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Big Cat Rescue


TripAdvisor Traveler Rating: 4.5 of 5 stars
TripAdvisor Popularity Index: #1 of 57 attractions in Tampa
Traveler Description:
Do you see yourself looking over the vast Serengeti plains, searching the horizon for a glimpse of a pride of Lions, or a Leopard lounging in the...... more » Do you see yourself looking over the vast Serengeti plains, searching the horizon for a glimpse of a pride of Lions, or a Leopard lounging in the trees? Do you imagine yourself in India, riding an elephant through the high grass with your eyes peeled for the elusive Tiger? Have you ever thought how great it would be to hike through the rainforest, listening to the tropical birds, ever on the lookout for a Leopard or an Ocelot high in the canopy? Have you ever been to the zoo and wanted to be closer to the exotic cats; so close you could almost touch them? You don't have to spend tens of thousands of dollars to make these dreams come true. The world's largest accredited big cat rescue facility is right here in Tampa, Florida at Big Cat Rescue. « less
Familiar with Big Cat Rescue? Write your own description and share what you know with other travelers.
Attraction type: Zoo, Nature center, Other, Reservation
Activities: Viewing wildlife
Address: 12802 Easy Street Tampa, FL 33625
Tel: 813-920-4130
Fax: 813-920-5924

Reviews you can trust

[ Date ] [ Rating ]
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5 of 5 stars
KimKDallas   434 contributions
Dallas
Oct 19, 2009

Visited over Labor Day weekend, and took the private photo safari rather than the group tour. Basically that meant I could stay with a specific cat for as long as I wanted and not worry about the group. With the one on one, it was easier to quietly approach some of the cats that are more shy and still have... more

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5 of 5 stars
javacat   3 contributions
maryland
Oct 16, 2009

This place is amazing. Yes, it's a bit heartbreaking when you hear the stories, but that's part of the education and I'm glad they do it. But the experience - being so close, hearing their sounds, really feeling as though you're interacting (because you are - they see you and they react with noises and movement and everything else and... more

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5 of 5 stars
lands2   2 contributions
Fort Myers, FL
Oct 1, 2009

I loved every minute of this tour. I learned so much about cat behavior, wild as well as house cats. It was hot out but there is alot of trees so it was a very shady walk. Don't wear good shoes, the paths are dirt. I can't wait to visit again. more

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5 of 5 stars
femaleage29   18 contributions
Sacramento, California
Sep 17, 2009
1/1 found this review helpful

This was an incredible experience- WELL worth the money. I went on the morning tour and got to see lots of different animals. I was only 3 feet from many different felines. I videotaped much of the hour and a half tour, and have enjoyed watching scenes from it over and over again in the less than a month since... more

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5 of 5 stars
girlcat   31 contributions
ohio
Aug 9, 2009
1/1 found this review helpful

We went to the 3:00 tour, we lucked out that it was cloudy and most of the cats were out and active. Very sad to learn the stories behind these beautiful creatures but good to know they are in a safe and caring environment now. Really enjoyed seeing them so close. Our guide was very knowledgeable. Definitely the highlight of... more

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5 of 5 stars
vjmcgrath   5 contributions
Columbus, OH
Aug 4, 2009

I randomly saw this online as a thing to do, then my friend who lives in Tampa also suggested it. It was an informative little attraction, and as a crazy cat lady, I loved seeing the cats up close. We went to the 930 tour, and I imagine that would be better than mid day due to the heat. It's... more

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4 of 5 stars
bejoyful65   5 contributions
Northern MI
Jul 15, 2009
1/1 found this review helpful

We really enjoyed our time at the Big Cat Rescue. We took the Saturday morning kids tour to accomodate our 6 year old. I would certainly recommend going early in the day! It get's very hot. It was comfortable when we were there. Don't forget your bug spray! The tour was an hour long, walking tour. You have to keep... more

Happy Cats
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5 of 5 stars
scoot600   2 contributions
Birmingham UK
Jun 18, 2009

My family and I did the Keeper Tour on Saturday June 3 2009.We were shown around by one of the keepers called Sue.She had a vast knowledge of the cats big and small ( the cats themselves and the breed).The 2 plus hours we spent there was the highlight of our trip to Florida.The cats are well cared for and... more

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5 of 5 stars
Stevied888   518 contributions
Brandon, Florida
May 30, 2009
1/1 found this review helpful

One of the reviewers was disppointed that things have changed but unfortunately that is due to the public not listening. You will see animals here that are no where else in the world such as the white civet (sp?). You will never get close to such an assortment of exotic animals anywhere else. There are black leopards, white tigers,sno leopards... more

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3 of 5 stars
Valencia_Lakes   12 contributions
Naples, Florida
May 28, 2009
1/2 found this review helpful

Big Cat rescues big cats. Lions, tigers, panthers. We went on a 1:30 p.m. tour. WAY too hot, go in the morning. The tour lasted about 90 minutes and cost about $25 per person. It was interesting but still sad to see big cats in small cages. The tour is half shade and half sun. I enjoyed it but wouldn't... more

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Big Cat Rescue Address

12802 Easy Street, Tampa, FL 33625
Tel: 813-920-4130 Fax: 813-920-5924