The Big Cat Sanctuary Alliance works to eliminate the private ownership and commercial exploitation of wild cats in the United States.
The BCSA has 13 Sanctuary Members and 12 Partner Organization Members who have cared for countless animals over the years.
BCSA Member Sanctuaries are currently caring for 205 big cats, nearly 500 total wild cats, and over 1,400 total animals ranging from domestic cats and dogs, to reptiles, non-human primates, elephants, bears, and many more species.
Our member sanctuaries are located in: Arkansas, California (2), Florida, Indiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Nevada, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, and Texas (2).
In 2017, the Big Cat Sanctuary Alliance was created to:
- Speak with a unified voice on issues affecting big cats, such as the exotic pet trade, use of big cats for entertainment, and other areas of concern –
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- One significant step towards achieving BCSA’s mission was the signing of the Big Cat Public Safety Act – a federal level solution to the dangerous and cruel practices associated with private ownership of big cats and direct contact activities like cub petting – into law in December of 2022. Thank you to all of our supporters for contacting their legislators in support of the bill!
- Support and strengthen both member sanctuaries and those interested in obtaining BCSA membership, with the goal of advancing the standards of animal care.
- Promote professional development through our annual conference focused on animal care and welfare, veterinary issues, operations, and finances.
- Foster collaboration, relationships, and communication within the big cat sanctuary community.
Are you a sanctuary or non-profit organization whose mission aligns with that of the BCSA? Learn more about joining our network of sanctuaries and partner organizations to rescue and care for captive wild cats, while sharing our expertise and knowledge with others.
How You Can Help
Report Big Cat Exhibitions
Report traveling shows, circuses, or other acts exploiting big cats. The BCSA tracks these acts and will use the information that you provide to advocate for the big cats exploited in these performances.
Report Animal Welfare Concerns
No animal deserves to be mistreated. If you have firsthand knowledge of an animal welfare concern, there are a number of steps that can be taken. Find out which agencies can help.
Learn More About Our Work
The BCSA speaks with a unified voice on issues affecting big cats. We can achieve so much more together. Learn more by viewing our infographics, position statements, and big cats Q&A.
Our Vision
The BCSA works towards the day when sanctuaries are no longer needed because the private ownership and commercial exploitation of wild cats have been eliminated.