About - The Big Cat Sanctuary

The Big Cat Sanctuary


Protection is our passion.

The Big Cat Sanctuary is set in the heart of the countryside in Smarden, Kent.


The peace and tranquility of the Sanctuary provides the perfect environment for our resident cats as well as an ideal facility for the breeding of these beautiful, yet endangered cats. Maintaining genetic diversity within the captive populations is crucial if we are to preserve these iconic species.

The Big Cat Sanctuary History

The Big Cat Sanctuary's Vision & Mission Statements

Our Vision

  • To assist in the conservation of the world's endangered big cats
  • To preserve breeding integrity
  • To assist the return of big cats to the wild wherever possible

Our Mission Statement

To be recognised and respected as being a centre of excellence for endangered big cats

The Big Cat Sanctuary will achieve its mission by:


  • Providing a research base for people interested in the study of big cats in captivity
  • Delivering an education programme that promotes the importance of bio-diversity and the role of the top predators to all our visitors
  • Providing a research base for people interested in the study of big cats in captivity
  • Delivery an education programme that promotes the importance of bio-diversity and the role of the top predators to all our visitors