The Big Cat Sanctuary

The Big Cat Sanctuary The Big Cat Sanctuary is a registered animal charity whose aim is to contribute to global conservation.
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🌍 Protection is our passion
🐾 Centre for Species Survival Cats
⭐️ Become a Member today
A non-profit sanctuary for welfare, breeding, education, rescue & conservation The peace and tranquillity of the site provide sanctuary and excellent conditions for the successful breeding of the beautiful, yet endangered cats both large and small within the coordinated global breeding programmes.

11/06/2026

Today is Ursa’s Birthday, our rescued lynx from the war in Ukraine. 🧡

Like many rescue animals, we don’t know exactly when Ursa was born.

But today is International Lynx Day, and also the birthday of Grace Sampson, who co-founded The Big Cat Sanctuary alongside Peter Sampson, making it the perfect day to celebrate this incredible lynx.

So from today onwards, 11th June is officially Ursa’s birthday. 🎉

Happy 3rd Birthday, Ursa. After everything you’ve been through, we’re so glad you’re home, safe, and loved. 🐾🧡

10/06/2026

Did someone say the BEST moments of our lynx’s all in one video? 🤩

At the Sanctuary, we are home to Rhys & Ursa, our two rescued Eurasian lynxs’ & Blob, our rescued bobcat.

Did you know there are actually FOUR species of lynxs? The Eurasian lynx, the Iberian lynx, the Canadian lynx, and the bobcat! 🤔

We are currently building a brand new home at the Sanctuary for Ursa, Rhys, Blob & Boson (our rescued fishing cat) which will be completed by Big Cat Fest, our biggest annual fundraiser!

In honour of International Lynx Day tomorrow, why not grab yourself some tickets to come & meet one of the world’s most incredible species! 🥰

🔗 https://bit.ly/BIGCATFESTTICKETS

Most people can't identify a big cat by its pattern 👀Leopard, cheetah, jaguar, their prints are everywhere on the high s...
09/06/2026

Most people can't identify a big cat by its pattern 👀

Leopard, cheetah, jaguar, their prints are everywhere on the high street, but do you actually know which cat inspired your favourite pattern?

Swipe to test your knowledge. 🐆

Members' Day is BACK! 🦁On Sunday 28th June, the Sanctuary opens its gates exclusively to our Members for a full day behi...
08/06/2026

Members' Day is BACK! 🦁

On Sunday 28th June, the Sanctuary opens its gates exclusively to our Members for a full day behind the scenes with the cats, the keepers, and the conservation work that drives everything we do.

This one is themed around Education and if you've ever wanted to understand the deeper story behind what we do here, this is the day for it. 🤩

You can also grab a SIGNED copy of Cam Whitnall’s debut book ‘Lion Heart’ on the day.

🌿 Not a member yet? Join today and secure your place at the next one.

🔗 https://bit.ly/MembershipBCS

07/06/2026

POV: It's June & it's raining... 👀

Maya has officially summed up June better than any weather forecast could. At least one of us is embracing it. 🌧️

05/06/2026

Something BIG is coming to Kent this summer. 🤩

Big Cat Fest is back for 2026, and this year we're going bigger than ever. We're so excited to finally show you what we've been working on behind the scenes, including the brand new Small Cat Rescue Centre and Rusty-Spotted Cat Conservation Centre, both opening at the festival for the very first time. 🎉

Plus everything you already love about Big Cat Fest: incredible keeper talks & enrichment, unique live performances, and an experience unlike anything else in the UK, all set against the backdrop of the Sanctuary you know and love.

Running across two weekends this summer from 29th July to 2nd August and 5th to 9th August in Headcorn, Kent. Don’t miss out, weekend dates are already selling fast.

🌿 Grab your tickets before they're gone. https://bit.ly/BIGCATFESTTICKETS

04/06/2026

Did you know some of our cats don't eat every single day? 👀

Our big cats like lions follow a 'feast and famine' diet to replicate the natural eating pattern they would have in the wild. In the wild, lions have a hunting success rate of around 20%, meaning they would typically only eat every three to four days.

Our small cats, on the other hand, have a higher hunting success rate as they typically hunt smaller prey such as mice or birds. 🐦

So to replicate that, our small cats actually get a 'breakfast' and a 'dinner' every single day! 🍴

03/06/2026

A Deeper Dive into The Rusty-Spotted Cat Conservation Centre 👀

The UK's largest Rusty Spotted Cat habitat is taking shape right before our eyes, and we cannot wait to show you what we've been working on. 🤩

Opening this July ahead of Big Cat Fest, the brand new Rusty Spotted Cat Conservation Centre will be home to Kuda, our resident Sri Lankan Rusty Spotted Cat. Three 5-metre high outdoor areas connected by walkways, a 5-metre on-show house with advanced thermal imaging cameras, climate-controlled heat zones, off-show dens, and so much more, all carefully designed to replicate his natural environment.

But this is about so much more than one incredible cat. Rusty Spotted Cats are the world's smallest wild cats, largely unknown and increasingly under threat in the wild. Classed as Near Threatened, this centre will directly support the European Endangered Species Programme for Rusty-Spotted Cats, and later in 2026, we hope to welcome a female companion for Kuda. 🐾

This is a landmark moment for Rusty Spotted Cat conservation globally, and you can be there to see it. 🌟

Book your Big Cat Fest tickets and be among the first to see Kuda's stunning new home. 🔗 https://bit.ly/BIGCATFESTTICKETS

Happy Birthday, Kemala! 🧡Today marks Kemala, our Sumatran tigress’ 3rd birthday! Kemala arrived at the Sanctuary late la...
03/06/2026

Happy Birthday, Kemala! 🧡

Today marks Kemala, our Sumatran tigress’ 3rd birthday! Kemala arrived at the Sanctuary late last year and, although on the shy side, she is a truly beautiful ambassador for her species.

Tigers are considered Critically Endangered in Sumatra with between 173 and 883 individuals remaining in the wild. As our only Sumatran tiger here at the Sanctuary, Kemala plays a vital role in helping us educate visitors on the importance of conservation. 🌿

Address

Headcorn Road
Ashford
TN278PJ

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm
Saturday 9am - 5pm
Sunday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+441233439150

Website

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