Encounter Majestic Big Cats Up Close at National Tiger Sanctuary: Educational Tours & Animal Feedings
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Good for KidsAt National Tiger Sanctuary, a non-profit rescue facility, you'll get an exhilarating opportunity to meet a variety of majestic big cats from just three feet away. Choose from engaging guided tours like riding safaris or feeding experiences, all designed to educate visitors on wildlife conservation.
Highlights
Experience unforgettable close encounters with magnificent big cats, including Bengal tigers, lions, leopards, and mountain lions, often from a mere three feet away.
Participate in educational guided tours that illuminate the compelling rescue stories, intricate hunting tactics, and profound environmental impact of these apex predators.
Embark on a thrilling open-air tram Riding Safari or an immersive Feeding Tour, offering distinct perspectives and unique interactions with up to 24 different cats.
Upgrade your visit with an exclusive Behind the Scenes Tour, where you'll assist staff, meet senior keepers, and even feed two big cats their daily snacks.
A perfect, impactful gift for animal enthusiasts and aspiring conservationists, providing both excitement and support for a vital non-profit rescue mission.
What To Expect
Plan Your Visit
- Operating Hours
- Mon–Tue: Closed
- Wed–Sun: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
- Tours start at 9:00 AM
- Last tour goes out at 4:00 PM
- Gates close at 5:00 PM
- DurationAllow 2-3 hours for a general visit to fully immerse yourself in the sanctuary experience. Specific tours, such as the Feeding Tour and Riding Safari, last approximately 1 hour, while the comprehensive Behind the Scenes Tour requires 3 to 3.5 hours.
- AccessibilityThe Riding Safari offers limited wheelchair access, requiring guests to be able to stand and step up into the tram. The Feeding Tour and Behind the Scenes Tour include walking components of approximately 1/4 mile, with the Behind the Scenes Tour also featuring a 1-mile riding tram component. Flat-soled shoes are highly recommended for all walking tours.
Ticket Options
Riding Safari
Enjoy an engaging ride on an open-air tram, guided through both walking tour paths and an additional "south cats" area, offering the opportunity to meet up to 24 majestic cats including lions, tigers, leopards, and Ligers. This tour lasts approximately 1 hour and is available for adults, seniors, and children (children aged 0-3 must ride on an adult's lap).
Feeding Tour
Witness the big cats up close as they crunch through bones on this guided, 1-hour walking tour. Meet up to 14 cats from three different subspecies—lions, tigers, and leopards—and learn their rescue stories, hunting tactics, and the incredible attributes that make them apex predators. This 1/4 mile path includes two small inclines; flat-soled shoes are highly recommended. Available for adults, seniors, and children.
Behind the Scenes Tour
Elevate your sanctuary experience with an exclusive multi-hour tour (3 to 3.5 hours) alongside dedicated staff. Get an intimate look at daily sanctuary operations, meet all 35 big cats, rescued livestock, hybrid wolf pack, and arctic wolves. This tour includes an opportunity to feed two big cats their daily snacks with guide assistance, a visit to the Retirement Center, and insights into safety procedures and enrichment activities from Senior Keepers. This experience has a 1/4 mile walking component and a 1-mile riding tram component; flat-soled shoes are advised.
How It Works
1. Grab the Deal
Buy your Groupon first!
2. Plan your Visit
Follow the link on your Groupon to select the date.
3. Redeem your Mobile Ticket
Enter your Groupon code at checkout.
4. Enjoy the Experience!
FAQs
What types of animals can I expect to see at the National Tiger Sanctuary?
You'll encounter a diverse range of majestic big cats, including Bengal tigers, lions, leopards, mountain lions, and even Ligers, along with rescued livestock, hybrid wolf packs, and arctic wolves on certain tours.
What is the mission of the National Tiger Sanctuary?
The sanctuary is a non-profit rescue facility dedicated to caring for big cats and raising awareness about environmental conditions and their effects on the earth's ecosystems through education.
How long should I plan for my visit to the sanctuary?
A general visit typically lasts 2-3 hours. Guided tours like the Feeding Tour and Riding Safari are approximately 1 hour each, while the comprehensive Behind the Scenes Tour requires 3 to 3.5 hours.
Are the tours wheelchair accessible?
The Riding Safari has limited wheelchair access and requires guests to be able to stand and step up into the tram. Walking tours like the Feeding Tour and parts of the Behind the Scenes Tour have walking components, for which flat-soled shoes are recommended.
Can I take photos during my visit?
Yes, photography is encouraged during your visit to capture the unforgettable moments with our big cats and other rescued animals.
What kind of footwear is recommended for the tours?
Flat-soled shoes are highly recommended for tours with walking components, such as the Feeding Tour and the Behind the Scenes Tour, to ensure comfort and safety.
At National Tiger Sanctuary, a non-profit rescue facility, you'll get an exhilarating opportunity to meet a variety of majestic big cats from just three feet away. Choose from engaging guided tours like riding safaris or feeding experiences, all designed to educate visitors on wildlife conservation.
