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DISCOVER CHATHAM

Carolina Tiger Rescue

1940 Hanks Chapel Rd, Pittsboro, NC 27312
919.542.4684
https://carolinatigerrescue.org/
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DESCRIPTION

Carolina Tiger Rescue is a nonprofit wildlife sanctuary dedicated to saving and protecting wild cats and other animals in captivity and the wilderness through rescue, education, and advocacy. The sanctuary celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2024.

TOURS

The only way to see the animals is on one of their guided tours. Your guide will personally introduce you to tigers, caracals, servals, ocelots, kinkajous, and many other wild animals, explaining the rescue stories that brought them to Carolina Tiger Rescue and the issues that their kind face in the wild. The guided half-mile tour lasts approximately 1.5-2 hours, depending on the group’s involvement. Learn more about private tours. If you want a more personal experience with the sanctuary’s residents, check out their special experiences.

Please visit their website to view tour times and purchase tickets. Please note: We recommend booking your tour early, as tickets sell out in advance. They do not accept walk-in visitors. 

TWILIGHT TOURS

Twilight tours are adult-only (ages 18+) and available seasonally (Apr-Oct) on Fri, Sat, and Sun evenings. These special walks occur during the most active part of their predators’ days. No other visitors or volunteers are in the sanctuary at that time, which creates a more intimate experience with the animals.

TIGER TALES TOURS

Tiger Tales Tours are a great way to share the wonderful world of wild cats with children. This program includes storytime, crafting, and an up-close tour with the sanctuary’s most iconic residents. Tours are offered once a month and sell out quickly.

HOLIDAY ENRICHMENT TOURS

Celebrate with the cats during holiday enrichment tours. You’ll learn about their animals and how enrichment enhances their lives. The animals will play with (and destroy) holiday-themed enrichment, followed by the opportunity to indulge in some edible holiday enrichment of your own.

VOLUNTEER

Opportunities exist for individuals and groups. Volunteers help with construction, grounds maintenance, animal care, guiding tours, and the gift shop.

FEATURES

67-acre nonprofit wildlife sanctuary. Accepts major credit cards. Discounts are available for children. Donations are accepted.

PARKING & DIRECTIONS

Free on-site parking is available in the visitor lot. When you arrive, the visitor lot is the third entrance on the right.

One important note for planning your trip: GPS isn’t always reliable in this area, so it’s best to follow the rescue’s detailed turn-by-turn directions rather than relying solely on a navigation app. The most current directions—including landmark-based guidance for approaches from different directions—are posted here. Because the rescue sits on rural roads where a wrong turn is easy to make, it’s worth reviewing those directions before you set out.

ACCESSIBILITY

The Education Center is wheelchair accessible. However, the gravel and grass paths may not be wheelchair-friendly. Please contact them at 919.542.4684 to inquire about accessibility and to arrange accommodations.

FAMILIES

Carolina Tiger Rescue is a welcoming destination for families, with tour options matched to different ages. The sanctuary’s public tours are well suited for adults and families, while Tiger Tales tours are designed specifically for families with very young children. Twilight tours, by contrast, are for adults only (18+).

For kids who want a deeper experience, the sanctuary runs seasonal educational programming. Summer camps include a session for elementary- and middle-school-age children focused on wildcats, veterinary skills, and biology, as well as a multi-day high school camp with more hands-on projects. The rescue also hosts school and youth field trips by reservation.

PETS

They do not allow outside animals anywhere on the property. Please leave your pets at home.

QUICK LINKS

Directions.
Frequently Asked Questions.
Our State Magazine: To The Rescue – A Day at Carolina Tiger Rescue.
Carolina Tiger Rescue events.
International Tiger Day.