FAQ
-
Yes, we do. Panther Ridge is not open to the general public, but we do offer private tours for individuals and small groups. Check out our Tours page for more details. We look forward to seeing you!
-
At present, we have more than 21 cats, but the number fluctuates. The cats are with us for life, and it is inevitable that we will lose some of our dear old friends. That is when we open our hearts and accept new faces into the Panther Ridge fold.
-
We currently have panthers, jaguars, leopards, clouded leopards, servals, ocelots, a caracal, and a cheetah. View our cats >>
-
Every cat has a diet that is specially formulated to enhance their health. We feed them an assortment of meats, including horse, beef, lamb, venison, rabbit, chicken and whole prey (rats, mice, and chicks). All of our food comes from premium suppliers — we purchase all of our food. We NEVER feed live.
-
Food, veterinary care, and enclosure maintenance are the biggest expenditures. We have only one employee and several excellent volunteers with an abundance of experience. Overall, it costs approximately $150,000 per year to keep Panther Ridge running. We have no administrative costs or salaries. All of the donations we receive go directly to the care of the animals.
-
This varies by species and the background of the cat before it came to Panther Ridge. Cheetahs, for example, generally do not have a long life span, and leopards can live into their 20s. Basically, the cats live as long as our domestic cats do, and fall victim to all of the diseases that end their lives — kidney failure, liver failure, cancer, arthritic conditions, etc. Needless to say, losing one is very sad.
-
Yes, if you are 18 or older. We prefer volunteers who have had internships at zoos or other sanctuaries, but you can also help if you are good on the computer or enjoy landscaping. Learn more >>
-
There are several ways you can help out the cats of Panther Ridge. We are currently rebuilding and expanding our education center on a new site in Loxahatchee, FL, so for on-site experiences, please be patient and follow our progress. We will be fully open very soon! Meanwhile, please help in any of the following ways:
- View our Wish List and see if there is something you can donate.
- Make a financial donation.
- Host a fundraiser for us through your organization or school.
- Adopt a big cat. We offer virtual adoptions.
- Take a tour of our new facility and share the experience with your friends.