The Catty Shack Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary
4.8(3.2K)google
4.7(213)yelp
FamilyWildlifeWildlife Watching
Overview
The Catty Shack Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary is a passionately dedicated, non-profit rescue facility in Jacksonville focused on providing a permanent, loving home for endangered big cats. The sanctuary rescues tigers, majestic lions, leopards, cougars, and bobcats that have been neglected or displaced from private ownership and captivity. Knowledgeable volunteer guides lead fascinating, educational tours that teach visitors about the specific rescue histories, biological characteristics, and conservation needs of each majestic resident. The highly popular 'Night Feeding' tours offer a thrilling, rare opportunity to witness these powerful apex predators active and vocal in an intimate yet completely safe, respectful environment.
Practical Info
Suggested DurationAbout 2-3 hours
Best TimeStrictly recommend booking their famous 'Night Feeding Tours' on Friday or Saturday evenings. These rescued apex predators (lions, tigers, leopards) are nocturnal; they sleep during daytime tours but display incredible energy and roaring excitement during night feedings.
Getting ThereMust be accessed via car or rideshare. Located in a rural pocket of northeast Jacksonville at 13407 Starratt Rd. Take I-95 to Pecan Park Rd near the airport, head east, and follow navigation through rural connectors to the gravel parking site.
Travel Tips
- Restrict daytime visits to specified windows on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday from 13:00 to 16:00, or secure advanced booking for night feeding tours.
- Book highly coveted Night Feeding slots online 3 to 6 weeks in advance; walk-up ticket sales are strictly unavailable at the security gate on the night of the event.
- Disable all camera flashes completely and leave high-pitched noise makers or plush animal toys outside the sanctuary to avoid triggering defense responses from predatory cats.
Reviews
Positive
- Unlike regular zoos, this is a non-profit big cat rescue sanctuary. Being able to see lions, tigers, and pumas so up-close and personal behind safety fences is a truly breathtaking experience.
- The absolute highlight is the night feeding tour on select evenings. Watching these massive predators eat and hearing them roar right in front of you is both thrilling and educational.
- The sanctuary is run by incredibly passionate volunteers, and the handlers know every rescue animal's backstory by heart, showing genuine love and care that deeply touches visitors.
- Day tours are very reasonably priced at $18 for adults, and the gift shop is surprisingly affordable. Knowing all proceeds go directly toward animal care makes visitors very happy to support.
Heads up
- Since it relies heavily on donations, infrastructure is basic. There are no brick-and-mortar indoor restrooms on the premises, only portable plastic toilets which some find unpleasant.
- The location is hidden deep in a rural area of North Jacksonville. The drive can feel sketchy for first-timers, and the surrounding roads are pitch black without streetlights at night.
- During day tours, the big cats spend most of their time sleeping in shaded corners to escape the heat, and some cages are empty, which can disappoint those looking for active photo ops.
- The night feeding events are so popular that they sell out fast. The crowd gets dense, and if you arrive late, shorter individuals or kids will have their views blocked by rows of people.