Safety Act passed in 2022 is one of the key pieces of legislation that will continue to shape the future of big cat welfare in the United States, banning private ownership of these animals and ending the cruel practice of cub petting.

Big Cat Rescue’s educational programs and outreach efforts also left a lasting impact. The sanctuary’s website, educational resources, and social media channels were widely followed, helping to inform millions of people about the plight of big cats in captivity.

Legacy of Carole Baskin

Carole Baskin, the public face of Big Cat Rescue, became a controversial figure after appearing in the Netflix series Tiger King. While the show painted a sensationalized picture of the big cat world, it also brought attention to the issues of private ownership and the mistreatment of big cats in the United States. Despite the controversies surrounding her, Baskin’s work with Big Cat Rescue has had a lasting impact on wildlife advocacy, and her efforts to end the exploitation of big cats are widely recognized.

Current Status

As of 2023, Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge now serves as the permanent home for the rescued big cats that were once housed at Big Cat Rescue. The organization continues its mission to care for animals in need, focusing on providing lifelong sanctuary and advocating for the end of big cat exploitation.

While Big Cat Rescue is no longer an active sanctuary, its commitment to animal welfare and the protection of big cats remains a significant part of its legacy.