Race against time for the Sanctuary's biggest rescue mission!  - The Big Cat Sanctuary

Race against time for the Sanctuary’s biggest rescue mission! 

28 cats in need of urgent help from the Cat Survival Trust


Hertfordshire Zoo and The Big Cat Sanctuary have joined forces in a race against time to rescue and rehome 28 rare and endangered cats from long-standing neglect. The group of large and small cats include the world’s most endangered big cat, the Amur leopard, Pumas, Eurasian Lynx and Servals as well as the UK’s only Asian Golden Cat.

Hertfordshire Zoo offered their assistance to authorities to lead the rehoming mission after they were alerted to serious welfare violations at The Cat Survival Trust in Welwyn Garden City. Working closely with police, local authorities, and veterinary teams, Hertfordshire Zoo and The Big Cat Sanctuary teams are responsible for vaccinating, feeding, cleaning and caring for the cats whilst new homes are found for the vulnerable animals. 

The intervention follows the conviction of Dr. Terrence Moore, now dubbed the UK’s Tiger King, who owns The Cat Survival Trust. Moore has been charged with multiple animal welfare violations, including failing to provide adequate veterinary care, using ineffective homeopathic remedies, and maintaining unsanitary conditions.

How You Can Help


To help rehome these exotic cats and support our ongoing efforts, please consider becoming a member or donating to the Sanctuary. Your contributions enable us to rescue more vulnerable wild cats in need and provide essential care for our resident cats, including food, veterinary services, and habitat maintenance.

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Welcome Frank & Boson


Hertfordshire Zoo and The Big Cat Sanctuary have joined forces in a race against time to rescue and rehome 28 rare and endangered cats from long-standing neglect at Cat Survival Trust.

So far, 14 of the 28 cats have been successfully rehomed. Two cats have been rescued by the Sanctuary, including Frank, an Asian Golden Cat. Frank is the only Asian Golden Cat in the UK and one of just seven in European zoos participating in the European Endangered Species Programme.

Frank has been rehomed alongside a Fishing Cat called Boson. The pair symbolise hope amidst heartbreaking circumstances which authorities have called ‘appalling and unsafe’.

How are the new arrivals?


Both cats are acclimatising to their new environment, tentatively exploring their surroundings. The day after their arrival, they were given access to the outdoors. Frank, surprisingly, ventured out straight away, cautiously observing from a distance. He began exploring his new home, taking in the environment and all the new scents.

Boson, however, had a different approach. When given access, he popped his head outside but decided to stay in the warmth. He eventually ventured out once he was sure no one was around. Over the past few days, Boson has built up the courage to cautiously explore his enclosure even when people are nearby—a remarkable step forward for this shy boy.

We’re optimistic that the pair will continue to settle in over the next few days. From the progress they’ve shown so far, we’re confident they’ll feel at home in no time. We hope you get a chance to meet our two new arrivals soon!