The Big Cat Sanctuary
Passionate About the Conservation and Rescue of Wild Cats Around the World
Nestled in the heart of the Kent countryside in Smarden, The Big Cat Sanctuary is a world-renowned centre committed to the conservation, welfare, and rescue of wild cats. Our work plays a vital role in protecting some of the planet’s most threatened and iconic species from the brink of extinction.
The Sanctuary is proud to contribute to globally accredited breeding programmes aimed at safeguarding genetic diversity and supporting the survival of endangered species. We work closely with international conservation partners to improve wild cat welfare and protection efforts across the globe. Our commitment extends to impactful rescue missions, most notably the successful rehoming of five lions from war-torn Ukraine between 2024 and 2025, giving them a safe and secure future.
To support our mission, we offer a range of memberships and adoptions that provide vital funding for our work. These programmes allow supporters to form a meaningful connection with our cats, while enjoying exclusive updates, behind the scenes content, and special benefits. Whether you’re adopting a snow leopard or becoming an Apex Member, your support makes a real difference to the lives of the animals in our care and to wild cat conservation efforts globally.
Visitors to The Big Cat Sanctuary can enjoy a range of unforgettable, immersive experiences including overnight stays in luxury lodges, big cat encounters, afternoon teas, ranger days, photography workshops, and educational tours. These experiences not only support our work but also help to educate and inspire the public about the importance of conservation.
Everything we do is guided by our core pillars: Welfare, Breeding, Education, Conservation, and Rescue, a mission driven approach that underpins every action we take to ensure a future for wild cats across the globe.
