Big Cat Rescue

Hear lions, tigers and leopards roar at this animal sanctuary for abandoned and abused exotic big cats.

Big Cat Rescue claims to be the world’s largest accredited animal sanctuary dedicated to rescued big cats. It provides a permanent home for abused and abandoned animals, as well as retired performing cats. There are more than 100 big cats representing no fewer than a dozen species at this 45-acre (18-hectare) site. They include lions, tigers, leopards, ocelots and cougars.

Guided tours are the only way to see the animals. You are led along a winding trail to each of the cat habitats. Observe cougars at play and take photos and videos of lions stretching out in the sun. Learn about big cat behaviors and discover how the animals were rescued from cruel conditions.

There are a variety of tour options available. These include the one-hour and half-hour day tours, and the feeding tours where you watch big cats being fed by their keepers. Join the animals for dinner during the special night tour, held on the last Friday of each month. The Kids Tour on Saturday and Sunday is the only time children under the age of 10 can visit the animals. For a full list of tour types, schedules and restrictions, visit Big Cat Rescue’s official website.

For those unable to walk for long periods of time, a limited number of golf carts are available for rent.

Big Cat Rescue started in 1992 during the owners’ search for a pet bobcat. When they came across a breeder who was primarily raising the animals for fur, they bought all 56 kittens to save them from slaughter. The sanctuary’s dual mission is to provide a good home for the animals and to educate the public about the plight of big cats in the wild and in captivity.

Big Cat Rescue is open every day except Thursday, Thanksgiving and Christmas. The animal sanctuary is 15 minutes’ drive from Tampa International Airport, and approximately 75 minutes from Orlando and Walt Disney World® Resort. Parking is free.

Attractions and Neighbourhoods near Big Cat Rescue

Lowry Park Zoo

Hands-on animal activities, a manatee hospital and children’s rides are among the top attractions at this popular animal park.

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

Exotic animals and thrill rides all on the one site at this theme park and zoo designed for the whole family.

Adventure Island

Experience a thrilling combination of gravity, water and state-of-the art rides and slides at this water park for all ages.

Museum of Science and Industry

Hands-on, interactive exhibits help you experience the science in everything, from the workings of the human body to natural disasters, space exploration and drones.

Tampa Museum of Art

This waterfront museum boasts a rich collection of Greek and Roman antiquities, and 20th-century fine art.

Hotels near Big Cat Rescue

Ramada by Wyndham Tampa Airport Westshore

1200 N Westshore Blvd

Rated 3.2 / 5 by Guests

Located in Carver City - Lincoln Gardens, this hotel is within 1 mi (2 km) of International Plaza and Bay Street and Westshore Plaza Mall. Raymond James Stadium and Tampa Bay are also within 3 mi (5 km).

Embassy Suites Tampa Downtown

513 S Florida Ave

Rated 4.3 / 5 by Guests

Located in Downtown Tampa, this hotel is within a 10-minute walk of Tampa Convention Center and Amalie Arena. Port of Tampa and Florida Aquarium are also within 15 minutes. Tampa Union Station is 19 minutes by foot.

The Westshore Grand, A Tribute Portfolio Hotel, Tampa

4860 West Kennedy Boulevard

Rated 4.2 / 5 by Guests

Located in Beach Park, this hotel is within 3 mi (5 km) of Westshore Plaza Mall, Raymond James Stadium, and Tampa Bay. Cypress Point Park and International Plaza and Bay Street are also within 2 mi (3 km).

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Tampa Airport - Westshore

4500 W Cypress St

Rated 3.8 / 5 by Guests

Located in Carver City - Lincoln Gardens, this hotel is within 1 mi (2 km) of Westshore Plaza Mall, International Plaza and Bay Street, and Cigar City Brewery. Cypress Point Park and Tampa Bay are also within 3 mi (5 km).

Chase Suite Hotel Tampa

3075 N Rocky Point Dr

Rated 3.7 / 5 by Guests

Situated on the waterfront, this aparthotel is within 1 mi (2 km) of Ben T. Davis Beach and Tampa Bay. Cypress Point Park and Rocky Point Golf Course are also within 3 mi (5 km).

Sailport Waterfront Suites

2506 N Rocky Point Dr

Rated 3.9 / 5 by Guests

Situated on the waterfront, this aparthotel is within 1 mi (2 km) of Ben T. Davis Beach and Tampa Bay. Cypress Point Park and Rocky Point Golf Course are also within 3 mi (5 km).

Sheraton Sand Key Resort

1160 Gulf Blvd

Rated 4.2 / 5 by Guests

Nestled on the beach, this Sand Key resort is within 1 mi (2 km) of Sand Key Park and Captain Blighs Landing. Beach Walk and Pier 60 Park are also within 3 mi (5 km).

Hilton Clearwater Beach Resort & Spa

400 Mandalay Ave

Rated 3.8 / 5 by Guests

Nestled on the beach, this Clearwater Beach hotel is just steps from Beach Walk and Pier 60 Park. Clearwater Municipal Marina and Captain Blighs Landing are also within 1 mi (2 km).

