Carolina Tiger Preserve

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1940 Hank's Chapel Rd., Pittsboro, North Carolina(919) 542-4684

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What a baby face Photo - Carolina Tiger Preserve, Pittsboro, North Carolina

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Getting Close to Some Big Cats

by vampirefan

Charlotte, North Carolina

April 7, 2010

Best of IgoUgo When John saw the $200+ on the bank statement from Ticketmaster, I couldn’t exactly hide his surprise birthday present. But there was one thing I could surprise him with. Much like me, he loves big cats and I though since we would be in the area, I ...Read more When John saw the $200+ on the bank statement from Ticketmaster, I couldn’t exactly hide his surprise birthday present. But there was one thing I could surprise him with. Much like me, he loves big cats and I though since we would be in the area, I would make reservations to tour the Tiger Trust Preserve.

The sanctuary began life in the 1970’s with Dr. Michael Blyman, a UNC genetisitics, who was working to maintain the species of lesser known cats. In 1981, they became a non profit organization and changed their name to the Carnivore Trust Preserve. Because of the work they had been doing, people started contacting them to take care of big cats that needed a home. They began to have success in breeding cats. In 1996, Dr. Blyman passed away.

In 2000, they stopped their breeding program and decided to focus in rescuing these wild animals. In 2009, they changed their name to the Carolina Tiger Rescue. The mission of the sanctuary is two fold. First and foremost they are sanctuary for abandoned cats. The animals are brought here and can live out the reminder of their live in peace. And for those cats that have been rescued from the entertainment industry, it is a chance to live out their lives they way God intended…as a wild animal. They also serve to educate the public about the plight of these animals.

Today some couple of dozen cats, call this place home. The main ones of course being tigers. In addition to these cats, caracals, severls, ocelots, bobcats, binturongs, and kinkajous all live safely and happily here. Many of these amazing animals have been brought here because they were once "pets" and when their idiot owners discovered these things actually get big, they abandoned them. Unfortunately NC is one of only a small number of states they do not have any laws in place that make it illegal to own these animals as pets. People, they are not bigger versions of your house cat!

John and I arrive at the sanctuary on a cool and rainy Sunday before leaving for home. The tours go here rain or shine. They have tours on the weekend currently at 10 am and 1 pm and you must be on a tour to enter the grounds here. We check inside and do some shopping at the gift shop while waiting for our group to go. Once everyone arrives we are gathered and receive information on the sanctuary and our tour from several of the volunteers. We head out and meet many of the animals that now call this place home. We hear about how these animals made their way to Pittsboro NC. We see several smaller cats and them make our way to one of the beautiful tigers. As our guide tells us how this big boy got here, she is feeding and you get an idea of just how massive these beauties are. We also get to see a stunning white tiger who seems more interested in his new neighbors rather than the people who came to see him. We move from cage to cage and get a close look at each cat. We see several new members who still don’t like people viewing them and we are kept at bay. Here animals are kept in large cages in a natural habitat. Visitors are kept at a distance for their safety and the animals. But you get a much closer look then you ever will at a zoo. The tour takes about 2 hours, but John and I have to duck out a bit early in order to go pick up our own wild life called Boo Boo. We walk out with one of the volunteers and as we are leaving we see 2 magnificent tigers who are still adjusting to their new homes. The volunteers tell us these 2 were walking down I-85 in Charlotte and they have the copy of the 911 call! Imagine seeing that going down the highway!

So how can you help keep this place going? Glad you asked. Lots of ways for you to help. If you are in the area, come visit. Simple as that. They have both public as well as private tours for groups. They have regular tours, twilight tours (seasonally) and special experiences. You can donate money and if you’re coming by, check out the website to see if they need any items. Or just be nice and bring them some while you’re here. You can adopt an animal. What a great present for the person who has everything. You can get involved in their special events such as their Black Tie and Tails Ball (which I hope they have next year so we can attend). And if you are on Facebook, become a fan so others can find out about this wonderful place.

I am a huge animal rights person. So I am particular about animal exhibits that I attend. And I love this place. These animals are loved and have a new life here. Guests are able to visit them in order to educate the public about them. They do not do tricks or on display just for monetary gain. They are recommended by the human society.

Website/information

Just go to www.carolinatigerrescue.org or information on tours events, and how you can help this wonderful organization.

Highly, highly, highly recommended
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Getting Close to Some Big Cats