The big cat sanctuary is situated in the heart of the Kent countryside. This non profit organisation is dedicated to conservation of cats in the wild. They have about 50 cats there ranging from the tiny Rusted spotted cat to the magnificent Lions. All these animals have either been born in captivity or rescued from circuses etc or some have just been moved here to continue their old years in peace and quiet.

They are part of the breeding program which helps release some cats back into the wild. The sanctuary isn’t generally open to the public so the only way to visit is by booking an experience. These range from photography workshops to a ‘ranger for a day’ to an overnight lodge stay. They also have a couple of open days in the summer.

All profits and proceeds go towards looking after these gorgeous animals and funding towards their conservation. Giles Clark is managing director and is off around the world doing his part for the protection and conservation of these wonderful animals.

We have stayed here 4 times before! Yes that’s how much we love it there. This is my experience…

Arrival

You arrive at the big gates and talk through the intercom to be let in. Once you have parked you’re met by a friendly member of staff and get shown your lodge for the night. The lodges sleep 2 and there is also one 4 person lodge, a maximum of 16 people will stay each night. These luxurious wood cabins have all the amenities you need. Separate lounge area with table and a fridge, and a beautiful bathroom.

Afternoon Tea

After a short time to get settled in you meet in the main building. Here you go through to the conservatory overlooking the lion enclosure.

Afternoon tea is served in the conservatory. Even though the food is amazing it’s somewhat ignored as all you can concentrate on is the lions staring at you through the window! The first time we went it was summer and the 2 Lion brothers Tiny and Kafara were lying sprawled out on the decking just under the window. It was good to get so close to these magnificent animals (but while also keeping safe)

The tea consisted of sandwiches, scones and delicate tasty cakes all getting washed down by a glass of prosecco. After tea we got a health and safety chat and we were ready to explore.

The First tour

We got split into 2 small groups of 8 people and head out to see the sanctuary. The first part of the tour you get taken to the enclosures and got introduced to the cats. You learn about their specific history, about the species and their own personalities. The guides are so informative and just love their work. You are allowed right up to the fences to take photos (when they say it’s safe)

You see half the sanctuary on the first tour and the second half the next day. They feed the small cats on this tour as they get feed daily. Its great seeing how they feed them, especially as they hide the food or make them work for it. If you are lucky you can feed a cat with some tongs through the bars.

The Cats

There are lots of little cats like the Pallas’s cat, Serval, and a jungle cat called Jack! Through to the midsize cats like the gorgeous Puma, and there are 4 of them here. Then the Lynx and Cheetahs. The Cheetahs get special touch training with the keepers to help with vet visits. They have a young Cheetah, Willow, she’s 18 months old and is extremely cheeky and gives the keepers a run around.

Lions

Then on to my favourites, the big cats. The Lions, there are the 2 males Lions next to the restaurant, Tiny and Kafara and their other brother Manzi is now head of a pride of white female Lions. The handsome Lion Kasanga is used as the face of the Sanctury.

Tigers

There are 4 beautiful tigers on site including a white tiger, Narnia. she’s such a diva and likes to do her own thing, White tigers are one of my favourite. Her favourite spot tends to be up on her platform over looking everything. Since writing they have now got another white Tiger, Baikal from their sister zoo.

Nias and Puna are both Sumatran tigers and these 2 have successfully bred together. Amasia is an Amur Tiger and is such a feisty girl,

Leopards

There are 5 Leopards, with a mixture of north Chinese and the most endangered Amur Leopards. 2 Snow Leopards which live together Laila and Yarko, these two I love, especially watching them sleeping cuddled up to each other. Laila and Yarko have since successfully produced 2 cubs. I had the pleasure of seeing them last time we went and they are so gorgeous and cute.

Last but not least are the Jaguars. Sophia is a spotted Jaguar and she’s the eldest there at nearly 18 years old. Athena is the gorgeous black Jaguar and the 2 new editions Maya and Neron. Maya has been at the forefront of the conservation work as she has stared in her own documentary for the BBC along side Giles and Willow in “big cats around the house”. She gets so much attention and has helped in raising lots of money for charity. These 2 are both Black Jaguars and are about 18 months old.

They have now got another spotted Jaguar, Keira. They are hoping her and Neron will be accepted for the breeding program.

The tour to see half of the cats took about 2 hours. The times we went we were given a shot of whiskey to warm us up. Back to our lodges for a quick freshen up before dinner.

Dinner

Back to the main building to grab your complimentary drink in the bar, I’d usually go for a cocktail. Here it’s a time to chat to fellow guests about our experiences for the day. A 3 three course dinner is served in the conservatory, overlooking the Lion enclosure. You pre-order your meal and all dietary requirements catered for. The food again was exceptional. The lions as before stealing all the attention, especially as when the sun goes down they start roaring. The roaring is so loud, apparently it can be heard over 5 miles away!

After dinner there’s time for a couple more drinks before retiring to the lodges. The lodges have their own veranda, so it’s nice in the summer sitting out and relaxing and listening to the roaring of the Lions.

Morning awake to the Lions Roar

The lions wake you in the morning with the sound of their roaring and yes they do it a lot. In the main building Breakfast is served, a choice of continental and cooked English breakfast. Once you are full we are ready for the second tour.

The second tour

The groups switch and we see the cats we didn’t see the day before. Also this time the tour includes a hand feed, you have your choice of the big cats to feed. Feeding is through the fences and is completely safe. First time I chose the Leopard and Snow Leopard. Second time I chose the Spotted Jaguar and the male white Lion. Last time I chose a Tiger. As you get close it’s incredible to see how big these animals are. I have to add how aggressive some of the cats get once food is involved. You can see why the keepers do not go inside the enclosures with these big cats.

After the tour it’s time to pack up and check out. Putting our bags in the car we go back inside and you are allowed 2 hours to roam around on our own. One last visit to the gift shop and say goodbye to the staff and it is time to sadly leave.

We enjoyed ourselves so much we had to go back again, and again. Even though it’s an expensive treat. You get so well looked after and the experience in my eyes is definitely worth it. This is why we hope to go back again.

Update: Since writing sadly they have lost some of the cats due to illness or old age.

For more information or just to donate please visit http://www.thebigcatsanctuary.org