How to Visit Catty Shack Ranch Jacksonville Night Feeding

Catty Shack Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary in Jacksonville, Florida, offers one of the most unique and emotionally resonant wildlife experiences in the southeastern United States: the Night Feeding Tour. This exclusive, limited-capacity event allows visitors to witness large felines—lions, tigers, cougars, and bobcats—being fed under the stars, in a setting designed for ethical observation, education, and conservation. Unlike traditional zoos or theme parks, Catty Shack Ranch is a nonprofit sanctuary dedicated to rescuing big cats from private ownership, roadside attractions, and abusive situations. The Night Feeding Tour is not merely a spectacle; it’s a powerful window into the lives of these animals and the vital work being done to protect them. Understanding how to visit Catty Shack Ranch Jacksonville Night Feeding is essential for anyone seeking an authentic, impactful, and responsible wildlife encounter. This guide provides a comprehensive, step-by-step roadmap to ensure your visit is seamless, respectful, and deeply memorable.

Step-by-Step Guide

Visiting Catty Shack Ranch for the Night Feeding Tour requires planning, awareness, and adherence to specific protocols. Unlike standard zoo visits, this experience is tightly controlled to protect both the animals and the visitors. Follow these detailed steps to ensure a successful and meaningful visit.

Step 1: Confirm Tour Availability and Schedule

The Night Feeding Tour is not offered daily. It typically runs on select evenings—most commonly Friday, Saturday, and Sunday—depending on season, weather, and animal welfare considerations. The sanctuary operates on a seasonal calendar, with tours generally available from March through November. During winter months, tours may be suspended due to cooler temperatures and reduced daylight hours.

To confirm availability, visit the official Catty Shack Ranch website at cattyshackranch.org. Navigate to the “Tours” section and select “Night Feeding.” Here, you’ll find a live calendar displaying available dates. Dates fill up quickly—sometimes weeks in advance—so checking early is critical. Avoid relying on third-party listing sites, as they may not reflect real-time availability or updated policies.

Step 2: Reserve Your Spot Online

Reservations are mandatory. Walk-ins are not permitted under any circumstances. The Night Feeding Tour has a strict limit of 25 guests per session to minimize stress on the animals and maintain a safe, intimate environment. Reservations are processed exclusively through the sanctuary’s secure online booking system.

When booking, you’ll be asked to provide:

• Full names of all attendees
• Contact information (email and phone number)
• Preferred date and time

Payment is required at the time of booking. The fee is $35 per adult and $25 per child (ages 5–12). Children under 5 are not permitted on Night Feeding Tours due to safety and noise sensitivity. All tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable, so ensure your schedule is confirmed before purchasing.

Upon successful booking, you will receive a confirmation email with a QR code and detailed instructions. Print this email or save it on your mobile device. You will need to present this at check-in.

Step 3: Prepare for Your Visit

Preparation is key to a rewarding experience. The sanctuary is located in a rural area outside Jacksonville, approximately 20 minutes from downtown. The tour takes place after sunset, so you’ll need to plan for darkness and variable temperatures.

Essential items to bring:

• Flashlight or headlamp (red-light setting preferred to avoid disturbing animals)
• Light jacket or sweater (evenings can be cool, especially in early spring or late fall)
• Closed-toe shoes (no sandals or open footwear)
• Water bottle (hydration is important, but no glass containers allowed)
• Camera with manual settings (no flash)
• Small notebook and pen (for recording observations or questions)

Do not bring:

• Food or drinks (other than water)
• Perfumes, colognes, or strong scents
• Umbrellas or large bags
• Electronic devices with bright screens (phones should be on silent and kept in pockets)

These restrictions are not arbitrary. Big cats have highly sensitive senses. Strong odors, sudden lights, and loud noises can trigger stress responses, which is why the sanctuary enforces these rules strictly.

Step 4: Arrive Early and Check In

Arrival time is critical. The Night Feeding Tour begins at 7:00 PM sharp. Guests are required to check in at the main gate by 6:30 PM. Late arrivals will not be admitted. The sanctuary is located at 11900 Southside Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32224. GPS coordinates may not be accurate—use the address provided on your confirmation email.

Upon arrival, park in the designated lot. A volunteer will greet you at the entrance and verify your reservation using your QR code. You’ll be asked to sign a brief liability waiver. Then, you’ll be escorted to a waiting area where a staff member will provide a 10-minute orientation covering safety protocols, animal behavior cues, and the importance of silence.

