[1]Sarasota’s Big Cat Habitat Has Absolutely No Connection With Tampa’s Big Cat Rescue.
The nonprofit Big Cat Habitat and Gulf Coast Sanctuary, that rescues exotic and other animals that traditional shelter’s will not take since 1986, is the victim of mistaken identity.
“People are confusing Big Cat Habitat with Big Cat Rescue in Tampa, which is the subject of recent negative news reports about fundraising and animal husbandry practices,” said Kay Rosaire, founder of Big Cat Habitat, which has no affiliation with Big Cat Rescue.
“Our family has worked with and cared for animals for nine generations, and Big Cat Habitat and Gulf Coast Sanctuary grew out of my desire to rescue big cats with whom I’ve worked for more than 30 years,” Rosaire said. “Today, we rescue much more than just big cats and provide a permanent home for every animal we take in.”
Rosaire also said Big Cat Habitat’s philosophy is not only to provide for the animals’ physical welfare, but also to provide enrichment, stimulation and emotional support. “Whenever possible, we try to house our animals together because having companions is more stimulating than being in a cage alone,” she said. “Every animal here has a name and is greeted and acknowledged because we believe that the human-animal bond is a profound connection and is very beneficial.”
More than 80 percent of Big Cat Habitat’s funds to support the operation of the rescue are raised by tours and educational animal demonstrations. The habitat is currently on its summer schedule with Sunset Safaris from 4:30 to 7 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. It returns to its winter schedule on Wednesday, Oct. 19th, with hours from 12:30pm to 4pm Wednesday through Sunday.
More information is available at www.BigCatHabitat.org [2] or by calling (941) 371.6377.
[3]