This Hidden Pennsylvania Sanctuary Has Turned Into A Big Cat Refuge
Pennsylvania has a wild side that surprises people, especially when it shows up in the form of powerful, majestic big cats.
Beyond busy towns and rolling farmland, a quiet sanctuary offers a second chance to animals that once lived very different lives.
The low rumble of a lion’s call, the steady pacing of a tiger, and the intense gaze of a cougar create an experience that feels both humbling and unforgettable.
This is not a typical zoo visit. It is a refuge built on care, respect, and the belief that these animals deserve safety and space.
Sanctuaries like this shift your perspective quickly. The focus stays on the animals’ well being rather than entertainment, and every enclosure reflects thoughtful attention.
Pennsylvania’s landscape provides a fitting backdrop for a place devoted to protection and education. Visitors leave with more understanding than they arrived with, carrying stories rather than souvenirs.
I always notice how quiet I become in spaces like this. Standing just a short distance from a creature so powerful makes everything else fade away.
When an experience leaves me feeling both awed and reflective at the same time, I know it has truly made an impact.
From Humble Beginnings to Roaring Success
Terry and Donna Mattive never planned to run a big cat sanctuary. Back in 1990, they simply wanted to help a few animals in need.
Their compassion sparked something extraordinary. What began with just a handful of rescued cats has transformed into a full-scale refuge housing around fifty cats overall.
The family’s dedication turned their property into a lifeline for animals arriving from difficult situations, private owners, and closed facilities.
Each resident has a story of survival. Located at 363 Mountain Rd, Penns Creek, PA 17862, this sanctuary sits on sprawling acres perfect for large enclosures.
Visitors can tour each May-September and witness the incredible bond between caretakers and cats.
The Mattives built something truly special in rural Pennsylvania, proving that two people with big hearts can change countless lives.
Lions Living Their Best Lives
The majestic lions at T&D’s Cats of the World are absolute showstoppers. These massive felines, some weighing over 400 pounds, lounge in custom-built habitats designed to mimic their natural environments.
Their deep roars echo across the property, reminding everyone of their wild heritage.
I’ll never forget my first visit when a male lion from here approached the fence during feeding time. His golden mane caught the sunlight, and his presence was overwhelming in the best way.
The staff explained how he’d been rescued from a past situation years ago.
Now he thrives with proper nutrition, veterinary care, and plenty of space to roam. The refuge houses several lions, each with distinct personalities.
Some are playful and curious, while others prefer peaceful naps in shaded areas. Watching them interact reveals their complex social behaviors rarely seen in captivity elsewhere.
Tigers Reclaim Their Dignity Here
Tigers represent the largest population at T&D’s sanctuary. These striped beauties include Bengal, Siberian, and hybrid varieties, each stunning in their own right.
Their powerful builds and piercing eyes captivate every visitor who walks through.
Many arrived from situations where they were treated as props or pets. One tiger from here came from a private owner who could no longer care for him.
He was underweight and stressed when he arrived.
Today, he has gained healthy weight and displays natural behaviors like swimming in his pool and marking his territory. The refuge provides enrichment activities that keep these intelligent predators mentally stimulated.
Tigers need complex environments, and the staff delivers exactly that. Watching them patrol their spacious enclosures or play with oversized toys shows how far they’ve come from their troubled pasts in Pennsylvania.
Cougars Find Peace in Pennsylvania
Cougars, also called mountain lions or pumas, prowl the sanctuary with athletic grace. These North American natives are smaller than lions and tigers but equally impressive.
Their tawny coats blend beautifully with the natural surroundings at the refuge.
Several cougars call T&D’s home after being displaced from various situations. Some were bred in captivity and could never survive in the wild.
Others were confiscated from illegal ownership.
The sanctuary provides them with rocky outcrops, trees for climbing, and elevated platforms for surveying their domains. Cougars are solitary by nature, so each has their own space to retreat.
Staff members know their individual quirks and preferences. One female from here loves hiding behind logs during tours, then surprising visitors with her sudden appearance.
These ambush predators retain their hunting instincts even in this safe environment.
Educational Tours Change Perspectives
T&D’s offers guided tours that educate the public about exotic animal ownership and conservation.
Knowledgeable guides share facts about each species while explaining why these animals ended up needing rescue. The experience is eye-opening and unforgettable.
Tours last around eighty minutes and take visitors past every enclosure. Guides discuss diet requirements, behavioral traits, and the challenges of caring for apex predators.
