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…
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.
Cat Tales Celebrates 35 Years
Join Us July 10-12, 2026. Three days of family fun and activities for all ages. Come celebrate with the animals.
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
Stitches – age 17
Stitches is one of our bobcat ambassadors, helping visitors understand why wild cats belong in professional care rather than in private homes. His story reminds us that lifelong care means meeting each animal’s needs through every stage of life.
Grae – age 11
Grae is one of our wolfdog ambassadors, representing the special care, understanding, and secure environments that wolfdogs need. She helps guests learn about responsible animal care and why wolfdogs are not the right fit for most homes.
Milly – age 5
Milly is one of our raccoon ambassadors, known for the curiosity and intelligence that make raccoons such remarkable animals. She helps visitors better understand raccoon behavior and the importance of respecting wildlife from a safe distance.
Billy Thurman-age 3
Billy Thurman is one of our raccoon ambassadors, helping guests see just how clever, active, and engaging raccoons can be. His care reminds visitors why raccoons need specialized environments and do not make good pets.
Buddy – age 7
Buddy is one of our Arctic fox ambassadors, helping visitors learn about the amazing adaptations foxes use to survive in harsh climates. His seasonal coat changes are a wonderful reminder of how wildlife is built for its natural environment.
Jovie – age 7
Jovie is one of our Arctic fox ambassadors, sharing the playful energy, alertness, and seasonal changes that make foxes so fascinating. She helps guests connect with the beauty of foxes while learning why wild animals need specialized care.
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 Things Family Reunion
Celebrating 35 Years of Wildlife Rescue & Education July 10–12, 2026 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM daily Cat Tales Wildlife Center | Mead, Washington Thirty-five…
Friday, July 10, 2026 – Sunday, July 12, 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
Latest Posts
Wildlife Sponsorship Program
We are thrilled to introduce you to the Wildlife Sponsorship Program at Cat Tales! This program offers a unique opportunity for compassionate individuals like you to make a lasting impact on the lives of our wildlife residents. Adopting or sponsoring an animal will directly contribute to their care and well-being. As a token of our…
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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.