Project Survival "Cat Haven" — Attraction in Dinuba

If you love big cats and are supportive of education and conservation efforts, this is the place! The staff are passionate and friendly if a little stern. Though keep in mind that you are getting VERY close to these majestic creatures and they have your safety and the cat's in mind.

What to Expect Bathrooms are at the gift shop only. The guided tour is about 1-1.5hrs long. It starts in the gift shop with a 20m introductory and informative presentation about the cats, their habitats and the non profits research and conservation efforts. Then you head out for the walking trail, which is a natural dirt path with ruts and rocks like you would find on a well maintained hiking trail. Though they recommend tennis shoes, hiking shoes/boots would not be out of place and serve you well.

The trail is not conducive to strollers; a few tried and it was a Herculean effort. There are a few very steep downhills and up hills. Persons with disabilities can call to arrange special transportation in advance. There is limited shade and benches on the trail. Come prepared with sunscreen, hats, umbrellas, etc. And water.

We went with a group that had children ranging from 6m-8yrs in mid April. Temperatures were in the mid-80's F. The tour is very informative and you get within feet of the cats; however, I'd say entire experience is really gauged to ages 12+. Our group of kids didn't focus on what the guide was saying for more than a couple minutes and whined a lot about being hot and ready to be done. By the midway point, most of the children with other guests were in full meltdown mode. I talked with the guide after and suggested they offer a young child inspired tour that maybe only lasts 30-45m and packed with fun facts that young children find interesting.

The gift shop has many clothes and trinkets inspired by cats: diaries, toys, books, headbands, jewelery, etc. They offer refrigerated beverages, coffee and hot chocolate for sale. Benches and tables are available if you bring a picnic lunch. Cell phone service with Verizon and T-Mobile was limited, but available.

The location is close to the Sequoia RV Park and a few miles from the entrance to King's Canyon and Sequoia National Parks. The drive way in and out is one way and very steep, though you won't need 4-wheel drive. Plenty of parking and ample handicap parking. Nestled in the beautiful hillside.

At this writing, adults were $15, children 5+ $10, and four and under were free.

Aside: the man pictured with the tiger is the owner and founder giving a presentation,...

Project Survival Cat Haven is a very special educational facility…..I love going on their tours. My family and I have been going there for around 15 years and we can never get enough!!

This place is one of pure love of endangered and rescued cats and of inspiring the public to love and help organizations in the various countries who are working to save endangered cats. I love that their focus is saving wild cats from extinction. …AND…..They want you to fall in love with endangered felines of the world.

This is a home to a collection of pampered, very lucky felines who are ambassadors for their cousins in the wild.

….AND…..part of Project Survival’s Cat Haven earnings are sent to those organizations in countries working to protect their cousins to ensure the fight to save wild cats will be a success!!

When you go on the tours, you will love seeing the cats are well cared for and loved by everyone with docents who are so knowledgeable and enthusiastic about all visitors falling in love with all endangered cats so that by the time your tour ends of you seeing the cousins of the wild ones, you, too, will want to save the endangered cats of the world!!!

Plan on wearing tennis shoes or some type of shoe that handles a walk on a dirt trail and bring a picnic lunch as the setting is beautiful with tables and chairs on the patio. I can’t wait to get back up there as certain cats are my favorites!!!

Please check it out. You will fall in...

My husband and I stumbled across the project survival cat haven on our way to Yosemite National Park. I saw the signs, and knew we needed to detour lol. We wanted to go on the tour of the sanctuary, but it lasted at least an hour (maybe 1 1/2 hours, can’t remember), and we had very limited time to see Yosemite. The guided tour was under $20 each for adults. Without even entering the actual sanctuary, you are able to view several wild cats, including a tiger. From a not so distant view, they all seemed comfortable, healthy, and happy. They had a great gift shop, which we were happy to shop at in support of the sanctuary. The staff members that we talked to were very informative, and happy to answer any questions and provide info on the feline residents. You could hear and see their passion for what they do.

I very much recommend stopping here, and checking out the events and tours that they hold. Side note: everything that I saw and viewed was free. Only the tour portion required tickets. So if you have 30 minutes at least, you can have a great experience for free, and maybe get some great gifts in the process!

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