Dimensions UK has awarded The Big Cat Sanctuary an Autism-Friendly Award, recognising their commitment to providing excellent support to its autistic visitors and employees. The announcement comes after over 30 team members at the site in Kent took part in a rigorous training session led by Autism-Friendly experts at Dimensions, to equip them with the expertise and tools to provide the best support and experience for autistic visitors and employees. Adam Terrington, Commercial & Operational Manager at The Big Cat Sanctuary, said: "We’re so proud to receive this award. Creating a welcoming, calm space for all our visitors is really important to us. Thanks to the training from Dimensions, our team is now even better prepared to make sure every visitor feels comfortable, and can fully enjoy their time at The Big Cat Sanctuary." This year is also the Sanctuaries first time hosting a Sensory Inclusive Open Day in the summer, offering a more tailored experience for guests with additional needs. To get tickets for the first Sensory Inclusive Open Day at The Big Cat Sanctuary on the 24th July, visit; https://lnkd.in/d56vZYw8 British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA)
The Big Cat Sanctuary
Non-profit Organizations
Smarden, Kent 5,022 followers
Protection is our Passion.
About us
The Big Cat Sanctuary was founded in 2000 and is a UK registered conservation charity which is home to over 50 wild cats. A 32 acre site hidden in the peaceful Kent countryside began by default as a refuge for rescued cats. Now recognised as a centre of excellence and one of Europe's biggest wild cat centres making global partnership and supporting conservation initiatives. Our cat collection spans over 15 different species from the world's largest to the smallest, also including Tigers, Lions, Leopards, Jaguars, Snow Leopards, Pumas, Cheetahs, and Pallas Cats. The organisation has four pillars of ethos which are welfare, breeding, conservation, and education. It is by working with these objectives in place we are securing a future for both big and small cats by conserving and restoring the balance of the ecosystem in which predators play such a vital role. We are helping to create a future for some of the planet's most endangered and iconic species. The breeding centre is proud to be part of the EEP (European Endangered Species Breeding Programme). This body regulates the captive breeding of endangered cats by making recommendations for breeding to produce a strong, healthy and diverse gene-pool within the captive population. The ultimate aim being that they be reintroduced safely into their natural habitat globally, to mix with their counterparts in the wild. Find out the latest news from The Big Cat Sanctuary on Facebook (www.facebook.com/TheBigCatSanctuary), Twitter (@TheBigCatSanct), and Instagram (@thebigcatsanctuaryuk). The Big Cat Sanctuary is the trading name of Wildlife Heritage Foundation, Registered Charity No. 1104420.
- Website
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https://linktr.ee/thebigcatsanctuary
External link for The Big Cat Sanctuary
- Industry
- Non-profit Organizations
- Company size
- 51-200 employees
- Headquarters
- Smarden, Kent
- Type
- Nonprofit
- Founded
- 2000
- Specialties
- Animal Welfare, Breeding, Conservation, Education, Animal Husbandry, Zoo, Sanctuary, Big Cats, and Wildlife
Locations
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Primary
Get directions
Headcorn Road
Smarden, Kent TN27 8PJ, GB
Employees at The Big Cat Sanctuary
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Sarah Medway
Freelance Graphic Designer | Photographer | Illustrator | Photography workshop leader at The Big Cat Sanctuary.
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Georgia Baker
Volunteer Treasurer and Admin at The Cat Sanctuary (NSW); Master of Translation [current]; GradCert Translation Studies (Japanese); BA (Japanese…
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Alex Petkovic
Hospitality Manager at The Big Cat Sanctuary
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Cam Whitnall
Managing Director at The Big Cat Sanctuary
Updates
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The moment you’ve all been waiting for… 🥺💛 After being rescued from the war in Ukraine, lions Rori, Vanda, Amani, and Lira finally took their first steps onto grass here at The Big Cat Sanctuary. It was an emotional and unforgettable moment as they joined Yuna in exploring their new forever home; the Lion Rescue Centre. 🦁 This journey has been a year in the making, and you’ve been with us every step of the way. YOUR support made this possible, and from all of us at BCS including Rori, Yuna, Vanda, Amani, and Lira… THANK YOU. 🫶 We did it, our lions are finally HOME! 💛 #thebigcatsanctuary #lionrescue #ukraine #lions #lionrescuecentre
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The Grand Opening of the Lion Rescue Centre 🦁🏡 Yesterday was an incredible day as the team welcomed friends and partners to the grand opening of the Lion Rescue Centre. From watching the rescued lions explore their beautiful new habitats to hearing heartfelt speeches reflecting on a year of dedication, this was truly an unforgettable event. One that celebrated the arrival of Yuna, Rori, Vanda, Amani, and Lira. Moments like this make us so proud of what we do. Tomorrow, you can watch the rescued lions take their first steps into their outdoor habitats! 🧡 #TheBigCatSanctuary #BigCat #Rescue #Lions #LionRescueCentre
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The Lion Rescue Centre is officially OPEN! In a momentous celebration for The Big Cat Sanctuary, Paul Hollywood, Ambassador & General Valerii Zaluzhnyi of Ukraine, Baroness Hayman, Director Cam Whitnall, Founder Peter Sampson, and Trustee Lynn Whitnall came together to cut the ribbon. The opening of the Lion Rescue Centre was nothing short of extraordinary! All five rescued lions have settled in beautifully, already showing curiosity and playfulness as they interact between their habitats. Their unique personalities have shone through from day one, and today, our guests had the privilege of being among the first to see them thriving in their new forever home. A huge thank you to everyone who joined us and to the dedicated teams who worked tirelessly to make this rescue a reality. Here’s to a bright future for these incredible lions!
