The One-Of-A-Kind Park In North Carolina Where You Can See Wild Cats Up Close
Cat lovers rejoice: there is a North Carolina day trip waiting to be placed on your calendar. Approximately 30 miles west of Raleigh lies a wildcat sanctuary whose sole mission is saving and protecting wildcats in captivity and in the wild.
Carolina Tiger Rescue, located in Pittsboro, is a 501(c)3 nonprofit wildcat sanctuary that opened in 1981 and is home to 50 wildcats on 55 acres.
Tours are offered on Friday, Saturday and Sunday — and you'll be surprised how close you can actually get to these majestic creatures without actually touching them.
The sanctuary is currently home to 12 species of wildcats, both big and small, from the petite(ish) bobcat to the big lions and a variety of wildcats in between. On the guided tour, you'll get to know their names, along with interesting info about their species.
One of Carolina Tiger Rescue's missions is rescuing animals in need across the country. Some of the animals come from facilities that have closed, while others have been abandoned. Once they arrive at their new wildcat home in North Carolina, they become a family member for life.
After your guided tour of the facility you'll know their names and where they came from. Tours are limited to a certain number of people and can last anywhere from 60 to 120 minutes.
Whether you're a cat lover or just an animal lover, you'll appreciate this wildcat sanctuary in North Carolina and want to return again and again to visit the big cats.
Tickets should be purchased in advance to guarantee a spot in the tour you wish to take. Only one tour is given on Fridays; two tours are given each Saturday and Sunday. The tour cost is: age 13 and older $18, age 4-12 $12.50, children 3 and under are free. Taxes and fees are not included in the above prices. Want to learn more? Check out the official website of Carolina Tiger Rescue.
Robin Jarvis is a travel writer and editor for OnlyInYourState.com with a bachelor's degree in Journalism. Her love for travel has taken her to many parts of the world. She's lived in the Carolinas for nearly three decades and currently resides in Charleston. When she's not working, she loves to cook with friends and check out new adventures. General questions and FAM tours: rjarvis@onlyinyourstate.com.
