We have found that the drier, warmer climate in Northern California is ideal for big cats and most exotic wildlife, especially given that we provide adequate water, shade, and other shelter from excessive heat.  It’s also just so purr-ty!

We are equipped to house up to 300 animals based on our size, but the number fluctuates, and we never overcrowd our residents.

We generally provide permanent, lifetime homes for our residents (except animals staying with us solely for rehabilitation purposes). Fur-real – we offer lifetime care!

Many animals are abandoned, neglected, and/or unwanted, some are found deplorably living in backyards, basements, or garages, and others are captured by local officials or retired from a life in the circus, zoo, or other animal businesses.  Others are orphaned, older, or simply misfits, and all are non-releasable.  Some animals are part of a special breeding plan designed to keep the species from going extinct.  Some of our most special residents are disabled or special needs animals that mainstream “zoos” don’t want or simply aren’t equipped to handle.  Effectively, we’re where animals come to retire.

Unfortunately, once an animal is held in captivity, it generally can no longer survive in the wild because it loses its survival and hunting skills (or never learned them in the first place).  In short, most would starve.  And, in many cases, mankind has continued to destroy their natural habitats, meaning that oftentimes they have nowhere to go.

Our cats are super cathletic!  All animals receive daily exercise and play activities, but like house cats, most naturally sleep a lot – up to 20 hours per day.  We also have various routines to periodically remove them from their enclosures to give them more opportunity to enjoy life.  Importantly, enrichment activities, such as introducing new scents, items, and other stimulations to the animals, allow them to explore their habitat, prevent boredom, and improve their overall welfare.

Unfortunately, there are some extreme, cruel zealots who believe that it’s better for animals to go extinct than to live in captivity for any reason.  That is simply wrong.  Importantly, our facility only uses “oversized” enclosures with ample size, platforms, and other enrichment opportunities, so we strive to keep our animals as happy as possible and always go above and beyond.  Have no doubt, not a day goes by that we don’t imagine what our lives would be like if we too lived in confinement.  However, there’s simply no alternative for our residents because nearly all of them are non-releasable due to previous captivity under exploitative circumstances (and the corresponding lack of survival skills).  The other reason limited captivity is needed is because humans have destroyed many species’ natural habitats and/or hunted them to near-extinction, thus necessitating special breeding programs to keep the species alive.  Our vision for the future would be one where our facility is entirely unneeded and exotic wildlife can live in the wild in their natural habitat in large enough numbers to securely continue the various species.

No and No!  Some species are apex predators, and none can ever be “tamed” as they are truly wild animals.  Importantly, we do not train any animals to do “tricks” as that is disruptive to their natural behaviors.

This varies by species and each animal’s health background before arriving at our sanctuary.  Some animals only have a 10-year lifespan while others can live over 30 years.

Great question!  Pumas and cheetahs purr, but lions, tigers, and most other big cats cannot.  The general rule of thumb is that if they roar, they cannot purr.  Interestingly, tigers, snow leopards, and clouded leopards make a unique sound called “chuffing” by rumbling their throat and blowing air through their nostrils.

It depends on the species, as each has a specific diet formulated to enhance their health.  Many of our residents are disabled and receive special diets and supplements.  Most are carnivores, so they consume some assortment of meats and poultry, and sometimes mice-cream for dessert!  Some of the larger animals eat 20+ pounds of meat per day!  We never feed live and never allow the animals to hunt.  Sometimes, they enjoy plants, but never as-purr-agus!

Generally, most animals fast one day per week, because in the wild, most are not lucky enough to successfully hunt every day.  This is healthy, and most get bones to gnaw on.

Food, veterinary care, maintenance, and staffing are among the largest costs.  It costs upwards of $300,000 annually to keep the sanctuary running, with some special needs animals along costing more than $8,000 annually.  That said, we can always use your donations.

Absolutely, paw-sitively!  Among others, we are licensed by the USDA and State of California.  Importantly, we have a highly-qualified veterinarian on retainer who is available 24/7 if needed.

We are a non-profit organization funded mostly by private donors.  Most of our funding comes from grassroots donations from people and companies who share our passion for wildlife conservation.

Our founder and primary financial donor provides oversight of our organization and is supported by professional employees and wonderful volunteers who have extensive animal husbandry experience.  We have a permanent veterinarian who regular visits our facility to provide extensive care for our animals.

You can volunteer, donate, follow us on our social media platforms, adopt from your local shelter, and consciously choose to not support organizations that exploit animals.

Contact Us.

Caring for exotic wildlife and the issues surrounding their care are complicated, and we strive to educate the public on our beliefs and mission.  We are very responsive and happy to discuss anything, so just Contact Us.

We’re too busy for jokes, so stop kitten around!

Yes.  Here is more information.

We offer tours to expand our mission to educate the public about the plights of endangered exotic wildlife, particularly exotic cats.  Close-up tours provide a much greater level of appreciation than reading about a species in a book or watching on television.  One struggles to care about something that he knows nothing about or has not seen closely enough to appreciate.  Simply put, the impressive, majestic nature of many of these creatures is much easier to appreciate in person.

Reservations are not necessary for general visitation, but we recommend them for guided tours and larger groups.

No, at least not most of them.  It is generally illegal and disruptive to exotic animals to allow public contact.  And besides, large carnivorous predators are not your furr-end!

Yes.  Most schools collect all admission fees from students and then pre-pay for their visit via check.  Please see our Tours page.

Yes.

Please see our Tours page.

Absolutely, so long as there is no flash and no yelling or taunting of the animals.  Sometimes it takes a meow-ment to get the perfect shot, so be patient.  Please just be sure to tag our social media pages when posting photos and encourage others to donate to support our residents!

We are a cashless facility, so all admission fees must be paid via credit card and can be purchased here.  We accept all major credit cards and Apple Pay.

Generally, yes, unless it’s unsafe to be outside.  Please check our Facebook to confirm tour availability during adverse weather (including excessive heat) or on holidays.

Yes.

Yes.  You can also buy our swag here (ADD LINK).

Yes, we have a limited selection of snacks and beverages and encourage visitors to picnic under our covered pavilion.  We do not permit alcohol or smoking.

No.  This is for the safety of all parties.

California Wildlife Refuge, Inc., is not affiliated with any other animal sanctuary or similar facility and its registered trade name, Big Cat Refuge, should not be confused with any other animal-related organization.

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