The National Tiger Sanctuary is a facility devoted to ensuring the well-being, both physical and mental, of all the animals under its care. Take a guided tour to see the big cat inhabitants, find out about the backstories behind each cat and participate in a feeding experience.
This non-profit sanctuary was founded in 2000 with the aim of educating the public about big cats and the conditions affecting their habitats in the wild. In addition, the sanctuary aims to offer first-rate care to the animals, prioritizing their needs no matter the cost and thus avoiding the substandard conditions all too common in other big cat sanctuaries.
Take a guided tour around the sanctuary to find out more about the various cats who live here. Look for tiger species including Bengals and Siberians, as well as other big cats such as a black leopard and an African lion. Listen as your guide explains how each cat came to be here in the sanctuary. Many were kept in cages, either as pets or for circuses, prior to ending up here at the National Tiger Sanctuary.
Observe the majestic creatures roaming at will in their spacious enclosures and find out more about their development and how they have adapted to their new surroundings. Although you can see the cats from quite close, you will not be allowed to be nearer than 3 feet (1 meter). This helps ensure both animals and visitors to the sanctuary are kept safe.
Several different tour options are available. Book ahead to take part in a feeding experience, which allows participants to safely help out delivering tiger meals and watch as they tear through their food with their powerful teeth.
The National Tiger Sanctuary is open to the public Wednesday to Sunday. Guided tours take place several times a day. Find the sanctuary just north of Branson, about a 40-minute drive south from Springfield. The entrance fee goes toward the upkeep of the animals in the sanctuary.
