The Big Cat Sanctuary

Call Directions Website Contact the organisation

The Big Cat Sanctuary Global Wild Cat Charity in Kent, UK
🛏️ Stay at The Retreat
👇 Book • Experience • Become a Member
(3741)

The Big Cat Sanctuary is a registered animal charity whose aim is to contribute to global conservation. The peace and tranquillity of the site provide sanctuary and excellent conditions for the successful breeding of the beautiful, yet endangered cats both large and small within the coordinated global breeding programmes.

Swipe to see Rori run! 🏃👉One of our keepers captured Rori truly in action. Did you know lions can up to a top speed of 5...
18/10/2026

Swipe to see Rori run! 🏃👉

One of our keepers captured Rori truly in action. Did you know lions can up to a top speed of 50mph? Lions are built for explosive acceleration rather than endurance, so they can only maintain this top speed for short distances.

Lionesses are leaner and faster, reaching the full speed of 50mph, whilst male lions are weighed down by bulk and thick manes and typically reach around 35-40mph. 💨

Your favourite cat = your festive gift 🎁Are you searching for the perfect gift for your cat lover friend or family? Why ...
17/10/2026

Your favourite cat = your festive gift 🎁

Are you searching for the perfect gift for your cat lover friend or family? Why not give them a gift that gives back this festive season. From adopting their favourite cat, to The Big Cat Sanctuary official calendar for 2027, or even signing them up to become a Member! ✨

Every gift given from the Sanctuary directly supports the everyday care of our cats as well as conservation efforts to protect & preserve the future of wild cats across the world. 🌎

Check out our festive gifts 👉 https://bit.ly/4s9hFa3

16/10/2026

Winter at the Sanctuary just got an upgrade! ❄️🤩

We’re proud to be sponsored by Pudl, who have given our keeper team fully waterproof, breathable suits to see them through the colder months. As well as keeping the team warm and dry, the suits are part of our biosecurity measures, helping us protect the health of the cats in our care. 💪🏻

We will also be providing suits to our overnight lodge stay guests on those colder & rainier days to keep them protected during their stay, so they can enjoy their Big Cat Experience, whatever the weather ✨

Thank you, Pudl, for making life a little easier for the team who care for our cats, rain or shine! 🌦️🐾

15/10/2026

Happy Birthday Leia! 🎉

Today is Leia, our amur leopard’s 9th birthday! Born in 2017, Leia joined the Sanctuary in 2022 and quickly settled right in! With her striking face markings, long whiskers and confident personality, she’s a truly stunning cat who’s captured everyone’s hearts. 🥰

Living alongside her partner, Luka, they both play an important role in the International Breeding Programme. Amur leopards are one of the world’s most critically endangered species, making Leia & Luka an important pair to secure the future of their species. 🌍

Join us in wishing Leia a Happy Birthday below 👇

14/10/2026

Meet Bua, our mainland clouded leopard 🐾

Did you know her name means “lotus” in Thai, a fitting symbol of beauty and resilience? From her love of climbing high to her quiet independence, Bua continues to steal our hearts whilst helping us raise awareness for her wild cousins.

Mainland clouded leopard’s are currently classed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List with their main threats being habitat loss, deforestation, and poaching. We are proud to be home to Bua & Django who are part of the Endangered Species Programme with hope for them to one day have cubs of their own to protect and preserve the future of their species. 🌍

13/10/2026

The UK’s most unique wildlife Afternoon Tea ☕️✨

Inspired by our ambassador Paul Hollywood, indulge in an afternoon tea overlooking our incredible white lionesses, Izulu & Zuri. 🦁

Enjoy a selection of sweet and savoury treats and experience wildlife up close. Just one hour away from London, gain full day access to the Sanctuary and meet all of our big & small cats. 🐾

Book your Autumn/Winter experience today 👉 https://bit.ly/4qcySgq

The Shortlist is here! 🦁🎨We are excited to share the next round of our first ever art competition has been decided. We h...
12/10/2026

The Shortlist is here! 🦁🎨

We are excited to share the next round of our first ever art competition has been decided. We had so many incredible pieces submitted to us, from paintings of lions to sketches of tigers.

In aid of wild cat conservation, these entries are more than just art. They are supporting the future of these wild cats here at the Sanctuary and across the world. A huge THANK YOU to everyone who submitted their art in, it was an incredibly difficult decision to cut down to the final few.

Judged by CEO of The Big Cat Sanctuary, Lynn Whitnall and local wildlife artists, Sarah Lake, Danielle Tomlinson & Alex Petkovic. These are just a handful of the shortlisted entries, you can view the whole list on our Youtube! 👉 https://youtu.be/_wh5iGsqXDE

Stay tuned for October 19th as the auction for the longlisted art will go LIVE! ✨

11/10/2026

Django’s Sunday Mood 💤

Our CCTV captured the most wholesome moment of Django, our mainland clouded leopard, getting all snuggly in his bed. 🛌

Clouded leopards are crepuscular, meaning they are most active at dusk & dawn and primary nocturnal. They spend long stretches sleeping or dozing through the daylight hours to conserve the high energy needed for hunting. 🐾

10/10/2026

An update on our serval, Samia! 🩻🐾

Over the last few months, our keeper team noticed behavioural changes with Samia, our serval. From coming in and out of season more frequently than expected, to a slight loss of appetite to an appearance of a swell on Samia’s lower abdomen. Our team made the decision to take a closer look at Samia through an ultrasound peformed by our vets… 🩻

Find out more on what the ultrasound revealed in the full Youtube video! 👉 https://youtu.be/ya0GMq0Qpys

Roar if you’re excited for the weekend! 🐾Vanda’s got that Friday feeling, bring on long naps, and weekend vibes! 🌞🐾 ...
09/10/2026

Roar if you’re excited for the weekend! 🐾

Vanda’s got that Friday feeling, bring on long naps, and weekend vibes! 🌞🐾

Address

Headcorn Road
Ashford
TN278PJ

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm
Saturday 9am - 5pm
Sunday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+441233439150

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when The Big Cat Sanctuary posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Organisation

Send a message to The Big Cat Sanctuary:

Shortcuts

Share