National Tiger Sanctuary
National Tiger Sanctuary
5
8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
About
National Tiger Sanctuary is a non-profit, rescue facility that currently cares for a variety of big cats, including bengal tigers, lions, leopards, mountain lions. Visit our big cats from three feet away Wednesday through Sunday. We offer a variety of tours and educational programs. Photography and questions encouraged, National Tiger Sanctuary is an educational campus dedicated to bringing awareness to the environmental conditions and their effects on the earth's ecosystems. Our mission is much bigger than just caring for our furry friends; we believe that through education we can all have a positive impact on the environment!
Duration: 2-3 hours
Meets animal welfare guidelines
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingTours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page, learn more.
Top ways to experience National Tiger Sanctuary and nearby attractions
The area
Address
Reach out directly
Best nearby
We rank these restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location.
Restaurants
2 within 3 miles
Attractions
7 within 6 miles
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
We perform checks on reviews.
Tripadvisor’s approach to reviews
Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.
Learn more about our review moderation.
5.0
785 reviews
Excellent
693
Very good
67
Average
9
Poor
9
Terrible
7
dianab725
8 contributions
May 2021
I took the Behind the Scenes tour on 5/29/21. It starts with an introduction to the cats that have no problem with the human interaction. We were given some chicken legs and thighs that we were able to feed them. They use a PVC tube with a pusher and you drop the chicken in and push it out to the cat. They eat them, bones and all. The tour guide gave us a lot of great information about the animals and their care, where they came from, and how long they live, etc. They answer your questions. Then. they had us pain some boxes and paper bags for Harry, one of the tigers. They use non toxic pain and make sure any labels are removed so that all that is there is cardboard and paper. This was for the enrichment portion at the end of the tour. After that, we were loaded on trams and driven to parts of the sanctuary that are not open to the other tours. We saw the cats that are more shy and don't like being around people so much. They mostly hid in their "bedrooms" or in the grass, although they were clearly curious and kept peeking out at us. Overall, we saw tigers, lions, a mountain lion, two black leopards, wolf hybrids, a boar hybrid, arctic foxes, potbellied pigs, two horses and a llama. The oldest tiger there is 19, the only one left of the original six that they started the sanctuary with. They usually only live into their early 20s in captivity, far less in the wild, so he was a pretty old guy but still handsome. At the end of the tour, we watched Harry detstroy our carefully painted boxes. :-D They allow dogs, and I brought my beagle/Jack Russell mix, although I'm not sure he enjoyed it, given that the lionesses seemed very interested in stalking him! Two of them even rushed the fence at him. One of the guys on the tour thanked me for bringing "bait" so they could get better pictures. :-)
Written 2 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
purpledazed
18 contributions
Jan 2020
If you are in the Springfield or Branson area please go see and support this place! It was amazing and surprisingly they are dog friendly(however, if your dog acts like a jerk, please leave it home). The cats were very interested in the dogs. My dogs were scared of the lions and tigers (payback for picking on our housecat - I say haha). I think they have over 60 cats and other rescued exotic animals. You get much closer to the animals than you would a zoo. I really liked it and want to do the "behind the scenes" tour sometime in the future.
Written 3 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Oc3anM0m
Frisco, TX139 contributions
Mar 2020 • Couples
Amazing place to visit during Corona scare. The walking awareness tour with guide is all outside in groups smaller than 10. You will touch nothing. The cats are BEAUTIFUL and powerful. Each of their stories will pull at your heart. I am so thankful for this sanctuary and the work they are doing. Our guide was super knowledgeable and all the big cats loved her. We had a Groupon but we upgraded $10 extra for the Awareness tour with feeding from guide. It was definitely worth it since the cats see that bucket of snacks and will walk over to the fence right next to your group so you can see them up close and personal. They are AMAZING! We were even allowed to bring our little old, calm dog with us on the tour.
