great cats world park

loved this place. The tour guide, Farrah, was wonderful. She gave lots of information, and took time for questions. She seemed very knowledgeable. The facility is not huge but the tour was about an hour. Lions, tigers, leopards and other big and small cats. They have a nice gift shop and snack bar also

I went to visit on the "free day " a 2/16/2015 the owner craig wagner Craig Wagner was cited as far back as 1990 for a Leopard and Tiger being changed outside in yard once again with no food or water. This was Wagner's fifth citation from WI DNR. Nothing changed and the starving tiger killed the black leopard and ate it. In return, Wagner allegedly beat the cat with a two-by-four. Wagner was found guilty in March 1993 and received a nine month jail sentence, which was stayed by the judge. He was placed on probation for 2 years and ordered to pay more than $45,000 in restitution. Because Wagner failed to comply with the restitution order, a warrant for his arrest was issued in 1997. Wagner then moved part of his organization to MN where he traveled and did cat shows for Renaissance Festivals until PETA protested that he housed cats inhumanely and he lost most of that work. There have been several incidences in MN that forced Wagner to move around the state three times. (check Hugo and Forest Lake, Mn. records) Within the last two years, he started moving cats to OR and doing the shows at Wildlife Safari. There were several cats that are endangered species (snow leopard and 2 breeding pair of Amur Leopards - less than 300 remain in the wild) that were given to CEC by other organizations. The local Sheriff's department said that had talked to Cyndi and felt it was under control. Witnesses claim that there are several more cats in poor condition at the Sandstone property including 2 orange tigers, 1 white tiger, cougar, black leopard, snow leopard, 2 caracals, lioness, and North American lynx. Words from a volunteer - "All of the cats looked like skeletons with a piece of fur draped over them." 911animalabuse.com/cente… In Animal Underworld, Alan Green tells the story of Craig Wagner, a man from Minnesota who passed by a cougars for sale sign one day and became a self-declared big cat lover from then on. Wagner's neighbors became unhappy when Wagner moved his cats into the neighborhood, and attempted to push him out. Others took Wagner's side. Dozens of volunteers helped build and maintain a shelter for the cats. Others provided support. Local schools asked Wagner to inform children about protecting the environment. Wagner even founded The Center for Endangered Cats. What they didn't know was that Wagner was located in Minnesota for a reason. Wagner ran to Minnesota because there was a warrant for his arrest in nearby Wisconsin for horrid animal cruelty acts. Because these issues are state jurisdiction, Wisconsin could do nothing but wait for Wagner to return. bigcatrescue.org/tiger-t… \

We almost didn't visit. From the road it looks like a typical tourist attraction. I'm very glad we decided to stop because the tour was so worth it. I was so surprised by the variety of cats and the deep knowledge of the staff. Very professionally run and you can tell they all enjoy working and interacting with the animals. This is NOT a zoo, so keep realistic expectations. You will go on a tour (lasted a little over an hour) which is informative and thorough. if you like big (and little!) cats this is the spot to visit!

The Great Cats World Park is the most amazing place to visit! The staff is so knowledgeable about all of the different types of cats. They are able to give presentations that both children and adults enjoy. It is a MUST SEE in Southern Oregon!

One of the observations made here was that this is so not a zoo for big cats. In zoos where cats are typically observed, you usually see them pacing back and forth and being confined to their enclosures. At Great Cats (when visitors are NOT there) they are allowed to roam outside their enclosures in the multi acre grounds and have a very good habitat that is complimentary to their needs. This parks goals are really incredible and I am in awe of their success of saving these endangered species and being able to help these cats reproduce. They have many different types of cats and the tour guides are very informative and will surely give everyone a special memory and education to take away with them. My husband is not a "cat" lover but after visiting this attraction he has a new appreciation even for our house cat. One other thing I really liked is that they rotate the cats that are on "tour" with the public,,they have what is called rotating days off and sometimes if the cat isn't in the mood to be "on show" they don't have to...very well respected. There are plenty cats to see so no worries on getting a short tour! The tour may seem pricey but when you consider that this is not a government funded attraction and is run by people who are genuinely concrened about the survival of these animals, big and small its a small token in retrospect. Plan on taking 2 hrs if you time it just right for a tour...or a little longer..Its free without the tour...but its worth the tour.

This place was great, we showed up and the staff let us tag along on to the tour that had already started, their staff knows so much about every cat, it truly is amazing and you can tell they take pride in their job. Dexter the black leopard, was very cool, i have never heard a growl as loud as his, and it was so cool to hear. We even got to watch "papa" they call him the park director get pulled around the leg by dexter, shows why the park is so cautious about people staying away from the fence, paws do come out! Very well taken care of park and I am glad we stopped.

You will love it here if you like cats. Here is your chance to get up close & personal (really see into their eyes) with tigers, leopards, lions and other cats. A chance to see some of those species that are probably on the verge of extinction. The staff is very knowledgeable and the animals are all well cared for. This is not an attraction where the animals have to put on a "show" - you will just see them doing what they usually do. And you will "hear" them as well. The tour is very entertaining as well as educational - you will definitely learn something new, and the cats are absolutely gorgeous to see. Don't miss this one !

The staff was nice and very knowledgeable, they had a load of wild cats. The tour is fun and gets you right up close with all varieties of cats. It's very much worth stopping for.

If you want to hear a mountain lion scream in person or roaring leopards and tigers this is the place. A very well kept clean facility. As with any exhibit its a shame the enclosures aren't bigger but the cats appear to be very well cared for.

If you love big cats, you will feel like you're in heaven at this attraction. You get as up-close and personal as you can, while still maintaining your safety, with white tigers, lions, leopards, snow leopards, and any number of big cats. When they roar, you feel it all the way to the bone. Amazing and fun. But if you go in summer, be sure to take water to drink and a hat. It's HOT there. Also, if you can go earlier in the day or toward the evening, before or after the heat is at its peak, the cats will be more active.Great fun for the whole family.

The staff knew the different wild cats and was willing to share the information. The only draw back is the tour got to be kind of long but then it might be because it was 90+ outside.

Ended up here after talking to some folks at breakfast at the caves. Upon arrival had our doubts. Decided to trust their recommendation. So glad we did. May have been the highlight of the trip!

My husband and I both really enjoyed the guided tour of the park. Our guide was funny and very knowledgeable about all the cats in the park. She answered everyone's questions even this adorable little boy whom kept asking the same question at every enclosure (even though his question always had the same answer, all the cats in the park can run about 20-25 mph). We had a great time!

They have a good collection of the wild cat family, from white Bengal Tiger to the King Lion. They make the animals stand yp very close to you so that you can actually feel their height when they stand up. The guides are very well informed and spends a lot of time in patiently listening to your questions and answer them. Whether you are a Senior over 65 or a junior under 10, it does not matter, they will address your query. A place worth the visit if you are there in the area.

Too hot that day to enjoy. Cat's were hot as well, not very physical. Need to go again on cooler day to enjoy.