The Westin Tampa Waterside

725 S Harbour Island Blvd

Rated 3.9 / 5 by Guests

Located in Harbour Island, this hotel is within a 10-minute walk of Tampa Riverwalk, Tampa Convention Center, and Amalie Arena. Port of Tampa and Florida Aquarium are also within 1 mi (2 km). Tampa Union Station is 24 minutes by foot.

Tampa Marriott Water Street

505 Water Street

Rated 4.3 / 5 by Guests

Located in Downtown Tampa, this hotel is within a 5-minute walk of Tampa Convention Center and Amalie Arena. Port of Tampa and Florida Aquarium are also within 15 minutes. Tampa Union Station is 20 minutes by foot.

Hilton Tampa Downtown

211 N Tampa Street

Rated 4.1 / 5 by Guests

Located in Downtown Tampa, this hotel is within a 10-minute walk of Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, Glazer Children's Museum, and Tampa Convention Center. Tampa Museum of Art and Amalie Arena are also within 15 minutes. Tampa Union Station is 15 minutes by foot.

Hyatt Place Tampa Airport/Westshore

4811 W Main St

Rated 4.3 / 5 by Guests

Located in the heart of Tampa, this hotel is within 1 mi (2 km) of International Plaza and Bay Street, Westshore Plaza Mall, and Cypress Point Park. Cigar City Brewery and Tampa Bay are also within 2 mi (3 km).

La Quinta Inn by Wyndham Tampa Near Busch Gardens

9202 N 30th St(718), (718)

Rated 3.3 / 5 by Guests

Located in Terrace Park, this hotel is within 2 mi (3 km) of Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, University of South Florida, and Adventure Island. Moffitt Cancer Center is 2.7 mi (4.3 km) away.

Clearwater Beach Hotel

504 S. Gulfview Blvd.

Rated 3.6 / 5 by Guests

Situated on the waterfront, this hotel is within a 5-minute walk of Beach Walk and Clearwater Beach. Sand Key Park and Pier 60 Park are also within 2 mi (3 km).

Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay

2900 Bayport Drive

Rated 4.5 / 5 by Guests

Located in the heart of Tampa, this eco-friendly hotel is 0.6 mi (0.9 km) from Tampa Bay and 3 mi (4.8 km) from Westshore Plaza Mall. Cypress Point Park and Rocky Point Golf Course are also within 2 mi (3 km).

Quality Inn & Conference Center

2701 E Fowler Ave

Rated 3.3 / 5 by Guests

This family-friendly Tampa hotel is located in the business district, within 1 mi (2 km) of University Mall and University of South Florida. Moffitt Cancer Center and Busch Gardens Tampa Bay are also within 3 mi (5 km).

Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach Resort & Spa

301 S Gulfview Blvd

Rated 4.4 / 5 by Guests

Located in Clearwater Beach, this beachfront resort is in the entertainment district and within a 5-minute walk of Beach Walk, Pier 60 Park, and Clearwater Beach. Clearwater Municipal Marina and Captain Blighs Landing are also within 15 minutes.

Hyatt Place Busch Gardens

11408 N 30th St

Rated 4.2 / 5 by Guests

Located in Terrace Park, this hotel is within 1 mi (2 km) of University of South Florida Botanical Gardens and University of South Florida. Moffitt Cancer Center and Busch Gardens Tampa Bay are also within 2 mi (3 km).

Sheraton Tampa Riverwalk Hotel

200 N Ashley Dr

Rated 3.9 / 5 by Guests

Located in Downtown Tampa, this hotel is steps from Florida Museum of Photographic Arts and Tampa Riverwalk. Tampa Convention Center and Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park are also within 10 minutes. Tampa Union Station is 15 minutes by foot.

Holiday Inn Tampa Westshore - Airport Area, an IHG Hotel

700 N Westshore Blvd

Rated 4.2 / 5 by Guests

Situated near the airport, this hotel is within 1 mi (2 km) of International Plaza and Bay Street and Westshore Plaza Mall. Raymond James Stadium and Tampa Bay are also within 3 mi (5 km).

Sandpearl Resort

500 Mandalay Ave

Rated 4.6 / 5 by Guests

Nestled on the beach, this Clearwater Beach resort is within a 10-minute walk of Clearwater Beach, Beach Walk, and Pier 60 Park. Sand Key Park is 2.7 mi (4.3 km) away.

Tampa Airport Marriott

4200 George J. Bean Parkway

Rated 4.5 / 5 by Guests

Located in Tampa, this family-friendly hotel is 3 mi (4.8 km) from George M. Steinbrenner Field, and within 6 mi (10 km) of International Plaza and Bay Street and Cigar City Brewery. Raymond James Stadium and Tampa Theater are also within 9 mi (15 km).

Red Roof Inn PLUS+ & Suites Tampa

11310 N 30th Street

Rated 3.8 / 5 by Guests

Situated in the entertainment district, this hotel is within 1 mi (2 km) of University of South Florida Botanical Gardens and University of South Florida. Moffitt Cancer Center and Busch Gardens Tampa Bay are also within 2 mi (3 km).

Gulfview Hotel on the Beach

625 S Gulfview Blvd

Rated 3.3 / 5 by Guests

Nestled on the beach, this Clearwater Beach hotel is within a 10-minute walk of Captain Blighs Landing, Clearwater Beach, and Beach Walk. Sand Key Park and Pier 60 Park are also within 2 mi (3 km).