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Big Cat Experiences

Lions, tigers and leopards, oh my! Our big cat encounters provide animal lovers with the unique chance to get up close and personal to some fantastic beasts (lions, tigers, cheetahs, leopards and more) whether it’s feeding time or a day as a ranger.

These experiences are the perfect chance to release the inner zoologist while learning fascinating facts about each magnificent animal from experts in the field. Has feeding the lions by hand been a lifelong dream? Or does tea with a tiger sound like the perfect day out? With a fierce selection of lion experiences, tiger experiences and more to choose from among our animal adventures, there will be something to satisfy the big cat enthusiast in all of us!

Big Cat Feeding Experience

Get up close and personal with one a fierce feline with a feeding experience at zoos and wildlife parks and safaris across the UK. Bold explorers will be given a thorough safety briefing from a professional, then it’s time to prepare the feast. Hand feed a lion their dinner or fling meat into a cheetah’s enclosure. It's a memorable adventure, whichever beast honorary zookeepers choose to feed. Guests even leave with a goody bag and a certificate to flaunt.

Big Cat Encounters

Take a walk on the wild side during a ferocious rendezvous with some of the world’s most majestic feline species. Know someone who’s always wanted to come face-to-face with fascinating animals from exotic continents across the globe? A big cat animal encounter with a lynx, lion, snow leopard and cheetah will give an insight into the conservation status as well as interesting information and fun facts on the species.

Become a Zookeeper for the Day

Give a zookeeper a hand with their duties by becoming a ranger or zookeeper for a day. Head down to the WHF Big Cat Sanctuary in Kent to meet some endangered felines whilst lending a hand at mealtime, cleaning the enclosures and general site upkeep. In the afternoon, refuel with a lunch buffet before finishing off the day’s work.

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Real Customer Stories

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Mal · 13-09-2024

Superb experience

Amazing time spent learning about the different species of Big Cat, seeing them calm and well cared for in a natural environment with plenty of space to roam and laze. Very friendly guide who really knew his stuff and was totally committed to the welfare of these beautiful creatures. Being able to get close enough to feed the cats is a special privilege. Wonderful experience for any cat lover.
Weekday Big Cat Encounter at The Big Cat Sanctuary
Pantsbird · 16-09-2024

Brilliant experience!

Had a brilliant day at the Big Cat Sanctuary. We took part in cleaning the enclosures as well as feeding some of the cats. We were guided round the sanctuary and received a behind the scene look at what happens day to day
Weekday Ranger for a Day at The Big Cat Sanctuary
Lee · 20-07-2025

An amazing day on the lemur liaison and meerkat meet

Had an amazing time on the lemur liaison and meerkat meet. Having the opportunity to feed them inside their enclosure was an experience I’ll never forget. I was really impressed that it was just us on the experience-they don’t book more than one group together, which meant the keeper was able to impart lots of information about the animals. After the experience, we really enjoyed visiting the rest of the zoo. The enclosures were nice and modern and the zoo felt more intimate, with keepers stopping a couple of times to tell us more information about the animals. For a small zoo, I saw animals I’ve never see before, such as binturongs, margays and civets. It was a really special day and I really couldn’t recommend highly enough.
Animal Experiences Choice Voucher
Neil · 13-11-2022

Fantastic experience with the big cats

Jo was an excellent host and I thoroughly enjoyed my experience. Hand feeding the cats (an Amur leopard and a jaguar) was brilliant, and it was great to learn about the sanctuary's cats and conservation efforts.
Weekend Big Cat Encounter at The Big Cat Sanctuary
Clairy · 15-11-2022

Best gift ever

This was a truly amazing experience I already want to do it again all members of staff were amazing and helpful loved it
Weekend Big Cat Ranger for a Day at The Big Cat Sanctuary