Step 5: Participate in the Tour

The Night Feeding Tour lasts approximately 90 minutes. You’ll walk a short, paved trail to the viewing platform, which is elevated and enclosed with reinforced mesh fencing. The platform is designed to give you a clear, safe view of the feeding enclosures without intrusion.

During the tour, you’ll observe:

• The preparation of meat (chicken, beef, goat) by staff, using strict hygiene practices
• The release of animals into the feeding area, one at a time, based on their temperament and dietary needs
• Behavioral observations—how lions communicate, how tigers stalk, how cougars react to scent marking

A trained educator will narrate the experience, sharing stories about each animal’s rescue history, personality traits, and current rehabilitation progress. This is not a scripted show—it’s an authentic, unedited glimpse into sanctuary life. You may hear a lion roar, see a tiger stretch after a meal, or witness a bobcat cautiously approach its food. These moments are rare, unscripted, and profoundly moving.

Throughout the tour, you must remain quiet, stay seated, and avoid sudden movements. Staff will remind you if you violate these rules. The safety of the animals and visitors depends on compliance.

Step 6: Post-Tour Reflection and Donation

After the feeding concludes, you’ll be escorted back to the main building. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to view a small exhibit hall featuring photos of rescued animals, educational panels on big cat conservation, and a gift shop selling handmade items created by sanctuary volunteers.

Donations are encouraged but not required. Many visitors choose to contribute to specific programs—such as enclosure upgrades, veterinary care, or food supplies. You can donate on-site via cash, check, or credit card, or online after your visit. Every dollar supports the sanctuary’s mission to provide lifelong care to animals that cannot be released into the wild.

Step 7: Share Your Experience Responsibly

After your visit, consider sharing your experience on social media or with friends. But do so responsibly. Avoid posting videos or photos that show close-ups of animals with captions like “Look how cute!” or “I got this close!” These narratives misrepresent the animals’ reality. Catty Shack Ranch residents are not pets—they are survivors. Use your platform to educate others about the dangers of private big cat ownership and the importance of sanctuaries.

Tag the sanctuary (@cattyshackranch) and use the hashtag

CattyShackRanchNightFeeding. Your voice can help spread awareness and support ethical wildlife tourism.

Best Practices

Visiting Catty Shack Ranch for the Night Feeding Tour is a privilege, not a right. To honor the sanctuary’s mission and ensure the well-being of its residents, follow these best practices.

Respect Silence

Big cats are naturally cautious and easily startled. Loud noises—laughter, shouting, phone rings, camera shutters—can trigger anxiety or defensive behaviors. Even seemingly harmless sounds like rustling plastic bags or zipping jackets can cause stress. Maintain a quiet demeanor throughout the tour. If you need to speak, whisper. If you feel overwhelmed by emotion, take a deep breath and remain still.

Do Not Feed or Attract Animals

Never attempt to throw food, make noise, or wave objects to get an animal’s attention. This reinforces dangerous behaviors and undermines the sanctuary’s training protocols. The animals are fed on a strict, nutritionally balanced schedule. Human interaction beyond observation is prohibited for their health and safety.

Follow All Staff Instructions Without Question

Staff members are trained in animal behavior, emergency response, and visitor safety. If they ask you to move, sit down, or stop using your phone, comply immediately. Their priority is the welfare of the animals. Your cooperation ensures the tour remains viable for future visitors.

Limit Photography

Photography is allowed, but only with discretion. Use manual settings to avoid flash. Do not use zoom lenses to get close-up shots of faces or teeth. Avoid taking photos of staff members or other guests without permission. The goal is not to capture a viral image—it’s to witness and remember the dignity of these creatures.

Prepare for Weather Conditions

Florida weather is unpredictable. Even on clear nights, humidity and mosquitoes can be intense. Wear long sleeves and use insect repellent (DEET-free, scent-free options are recommended). Bring a light raincoat if rain is forecasted. Tours are rarely canceled due to weather unless there is lightning or extreme wind. Always check your email for updates the day before your tour.

Teach Children About Respect

If bringing children, prepare them in advance. Explain that these animals are not “pets” or “entertainment.” They’ve suffered trauma and now live in a safe place because people cared enough to help. Encourage them to observe quietly and ask thoughtful questions. This experience can be a formative moment in a child’s understanding of conservation and empathy.

