Wildlife Heritage Foundation Big Cat Sanctuary - Smarden

Copied off Facebook

Every rescue has a story.
This one? We have a lovely little tale to tell…

A special new arrival has joined our Sanctuary family, we can’t wait for you to meet them. Stay tuned!

#NewArrival #TheBigCatSanctuary #WildlifeRescue

Social media has a sneak glimpse on video of the new addition but I won't spoil it for anyone until is announced./QUOTE]
 
The latest addition copied off Facebook

Meet Blob the Rescued Bobcat �

Blob was the very last cat rescued from The Cat Survival Trust earlier this year. On the final day of the rescue, Lindsay from Wildside stepped in and gave him a lifeline. We promised Lindsay that day we’d find him a forever home…

After 7 months in temporary care, Blob has finally arrived at The Big Cat Sanctuary, safe, loved, and starting his new chapter.

Thank you to Wildside Rescue. We’re so glad he’s part of our Sanctuary family now.

Click the link to watch the full video

�#Cat #MeetBlob #Blob #Bobcat #rescue #NewArrival #TheBigCatSanctuary #cats
 
Copied off Facebook, released in the last hour

Farewell to our beloved white tiger, Baikal

It is with a heavy heart that we share the news that Baikal, our beautiful white tiger, was put to sleep on Thursday 28th August following a decline in his health. In recent weeks, Baikal began to suffer from kidney failure, a condition common in older big cats.

Despite the dedicated care of our veterinary team and keepers, his kidneys could no longer function properly, meaning his body was unable to filter waste or maintain the balance it needed to keep him well. With no further treatment options that would have ensured him a good quality of life, the kindest decision was made to let him go peacefully.

Baikal arrived at Hertfordshire Zoo as a six-month-old cub and has been a much-loved part of our family ever since. He then arrived at the Sanctuary in 2018 and became a fan favourite amongst our team and guests. A gentle soul full of personality, he loved nothing more than roughhousing with his big blue barrels and greeting us with his deep, chesty chuff, a beautiful, friendly sound that will always be remembered.

He shared a special bond with Amasia, often seen nose to nose through the mesh, chuffing at each other. There aren’t many who could win Amasia’s seal of approval, and his presence will be dearly missed by all of us.

Click the link to read more about Baikal’s life Goodbye to Baikal - The Big Cat Sanctuary
 
Piece of March 2025 News Not Mentioned:

On March 11th, the sanctuary announced they transferred (1.1) Asiatic lions Sahee and Sonika to Hertfordshire Zoo in Hertfordshire.

103K views · 3.4K reactions | It’s moving day! We are excited to share that Sonika and Sahee safely moved from The Big Cat Sanctuary to their brand new home, Lions of India at Hertfordshire Zoo. This important move is instrumental in safeguarding this Endangered species through the conservation breeding programme. As sister charities, we continue to work together to achieve our main goal, ensuring the long term protection of threatened species in our care and all across the world. | Hertfordshire Zoo

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On October 30th, the sanctuary announced they reacquired a male (1.0) cougar named Tocho.

65K views · 4.8K reactions | Welcome home, Tocho After five years away, our much-loved male puma, Tocho, has returned to Sanctuary to begin his well-earned retirement. Tocho first arrived here as a cub in 2012 and quickly became a favourite among our team and supporters. Now, at 13 years old, he’s back in Kent to spend his golden years surrounded by familiar faces and expert care. His return not only marks a heartwarming reunion, he’s now neighbours with his aunt, Valentina, but also offers another opportunity to raise awareness for his wild cousins still facing threats across the Americas. We look forward to you all either being reacquainted with Tocho, or meeting Tocho #thebigcatsanctuary #puma #animal #wildlife #cat #bigcat #welcomehome | The Big Cat Sanctuary
 
Piece of March 2025 News Not Mentioned:

On March 11th, the sanctuary announced they transferred (1.1) Asiatic lions Sahee and Sonika to Hertfordshire Zoo in Hertfordshire.

103K views · 3.4K reactions | It’s moving day! We are excited to share that Sonika and Sahee safely moved from The Big Cat Sanctuary to their brand new home, Lions of India at Hertfordshire Zoo. This important move is instrumental in safeguarding this Endangered species through the conservation breeding programme. As sister charities, we continue to work together to achieve our main goal, ensuring the long term protection of threatened species in our care and all across the world. | Hertfordshire Zoo

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On October 30th, the sanctuary announced they reacquired a male (1.0) cougar named Tocho.

65K views · 4.8K reactions | Welcome home, Tocho After five years away, our much-loved male puma, Tocho, has returned to Sanctuary to begin his well-earned retirement. Tocho first arrived here as a cub in 2012 and quickly became a favourite among our team and supporters. Now, at 13 years old, he’s back in Kent to spend his golden years surrounded by familiar faces and expert care. His return not only marks a heartwarming reunion, he’s now neighbours with his aunt, Valentina, but also offers another opportunity to raise awareness for his wild cousins still facing threats across the Americas. We look forward to you all either being reacquainted with Tocho, or meeting Tocho #thebigcatsanctuary #puma #animal #wildlife #cat #bigcat #welcomehome | The Big Cat Sanctuary
Glad the Asiatic lions have moved up to Hertfordshire and now have a more apt Nelly built exhibit for them.

BTW: Any more info on their genetic and breeding lineage history like available?
 
Copied off Facebook announced earlier today. Comments imply a possible Amur or Sumatran tiger?

We Have Some Exciting News!

A critically endangered new arrival has recently joined us at The Big Cat Sanctuary. Can you guess what species?

Stay tuned for a very special introduction tomorrow…

#thebigcatsanctuary #bigcat #animal #wildlife #conservation #endangered
 
Copied off Facebook. Literally just announced

Welcome, Kemala!

We’re thrilled to introduce Kemala, a two-year-old Sumatran tiger who has joined us from Parken Zoo in Sweden!

As one of fewer than 400 Sumatran tigers left in the wild, Kemala represents hope for her species’ future. She’ll be spending time with us here in the peaceful Kent countryside as she settles into her new surroundings, before moving on to take part in the breeding programme to help protect this critically endangered species

This is Kemala’s first time away from home, and she’s taking things at her own pace as she gets used to her new surroundings but she’s already found a favourite spot: relaxing inside her cosy cave!

Join us in giving a warm welcome to Kemala as she begins this exciting new chapter. Click the link to read more about Kemala Welcome Kemala - The Big Cat Sanctuary

#thebigcatsanctuary #bigcat #tiger #endangered #animal #wildlife #conservation
 
I've just spotted this. Does this mean it's just a temporary stay until a new home is sought for her? I originally thought she would be starting a new breeding programme here but sounds like she will move again?

"She’ll be spending time with us here in the peaceful Kent countryside as she settles into her new surroundings, before moving on to take part in the breeding programme"
 
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