The Catty Shack Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary — Attraction in Jacksonville

This was one of the most depressing experiences I have had at a site. The organization claims to be an wildlife sancutuary but what I experienced was far from humane. They have many big cats and several smaller cat breeds. Every tiger we saw looked underweight with sagging skin, you could see the outline of their bones with a severe lack of fat or muscle. They seemed to be underfed and understimulated. Most of the cats were sleeping or lying on the ground panting and more than a third of the animals were pacing endlessley back and forth in their small enclosures as a result of zoochosis. This happens when animals are depressed and anxious in their habitat. Many of the enslosures had the ground worn down in a path from the cats pacing back and forth for hours on end. The enclosures were small and their water tanks and ponds seemed dirty while most of the cats didn't seem to be using them. It seems this sanctuary has either taken on more animals than they can handle or they do not care enough to feed, exercise and make proper space for the cats they have taken in. If you want to see tigers you will certainly see many here but the conditions the cats were in and the situation in which they were living left me heartbroken. I don't think I will ever look at a picture or video of a tiger again without thinking of the animals in this sanctuary. I sincerely hope someone in power will hold this site accountable for their actions and get these animals the care they so...

First time guest here. We went on a Sunday 1-3PM. Only a handful of cars at first arrival and slight sprinkle, cloudy day. Check in was smooth with an online purchase in advance. Staff was friendly and warm. Love the self-touring so that we could take our time and really watch the big cats. The path are clear and the facility organized and clean. Being able to view the animals so close was amazing. Clean bathroom facility just inside the register, souvenir counter, Touring short video and concession stand. The weather was mild so we got to catch all the animals up, aware and walking or sitting. The educational information and knowledge of the workers is good. The care and welfare of the Big Cats has got to be expensive so they do ask and appreciate donations. The ability to learn about the animals surely will inspire a younger person to maybe get into the field as a career and or animal lover. Plenty of parking and benches so if you need to take a break and rest through the acres, you are able. There is a large covered building near the back, middle so if weather goes bad you can sit it out like we did. Wear comfortable shoes and dress applicable to the season. I appreciated that they had Military discount on tickets too. Everyone must go at least once if you live in Jacksonville. A good place to take guests visiting from out of town as well. So close to River City Marketplace that you can make a day trip out of it. I look forward to one day doing the...

I'll start by saying that I had a great time seeing these beautiful creatures up close and being able to see them break into their natural instincts when food is present. I give 3 stars for a few reasons:

The tours were far too large. By the time my party was through the checkout, the movie presentation was already over so I'm not sure what that included. Also, once the tour started the tour guide moved on very quickly and from the back of the group you could not hear. From what I could hear, once I was able to get to the cage, the tour guide was already moved onto another cat. I could not hear a lot of the stories and felt very rushed through.

I do not feel like I came out more informed about these beautiful animals. I did not learn any facts about them nor how we can help save them. All they talked about was which zoo they obtained the animal from and how I can donate.

I feel like the cats are in very small structures and some had sores on them even though they were alone in the cages. I know they need money to build larger but I feel they should stop obtaining new animals if they dont have the funds to properly care for them.

All in all it was a decent time but I felt like there was no structure and I was rushed through the tour just to have another group come in halfway through. I would also like more of an educational piece to the tour. Maybe they could incorporate an app with information or pamphlets if they are...