The collaboration between the UK’s leading cat welfare charity and the world’s first IUCN SSC Centre for Species Survival for wild cats, marks a significant step in feline advocacy. The partnership focuses on education, welfare messaging, and responsible ownership, helping the public understand the shared instincts and vital differences between domestic cats and their wild cousins.
Cats Protection will feature prominently across the festival site with an expert-led talk, and an interactive education space. A key focus will be raising awareness of the welfare concerns surrounding wild-domestic hybrid breeds, an issue of increasing importance to both organisations. The partnership will also include a special collaboration with conservationist and Managing Director Cam Whitnall, who will explore how big cats and domestic cats compare in their behaviour, needs and natural instincts.
“For almost twenty years our Open Days have allowed people to connect with our incredible residents. To see the event evolve into Big Cat Fest is a proud moment for us all, and having Cats Protection join us as a key partner makes it even more impactful. This festival brings our core mission to life through education and celebration, and by working together we can tell the complete story of all felines, from the lions in our rescue centre to the cats in our homes.This, we hope, will inspire a new generation to protect cats across the globe.”
– Cam Whitnall, Managing Director, The Big Cat Sanctuary
The partnership also supports Cats Protection’s wider Animal Welfare Strategy, including its call for cat breeding regulations.
Jeff Knott, Cats Protection Advocacy & Influence Director, said “We’re thrilled to be joining forces with The Big Cat Sanctuary for their annual fundraising event. Our work at Cats Protection is rooted in helping people understand cats’ needs and see the world from their eyes, and this partnership lets us do that on a bigger scale than ever. By bringing together lovers of big and little cats alike, we can celebrate these incredible animals while also raising awareness of the welfare challenges they face – and how simple, informed choices can make a real difference.”
Big Cat Fest, formally known as ‘Open Days’, is our biggest annual fundraiser, celebrating wild cat conservation.
Meet all five big cats, enjoy live performances, keeper training sessions, conservation education for all ages, street food & summer drinks, and so much more.
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