Lions and Tigers!

Big Cat Rescue, Tampa, Florida

The bobcats guard the entrance

   I was so glad to find the Big Cat Rescue in Tampa, Florida. On the outskirts of Tampa in Citrus Park, is a long and narrow dirt road, woven between office buildings and stores on Busch Boulevard. It leads to 67 acres where a habitat has been created with natural trees and shrubs and enclosures for over 80 wild lions, tigers, servals, bobcats, pumas and panthers, that have been rescued from circuses, or from owners who thought they could manage to keep wild animals but could not. Many of the animals are sick or have been abused but are thriving here.

   I took the tour, which was about an hour and a half, with dirt trails winding through the various enclosures that were high and wide and not confining at all, and happy to see so many animals sleeping or lounging and coming by for a visit. It was like being in another world.

Saying hello!

   The more we walked, the closer we came to the larger lions and tigers. I wished I could have stayed in that part the longest. A rare white tiger, which is not normally found in nature but cross bred, was lounging on her back, while another lion slept nearby.

White Tiger Lounging

   My favorite was the female tiger just out of quarantine, who had been so sick she could barely walk. She sat in her enclosure with her head poking out, her paws resting out front. We continued on our tour, and on the way back when we passed her again, she came out and was ambling slowly and somewhat unsteady to get a drink of water. What a majestic animal.

Leaving her enclosed shelter.....

She takes a drink

   The tour is given by volunteer guides, and everything is organized and well planned. For larger fees you can go to a feeding tour or keeper's tour, where animals are fed, or a photography tour, all of which goes to feed and support the animals.

   If you ever have the chance to go there, I highly recommend it. I'm sure I'll be going back!

Eye contact - he gave me chills!

Donations are gladly accepted at Big Cat Rescue.