The Ozarks are home to a lot of really neat animals – like whitetail deer, or black bears, for example. These rugged hills are full of things like turkeys, eagles, foxes, squirrels, songbirds, minks, turtles, rabbits and…tigers? That’s right; there are real live tigers here in the Ozarks! And the best part is that you and your family can visit them at The National Tiger Sanctuary near Branson, Missouri. Get ready to meet some of the coolest critters in the Ozarks – this is one attraction you really won’t want to miss.
The National Tiger Sanctuary is located about twenty minutes from Branson in Chestnutridge, Missouri, just a short drive off of Highway 65. Here you will find some of the world’s most beautiful big cats, living in a natural, outdoor environment. The National Tiger Sanctuary is a non-profit organization operating under the Global Resources for Environmental Education and Nature. The sanctuary was established in 2000 with the goal of creating a safe and protected environment to connect with the diversity of creation. This impressive facility, inspected annually by the USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) and the Missouri Department of Conservation to ensure the well-being of both the animals and the visitors, was built entirely with private funding from individuals and membership support. The National Tiger Sanctuary hosts interns from all across the globe through their internship program, creating a place of learning and experience through their big cats.
The National Tiger Sanctuary is currently home to more than twenty exotic cats, as well as several domestic felines (and dogs!). One of these exotic beauties is Jaycee, a white tiger who was rescued from smugglers in Texas, and then obtained by NTS from the Gladys Porter Zoo, along with another white tiger named Tigger. Another NTS resident is a big Bengal tiger named Max – he is a classic orange and black striped tiger that most people picture when they think of these big cats! Niara is one of several African Lionesses that calls NTS home, along with Leo, a thick maned African Lion. NTS is also proud to be the caretakers of a cougar, panthers, and numerous other cats!
NTS is open Wednesday through Sunday, and guided tours are offered at 10am, 1pm and 3pm. They also offer multiple tour options: The Awareness Tour (where visitors can meet the cats and learn about their personalities), The Feeding Tour (where visitors can not only meet the cats but watch them being fed), The You Feed Tour (where you can feed the big cats yourself!) and The Behind The Scenes Tour (where visitors can get a behind the scenes look at animal care and food preparation, including feeding the big cats.) The only tour requiring reservations is the Behind The Scenes Tour. NTS also has options for birthday parties, weddings, field trips and group discount rates!
The National Tiger Sanctuary is a great place for learning about not only big cats, but also about conservation and caring for one’s environment. Don’t miss visiting NTS during your time in Branson!
