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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.

 

Leopards

Leopards have the largest range of all the big cats. They are known for their incredible stealth, but this beautiful cat is quickly losing its habitat range and is often the target of trophy hunters.

Leopards are a strong and powerful member of the big cat family. They are capable of taking down prey three times their size and will often take it into trees to prevent larger predators from taking it away. Leopards are found in Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. They have the widest range of all the big cats but as with most large animals, they are losing their habitat at an alarming rate.

Aside from habitat loss, the leopard population is decreasing due to poaching and trophy hunting. Leopards account for a huge number of animals hunted each year for their parts, especially their pelt. Still, other leopards are killed in retaliation for killing livestock or to prevent them from hunting livestock around villages.

Leopards are the smallest of the big cats but also regarded as the most adaptable. Leopards are considered big cats because they roar instead of purr. Instead of vertical slits, they have round pupils, which is a trait of big cats.

Fun Leopard Facts

  • Leopards are extremely stealthy and strong. They will typically take their prey into trees to avoid it being stolen by larger predators.
  • Leopard coats are sometimes melantistic, meaning they look all black, but in the right sunlight, you can still see their spots. Black leopards are found in rain forest habitats.
  • Leopards are the largest cats to regularly climb and spend time in trees. When resting or sleeping they often sprawl out over branches to take a snooze.

Learn More

  • Although they have the “leopard” in their common name, snow leopards and clouded leopards are different enough that they have their own classifications.
  • Leopards can run up to 36 mph for short distances.
  • Male leopards can weigh up to 165 pounds.

TAKE ACTION

  • Leopards are extremely adaptable animals, but there is only so much adapting they can do. Without a conscious effort, we are going to lose one of our most beloved big cats. There are simple ways to help protect leopards. Avoid trophy hunting and avoid supporting places that promote it. Do not buy materials made from leopard parts. 

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
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BOBCATS
Caracal at Carolina Tiger Rescue
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CARACALS
Coatimundi at Carolina Tiger Rescue
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COATIMUNDIS
Cougar at Carolina Tiger Rescue
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COUGARS
Kinkajou at Carolina Tiger Rescue
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KINKAJOUS
Lion at Carolina Tiger Rescue
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LIONS
NGSD at Carolina Tiger Rescue
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NGSD
Porcupine at Carolina Tiger Rescue
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Porcupines
Raccoon at Carolina Tiger Rescue
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Raccoons
Red Wolf at Carolina Tiger Rescue
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Red Wolves
Serval at Carolina Tiger Rescue
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SERVALS
Tiger at Carolina Tiger Rescue
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TIGERS
Animals
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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.