Wildlife Heritage Foundation Big Cat Sanctuary - Smarden

[Mfuwe]

Bristol’s asiatic lions are moving to the BCS

 

[Zoofella]

Are there dates for open days here?

 

[Alwaysevergreen]

Are there dates for open days here?

Open Days 2023 - The Big Cat Sanctuary

 

[Zoofella]

Open Days 2023 - The Big Cat Sanctuary

thank you

 

[Embu]

Some sad news but amazing age

The Big Cat Sanctuary is sad to announce that Athena, our black jaguar, has been put to sleep. At the amazing age of twenty, her kidneys had sadly begun to fail. Athena's character had changed and we knew that it was the best time to say goodbye.

Athena had a reputation for being a sneaky jaguar, who never passed up an opportunity to outsmart keepers. Athena has been described as formidable, a stunning jaguar, black as the night, with an incredible fixed amber stare that would put the hair on the back of your neck on end. Athena and her cunning reputation will forever be remembered.

You can read more about Athena on our website. We welcome your memories in the comments section below.

 

[hari Jones]

Sad news but she lived to a very good age

 

[Smaggledagle]

Piece of 2023 News Not Mentioned:

On May 12th, the sanctuary announced that a (1.0) fishing cat named Aquarius passed away due to a large tumor in his bladder and kidney failure.

The Big Cat Sanctuary is sad to announce that following a short period of illness, we have had to say goodbye to Aquarius, our amazing fishing cat. After... | By The Big Cat Sanctuary | Facebook

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On June 18th, the sanctuary announced they moved a (0.1) melanistic jaguar named Maya to a newly renovated enclosure.

Experience the incredible journey of Maya the jaguar as she settles into her newly renovated enclosure at The Big Cat Sanctuary. Join us as we take... | By The Big Cat Sanctuary | Facebook

On July 7th, the sanctuary announced that they will be transferring a (1.0) snow leopard named Shen to the Banham Zoo in Norfolk in the coming weeks.

The Big Cat Sanctuary

 

[Baringogiraffe12]

1.1 Snow leopard born on 01/07/23 to Laila and Yarko.

 

[animallover22]

Just went to the afternoon session of the open days of the Sanctuary yesterday!
Was so much fun!
Had spoken to one of the keepers about the upcoming projects of the sanctuary;

• Project Lion is still going
• After they have completed Project Lion, they are then going to start building the new habitats of the small cats. It will be their next biggest project after Project lion.

An diagram of the new small cats enclosures is below;

Small Cat plan - The Big Cat Sanctuary

• animallover22
• 27 Jul 2023
• 1

 

[DesertRhino150]

Those small cat plans are certainly ambitious, including enclosures for Iberian lynx and Chinese mountain cat.

This link here includes not only the map shown above, but more detailed plans and artist impressions for the clouded leopard, fishing cat and serval enclosures:
smallcats - The Big Cat Sanctuary

 

[Dassie rat]

I like the idea of having Iberian lynxes and Chinese mountain cats in the UK. Is there any chance of enclosures for flat-headed cats and kodkod?

 

[animallover22]

I like the idea of having Iberian lynxes and Chinese mountain cats in the UK. Is there any chance of enclosures for flat-headed cats and kodkod?

While I LOVE to see the species at the sanctuary, I don't see anything on the designs saying that they are building enclosures for them. But, it might change in the future!
We'll never know.

 

[Fallax]

Where would they even get Chinese mountain cat from? They are almost non existent in captivity.

Iberian lynx I am more willing to believe, there is at least a decent amount of facilities in Iberia holding them and I believe one in France.

 

[Swampy]

Sounds very....aspirational.

 

[Haliaeetus]

Where would they even get Chinese mountain cat from? They are almost non existent in captivity.

Iberian lynx I am more willing to believe, there is at least a decent amount of facilities in Iberia holding them and I believe one in France.

True, à small (but good) French zoo has this species : the Natur'Zoo of Mervent (Vendée).

 

[PossumRoach]

True, à small (but good) French zoo has this species : the Natur'Zoo of Mervent (Vendée).

Are you referring to the lynx or the mountain cat? I know it’s the lynx I am asking on behalf of people who might get confused as I did before I found the answer.

 

[Haliaeetus]

Are you referring to the lynx or the mountain cat? I know it’s the lynx I am asking on behalf of people who might get confused as I did before I found the answer.

I talk about the lynx, sorry.

 

[Dassie rat]

Are there any plans to get Smilodon?

 

[cerperal]

Are there any plans to get Smilodon?

Not currently, I think they intend to house Homotherium first to ensure the husbandry is developed correctly.

 

[Smaggledagle]

Other July 2023 News:

On July 17th, the sanctuary announced that they acquired a (1.0) Amur tiger named Luka from Banham Zoo in Norfolk.

We have a NEW ARRIVAL! | The Big Cat Sanctuary is proud to announce that Luca, an Amur tiger born in 2021 has joined the family from Banham Zoo/Africa Alive Reserve. Watch this... | By The Big Cat Sanctuary - Facebook
Banham Zoo - Last week we said a fond farewell to Amur...

On July 28th, the sanctuary announced they transferred a (0.1) jaguar named Inka to the Chester Zoo in Chesire.

The Big Cat Sanctuary is proud... - The Big Cat Sanctuary

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1.1 Snow leopard born on 01/07/23 to Laila and Yarko.

On August 2nd, the sanctuary announced that the snow leopards were named Spot and Stripe.

Spot and Stripe have just turned... - The Big Cat Sanctuary