Big Cat Sanctuary Reviews Summary

Experience

Pros:

• "Absolutely incredible experience! So lucky to be able to see these beautiful cats at such close quarters, amazing...and the 'hand feed' is just such a wonderful and emotional experience...Loved every moment..."
• "Fantastic experience today viewing big cats up close and personal."
• "A real privilege to get up close and personal to Maya the black Jaguar and Willow the Cheetah."
• "Amazing, great log cabins to stay overnight on site, get to feed the cats on afternoon of arrival and next morning on departure."
• "This was an amazing experience that we will both remember forever."
• "The whole experience is one of those days you will remember."
• "Absolutely amazing experience."

Cons:

• "The overall experience is of a fun fair not a conservation and educational park."
• "Not really a place to take children as there as no rides or amusement for them."
• "Even though some of the cats weren't very cooperative it didn't take away from the experience at all."
• "Was lovely to see the big cats but it was a struggle to push my Son's wheelchair on the gravel paths."
• "The cats was all in hiding only see about 7 cats we see."
• "Not that many cats around to see."
• "Amazing place but you can't really see the cats properly."

Accommodation & Facilities

Pros:

• "We stayed in a luxury lodge overnight and it was so well equipped, warm and comfortable."
• "The lodge was excellent. It was clean, tidy and well equipped."
• "The entire site was meticulously maintained and clean."
• "The lodges are immaculately clean, tidy and beautifully decorated."
• "The lodge is outstanding has everything you could need for luxury."
• "We stayed in the Lion Lodge, very comfortable and has everything you need."
• "The lodge was very spacious and well equipped."

Cons:

• "Thought charging £1 to take a photo for you was a bit excessive but otherwise costs were very reasonable."
• "For those wanting a hotdog & chips.. had to go to 2 different places...splitting the group doesn't always work either."
• "Also on arrival there were so many cars being ushered into spaces in the disabled parking that we struggled to get the wheelchair out of the car safely. Bays were too narrow too."
• "Would suggest to take a picnic as food was rather pricey for what it was."
• "The only other criticism is the prices. The prices of the food and gifts. 2Burgers 1 sausage rolls £23.50. And 2 🍩 doughnut £7."
• "Feel the lodges are a little steep in comparison to Port Lympne."
• "We paid £15 for a dehydrated sausage in a falling apart bun and a Mac and cheese with its own little oil well at the bottom."

Staff & Conservation Efforts

Pros:

• "Very educational. All staff are friendly, helpful and knowledgeable."
• "The gentleman that took us for the big cat tour was extremely knowledgeable."
• "The keepers were friendly and knowledgeable."
• "The sanctuary staff were friendly and very knowledgeable, answering all questions and educating us on the glorious big cats around the sanctuary."
• "The staff were so kind, friendly and knowledgeable."
• "The keeper that took us around was very informative and enthusiastic."
• "The staff are all extremely helpful and pleasant from the kitchen and reception staff to the 'rangers'."

Cons:

• "But a lot of noise, music instead. Don't think the cats enjoy it that much."
• "The dinner was a little disappointing because the pork belly was the driest and least flavoursome I'd ever had, and the chicken, fish and potatoes were dry and overcooked; although the Tirimasu was lovely."
• "Also not very wheelchair friendly."
• "Open day. Trouble is its just too crowded."
• "Went for one of the experience open days as a birthday gift. Although wonderful to see all the cats on display, the event itself is in a very cramped and confusing format."
• "My only minor comment is that the afternoon tea contained too many sweet foods compared to savoury."
• "Accommodation 10 out of 10 however food only 7 out of 10."