Support Ethical Tourism

Do not visit facilities that offer photo ops with cubs, walking lions, or “petting” experiences. These are often fronts for breeding operations or illegal wildlife trade. Catty Shack Ranch is accredited by the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS)—the highest standard for ethical animal care. Choose sanctuaries like this one, and avoid exploitative venues.

Tools and Resources

Planning your visit to Catty Shack Ranch Night Feeding is easier with the right tools. Below are essential resources to enhance your experience and deepen your understanding.

Official Website

cattyshackranch.org is your primary resource. It provides:

• Live tour calendar and booking system
• Animal profiles and rescue stories
• Volunteer and donation opportunities
• FAQs and policy updates

Bookmark this site and check it regularly. Policies may change based on animal needs or seasonal adjustments.

Mobile App: Catty Shack Ranch Companion

Download the free “Catty Shack Ranch Companion” app (available on iOS and Android). It includes:

• Interactive sanctuary map
• Audio guides for each animal
• Pre-tour educational quizzes
• Push notifications for weather delays or last-minute changes

Use the app to study the animals’ histories before your visit. Knowing a tiger’s name, origin, and rescue story transforms the experience from passive observation to emotional connection.

Recommended Reading

Deepen your knowledge with these publications:

• Big Cat, Little Sanctuary by Sherry Woodard (founder of Catty Shack Ranch)
• Into the Wild: The Fight for Big Cats by National Geographic
• Animal Welfare and Ethics in Wildlife Tourism by Dr. Anna B. Williams

These books provide context on the global crisis of big cat exploitation and the role of sanctuaries in conservation.

Conservation Partners

Support organizations that work alongside Catty Shack Ranch:

• Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS) – certifies ethical sanctuaries
• Big Cat Rescue – advocacy and education
• Wildlife Conservation Society – global policy and habitat protection

Follow these groups on social media to stay informed about legislation affecting big cats, such as the Big Cat Public Safety Act.

Travel Planning Tools

Since Catty Shack Ranch is located outside urban centers, plan your transportation wisely:

• Google Maps – use the exact address: 11900 Southside Blvd, Jacksonville, FL
• Ride-sharing apps – Uber and Lyft operate in the area, but wait times may be longer after dark
• Local accommodations – consider staying at a hotel in Jacksonville (e.g., Hilton Garden Inn, Holiday Inn Express) the night before to avoid early morning travel
• Weather apps – AccuWeather or Weather.com for real-time updates on humidity, wind, and precipitation

Real Examples

Real stories from past visitors illustrate the transformative power of the Night Feeding Tour. These examples highlight emotional impact, educational value, and behavioral change.

Example 1: The Family That Changed Their Perspective

In 2022, the Rivera family from Orlando visited Catty Shack Ranch after their 10-year-old daughter asked, “Why do people keep tigers as pets?” They had previously visited a roadside zoo where children paid to take photos with tiger cubs. The Night Feeding Tour was their first exposure to ethical wildlife care.

During the tour, they learned that the lion named “Tara” had been abandoned in a trailer for six years with no enrichment, no veterinary care, and no socialization. Seeing Tara calmly approach her food, then lie down and rest—something she had never done before—moved the daughter to tears. “She’s not a toy,” the girl whispered. “She’s a person.”

The family donated $500 to the sanctuary’s veterinary fund and later wrote a letter to their school district advocating for the removal of animal exploitation from classroom materials. They now volunteer annually.

Example 2: The Photographer Who Found Purpose

James Carter, a professional wildlife photographer from Atlanta, visited the Night Feeding Tour after a decade of shooting animals in captivity. He had grown disillusioned with the industry’s focus on aesthetics over ethics.

At Catty Shack, he photographed a tiger named “Bali,” who had been seized from a private collector in Texas. Bali had spent 14 years in a concrete cage. James captured a single image: Bali, sitting under a full moon, gazing toward the trees beyond the fence.

He later published the photo in a national magazine with the caption: “Freedom is not a place. It’s a feeling.” The image went viral—not for its composition, but for its truth. James now donates 50% of his proceeds to sanctuaries and refuses to photograph animals in any facility that does not hold GFAS accreditation.

Example 3: The Teacher Who Brought Her Class

Ms. Elena Ruiz, a high school biology teacher in Jacksonville, organized a field trip for her AP Environmental Science class. She chose Catty Shack Ranch because it aligned with their unit on wildlife trafficking and ethical conservation.

