Wisconsin Big Cat Rescue — Attraction in Rock Springs

I've been here a few times, but only general entry. Wednesday, September 21, 2022, I came for the morning feeding tour. Since it took me a week to finally write this review, and because my memory isn't great to begin with, I've forgotten the name of the woman who gave the tour. I'm so sorry...

I want to share how amazing this woman is. I was part of a larger group (5 adults, 3 of which in wheelchairs, and one toddler). Unfortunately, it took a bit longer for a couple of our members to get ready so we were a little late. We called ahead and we're told they could wait ten minutes maximum. The cats are on a schedule and need to be fed at the same time everyday. Of course we understood and very much appreciated that they waited for us. This woman didn't have her usual helper so she had to perform both roles- feeder AND speaker. She shared the origin story of each cat and also fed them, gave them clean water, etc. It was a huge task and she handled it like a champ! She's been doing it for 17 years, as she's one of the owners of this sanctuary.

We had a great time and learned a lot! It was really awesome seeing the cats eat, hearing them growl, groan, and mildly roar. I can't share videos with this review, so I can't share the sounds. But I will share pics after I'm done writing this.

Thank you so so much for an amazing experience! I definitely will come back for the feeding tour again. A $25 donation well spent! 🙂💙🐅🐯🦁🐆

Also, I didn't even think to get photos of the entrance, the gift shop, etc. I'll try to remember next time. And finally, I should add that in addition to souvenirs (keychains, magnets, stuffed toys, T-shirts, sweatshirts, cups, etc), they also sell ice cream, soda, water and I forgot what else. And their public restrooms are clean. I can assume the women's is just as clean as the men's. They take great care of the entire place. Even the grass looks nice, professionally mowed.

Anyway, that's all I can think of at the moment. If you're in the area, be sure to check this place out! And if you can, I highly recommend the feeding tour. It's earlier than some of us like, but so worth it! It's the most active part of the day for the cats, which means more excitement...

As an animal advocate - I really appreciated the message that WI Big Cats portrayed on their website - that they started as a “cat cub photo op” then transformed into a “rescue and education center” after seeing the stress on the cat cubs. But this “rescue” is just enabling the reason why these animals are here...instead of the photo op with a cub...it’s just a photo op with the full grown cat stuck in a cage. Literally the same cub they started with is there since 2002. That’s like a person stuck in a house their whole life.

How is this place any better than a zoo...where several of the cats were “rescued” from?

Was expecting more education for the public to understand how the cats are in this position in the first place... many of the “explanations” on the donation boxes in front of each enclosure said: “was rescued from a zoo in IL or WI that didn’t have any more room, or because it closed” so then they are relocated to this place...how is that considered a rescue... I would just call it a relocation... unless they weren’t treated well in the previous situation... but it appears to me, that the life is the same for them - the cats are stuck in an enclosure, being fed and some room to walk around.

When I asked one of the workers if the cats ever get to roam in a larger area... she replied “no, but they don’t mind, they’re really lazy”... My thoughts: Who are we as humans to judge and know what these animals are feeling These animals have been pulled from the wild by greedy humans for entertainment which is exploitation - they are put into enclosures and are forced to live within their means...no choice.

What has WI Big Cats done to fight against the etiology of these animals becoming human entertainment attractions in the first place? Is the goal to have empty enclosures or to continue what you started?

And if you don’t have the funds to give these animals - that we as humans plucked out of their natural environment to gaze at from behind a barrier - to give them a life of wellness, then there are choices to make it happen.

If WI Big Cats had no financial restrictions - how would you improve this organization...

A sanctuary for big cats and weary vacationers. What an amazing experience! We rented the Spa Cabin for three nights, it was modern, sparkling clean, beautiful and very comfortable. They have thought of everything: dishes, pots and pans, umbrellas, blender, outdoor games, complimentary spices, cutlery, measuring cups and spoons, firewood, a grill, just bring groceries it's all here. The cabin rental included a morning feeding tour, which was awesome! We learned about each cat, the mission of the sanctuary and details of how they care for the cats. The enclosures are spacious and natural, the cats look content and very healthy. They explain this is not a "cat show" they never force a cat to perform, they are committed to as respectful and natural environment as possible. They keep these cats for life, the staff obviously care deeply for these animals. The sanctuary is conviently located about 15-30 minutes away from the Wis. Dells and Baraboo attractions. It was so nice to go and enjoy the sights and activities during the day, then come back to relax in the private beauty and tranquility of the grounds. We were so happy to spend our lodging funds at a place that can do so much good with the money, not a corporation. To witness the love and dedication that the whole staff has for these magnificent creatures is heartwarming. Even if you cannot stay in a rental, please do not miss going out for a morning feeding tour, you won't regret it. Thank you to the staff, and to the lion (who roared during the night) you all have given us a memorable,...