Great Cats World Park: Visit Exotic Cats Up Close and Personal

Scenic southern Oregon is home to a variety of unique tourist destinations including the Oregon Caves National Monument and Crater Lake National Park. Nestled in southern Oregon, in the scenic Siskiyou Mountains, outside a small town called Cave Junction, there exists a newer tourist destination that is home to a large variety of endangered big and small cat species: the Great Cats World Park.

To see photos of cat exhibits featured at Great Cats World Park, check out Great Cats World Park slideshow.

Quick Stats:

27919 Redwood Highway - Cave Junction, OR

Admission: Adults $13, Seniors $11, Children (4-12) $9, Children (3 and under) free

Park Hours: Check website for specific hours; generally open daily from mid-March through October

Website: yes

What is the Great Cats World Park?

This park is unique in that visitors join a tour guide to get up close and personal with these large, beautiful cats. The tour guides are not only informative, but they encourage the cats to interact with the guests by roaring, jumping, climbing, and pouncing.

In comparison to most zoos that might have just a few cat species, this park has approximately 18 species of exotic big and small cats. Many of these cats are endangered, and the park prides itself on educating the public about these rare predators.

What is a Great Cats World Park Tour Like? What Can I Expect?

The tours work on a rotating basis so you do not have to wait around for the next tour. When you arrive at the park, you join the current tour. You then get to take a small break when the current tour is finished. After the break, you can tour any cats that you missed in the prior tour. This system works pretty well and allows guests a chance to get refreshments, use the restroom, or browse the gift shop.

The park can be quite hot and dusty in the summer. Be sure to wear a hat and sunscreen. You can take water on the tour with you. The gift shop does sell bottled water. The tour itself lasts a good hour, perhaps more depending on the size of the group.

At each cat exhibit, the tour guide explains key features of the individual cat and its species. Feel free to ask questions! The guide interacts with these beautiful animals by using pieces of raw meat to encourage natural behaviors. Be prepared to hear the lions roar, see the awesome size of a tiger's paw, watch a cat climb down a tree face first, and watch smaller cats leap towards the fence.

There are benches at most exhibits where you can relax while listening to the tour guide. Be sure to watch your children. All visitors are required to maintain a certain distance from the cages. These distances are indicated by railings or by blue paint on the ground.

The tour is a fascinating encounter with some very beautiful big and small cats, up close and personal.If you enjoy exotic cats, the admission price is well worth it!

What Services are Available at Great Cats World Park?

In addition to the regular tours, guests can purchase light snacks and water inside the gift shop. The gift shop also offers t-shirts, posters, toys, and other cat related merchandise.

Photographers can arrange special photo shoots directly with the facility by calling 541-592-2957.

You can also arrange a special on stage show to educate and entertain a group. These shows are often found at schools, civic events, festivals, and other wildlife parks across the country.