Written 19 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dave
Saint Louis, MO4 contributions
Jun 2020 • Family
We enjoyed the Awareness Tour and felt good about supporting this true sanctuary for these majestic yet menacing creatures. This is the closest I’ve ever been to such large tigers, and we were in awe of their beauty and size. Our guide was friendly and informative. It was a hot day so the 45 minute tour was just the right amount of time for us.
Written 28 June 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
beck'smom
Cedar Rapids, IA13 contributions
Jul 2021
My husband and I took the open air tram tour. He has been to the sanctuary many times and still loved it. This was my first time visiting. The first thing I saw in parking lot was a llama. We later found out his name is Llama-Llama. The animals are bequtiful. The guide explained the stories behind each of the animals. The tour is very educational. I came away with a new awareness of what happens to animals who are bred for our entertainment. I am so thankful for this sanctuary, who rescues animals and gives them a safe home. I would encourage anyone to visit the sanctuary and take one of their tours.
Written 28 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Karen F
9 contributions
Sept 2020 • Friends
We did a behind the scenes tour and it was well worth the cost! Not only did we get to go with a group on a feeding tour where we got to feed also. But then we had an additional tour with different guide and saw many of the other animals (tigers, lions, wolves to name a few). We learned the history of the animals on both tours. On the 2nd longer tour, we also got to see some of the big cats eat their lunch. Both guides (Ashley and Blair) were very informative and interesting. It is amazing how each of the animals is cared for individually, according to his or her personality. For example, one of the tigers ( I think it was Matula) liked to play 'stalk and chase' with Blair before she'd eat her snack! [ There was a tall fence between the 2 of them!]. I highly recommend this tour and the Sanctuary in general and will continue to support them in the future.
Written 6 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Herb
4 contributions
Nov 2022
We came across this place serendipitously on the way home from a vacation in Branson, MO. I was impressed with what they were able to do for big cats that had no other home. The staff give the cats a life that is better than at some smaller zoos I've seen. We were not there during any of the official tours but were allowed to wander around and take pictures of the animals. This is not the Bronx Zoo, so expectations may have a lot to do with some people's experiences. The cats were in good shape and seemed contented. You can buy framed artwork created by some of the cats in the gift shop.
Written 6 November 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LuckyLady-RedWyatt
Peoria, IL3 contributions
Sept 2024 • Family
What a day!! Roar!! The National Tiger Sanctuary was the place to be.....we not only got up close and personal with many big cats, we were able to feed them snacks!! Our 3 1/2 hour behind the scenes guided tour with the Head Animal Keeeper was everything you imagine it would be, wow! We learned about each animal we met, their quirks and dietary needs, what brought them to the Sanctuary, special accommodations and their health needs/deficits. The Head Keeper was entertaining, informative and passionate about those in her care. The animals were all in great condition and an emphasis on the animal's enclosure enrichment was a definite priority here.
Written 5 September 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LIZ G
Wichita, KS4 contributions
Mar 2023 • Couples
This was by far our favorite thing we did in Branson. Getting to be close to the animals was amazing. Feeding them is an incredible experience, pay the 15 bucks to upgrade and feed 2 animals. We got to hear to the lion caroling and learn all about them. We will be coming out again our next time we are in town
Written 19 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tammy K
Dripping Springs, TX110 contributions
Oct 2020
They have 40 tigers/lions at this time, and got to see many. It was a cold and rainy day, but the animals still showed themselves. We did the feeding tour, and got to feed the tigers through a pipe, but the beauty was watching the tigers take one bite through the chicken and be done with it.
Monkey's were funny, due to they are peeping toms when you go to the bathroom. I had one watch me the whole time, but they do have a message at the window informing you about the peeping tom.
This place is also pet friendly, you can take your pet on the tour as long as they don't disturb the animals. We had our dogs there, and got great photos with the tigers.
