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Carolina Tiger Rescue is a 501(c)3 nonprofit wildlife sanctuary whose mission is saving and protecting wild cats in captivity and in the wild.

 

It is no secret that people love animals. We find them beautiful, fascinating, and want to know all there is to know about them.
But, its important to remember, not all facilities are created equal, and they don’t all have the animals’ best interest in mind. When you’re looking to visit an animal facility, it’s important to look deeper into their values and determine if they align with yours. Here are a few quick tips to keep in mind.

  • Federally accredited sanctuaries like Carolina Tiger Rescue abide by certain guidelines which include: no breeding, no public contact with animals, no buying/selling/trading of animals or their parts, and must be a 501-c(3) non-profit
  • Sanctuaries that are accredited by the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS) only receive their accreditation after passing a rigorous qualification process and proving that they meet the high standards in sustainability and animal care set forth by GFAS.-There are only 14 GFAS sanctuaries that house wild cats in North America, Carolina Tiger Rescue is one of them.
  • Zoos that are accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) only receive their accreditation if they meet the high standards in animal care set forth by AZA.

How can YOU Apply Your Values?

When looking into a facility to determine if you should visit, here are somethings to do and keep in mind:

  • Read their Mission, Values, and About Section: Pay attention to their wording to determine what they are actually saying. Are they leaving things out on purpose? Does it include their thoughts on private ownership and how they rescue their animals? Do they use education animals? If so, what types and do they pose a danger to the public?
  • Accreditation: Do they have any accreditation? If so, what is it?
  • Pictures: Pictures can, of course, say a lot about a facility. Are there baby animals? Where are those babies coming from? Are people interacting with animals through direct contact?
  • Breeding: If they are breeding, is it for conservation and within the Species Survival Plans? If not, it does nothing to help that species survive.
  • Enclosures: Are their enclosures large enough for the animals they house? Does it closely represent their wild habitat? It should also provide the animal with appropriate enrichment, adequate shade, a shelter to get out of the elements, and the animal should have access to clean drinking water at all times.

Still not sure if your values match up with the facility’s? Don’t be afraid to them ask questions. A facility that has their animals’ best interest in mind shouldn’t have anything to hide.

About Carolina Tiger Rescue

Carolina Tiger Rescue is a 501(c)3 nonprofit wildlife sanctuary whose mission is saving and protecting wild cats in captivity and in the wild.

Carolina Tiger Rescue

1940 Hanks Chapel Rd. Pittsboro, NC 27312 (919) 542-4684 (919) 542-4454 info@carolinatigerrescue.org

Wildlife should be in the Wild

Rescue

Education

  • We believe the ideal home for wildlife is in the wild.
  • We believe it is critical to conserve their native habitats.
  • We believe wild animals should not be kept as pets.
  • We believe captive breeding should ONLY be done in accordance with Species Survival plans.
  • We believe all wild animals, both captive and in their native habitats, deserve to be treated with respect and not exploited for entertainment and commercial purposes.

Visit Carolina Tiger Rescue

Tiger at Carolina Tiger Rescue

Public Tours

Twilight Tours

Coming out for a tour is a great way to learn more about the animals that call Carolina Tiger Recue home. We offer many different types of tours.  Public tours are great for adults and families. Twilight tours are for adults only (18 years of age and older). Tiger Tales are a perfect option if you want to bring out really young children. Find the tour that is right for you and enjoy a walk through the sanctuary.

For all tours, tickets must be purchased in advance.

Have Fun Learning at Carolina Tiger Rescue

Field Trips

Field Trips

Virtual Field Trips link

Virtual Field Trips

Education is key to our mission.  We enjoy teaching "kids" of all ages!  Our field trips, both virtual and onsite, are ideal for groups of kids.  Our "Kid for a Day" Adult Camp provides a unique learning opportunity while allowing adults to channel their inner child.  While all of these opportunities are structured differently, in the end we want everyone to walk away knowing more about the animals we care for and what they can do to help protect them.

Bobcat at Carolina Tiger Rescue
Learn about
BOBCATS
Caracal at Carolina Tiger Rescue
Learn about
CARACALS
Coatimundi at Carolina Tiger Rescue
Learn about
COATIMUNDIS
Cougar at Carolina Tiger Rescue
Learn about
COUGARS
Kinkajou at Carolina Tiger Rescue
Learn about
KINKAJOUS
Lion at Carolina Tiger Rescue
Learn about
LIONS
NGSD at Carolina Tiger Rescue
Learn about
NGSD
Porcupine at Carolina Tiger Rescue
Learn about
Porcupines
Raccoon at Carolina Tiger Rescue
Learn about
Raccoons
Red Wolf at Carolina Tiger Rescue
Learn about
Red Wolves
Serval at Carolina Tiger Rescue
Learn about
SERVALS
Tiger at Carolina Tiger Rescue
Learn about
TIGERS
Animals
Games
Activities
Keeper Stripes

Get involved at Carolina Tiger Rescue

Individual volunteering at Carolina Tiger Rescue

Individual Volunteering

Group volunteering at Carolina Tiger Rescue

Group Volunteering

There are so many ways to be a part of Carolina  Tiger Rescue.  Individual volunteers are able to help in many aspects of our work, including animal care, tour guides, construction, and gift shop assistance.  Work groups come from community groups, colleges, work places, and more!  It’s a great way to spend a day and it helps care for the cats.