Join one of our professional guides on a tour of the Sanctuary to see the amazing resident cat collection, discuss the conservation needs of cat species world-wide as well as learn about the wonderful cats. You will be able to get up close to our animals, with a chance to hand feed the big cats.
All participants in a Big Cat Encounter are entitled to two hand feeds, but must be over the age of 16. Under 16s are more than welcome to join the tour, but as a guest only. They will also need to be supervised by an adult whilst the hand feeds are taking place as they will not have access beyond the safety fence.
On arrival you will be greeted and asked to read sign health and safety in our welcome centre before venturing out to see the cats. You will be guided into restricted areas to see the cats and take photos.
Your tour will conclude with your hand feeds, this can generally be a big cat of your choice, obviously there may be occasions where this may not be possible but most of the time, there are no restrictions. The only cats currently not available to feed are Maya, the North Chinese leopards and the Snow leopards (for various different reasons)
Weekday Participant – £199 or weekend participant – £249. £70 per guest (maximum of 4 guests) or £99 for additional participants (maximum group of 5 people).
Additional participants are able to hand feed a big cat, whereas guests are able to join in on the tour but will not hand feed a big cat.
This experience is for participants aged 16 or over. If you would like to bring someone under the age of 16, they will be added as a guest and are not able to do the hand feed. Children under 16 years will not have access to restricted areas and will need supervision by an adult at all times.
There is the option to add lunch in our conservatory, overlooking our Asiatic lion enclosure, either after the morning experience or before the afternoon. Lunch will consist of a choice of either a luxurious ploughman’s platter or a hearty open sandwich.
Please wear weather-appropriate clothing. Do not wear scarves or ties which may get caught up. You must wear closed-toe shoes otherwise you cannot enter restricted stand-off areas. If you have long hair, you will need to tie it back when entering stand-offs.