Wildlife and Captivity

Sanctuary Standards for Big Cat Welfare

The US Big Cat Public Safety Act of 2022 ended public cub petting and private ownership, transforming welfare conditions for captive big cats across the country.

Key Facts

An estimated 5,000 to 10,000 tigers live in captivity in the United States — more than in the wild
The Big Cat Public Safety Act prohibits private ownership of lions, tigers, leopards, and cheetahs
Cub petting operations removed cubs from mothers within days of birth, causing developmental trauma
Reputable sanctuaries provide large naturalistic habitats with enrichment, not paying visitor contact
GFAS-accredited sanctuaries prohibit breeding, selling, and direct animal-public contact

Welfare Considerations

Big cats in inadequate captivity exhibit high rates of stereotypic pacing, self-mutilation, and behavioral abnormalities indicating chronic psychological stress. Cubs separated from mothers early show attachment disorders and impaired social development. The Big Cat Public Safety Act represents a major welfare win, but implementation requires robust enforcement and funding for rescue of animals from newly-illegal private ownership situations.

What You Can Do

Only visit GFAS-accredited sanctuaries that do not offer animal contact experiences
Never pay for photos or interactions with big cat cubs
Report suspected illegal private ownership to USDA and local wildlife authorities
Support accredited sanctuaries that provide lifetime care for rescued big cats