The Big Cat Sanctuary

Have you ever heard of the Caracal? Or seen a black jaguar in the flesh? It's likely your answer to those questions is 'no', but now you have the opportunity to change your answer to a much more satisfying one. You may feel like there's little to do in your hometown, but something exciting could be hiding just around the corner!

The Big Cat Sanctuary provides a sanctuary to the successful breeding and preservation of some of the most endangered cats. Situated in Smarden, Kent, the venue is rather well hidden and not advertised as a zoo. This is because it's actually only open to the public three to four days a year for what is called "open day", I've been attending these open days for four years now and I do not intend on letting that new tradition die, here's why...

I'm not going to delve into the serious stuff just yet, but rather I'm going to try and appeal to the fun-loving sides of you. The Open Days cater for all ages. This usually undisturbed place becomes packed full of family fun with a wide variety of arts and crafts stalls, face painting and bouncy slides. You may even win yourself the chance to hand feed a lion! The entire site is free to explore at your own pace whilst enjoying the many refreshment and barbecue stalls provided. Upon entry you will be handed a programme informing you of the keeper talks that take place throughout the entire day.

Towards the center of the venue is a large arena where a falconry display is held, in recent years they have also used this area to demonstrate how anti-poaching dogs are helping wildlife and conservation in the field. This display is definitely one of my favourite parts of the day, not only will you see first hand the dogs in action, but you'll also learn all about the anti-poaching programme 'animals to save animals'. I think it's amazing that the The Big Cat Sanctuary is working in collaboration with the Wolfstan Kennels & Vertical Combat in order to raise awareness of the worldwide poaching problem. Not only do they allow their venue to be used, but the director of the Cat Sanctuary, Giles Clark, takes part in the anti-poaching demonstration; lowering himself and one of the fully trained dogs from a scaffold building and commanding the dogs to attack a nearby poacher. I will point out that no people or animals are harmed during this display, the demonstration does not include real poachers but rather a member of the team is used as a training decoy and is fully protected from the dogs bite at all times.

Contrary to the popular belief, anti-poaching is more than saving the life of an animal here and there. Poaching affects all our lives socially and economically. Many local communities rely on it's wildlife to attract tourists, if poaching is allowed to prevail, the extinction of an animal will have an adverse affect on the income of the area causing it to undergo economic hardship. Poaching has serious consequences beyond those that are typically recognized, you cannot put a price on the ability to see animals in their natural habitat rather than just behind wire fences. To explore the natural world is a personal experience we all take for granted, imagine having only ever seen animals in a cage without even the prospect of being seen in the wild. If poaching is allowed to continue, this will become the case for the next generation. Conservation plays a big role in animals lives, but also in our own lives and it does not always get the recognition it deserves.

Fortunately there are a few hard working individuals striving to maintain peace in the natural world. The 'animals saving animals' programme has already had much success, more dogs are being carefully hand selected and trained in areas where poaching is a problem. It's fair to say that these dogs are hard working, but they are also well-cared for by the team. You can see the passion and love on the faces of everyone working on the anti-poaching programme, they truly care about the well being of every animal.

Although conservation covers a wide variety of animals, The Big Cat Sanctuary specializes in the conservation of the world's endangered cats. The sanctuary's mission is to reintroduce the big cats into the wild wherever possible, hence why they do not wish for the cats to feel too comfortable surrounded by the public. The enclosures are designed to feel as much like their natural habitat as possible, with plenty of shaded hiding spaces and obstacles which allow them to hunt and climb for their food. The Big Cat Sanctuary has been featured on BBC's documentary 'Big Cats About The House' and is also provided as a research base for those interested in the study of cats in captivity, Although the sanctuary is not always open to the public. they do offer a wide range of experiences such as photographic workshops, big cat encounters, meeting the cheetahs up close, and you can even experience being a ranger for the day!

On a note that's not quite as serious, how gorgeous are these big cats!? Maya and Willow are the newest cats to arrive at the sanctuary, being featured on BBC's 'Big Cats Around The House' from only 5 days old, Maya has attracted quite a number of visitors! Maya's mother was unable to feed and care for her causing Maya to display symptoms of dehydration and weakness, so she has been hand-reared by The Big Cat Sanctuary and is making tremendous progress. Even if the conservation side of things doesn't interest you, I'd still suggest going and admiring the cats! You're unlikely to see these cats so close anywhere else, the sanctuary currently homes around 50 cats across 16 different species, both big and small! So prepare yourself for the next open day, keep on the lookout for tickets because this is something you don't want to miss out on!