All About National Tiger Sanctuary
At National Tiger Sanctuary, every cat has a story, and every ticket helps change an animal’s life! Each animal here was rescued from a bad situation, like neglect, zoo displacement, and the cub-petting industry. Some of them were even kept as exotic “house pets” before they began their new lives here, where Keith Kincaid and Judy McGee ensure they receive the best possible animal care.
Along with 33 big cats, the sanctuary is also home to other rescued creatures, including wolves, a llama, and even a horse!
A Wild Mission Fueled by Compassion
Keith and Judy have always loved animals. And when they heard about the issues both wild and captive tigers faced, they decided to do something about it.
For years, they worked with big cats. That experience not only fueled their passion for helping these amazing animals but also gave them the skills they needed to provide a permanent refuge.
In 2000, they opened the National Tiger Sanctuary with one goal: to give big cats in need a safe, enriching, lifelong home. They also wanted to create a place where people could connect with and learn about big cats and how to help protect them. Every visitor who supports the sanctuary becomes part of that mission.
What to Do at National Tiger Sanctuary
Most sanctuaries let visitors wander between enclosures. But Keith and Judy wanted a more hands-on experience that helps people understand the animals and their stories.
They offer 4 guided tour options that let guests meet up to 33 exotic and domestic animals from 4 species! Fun fact: They also have a tiliger named Charlie — a guest favorite!
- Awareness Tours: These 45-minute guided walks allow guests to meet up to 10 of the resident cats while learning about their unique personalities and stories. (1/4 mile long)
- Feed Tours: Get a little more hands-on with a one-hour feeding tour, where you can watch up to 12 cats enjoy their meals–or upgrade to help feed them snacks! (1/4 mile long)
- Riding Safari Tour: Enjoy 24 of the park’s big cats as you ride the tram along both walking paths, learning about each lion, tiger, puma, and leopard you meet along this one-hour journey!
- Behind-the-Scenes Tour: A 3.5-hour experience that shows what it takes to care for all 33 cats. You’ll get up close to every cat, interact with the exemplary animal care staff, and access both the walking tours and tram.
Important note: The animals are never forced to interact and have free rein of their habitats and rooms. Because of this, the number of animals you see may vary. And since these are wild animals, no tour includes petting, holding, or touching them.
Reviews for National Tiger Sanctuary
“The tour guide was wonderful, knowledgeable, and made the tour interesting as well as fun. It’s obvious the animals are well taken care of and content.” -Kelly G.
“This was my favorite place I went to on my vacation. I did the feeding tour, which was informative and fun. All the stories were interesting, and the animals look in great condition and seem to have a real relationship with these people. They have a nice gift shop. I would HIGHLY recommend to visit and would definitely check this place out again if I was in the area.” -Melissa I.
“After visiting, we all talked about how thankful we are that it existed. Amazing staff and loved seeing these majestic animals playing with their toys and being taken care of so loved by their caretakers. We will return next time we visit Branson to witness their growth.” -Karen H.
“Our tour guide was AWESOME! She was very knowledgeable and shared a ton of info with us during our tour. My heart goes out to these amazing cats. I’m grateful for places like the National Tiger Sanctuary to provide a place for them, since being on their own is not an option. Please consider donating or make a trip to visit the big kitties! They’re so worth it!” -Jane G.
Our Experience at National Tiger Sanctuary
Big cats and big missions? Of course, we had to check it out! We booked their feeding tour and riding safari tour, and we were blown away!
The sanctuary is wild and thrilling while remaining natural and inviting for guests. It’s the perfect balance of fun and safety.
Our guide, Kaci, made the visit unforgettable. She shared so much great information that helped us understand the animals even more.
We learned that ear movements signal the cats are listening, even if they aren’t looking at you, and that only 1 in 10,000 Bengal tiger cubs are born white!
But we also heard some tough stories about how these animals arrived at the sanctuary.
Take Midnight, for instance. She’s a beautiful melanistic leopard (aka black with black spots) who was inappropriately kept as a house cat until her rescue. Or Kora, a majestic tiger who was rescued from the cub-petting trade, a horrible industry that has a 90% mortality rate!
But we also got to meet Charlie the Tiliger, an adorable yet powerful 800-pound lion-tiger mix that everyone loves, and that absolutely brightened our day!
We enjoyed making all sorts of new furry friends, but the stories and the level of care made the biggest impact. It’s clear that they’re here to make a difference — not a profit — and that they truly love every animal here!
FAQs About National Tiger Sanctuary
- Where is National Tiger Sanctuary? Located just 15 minutes from the main Branson, MO area, you’ll find the sanctuary at 518 State Highway BB, Chestnutridge, MO 65630.
- Is it kid-friendly? Absolutely! This is a great place for visitors of all ages, and a great place to combine fun with preservation education.
- When is it open? The sanctuary is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays to give the animals a break. But guests are welcome Wednesday through Sunday from 8:45 AM to 5 PM.
- When are the tours? Tours run at the top of each hour! Some tours require advance registration, so be sure to visit their website and purchase tickets before your visit, if possible.
What Makes Them Stand Out
National Tiger Sanctuary is a non-profit rescue, where every donation and ticket purchase goes right back to the animals! They’re not here for profits, and it shows in the level of care the big cats receive. All the funds go to medical care, food, enclosure upkeep, and plenty of enrichment toys. And according to Kaci, these guys love their toys.
But the bond between the workers and animals is so apparent, too! They’re not just clocking in for a job. The cats are so well cared for, and it’s easy to see that the workers love them.
We also love that they rescue domestic and exotic cats from all over the country, and that the cats are truly safe here — never bred, traded, or exploited.
So be sure to add this meaningful place to your Branson itinerary. It’s perfect for families, animal lovers, and just anyone who appreciates ethical rescue work. And remember, every visit helps provide quality care for these big cats. So you’re not just having fun; you’re making a difference.
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