The Big Cat Habitat and Gulf Coast Sanctuary is an animal sanctuary home for rescued big and exotic cats and other wildlife that provides rehabilitation and a haven in which to live. Founded by Kay Rosaire in 1987, the Big Cat Habitat in Sarasota is a non-profit organization that also aims to educate the public on the importance of animal conservation and habitat preservation. The sanctuary is home to a variety of exotic animals, including lions, tigers, bears, primates and tortoises and visitors can experience the animals in their natural habitats or watch a training demonstration that highlights the power and beauty of these magnificent creatures.

Big Cat Habitat in Sarasota, FL
   Big Cat Habitat Training & Demonstrations
   Plan Your Visit

Big Cat Habitat Training & Demonstrations

Big Cat Habitat Training & Demonstrations

© Big Cat Habitat and Gulf Coast Sanctuary

The sanctuary features three indoor/outdoor housing habitats with areas for exercising the animals. Each space has a large swimming pool, palm trees, and plenty of toys to keep the animals occupied, provide emotional enrichment, and maintain optimal mental and physical health.

Visitors can watch a variety of educational training demonstrations with the animals using positive reinforcement techniques that have been developed over the year by Kay. The presentations highlight the unique relationships Kay and her team have with the animals and how gentle handling, praise and rewards for good behavior encourages the natural behaviors of large cats. Some of the animals that partake in the demonstrations include African Lions, Royal Bengal Tigers, Rare White Tigers, and endangered Siberian Tigers.

Daily shows at the Sanctuary include Parrots in Paradise, where brightly colored parrots display intelligence and strength in a fantastic 20-minute educational talk, and Big Cat Encounter, which is an up close and personal discussion that showcases the incredible agility and intelligence of big cats and other wildlife such as primates. There is also a daily guest appearance by Chance the Chimpanzee. Comedic and informative, every demonstration focuses on the importance of animal conservation and habitat preservation and occasionally hosts special volunteer guests.


Plan Your Visit

Plan Your Visit

© Big Cat Habitat and Gulf Coast Sanctuary

Big Cat Habitat and Gulf Coast Sanctuary is a non-profit organization that is backed by the income from welcome donations and daily demonstrations at the habitat. Volunteers play a critical part in support of the sanctuary, contributing to the expansion of the habitat and ongoing care for the animals. Visitors can help the Sanctuary in various ways, including donations, monthly sponsorship of an animal of choice, planned to give and to volunteer.

Big Cat Habitat and Gulf Coast Sanctuary is located at 7101 Palmer Boulevard in Sarasota.

Back to: Sarasota, FL

7101 Palmer Blvd, Sarasota, FL 34240, website, Phone: 941-371-6377, Map


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