When you’re staying in one of our Siesta Key vacation rentals, there are many fun activities to experience. Of course, you’ll want to spend time at the Siesta Key beaches, but be sure to take a break from the sand to check out the Big Cat Habitat!
The History of The Big Cat Habitat
If you’re wondering where to see wildlife in Siesta Key, this is the spot! The catalyst for the Big Cat Habitat & Gulf Coast Habitat was inspired by Kay Rosaire and her family in 1987. Her idea blossomed, and in 2005, a 501c3 non-profit organization was created to provide a safe, loving, and enduring home for over 150 exotic and domestic animals, right here in Siesta Key.
Her calling was to provide the finest care and comfort to those animals in need, but there was more; she found ways to educate the public about the plight of these often downtrodden and abused animals and to preserve and enhance the human/animal connection around the world.
Her dream was transcended by diligently working with all state and federal animal care agencies and by creating a loving staff of animal care technicians. Furthermore, she has maintained a violation-free record throughout the entire process.
The Big Cat Habitat sincerely appreciates the sustaining support to provide help and loving care to all those animals in need.
Types of Animals You Will See
The Big Cat Habitat provides loving homes to tigers, lions, bears, primates, goats, and birds. One of the great programs the Big Cat Habitat features is the Animal Encounter. This gives visitors a personal experience with the animals while teaching the public all about why the Habitat exists and what they can do to help this very worthy cause. Animal encounters is available to the public Wednesdays through Sundays and is by reservation only.
Where to See Wildlife in Siesta Key
Here are some interesting facts about the animals: Did you know that a tiger’s stripes are just like human fingerprints in that no two tigers are alike? It’s true! Did you also know that lions always communicate in lots of various ways with sounds such as roars, grunts, moans, growls, snarls, purrs, hums, and woofs? They also use body language, just like we do. Amazingly, it is possible to hear a lion’s roar from as far away as five miles!
Here is something very few people are aware of: ligers and ligons are hybrids! Ligers are born as the offspring of a male lion and a female tiger, and ligons are born of a male tiger and a female lion.
Here is something about bears that you might not know: a bear in the wild has an average lifespan of just 25 years, but when loving humans are added to their lives, that figure can go as high as 50 years.
The Big Cat Habitat appoints some very large and intimidating cats as ambassadors which assist in getting the word out about the crucial work the Habitat is involved in. This raises the awareness of all the different species and how habitat conservation works.
The Animal Encounter, one of the more essential features of the Habitat, provides visitors a personal, educational, and interactive involvement with all the animals. The Animal Encounter is available by reservation Wednesday through Sunday. Call the Big Cat Habitat main office for more information and encounter bookings.
Hours and Pricing
As far as admission to the Big Cat Habitat, adults are $20.00 for a one-day pass. Children ages 3 through 12 are $10.00 for a one-day pass and children ages 2 and under are free. Also, children ages 13 and above are charged as adults.
Memberships to the Big Cat Habitat are available as follows: One-year membership/Lone Liger is just $65.00. One year membership/Twin Tiger is $65.00, and one-year membership/Lions Pride is $150.00.
There is Free admission for Active Military or Veterans with an ID at the gate. Habitat hours are Friday through Sunday, from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm.
Plan Your Visit
Contact The Cottages on the Key today to learn more about the Big Cat Habitat and all of our Siesta Key beachfront rentals!
Book Your Siesta Key Rental With Us
For an exceptional stay on Siesta Key, The Cottages on the Key reigns as the ultimate choice. Indulge in their inviting accommodations, whether you desire a romantic escape or a memorable family vacation. Revel in the spacious living areas, fully equipped kitchens, and luxurious amenities that cater to your every whim. Immerse yourself in unforgettable moments and create cherished memories throughout your stay. Begin planning your Siesta Key getaway today by browsing our extensive selection of vacation rentals at The Cottages on the Key!