Monkey's were funny, due to they are peeping toms when you go to the bathroom. I had one watch me the whole time, but they do have a message at the window informing you about the peeping tom.
This place is also pet friendly, you can take your pet on the tour as long as they don't disturb the animals. We had our dogs there, and got great photos with the tigers.
Written 6 November 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I’m confused? Hours say closed on Mondays, but open on Memorial Day?
Written 20 May 2019
Occasionally we are open on Monday holidays, including this Memorial Day. These dates are announced in our monthly newsletters and on our social media pages. So yes, we will be open.
Written 26 May 2019
Trying to decide if it is better to book a morning tour or afternoon? We are taking the dinner train the night before so my first thought is a later tour, but thinking the tigers might be more active on the 10 a.m. Can anyone share their time slots and experience? Thanks!!
Written 18 July 2018
We always suggest the tour times based on weather as well. Whenever the weather is the coolest or mildly rainy the cats tend to be most active. If you take a feeding tour, the food incentive will typically always encourage activity from the animals no matter what time of day it is.
Written 18 July 2018
Is the short tour appropriate for young children? We have the grand kids, 7, 5, 3, & 18 months, on Saturdays and thinks this would be fun.
Written 4 May 2018
Yes, it is not too long, and those ages would be fine.
Written 5 May 2018
schleincandice
Cedar Rapids, Iowa
What is the average amount of time a visitor spends at the sanctuary?
Written 17 June 2017
Thank you for your interesting in National Tiger Sanctuary!
We have different tours that vary in length. The shortest and most basic tour is our Awareness Tour. It lasts around 45 minutes to an hour. Our Feeding and You Feed Tours last around an hour to an hour and a half. We also have Behind the Scenes which is about 3 hours and the Day with the Director which is our longest tour of 5 hours. We have an expanded gift shop where one could spend some time browsing. So it all just depends on how long you would like to spend with us.
Written 17 June 2017
National Tiger Sanctuary is 12 miles north of 65 and the strip!
Written 3 May 2017
Bobbie,
Yes, we do have a gift shop where you can purchase t-shirts, stuffed animals, and many other souvenirs! Please let us know if you have any further questions. Thank you!
Sincerely,
Abbie
Written 1 April 2017
Thank you for your interest in NTS! We do not have any opportunities for the public to have contact with our animals. The only time it would be legal for the public to touch a big cat would be a cub. Cub handling is known as Pay To Play and many cubs used die as a result of the stress, lack of sleep, and disease they encounter during excessive handling. That's why you never see AZA zoos or sanctuaries participating in Pay To Play. Instead, you see cub handling at roadside zoos and for profit businesses that just use animals to make money - regardless of the cost to their health. Part of our mission to help educate the public about Pay To Play, because we know people want to do the right thing once they know the truth! Anywhere that lets the public hold baby animals is not contributing to conservation or education - they just care about making a buck.
In light of that, we do have an opportunity to get up close and personal with big cats like never before! Our cats can be seen from only three feet away, and people tell us all the time that they've never been so close to a big cat in their life!
Sincerely,
Abbie
Written 12 February 2017
There are several levels of tours. The basic tour is an awareness tour. Adults $25, seniors 55+ $20,kids 3-12 $12. Second step is the feeding tour where you go with the guides as they feed some of the cats. Adults $35, seniors $30, kids $17. Third level is the you feed tour where you get the chance to give the cats a treat. The fee is a straight $60 for all ages. That is as far as my son and I have gone but they also have a behind the scenes tour ( 3 hour walking tour $125 each person. Then there is a day with the director, my one day goal) $250 a 6 hour walking tour. They also have a tigers by twilight by the light of the moon. $40, $35 and $20. No matter what tour you choose the cats are beautiful and the fee helps cover the cost of the Sanctuary. Since they eat about 2K pounds of chicken leg quarters a week any tour is greatly appreciated.
Written 23 June 2016
Showing results 1-10 of 12
Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page, learn more.
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing