What Happened to Big Cat Rescue Corp.?
Big Cat Rescue, founded by Carole Baskin, transitioned from an exotic cat sanctuary in Florida to a global wild cat conservation organization after the passage of the Big Cat Public Safety Act in 2022. The sanctuary's resident animals were relocated to Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge by late 2023, and its Florida property was sold in 2024 to fund worldwide conservation efforts, marking a shift from direct animal care to advocacy and in-situ conservation.
Quick Answer
Big Cat Rescue, widely known for its animal sanctuary and its founder Carole Baskin, has undergone a significant transformation in recent years. Following the enactment of the Big Cat Public Safety Act in 2022, which largely ended private big cat ownership and cub petting in the U.S., Big Cat Rescue relocated all its resident big cats to Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge in Arkansas by December 2023. The organization subsequently sold its 67-acre Florida property in 2024 for approximately $20 million, dedicating the proceeds to funding global wild cat conservation projects and ensuring the lifelong care of its former residents. As of 2026, Big Cat Rescue operates primarily as an advocacy and funding body for wild cat conservation worldwide.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline14 events
Founding and First Rescues
Carole Baskin and Don Lewis acquired their first bobcat and began rescuing exotic animals, laying the groundwork for the future sanctuary.
Incorporation as Wildlife on Easy Street, Inc.
The organization was formally incorporated as a non-profit, Wildlife on Easy Street, Inc., later renamed Big Cat Rescue Corp.
Cessation of Breeding Program
Big Cat Rescue ceased its breeding program, with the last accidental birth occurring in 2001, shifting its focus solely to rescue.
End of Public Contact with Cats
The sanctuary discontinued public contact with the animals, a practice initially used to deter people from owning wild cats as pets.
Campaigning for Big Cat Public Safety Act Begins
Big Cat Rescue intensified its long-standing legislative efforts by actively campaigning for the passage of the Big Cat Public Safety Act in the U.S. Congress.
Release of 'Tiger King' and Sanctuary Closure
Netflix's 'Tiger King' documentary premiered, bringing Big Cat Rescue and Carole Baskin international notoriety. Concurrently, the sanctuary closed to the public due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with Baskin later considering not reopening.
Big Cat Public Safety Act Signed into Law
After years of advocacy, President Biden signed the Big Cat Public Safety Act, banning private ownership and public contact with big cat cubs, a monumental victory for animal welfare.
Announcement of Sanctuary Closure and Relocation Plan
Big Cat Rescue publicly announced its decision to close its physical sanctuary and relocate its remaining big cats to Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge, citing the success of the BCPSA and a shift to wild conservation.
All Cats Relocated to Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge
The final group of Big Cat Rescue's exotic cats was successfully moved to their new, larger enclosures at Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge in Arkansas, completing the sanctuary's animal relocation.
Sale of Florida Sanctuary Property
Big Cat Rescue sold its 67-acre property in Tampa, Florida, for approximately $20 million to developers, with plans for the land to become townhomes and apartments.
Increased Focus on Global Wild Cat Conservation Funding
With the proceeds from the land sale, Big Cat Rescue invested its funds to significantly amplify its donations to in-situ conservation projects for wild cats globally, aiming for $1 million annually.
Opposition to 'Protecting Local Zoos Act of 2026'
Big Cat Rescue and other animal welfare groups voiced strong opposition to H.R. 7159, the 'Protecting Local Zoos Act of 2026', which they argue threatens to undermine the Big Cat Public Safety Act.
Illinois Bans Big Cats in Circuses
The Governor of Illinois signed a bill into law banning big cats, primates, and bears in circuses, aligning with Big Cat Rescue's long-standing advocacy against exotic animal exploitation.
Advocacy Against ESA 'Harm' Redefinition
Big Cat Rescue actively campaigned against a federal government regulatory shift that redefined 'harm' within the Endangered Species Act, arguing it threatens habitat protection for wild cats.
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🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Big Cat Rescue Corp., also known as BCR, was established in 1995 by Don Lewis and Carole Baskin (initially as Wildlife on Easy Street, Inc.) in Hillsborough County, Florida. Its initial mission focused on rescuing and housing exotic cats, as well as rehabilitating native wild cats. The sanctuary gained significant public attention, particularly after the release of the Netflix documentary 'Tiger King: Murder, Mayhem and Madness' in March 2020, which highlighted the controversial world of big cat ownership and Carole Baskin's long-standing feud with Joe Exotic.
A key turning point for Big Cat Rescue was its decades-long advocacy for the Big Cat Public Safety Act. This federal legislation, signed into law by President Biden on December 20, 2022, effectively banned the private ownership of big cats and prohibited public contact with big cat cubs in the United States. With the passage of this act, Big Cat Rescue announced its intention to close its physical sanctuary, stating that its primary goal was always to 'put ourselves out of business' by ending the need for such rescues.
Starting in March 2023, Big Cat Rescue began the process of relocating its remaining 33-34 big cats to the accredited Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge (TCWR) in Eureka Springs, Arkansas. Big Cat Rescue committed significant funds, including $1.8 million for new, larger enclosures at TCWR, and pledged to cover the lifelong food and veterinary care for its former residents. By December 28, 2023, all of Big Cat Rescue's cats had been successfully moved to their new homes at TCWR.
In 2024, Big Cat Rescue sold its 67-acre Florida sanctuary property for approximately $20 million to developers planning to build apartments and townhomes. The organization stated that continuing to operate the sanctuary, which cost around $3.5 million annually, no longer made financial or ethical sense given the reduced number of cats needing rescue post-BCPSA. The proceeds from the land sale were invested into a diversified portfolio, with the aim of significantly increasing its contributions to global in-situ wild cat conservation efforts, from an historical annual average of $100,000 to a goal of $1 million annually.
As of August 2026, Big Cat Rescue's focus is entirely on funding and advocating for the protection of wild cats in their natural habitats. The organization actively publishes newsletters, such as the June 2026 AdvoCat Newsletter, detailing global conservation projects and legislative updates. It continues to monitor and advocate against threats to animal welfare legislation, such as the proposed 'Protecting Local Zoos Act of 2026' which could undermine the Big Cat Public Safety Act, and changes to the Endangered Species Act's definition of 'harm'. Carole Baskin remains the CEO and continues to be a prominent voice in wild cat conservation, emphasizing education and policy change over direct sanctuary operations.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Big Cat Rescue Corp. made different choices?