Remembering Nalin Nalin was a white tiger with a powerful presence and an unforgettable story. During his years at Cat Tales Wildlife Center, he helped visitors learn about tigers, lifelong sanctuary care, animal welfare, and the important difference between conservation and breeding animals for unusual physical traits. Nalin was born on August 8, 2008, and…
Read MoreA Family-Friendly Wildlife Experience Near Spokane. Visit. Learn. Support Lifelong Care.
Forever Homes for Wildlife. Education for the Community.
Cat Tales Wildlife Center is a nonprofit wildlife sanctuary and teaching zoo in Mead, Washington, near Spokane.
We provide lifelong care for rescued, retired, and non-releasable wildlife while helping visitors learn about animals through real stories, respectful observation, and education.
Your visit supports food, veterinary care, enrichment, habitat maintenance, and safe forever homes for the animals who call Cat Tales home.
Plan Your Visit
Find hours, admission information, directions, and what to expect.
Meet the Animals
Learn about the wildlife residents who call Cat Tales home.
Sponsorships
Help provide lifelong care for a favorite wildlife species.
Explore the Wildlife Academy
Learn about hands-on zookeeping and wildlife management education.
Every Visit Supports the Animals
When you visit Cat Tales, you are helping provide lifelong care for wildlife that cannot return to the wild.
Visitor support helps provide:
Food and species-appropriate nutrition
Veterinary care and wellness support
Enrichment that encourages natural behaviors
Safe habitats and daily care
Educational programs for guests and students
Your visit makes a direct difference for the animals and helps Cat Tales continue its mission of rescue, lifetime care, and education.
Educational Animal Experiences
Cat Tales offers animal encounters and special experiences that help guests learn more about wildlife behavior, care, and respect for animals.
Availability may vary by season, animal choice, staffing, weather, and safety needs.
Popular experiences may include:
Big cat experiences
Bear experiences
Fox experiences
Special feeding or educational encounters
Zookeeping and Wildlife Management Education
Cat Tales Wildlife Academy offers hands-on education for students interested in zookeeping, wildlife management, animal care, and sanctuary operations.
Students learn through observation, safety practices, daily routines, professionalism, and real-world experience connected to the mission of Cat Tales Wildlife Center.
The Academy supports the sanctuary’s educational purpose while helping prepare students to better understand the responsibilities of wildlife care.
Featured Residents Celebrating Their Birthdays
Kachina
Puma · Born July 19, 2018
Quiet, observant, and intensely focused, Kachina prefers to watch the world from elevated platforms where she can monitor every movement around her. Her patience and stealth are reminders that pumas rely far more on awareness and precision than speed alone.
Taz
Carpathian Lynx · Born July 7, 2022
Athletic, alert, and endlessly curious, Taz is a striking ambassador for the lynx species. His tufted ears, long legs, and playful bursts of energy keep caretakers constantly guessing what he’ll do next.
Events, Updates, and Animal Stories
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The Best Time to See the Animals
☀️🐾 Summer at Cat Tales is in Full Swing! Every day at Cat Tales is different. Animal activity can change with the weather, season, care…
Thursday, July 9, 2026 – Friday, July 31, 2026 Cat Tales Wildlife Center -
🐾 Wild Pathways Discovery Camp – Registration
Learn Together. Explore Together. Experience the Wild. Looking for a meaningful summer experience you can share? At Cat Tales Wildlife Center, our Wild Pathways Discovery Camp…
Friday, July 10, 2026 – Thursday, August 27, 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, July 10, 2026 – Monday, November 30, 2026 Cat Tales Wildlife Academy
Mead, WA 99021
Latest Posts
Lessons from the Wild: A Founder’s New Chapter for Cat Tales
Founder Debbie Wyche reflects on 35 years of wildlife rescue and the next generation of leadership guiding the sanctuary forward. As Cat Tales Wildlife Center celebrates its 35th year, I’ve found myself reflecting on the journey that brought us here—and the next chapter that lies ahead for both the sanctuary and for me. When you…
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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.