Thousands of tigers, lions, and other big cats are privately owned in the US and other countries, often in conditions that severely compromise their welfare.
Private big cat ownership creates near-universal welfare compromise. These large, active, wide-ranging predators require enormous territories in the wild and complex social or solitary environments depending on species. Small cage housing prevents natural movement, denies environmental complexity, and causes chronic stress. Cubs used in petting operations are separated from mothers early, handled repeatedly by strangers, and typically discarded to inadequate facilities when they grow too large to be safely handled. Sanctuary rescue and lifetime care represents the only ethical path for these animals.