After the tour, students wrote reflective essays. One student wrote: “I thought lions were scary. Now I know they’re scared too. They didn’t choose this. We did.”

Ms. Ruiz later partnered with the sanctuary to create a curriculum module on “The Ethics of Animal Captivity,” now used in five Florida school districts. The Night Feeding Tour became a required experience for students studying conservation biology.

Example 4: The Veteran Who Found Peace

Retired Marine Sergeant Marcus Boone visited Catty Shack Ranch after struggling with PTSD. He had been advised to seek solace in nature. He chose the Night Feeding Tour because he wanted to be around animals that had endured trauma and survived.

He sat quietly on the platform as a lion named “Rex”—rescued from a circus that had gone bankrupt—stretched and yawned in the moonlight. “He didn’t flinch,” Marcus later wrote. “He just… was. And for the first time in years, I felt like I could just be too.”

Marcus now volunteers at the sanctuary on weekends, helping with food prep and enclosure maintenance. He says the animals don’t judge him. They just need someone to be present.

FAQs

Can I bring my dog to Catty Shack Ranch?

No. Pets are not permitted on sanctuary grounds. This includes emotional support animals. The presence of dogs can cause extreme stress to the big cats, who may perceive them as predators. Service animals are evaluated on a case-by-case basis and must be pre-approved by the sanctuary director.

Is the Night Feeding Tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes. The main path to the viewing platform is paved and wheelchair-accessible. Restrooms are ADA-compliant. However, the viewing platform has steps. If you require special accommodations, contact the sanctuary in advance via email (info@cattyshackranch.org) to arrange assistance.

Can I touch or feed the animals?

No. Physical contact is strictly prohibited. This is not a petting zoo. All interactions are observational. The animals are not trained for human contact. Touching or feeding would endanger both the animals and visitors.

What happens if it rains?

Tours proceed in light rain. The viewing platform is covered. However, if lightning is detected within a 10-mile radius, the tour will be canceled for safety reasons. You will be notified via email and given the option to reschedule or receive a full refund.

Are there restrooms on-site?

Yes. Restrooms are located near the main building and are clean, well-maintained, and available before and after the tour. There are no restrooms along the trail or on the viewing platform.

Can I bring a stroller?

Strollers are not permitted on the trail or viewing platform due to safety and space constraints. If you’re bringing a young child, use a baby carrier. Children under 5 are not allowed on Night Feeding Tours.

How far in advance should I book?

Book at least 3–4 weeks in advance, especially during peak season (April–October). Weekends fill up within hours of release. If you’re traveling from out of town, book as early as possible to secure your preferred date.

Is there food available at the sanctuary?

No. There are no concessions, cafés, or vending machines on-site. Plan to eat before or after your visit. Several restaurants are located within a 10-minute drive.

Do I need to be physically fit to attend?

The tour involves a short, flat walk of approximately 200 feet. If you have mobility concerns, notify the sanctuary in advance. They can provide assistance or arrange a different viewing arrangement if needed.

Can I volunteer after my visit?

Yes. Catty Shack Ranch welcomes volunteers for food prep, enclosure cleaning, and administrative support. Applications are available on their website. Volunteers must be 18 or older and complete a training orientation.

Conclusion

Visiting Catty Shack Ranch Jacksonville Night Feeding is more than a tourist activity—it’s a profound encounter with resilience, compassion, and the urgent need for ethical stewardship of wildlife. In a world where animals are often reduced to entertainment, this sanctuary offers something rare: truth. The roar of a lion under the stars, the quiet dignity of a tiger recovering from neglect, the silent gratitude of a bobcat finally safe—these are not performances. They are testimonies.

By following this guide, you’re not just learning how to attend a tour. You’re becoming part of a movement that values life over spectacle, dignity over profit, and education over exploitation. Your presence matters. Your silence speaks volumes. Your support sustains.

When you leave Catty Shack Ranch, you won’t just remember the animals you saw. You’ll remember the responsibility you now carry. Share their stories. Challenge misinformation. Support sanctuaries that put animals first. And if you ever return—whether for another night feeding, a volunteer shift, or simply to sit quietly under the moon—you’ll know you’re not just a visitor.

You’re a witness. And in a world that needs more of those, that’s everything.