What does Big Cat Rescue do?

Big Cat Rescue, officially known as Big Cat Rescue Corp., is a non-profit educational sanctuary dedicated to the rescue and protection of exotic cats. Founded on November 4, 1992, by Don Lewis and Carole Baskin, the organization is headquartered in Tampa, Florida. It is accredited by the Global Federation of Sanctuaries and recognized for its financial transparency by Charity Navigator. The sanctuary is home to over 100 exotic cats, including lions, tigers, bobcats, and leopards, most of whom are survivors of abuse or abandonment. Big Cat Rescue provides lifetime care, medical support, and habitat enrichment for these animals. The organization also focuses on public education about the dangers of the exotic pet trade and advocates for the Big Cat Public Safety Act to end private ownership of big cats in the U.S. Additionally, it funds global conservation projects to protect wild feline populations and reduce threats like poaching and habitat loss.