REAL Exclusive Magazine

Big Cat Habitat and Gulf Coast Sanctuary

Sarasota, Florida

By Tracy Eisnaugle

Photography by Richard Czina

Respect – Love – Sanctuary for Life

Showcasing Sarasota’s wild side, Big Cat Habitat and Gulf Coast Sanctuary is a non-profit refuge for large cats, bears and other exotic animals in need of a safe haven. The sanctuary was founded by Kay Rosaire, who began rescuing big cats in 1987. Kay is an eighth generation animal trainer with over thirty years of experience working with and caring for exotic animals. The Rosaire’s are known internationally for their animal training talents, their work within the entertainment and film industry, and as animal advocates and educators.

The Sanctuary became a non-profit organization focused on rescuing big cats and other exotic wildlife from unhealthy situations, giving these abandoned creatures a lifetime commitment of love and care. Kay states, “Our goal is to educate the public by fostering appreciation for animals and stressing the importance of habitat preservation.” Kay and her son Clayton present educational training demonstrations open the public. These informative and entertaining demonstrations showcase the animal’s impressive strength and skills, while also discussing the importance of habitat preservation. Their hope is that through education and awareness they can save these amazing creatures from extinction in the wild. Kay passionately declares, “If we do not take care of the animals we are not going to have any left.” The Rosaire’s extraordinary ability to build relationships and to interact with wild animals makes every demonstration at the Big Cat Habitat an exciting experience. Demonstrations at the sanctuary allow visitors to be in close vicinity to the animals and to observe the animal’s natural behaviors and their unique personalities. The Rosaire family’s distinctive handling method focuses on gentle interactions, praise and treats encouraging mutual respect and honoring the animal’s natural behaviors. As Kay guides visitors through the facility one can see the mutual love and respect between Kay and her adopted animal family.

Take a walk on the wild side and experience The Big Cat Habitat and Gulf Coast Sanctuary. Enjoy the thirty acre facility and learn about the exotic and endangered animals including multiple big cat species – African Lions, Royal Bengal Tigers, Florida Panthers, leopards, Siberian Tigers and rare White Tigers, along with a vast variety of bears, monkeys, camels, lemurs and chimpanzees. Children and adults will also enjoy the tamer petting zoo area. This amazing animal safe haven is supported by the income produced from the demonstrations and generous donations. The dedicated hard work to run and maintain the facility is provided by a highly skilled staff of professional care givers and a group of wonderful volunteers, which is crucial to the support of the sanctuary and to the animals that call it home. You can contribute to the livelihood of the Big Cat Habitat by: an intermittent donation, monthly sponsorship of the animal of your choice, planned giving, “Win-Win Wish List” donation, or volunteering your unique skills. Call or visit their website to learn about special events, guided tours and educational demonstrations.

Big Cat Habitat and Gulf Coast Sanctuary
7101 Palmer Blvd.
Sarasota, Fl. 34232
941.371.6377
www.bigcathabitat.org

THE WIN-WIN “WISH LIST” FOR DONATIONS
Misc
• Closed circuit security system with video surveillance
• Outdoor lighting

Food/Feeds
• Produce (especially Carrots & Lettuce)
• Beef and Chicken

Tools
• Construction Wheelbarrows
• Garden hoses
• Outdoor extension cords
• Electric tools
• Paint
• Paint brushes and rollers
• Shovels
• Paint brushes and rollers

Landscaping
• Shade trees
• Shrubs and bushes
• Hanging basket
• Fruit trees
• Bricks and pavers
• Fountain and koi pond

Office Equipment
• Computers
• Printers color and black and white
• Desks
• Digital camera
• General office small supplies
• Paper
• Walkie-talkies
• PA system
• Telephone system
• Calculators
• Television, VCR and DVD player Equipment
• PVC Fittings, all sizes
• PVC Pipe, 1″, 2″, 4″, 6″
• Chain saws (gasoline)
• Rechargeable tools
• Cement tools
• Chain Link Fencing – and 11 gauge, 8′ minimum
• Freezers (for meat for the big cats)
• Fans
• Heaters
• Trash Bags 13 gal and 33 gal
• Self-propelled lawn mower

Toys/Interactivity
• Boomer Balls for Big Cats
• Boomer Balls for Bears
• Empty Beer Kegs for play

Kitchen Equipment
• Stainless steel pots
• Blenders
• Refrigerators
• Flat bottom stainless steel bowls

Special Items
• Metal Pipes
• Lots and lots of shade cloth
• Bobcats
• Forks Lifts
• Back Hoes
• Generators (gasoline)
• Industrial power washers (gas or electric)
• Air compressors
• Welding and Cutting Equipment
• Pickup trucks
• Dump Trucks
• Water Trucks
ALL WORKING VEHICLES WELCOME! AUTOMOBILES / MOBILE-HOMES