TAMPA, Fla. – The Florida animal sanctuary that made headlines around the world after Netflix’s “Tiger King” aired will soon be sold.
Big Cat Rescue, a nonprofit owned by founder Carole Baskin and her husband, has operated outside of Tampa for decades. Now, Howard Baskin said most remaining cats will be sent to a refuge in Arkansas.
In a Facebook post, the nonprofit wrote in part, “as the cat population declines, the cost per cat steadily rises and becomes a less and less efficient use of donor funds.” Big Cat Rescue is now partnering with Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge in Arkansas to move their cats there “at lower cost than if we kept them here.”
The Baskins said a few animals will remain at Big Cat Rescue and they’ll sell the property once there are no more cats.
“Tiger King” was immensely popular when it aired in March 2020 just as coronavirus restrictions forced people to stay home. It drew some 64 million household viewers in its first month and was nominated for six prime-time Emmy awards, according to the company.
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