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Get ready to see the lions take their first steps outside... 🦁🌿👀 Tomorrow marks the grand opening of the Lion Rescue Centre, providing a safe haven for five incredibly brave lions, Yuna, Rori, Vanda, Amani, and Lira rescued from war-torn Ukraine. This state-of-the-art facility is designed for their ultimate care and well-being so these lions can thrive. Stay tuned for exciting updates throughout tomorrow! Who's excited?! 🧡✨ #LionRescue #newbeginnings #teaser #GrandOpening #TheBigCatSanctuary
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Their first steps… 🥺🦁 Watching rescued lions from Ukraine, Rori, Amani, Lira, and Vanda walk out of their crates and into their new dens at the Lion Rescue Centre was a moment we’ll never forget. 🐾✨ Very soon, they’ll take their first steps onto grass and into their specially designed habitats; vast, peaceful, and built just for them. A space where they can finally roam, relax, and heal. We can’t wait to share this beautiful sanctuary with you! 🌿🏡✨ A truly PROUD moment for us all! Stay tuned for more exciting updates to come 🧡 Who’s excited for Yuna to finally move in? 🎉🦁 #FirstSteps #Rescue #Lions #TheBigCatSanctuary
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We did it… MISSION ACCOMPLISHED 🦁 After almost a year of hard work and determination, we can proudly share that we have successfully rescued five lions from Ukraine, and moved them into to their new forever home: The Lion Rescue Centre. Rori, Vanda, Amani and Lira, have now been reunited with Yuna and moved into their new habitats. This is a significant moment for everyone here at The Big Cat Sanctuary, as the team are now able to give all five lions a second chance at life. None of this could have happened without all of your support. THANK YOU. 💛 Follow us for updates on how the lions settle in and support their journey by becoming a MEMBER today! ✨ #TheBigCatSanctuary #rescue #BigCats #Lions
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Four lions, originally rescued from the war in Ukraine, are on their way home to the sanctuary! 🦁✨ Amani and Lira have now joined Rori and Vanda, and all four are doing well on the road. We’re on the final stretch of their journey to their forever home, the Lion Rescue Centre, this Friday, 14th March. A heartfelt thank you to Pairi Daiza for the incredible care you’ve given to sisters Amani and Lira! 🙏 Stay with us as we continue the journey and prepare to reunite them with Yuna! 🧡 #thebigcatsanctuaryuk #lions #lionrescue #pairidaiza #bigcatsincrisis #bigcats #rescue
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One down, three to go… Rori the lion is on his way home! 🦁 We have successfully collected Rori from Natuurhulpcentrum! After a smooth health check, he was safely crated and loaded onto the transport truck. With everything going to plan, the team is now en route to collect Vanda, followed by sisters Amani and Lira at Pairi Daiza. Stay tuned for live updates as these incredible rescued lions make their way to their forever home at The Big Cat Sanctuary! 🦁🏡❤️ #TheBigCatSanctuary #Rescue #LionRescue #BigCats
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This is the week… the final chapter of an incredible journey. 🦁 We’re ready to welcome Yuna, Rori, Vanda, Amani, and Lira, five lions rescued from the war in Ukraine to their new forever home at the Lion Rescue Centre in our sanctuary. 🏡 Follow along as they complete their journey from war to sanctuary. 🙏 #RescueToSanctuary #lions #thebigcatsanctuary #bigcats #Sanctuary