bear creek feline center

This was such a neat experience. The cats are well kept and the Broaddus's are extremely knowledgeable and really strive to make it memorable. Completely worth the time!

This is a great place to visit and learn so much about the large cats. BCFC is truly a conversation and sanctuary, so some of the cats are older and have issues (arthritis, issues from poor previous treatment, etc.), but it's good to learn and see first-hand these magnificent animals. There was a fairly strong odor (like male cat spray) and it gave me a slight headache, but I am very sensitive to smells and my husband didn't really notice it at all, so that probably wouldn't be an issue for most people. The staff were super friendly and extremely knowledgeable. They were open to all questions and really took time for everyone in our small group. (They schedule small groups on purpose, which is great!). We were so glad we took time to visit this very important sanctuary. :)

We went on 3/4/2015 with my mom and my two kids, 5 and 7; We had an amazing time; My kids are begging to go back again today; It is a one of a kind experience, as my mom likes to say, "it is part of my bucket list"... There are a few things that the little kids cannot participate in because of safety so it would be good to let them know ahead of time; Also, make sure to talk to the kids about the importance of being quiet and paying careful attention to what the instructors tell them to do; they are wild cats so alot of noise from children is not allowed during certain exhibits, although they do have plenty of time to run around and have fun too... Also, make sure that your kids are not afraid of animals as this would probably be a terrifying experience for a child who did not like animals... your heart will definately race a few times as you never know what to expect from these wild cats; They make safety the utmost priority especially when it comes to the small children

My husband and I visited 2/19/15. We were amazed with the animals and the opportunities to get up close and personal with them. Jim and the entire crew treated us like family and gave us time to take as many pictures as we wanted. This center is not a zoo and they run 100% off of donations. The staff show a complete dedication to the big cats. What a wonderful group of people and cats! You will not be disappointed!

If you are looking for something to do this definitely is for you. It gives you a new appreciation for cat sanctuaries and the cats in them. You think when the tour start there is no way this can last an hour and a half to two hours. Well the old saying, "Time flies when you you are having a good time!" applies. It seem as the tour just starts and it's over. Our tour people were really impressive not only presenting the cats and the history and life of each one, but how much time they took with each individual person. Allowing them photo opportunities and being able to touch many of the cats. So if you are looking for something for yourself or family to do - this is it.

This facility is conservation education at its finest. The staff was knowledgeable, friendly and hospitable. It's is a hands on up close experience you will not have with your typical zoo...will defiantly enhance your awareness on the big cat industry.

My wife and I visited on Jan 2, 2015. It was the highlight of our visit to the Panhandle. Jim and Birdie are great. Jim is amazing with all the cats. I love how the tours are not too large so each person gets special attention. They are doing good work here and should be getting money from the state for all of their rescues. Awesome cats, friendly people and cool atmosphere.

So I let my fourteen year old daughter plan a road trip from Atlanta and our first stop lead us here. This place is AMAZING! We were given a tour in a very small group which made this experience much more personal. We were able to interact with the cats and even allowed into several of the enclosures. When they say they will get you so close to the cats that you can smell their breath... They are not kidding! They are very knowledgeable and well educated about big cats which also made this a great learning experience for both myself and my daughter.

What an Amazing Experience! A must if you are in Panama City. The cats were beautiful. We were able to visit Bear Creek Feline Center on Jan.2.2015. From the minute we arrived Jim and Bertie treated us like family. Believe me this is NO ZOO! Theses cats are well cared for and Truly LOVED. Lots of interactions with cats. Jim and Bertie run the center totally on donations. We were never hurried and were given plenty of time to take as many pictures as we wanted. Where else could my wife sit with an African Serval in her lap! Thank you Jim and Bertie for a Wonderful Experience!

Our family visited while on a holiday vacation (Dec. 31, 2014). It was our last stop on the way out of town, and it became the highlight of the trip. We were a group of 6 adults plus one teen and one 7 year old. Everyone had a wonderful time! Jim and Bertie were great hosts. The cats were beautiful, and Jim and Bertie took time to give us the history of each, along with other educational info. The pace of the trip was spot on, and we never felt rushed. I highly recommend this! If we are ever in Panama City again, we'll be sure to visit again.

My husband and I had a tour of the immaculate facility and spent time with the beautiful cats. Jim could not have been nicer and told us about each cat and their past histories. It simply was a wonderful experience. We were never hurried and were encouraged to take as many pictures as we wanted. These big cats are loved, healthy, and very contented. Our $100 donation was gladly given at the conclusion of our time there. I can not say enough about Jim and our experience at Bear Creek Feline Center. Would love to go back--I simply loved it!!

What a great experience!!! Can't say enough good about it!! Jim and Bertie were excellent hosts and the venue was obviously well cared for! Lots of interactions with the animals and extensive knowledge of their animals. You can tell they truly love their cats! They took care to connect with each of us and to ensure that we each had a great experience. Also, they bent over backwards to accomodate our timetable and party size. We will definitely be returning often!!!

I've been to Bear Creek Feline Center many many times. I have taken family from out of town to meet the big cats. When one family member hears about the experience, they want to make a trip as well! I really enjoy the close encounter with these animals. An avid animal fan, I trust that these cats are well-taken care of and loved by the owners. I refuse to go to zoos, because of the conditions there, but I go to BCFC about twice a year. I get so excited to take new friends and family here and show them these beautiful cats and watch their faces light up with excitement as they sit down and pet the servals! The donation is reasonable and well worth it. All of it goes to the care of the cats. This is an exquisite and educational experience that should not be missed!

Very accommodating! Up close and personal experiences! Wonderful memories with breathtaking photos that will last forever! Well worth the money & will definitely be back!

What an awesome experience. Bertie and Jim have an amazing establishment, they really care about their cats. They really showed us a great time it was also very educational. The cats are well taken care of. There was a donation of 50.00 per person which goes toward food,and vet bills and other expenses, a very small price for such a very intimate tour of the facility. We had a group of 6 people. Got in the cage with a fla panther and was able to get some great pictures, also everyone on the tour got to get in the enclosure with the African Servals which were all over everyone, absolutely awesome. The work that Bertie and Jim do is overwhelming. Well worth the donation for this experience. Will definitely visit again when the cats have their winter coats