We Need Your Expertise Two years ago, a conceptual master plan for Cat Tales captured community imagination and generated significant media attention. The Journal of Business covered it. News outlets featured it. Supporters got excited about the possibilities. And we’ve been fielding questions ever since: Are you relocating? When? Where? Here’s the reality check: That master plan, while…
Read MoreDiscover the Heart of Wildlife Rescue—Where Every Animal’s Story Matters, and So Does Yours!
Welcome to Cat Tales Wildlife Center
Nestled in the heart of the Inland Northwest, Cat Tales Wildlife Center is more than a zoo—it’s a wildlife shelter where animals find second chances and visitors discover unforgettable connections. From majestic big cats to playful foxes, every resident has a unique story waiting to be shared.
☀️ Best Time of Day to Visit
Spring mornings are a favorite at Cat Tales! Cooler temperatures often mean more movement, exploring, and enrichment activity.
On super-sunny afternoons, you may find some of our residents fully committed to their basking routine — stretched out, soaking up the warmth, and looking wonderfully unbothered. (We don’t blame them.) While they may be less interested in participating in encounters during peak sunshine, there are activities and wildlife moments happening throughout the day.
No matter when you visit, there’s always something wild to see — just come ready for a little mud, a little sun, and a lot of personality.
Upcoming Events
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The Best Time to See the Animals
🌷🐾 Spring Has Sprung at Cat Tales! The snow has melted, the mud has arrived (you’ve been warned 😉), and the Wild Things are stretching…
Sunday, March 1, 2026 – Sunday, May 31, 2026 Cat Tales Wildlife Center -
St. Patrick’s Special Weekend
🍀 Wear Some Green — Save Some Green! St. Patrick’s Special Weekend at Cat Tales Wildlife Center Join us for a little St. Patrick’s Day…
Saturday, March 14, 2026 – Sunday, March 15, 2026 Cat Tales Wildlife Center -
Zookeeping & Wildlife Management Program
Turn your passion for animals into a lifelong career. Enrollment is now open for the Zookeeping & Wildlife Management Certification Program — a hands-on, career-focused…
Friday, May 1, 2026 – Monday, November 30, 2026 Cat Tales Wildlife Academy
Mead, WA 99021
Ever wonder what it’s like to feed a tiger or watch a bear snack on a pumpkin?
Come for the wild animals, stay for the stories that make you smile—and leave with a heart full of wildlife love. Through engaging animal experiences and educational programs, we aim to inspire the next generation of conservation heroes. Ready to get wild with us?
Meet Our Wild Family
Get to know the incredible residents of Cat Tales! From Nalin, the white tiger, to Ricky, the rescued bobcat, with an unforgettable story, every animal here has a personality as unique as their journey.
These remarkable animals are more than residents—they are ambassadors for their wild counterparts, helping to inspire understanding, compassion, and action to protect wildlife around the world.
Tigger the Tiger: “Chuffing Champion!”
Tigger is the social butterfly of our sanctuary, known for his signature chuff—a soft, breathy puff that tigers use to greet friends. In the wild, this sound is a tiger’s way of saying, “I’m a friend, not a foe!” Listen closely, and you might get your own friendly chuff from Tigger himself!
Ozzy the African Serval: “Spotting an Acrobat in Action!”
Ozzy’s jumps are jaw-dropping! This athletic cat’s long legs and spotted coat make him the perfect showstopper—and a skilled hunter in the wild. African servals like Ozzy rely on their impressive pouncing abilities to catch small prey. Come by to catch a glimpse of Ozzy in action!
What Makes Cat Tales Unique?
At Cat Tales, we’re not a typical zoo or sprawling sanctuary. We’re a wildlife shelter dedicated to exceptional animal care and meaningful connections.
Exceptional Animal Care: High-quality locally sourced meals, daily enrichment, and year-round access to outdoor spaces.
Freedom of Choice: Animals can choose to be on exhibit or retreat to private areas.
Personalized Experiences: Visitors get up-close interactions and stories that inspire a love for wildlife.
Audio Tour
Learn about the animals of Cat Tales from home or during your visit.
Audioguía en español
Aprende sobre los animales de Cat Tales desde casa o durante tu visita.
Latest Posts
🐾 What It Really Costs to Care for Rescued Wildlife
When guests visit Cat Tales Wildlife Center, they often see tigers splashing in their pools, bobcats lounging in the sun, or bears enjoying a snack. What they don’t always see is the mountain of work—and the budget—that keeps those animals healthy and safe, every single day of the year. Running a wildlife rescue isn’t just…
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