Our Big Cat Encounter provides an extraordinary opportunity to come up close and hand-feed one of our beautiful big cats. After choosing which species you would like to hand-feed, one of our expert keepers will guide you through this wonderful 60-minute experience. Upon arrival, the keeper will explain the cats history and character, helping you to get to know the cat further and learn more about their role as an ambassador for their species. Throughout the experience, you will have the opportunity to feed the selected cat three pieces of meat.
Upon completing the experience, you will receive a certificate and you are welcome to spend the rest of the day exploring the UK’s leading big cat sanctuary, at your leisure.
This experience is perfect either solo or for couples to partake in, with the opportunity to bring up to three additional guests to watch your hand-feed experience.
BOOK NOWMeet one of our incredible big cats like never before. You can select one of these incredible Big Cat species, including Tigers, Lions, Jaguars, Cheetahs and Leopards. Once selected, enjoy a 60-minute encounter with your expert keeper where they will introduce you to the species. Receive in depth, up close insights into the species and the specific cat’s individual characteristics, welfare needs and conservation efforts.
The hour is entirely yours, with three hand-feeding moments with one specific cat. Depending on your booking, your encounter will either take place at 9.45 – 10.45am – 11am – 12pm.
Enjoy full-day access to the Sanctuary, before and after you enjoy your experience, checking in at Heritage Lodge between 9.30am – 4.00pm.
Our Big Cat Encounter experience is designed with our cat’s welfare as the top priority. Each encounter is carefully managed to ensure the health, wellbeing, and natural behaviour of our big cats is fully respected at all times.
Guests may take part in a supervised hand-feeding experience, giving our expert keepers the opportunity to closely monitor each cat’s health, including eyes, teeth, coat, and claws. While you may select a preferred species, the individual cat is chosen on the day by our keepers based on welfare, temperament, and availability. This also allows the cat to choose if they partake in the hand feeding experience, as they may not wish to. No specific cat can be guaranteed, and participation is never forced.
Important Information: This is an outdoor experience, so please dress for the weather. Loose clothing and scarves are not permitted, long hair must be tied back, and closed-toe footwear is required for entry into stand-off areas.
- All guests must check in at reception before their experience.
- The maximum group size for this experience is for 5 people (including one or two participates, and three guests)
- Main participants are £249 per person, whilst a booking for two is discounted to £449.
- The experience takes a total of 60 minutes. However, guests can attend the sanctuary between the hours of 9.30am – 4pm.
- Up to three guests may join the tour but will not be permitted to hand-feed.
- Main and Additional Participants on this experience must be aged 16 years and over.
- Anyone between the age of 3 – 17 years must be accompanied by an adult over 18
- Anyone between the age of 3 – 15 years will be classed as a ‘Guest‘ on the experience.
- Anyone under the age of 15 years cannot participate with the hand feeds or go into the stand off areas.
- Under 2s are free for this experience and must be supervised by an adult. They are not allowed in the stand off areas.
- Walking boots or wellingtons are recommended during winter months
- Trainers or flat, closed-toe shoes are suitable in summer
- Whilst exploring the Sanctuary and enjoying your free time, we kindly ask that you remain mindful and considerate of other guest experiences taking place throughout the day.
Round off your encounter with a relaxed lunch at Heritage, our on-site restaurant. The menu draws on the best of Kent’s seasonal produce, with light bites and full mains to suit every appetite.
Whether you opt for a toasted artisan panini, a fluffy jacket potato, or something more substantial like the grilled chicken Caesar salad or chef’s seasonal fresh pasta, there is plenty to enjoy after your time with the cats. Vegetarian and vegan choices are available throughout.
Lunch can be added on at the time of booking or by contacting us in advance. Please let us know of any dietary requirements or allergies when you book.
View our menu here.
Please click below to see our Big Cat Encounter FAQs and important information. Thank you.
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