SARASOTA – In an effort to make up lost revenue, the Big Cat Habitat in Sarasota plans to change its approach to boost up the number of guests the nonprofit sees daily.
Their roars can be heard more than four miles away. “We get so many people that come out from out of town, and it’s just a huge, huge thing for us,” said Clayton Rosaire.
More than 40 big cats call the Big Cat Habitat and Gulf Coast Sanctuary in Sarasota home, but as of late the sanctuary resembles a ghost town. Missing is the energetic bustling crowds left in awe after Brutus, the liger, makes his presence known.
Rosaire, Vice President of the Big Cat Habitat, says the nonprofit closed down for 12 weeks at the start of the pandemic. He says since reopening it’s been a struggle to get patrons back through the ticket gates over the concern and fear of contracting COVID.
“We have seen a huge drop in crowds. Of course, people are nervous to get out and do things, and all zoo’s, parks, and all that kind of stuff are wonderful to do with your families at this time,” said Rosaire.
Despite an increase in the number of cases across the state, Rosaire and his staff have decided to move forward with returning to a full seasonal schedule and are now open to the public five days a week.
In a state provided to SNN founder and Executive Director Kay Rosaire say,
“It’s important for us to be able to increase attendance. We care for 155 animals, and admissions are what allows us to do that. At the same time, we wanted to keep daily admissions to a level that lets everyone maintain a safe social distance.”
According to the CDC’s website the risk of animals spreading COVID-19 to people is considered to be low.
However, more studies need to done to understand if and how different animals could be affected by COVID-19. This after several Large cats in captivity have tested positive including several lions and tigers in a New York Zoo.
“Families in general to remember that during this pandemic that nature is one of the best things we can enjoy,” said Rosaire.
All CDC guidelines will still be followed and the use of masks and face covering will be encouraged. To get more information on the changes coming to Big Cat, visit their website bigcathabitat.org
