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Big Cat Habitat and Gulf Coast Sanctuary

7101 Palmer Blvd, Sarasota, FL 34232
(941) 371-6377
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Ranked #17 of 69 attractions in Sarasota
Type: Zoos
61 visitor photos
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140 reviews from our community

Visitor rating
    76
    34
    19
    4
    7
Date Rating
Bradenton, Florida
Contributor
14 reviews 14 reviews
3 attraction reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 17 May 2013

The ticket price seems a bit high but I realize that it must cost a lot to take care of the animals. You can get up close without being eaten.

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See 2 more reviews by JLC54 for Sarasota
Tampa, Florida
Reviewer
4 reviews 4 reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 7 May 2013

This is owned by a family that trained circus animals and are keeping their retired animals in a safe environment along with rescued animals they take in. The animals look very healthy but I wish they could afford some larger open spaces for their big cats. The cats in their generous cages switch out to the open area on a... More

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Sarasota, Florida
Top Contributor
111 reviews 111 reviews
6 attraction reviews
Reviews in 36 cities Reviews in 36 cities
46 helpful votes 46 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 6 May 2013

Actually, all of the above. At $15 per person admission (plus $1 charge for using a credit card), when we first did the "walk through" we said..........HUGE rip off. Emu's, turtles, camels, goats?? But, yes there are at least a half dozen bears..........mostly sleeping when we got there at opening time. And, lots of big cats. Obviously the big cats... More

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See 52 more reviews by Dan B for Sarasota
2 reviews
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 1 May 2013

After visiting the Big Cat Habitat you will never want to visit a Zoo again. Let's face it the only real attractions at the zoo are the lions tigers and bears. Most of the time you get to see one maybe 20 to 30 yards away and half the time there hiding or half dead. Imagine seeing one of God's... More

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Sterling, Virginia
Senior Contributor
37 reviews 37 reviews
9 attraction reviews
Reviews in 11 cities Reviews in 11 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 24 April 2013

What a great family business it is!!!. We thouroughly enjoyed the tour of the habitat and the show. All animals looked very healthy and well taken care of. I will certainly recommend this place and will make a donation again. I was also touched by how many elderly volunteers this place has. It seems like the owner treats all volunteers... More

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Sarasota, Florida
Contributor
13 reviews 13 reviews
3 attraction reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
6 helpful votes 6 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 9 April 2013

Another "must" trip to do with grand kids. These wonderful folks have taken in ALOT of rescue big cats and other animals. Bears. Lions. Tigers. Petting zoo area. Get there early for the big cat show in the main building. And donate to help them keep up their good work.

Was this review helpful? Yes 3
See 5 more reviews by Patti P for Sarasota
1 review
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 9 April 2013 via mobile

My family and I enjoyed our "big cat" experience! The mission of the habitat is awesome and it was nice to see the love and care the exotic animals are given. The business is necessary to maintain the animals well being! I recommend the experience to all families, the messages of animal advocacy and animal rights is such an important... More

Was this review helpful? Yes 1
New York
Senior Contributor
39 reviews 39 reviews
3 attraction reviews
Reviews in 20 cities Reviews in 20 cities
23 helpful votes 23 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 31 March 2013

They were impressed with themselves, but upon reflection, I think their well cared-for big cats were kept in very small surroundings. Not a "big cat habitat." Stood on their soapbox discussing ANIMAL RIGHTS v. ANIMAL WELFARE. To me, it was a zoo, with a circus, and I feel the animals were exploited to some degree. Well cared for, but exploited.... More

Was this review helpful? Yes 5
See 5 more reviews by NewYorkNative for Sarasota
Sarasota, Florida
Reviewer
3 reviews 3 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
4 helpful votes 4 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 23 March 2013

Here is a chance to see lots of big cats up close and personal. Some cats are getting exercise out in the fields but many are sitting in cages where you can easily view and even feed them (using an eight foot long metal pole!). Lots of rare breeds like white tigers and even LIGERS. They're real! You'll also see... More

Was this review helpful? Yes 4
Winston Salem, North Carolina
Contributor
14 reviews 14 reviews
3 attraction reviews
Reviews in 10 cities Reviews in 10 cities
4 helpful votes 4 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 21 March 2013

The tigers, lions, Kodiak bears, and other animals are all beautiful. I could see them so closely and it was an interesting experience. I heard that some of them are retired from circus or mistreated by people. It made me think of how wild life should be. Anyway, the show was interesting which took one hour. Sometimes it lasts two... More

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See 2 more reviews by YoruR for Sarasota

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