National tiger sanctuary
Walk on the Wildside
Meet The Kings of the Jungle
The National Tiger Sanctuary, located in Christian County, MO, offers visitors an unforgettable opportunity to learn about rescued big cats and the lifelong care they receive. This nonprofit sanctuary provides a safe, permanent home for animals that cannot return to the wild.
Guided tours introduce guests to the sanctuary’s residents while sharing their individual stories and information about animal care, conservation and ecology.
What to Expect
National Tiger Sanctuary offers several guided experiences. Guests on the walking tours typically see approximately 15–20 cats, although the exact number may vary because the animals can move freely between their outdoor habitats and indoor areas.
National Tiger Sanctuary is a no-contact facility. Guests remain behind designated safety fencing and will not have an opportunity to hold, pet or touch the cats.
- Awareness Tour: Meet approximately 15–20 cats during a 45-minute guided walk along a quarter-mile path. Learn about conservation, ecology and the unique stories of the sanctuary’s residents.
- Feeding Tour: Watch the cats enjoy their meals while learning about their behaviors and lives in the wild. An interactive upgrade may also allow visitors to feed snacks to select animals. This one-hour walking tour covers approximately a quarter mile.
- Riding Safari Tour: Ride along both sanctuary walking paths during this one-hour tour, with the opportunity to meet more than 23 cats from several species.
- Behind the Scenes Tour: Learn more about the sanctuary’s daily operations and animal care during this three- to three-and-a-half-hour experience. The tour includes walking and tram transportation, offers the opportunity to meet up to 24 cats and must be scheduled at least 24 hours in advance. It departs at 9 a.m.
Plan Your Visit:
National Tiger Sanctuary is open year-round, Wednesday through Sunday, and is also open on Mondays and Tuesdays during March. Tours begin at 9 a.m., the final tour departs at 4 p.m. and the gates close at 5 p.m.
The sanctuary is entirely outdoors and conducts tours in most weather conditions. Visitors should wear comfortable walking shoes, dress for the weather and consider bringing sunscreen, hats and bottled water during warmer months.
Advance reservations are strongly recommended, particularly on weekends, holidays and during peak travel seasons.
Stay connected for updates and events by following the sanctuary on their social media pages:
National Tiger Sanctuary
Address: 518 State Highway BB, Saddlebrooke, MO
Phone: (417) 587-3633
Visitor Tips
- Book in Advance: Tours may reach capacity, particularly during weekends, holidays and peak seasons.
- Understand the No-Contact Policy: Guests cannot touch, hold or pet the cats. Feeding experiences are conducted from behind safety perimeter fencing.
- Prepare for Gravel Paths: Walking tours take place along gravel pathways. Guests may bring mobility scooters, power-assisted chairs, wheelchairs, strollers or wagons, but the sanctuary does not provide rental carts or scooters. Traditional walkers are not recommended for the gravel terrain.
- Leave Pets at Home: Pets are not permitted on sanctuary tours because the sights, sounds and scents of the large cats can be stressful and unpredictable for domestic animals.
- Dress for the Weather: Tours take place outdoors and generally continue through rain, shine, sleet or snow. Tours pause and return to the gift shop during lightning.
- Bring Your Camera: Personal photography and video are welcome as long as guests follow the safety instructions provided by their tour guide.
- Visit During Cooler Weather: The cats may be more vocal or active around dawn, dusk, during cooler weather and on overcast days.
- Pack a Lunch: Admission includes access to the sanctuary’s backyard and observation deck when the area is not reserved. Guests may bring a sack lunch and eat while viewing some of the cats.
Quick Facts
- Location: 518 State Highway BB, Saddlebrooke, MO
- Tour Types: Awareness, Feeding, Riding Safari, and Behind the Scenes.
- Big Cats on Site: Tigers, lions, leopards, a tiliger and other rescued exotic cats.
- Hours: Open year-round, Wednesday through Sunday.
- Special Discounts: Military, first responders, and group rates available.
- Pet Policy: Pets are not permitted on tours.
- Admission Includes: Access to an observation deck where you can enjoy lunch while watching the cats.
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