They emphasize that big cats are not pets and belong in professional facilities or the wild. Children especially benefit from seeing these animals up close while learning respect for wildlife.
The sanctuary has educated thousands of Pennsylvania residents and tourists about responsible animal stewardship.
Photography is encouraged, so families leave with amazing memories. Booking ahead is recommended since tours fill up quickly, especially during warmer months.
The affordable admission fees directly support animal care and facility improvements.
Rescued from Roadside Attractions
Many residents arrived from failing roadside zoos and traveling shows. These operations often lack proper resources to care for large predators.
Animals suffer in cramped cages with inadequate food and medical attention.
T&D’s has taken in numerous cats from these situations over the years. The transformation is remarkable once they receive proper care.
Their coats become shinier, their eyes brighter, and their behaviors more natural.
One leopard named Spotty came from a roadside attraction that closed suddenly. He was severely malnourished and fearful of humans.
After months of patient rehabilitation, Spotty gained weight and learned to trust his caretakers. His recovery story represents the sanctuary’s core mission perfectly.
The facility works with authorities to provide permanent placement for seized or surrendered animals. Pennsylvania’s regulations have improved, but many exotic animals still need safe havens like this refuge.
Volunteer Programs Make a Difference
The sanctuary relies heavily on dedicated volunteers who donate their time and energy. These animal lovers help with everything from food preparation to enclosure maintenance.
Their contributions keep operations running smoothly on a limited budget.
Volunteers must complete training before working directly with animal care. They learn safety protocols, feeding schedules, and how to recognize signs of illness.
The commitment level varies, with some helping weekly and others during special projects.
I spoke with a volunteer named Janet who’s been helping for five years. She described the profound satisfaction of knowing her work directly improves these animals’ lives.
Volunteers also assist during public events and fundraisers. The refuge couldn’t function without this passionate community support.
Anyone interested can apply through their website to join this rewarding program and make a real impact in Pennsylvania.
Medical Care Comes First Always
Providing veterinary care for big cats requires specialized knowledge and expensive resources. T&D’s works with exotic animal veterinarians who understand the unique needs of these species.
Regular checkups, vaccinations, and dental work are essential for maintaining health.
Some residents arrived with serious medical conditions requiring immediate intervention. Infections, broken teeth, and malnutrition are common issues in rescued animals.
The sanctuary spares no expense ensuring every cat receives necessary treatment.
One tiger underwent major dental surgery to remove infected teeth causing him constant pain. After recovery, his personality completely changed from grumpy to playful.
Medical emergencies can cost thousands of dollars, which is why donations are so crucial. The sanctuary maintains relationships with veterinary schools and specialists who provide discounted services.
This network ensures even the most complex cases receive expert attention in Pennsylvania.
Feeding Time is Spectacular
Watching these powerful predators devour their meals is thrilling yet humbling. Big cats are obligate carnivores requiring substantial amounts of raw meat daily.
The sanctuary goes through hundreds of pounds of chicken, beef, and other proteins weekly.
Feeding schedules vary by species and individual needs. Staff members prepare meals with careful attention to nutritional balance.
Some cats receive supplements for specific health conditions.
The raw power displayed during feeding demonstrates why these animals command such respect. Lions tear into large pieces with ease, while tigers prefer dragging their food to private spots.
Visitors attending during feeding times witness nature’s raw intensity safely from outside the enclosures.
The refuge purchases meat from local suppliers and gratefully accepts donations of freezer-burned meat from businesses.
Every contribution helps offset the substantial food costs required to maintain healthy big cats.
Supporting the Sanctuary’s Future
T&D’s operates as a not-for-profit facility dependent on public support. Admission fees cover only a fraction of operating costs.
The sanctuary needs ongoing donations to provide the high-quality care these animals deserve.
Supporters can sponsor individual cats, contribute to medical funds, or make general donations. Every dollar directly benefits the residents.
The website lists current needs, from building materials to enrichment toys. Corporate sponsorships and grants also play vital roles in funding major projects like enclosure expansions.
The sanctuary maintains transparency about finances, ensuring donors know exactly how their contributions help.
Legacy gifts and memorial donations honor loved ones while supporting this important work. As awareness grows, more people recognize the value of sanctuaries like T&D’s in Pennsylvania.
The future depends on continued community support to rescue and care for big cats that have nowhere else to turn.