- April 24, 2024
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Clayton Rosaire says Big Cat Habitat added several improvements to its facility during its down time.
Kay Rosaire says the big cats "definitely missed the interaction and stimulation our visitors provide them."
After being locked out, the public can now visit Big Cat Habitat and Gulf Coast Sanctuary, including this monkey.
Lakewood Ranch 8-year-old Riley Hall has a fantastic time in the petting zoo.
Some of the improvements added while Big Cat Habitat was closed include more shade for the big cats.
Sometimes you just need to do a double-take at the sanctuary.
Visitors are once again to enjoy the playful bears.
Don't be coy, everyone loves a colorful fish.
"Are you looking at me, kid?"
The leopard keeps an eye on visitors who are paying for a treat.
Only a few areas of the sanctuary remain closed.
The Big Cat Habitat workers are proud as peacocks with the improvements they have added.
Bunk beds for big cats.
The sanctuary appears to have made it over the financial hump caused by the coronavirus.
The sanctuary wanted to put its best foot forward when it reopened this week.
Phase 2 guidelines are in place at Big Cat Habitat.
Several donors from the public stepped forward to provide food for the big cats during the shutdown.
Probably not a good idea to touch the fence.
Emus greet those who visit Big Cat Habitat.
One of the structures built during the shutdown provides shade for the lions.
Admissions to Big Cat Habitat help provide a safe, loving home for exotic animals.
With the visitors washing their hands more often, the tigers probably feel they need to take extra baths.
Clayton Rosaire, the vice president and COO of Big Cat Habitat in Sarasota, said he has been blown away by the outpouring of support the sanctuary received since it closed March 16.
He said one donor drove up with a truck load of chicken, more than 1,000 pounds.
"The help was so appreciated," he said. "And it wasn't just monetary. People volunteered their time."
He said several workers helped him build improvements, such as additional shading structures for the lions.
The sanctuary reopened on Wednesday at 50% capacity and Rosaire hopes they can make up for lost funds. When they closed, it was their busiest time of year.
Big Cat Habitat is open Wednesday through Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. The cost is $20 for adults and $10 for children. Go to bigcathabitat.org for more information.