Highlights
Experience unforgettable close encounters with magnificent big cats, including Bengal tigers, lions, leopards, and mountain lions, often from a mere three feet away.
Participate in educational guided tours that illuminate the compelling rescue stories, intricate hunting tactics, and profound environmental impact of these apex predators.
Embark on a thrilling open-air tram Riding Safari or an immersive Feeding Tour, offering distinct perspectives and unique interactions with up to 24 different cats.
Upgrade your visit with an exclusive Behind the Scenes Tour, where you'll assist staff, meet senior keepers, and even feed two big cats their daily snacks.
A perfect, impactful gift for animal enthusiasts and aspiring conservationists, providing both excitement and support for a vital non-profit rescue mission.
What To Expect
Plan Your Visit
- Operating Hours
- Mon–Tue: Closed
- Wed–Sun: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
- Tours start at 9:00 AM
- Last tour goes out at 4:00 PM
- Gates close at 5:00 PM
- DurationAllow 2-3 hours for a general visit to fully immerse yourself in the sanctuary experience. Specific tours, such as the Feeding Tour and Riding Safari, last approximately 1 hour, while the comprehensive Behind the Scenes Tour requires 3 to 3.5 hours.
- AccessibilityThe Riding Safari offers limited wheelchair access, requiring guests to be able to stand and step up into the tram. The Feeding Tour and Behind the Scenes Tour include walking components of approximately 1/4 mile, with the Behind the Scenes Tour also featuring a 1-mile riding tram component. Flat-soled shoes are highly recommended for all walking tours.
Ticket Options
Riding Safari
Enjoy an engaging ride on an open-air tram, guided through both walking tour paths and an additional "south cats" area, offering the opportunity to meet up to 24 majestic cats including lions, tigers, leopards, and Ligers. This tour lasts approximately 1 hour and is available for adults, seniors, and children (children aged 0-3 must ride on an adult's lap).
Feeding Tour
Witness the big cats up close as they crunch through bones on this guided, 1-hour walking tour. Meet up to 14 cats from three different subspecies—lions, tigers, and leopards—and learn their rescue stories, hunting tactics, and the incredible attributes that make them apex predators. This 1/4 mile path includes two small inclines; flat-soled shoes are highly recommended. Available for adults, seniors, and children.
Behind the Scenes Tour
Elevate your sanctuary experience with an exclusive multi-hour tour (3 to 3.5 hours) alongside dedicated staff. Get an intimate look at daily sanctuary operations, meet all 35 big cats, rescued livestock, hybrid wolf pack, and arctic wolves. This tour includes an opportunity to feed two big cats their daily snacks with guide assistance, a visit to the Retirement Center, and insights into safety procedures and enrichment activities from Senior Keepers. This experience has a 1/4 mile walking component and a 1-mile riding tram component; flat-soled shoes are advised.
How It Works
1. Grab the Deal
Buy your Groupon first!
2. Plan your Visit
Follow the link on your Groupon to select the date.
3. Redeem your Mobile Ticket
Enter your Groupon code at checkout.
4. Enjoy the Experience!
FAQs
What types of animals can I expect to see at the National Tiger Sanctuary?
You'll encounter a diverse range of majestic big cats, including Bengal tigers, lions, leopards, mountain lions, and even Ligers, along with rescued livestock, hybrid wolf packs, and arctic wolves on certain tours.
What is the mission of the National Tiger Sanctuary?
The sanctuary is a non-profit rescue facility dedicated to caring for big cats and raising awareness about environmental conditions and their effects on the earth's ecosystems through education.
How long should I plan for my visit to the sanctuary?
A general visit typically lasts 2-3 hours. Guided tours like the Feeding Tour and Riding Safari are approximately 1 hour each, while the comprehensive Behind the Scenes Tour requires 3 to 3.5 hours.
Are the tours wheelchair accessible?
The Riding Safari has limited wheelchair access and requires guests to be able to stand and step up into the tram. Walking tours like the Feeding Tour and parts of the Behind the Scenes Tour have walking components, for which flat-soled shoes are recommended.
Can I take photos during my visit?
Yes, photography is encouraged during your visit to capture the unforgettable moments with our big cats and other rescued animals.
What kind of footwear is recommended for the tours?
Flat-soled shoes are highly recommended for tours with walking components, such as the Feeding Tour and the Behind the Scenes Tour, to ensure comfort and safety.
Need To Know Info
- 3-day hassle-free refund guarantee - Free cancellation for up to 3 days after purchase for unredeemed vouchers.
- Valid through March 1, 2026.
- Taxes and fees may not be included.
- May purchase multiples to make up appropriate party size.
About National Tiger Sanctuary: Saddelbrooke, Missouri
National Tiger Sanctuary is a non-profit, rescue organization that provides a permanent home for exotic and domestic animals. Our diverse learning campus is dedicated to the preservation of the environment and exemplary animal care. We provide unique educational programs and experiences to foster a love and appreciation for nature in the heart of every visitor.
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