Big Cat Rescue in Tampa has unveiled a new area for cats to relax and roam.
On Thursday, cats were introduced to the new 'Fun-cation Rotation' - a 20,000-square-foot enclosure filled with a jungle gym, hills, caves, pools, trees and bushes.
"The worst part of keeping big cats in captivity is that they're so incredibly intelligent," Big Cat Rescue founder and CEO Carole Baskin said. "And this gives them a way to expand their horizons."
Most of the cats at Big Cat Rescue were taken in from lives of abuse and neglect. The new enclosure gives them the chance to live and play in a more natural habitat.
The cats will rotate out of the new enclosure every few weeks. Staff members said mental enrichment is extremely important for the cats.
"Seeing things like this is probably the highlight of what we do," Research Director Lauren Buckingham said. "A lot of these cats come from terrible situations. To see them going out getting the space that they deserve, getting to experience something new really is fantastic."
Big Cat Rescue is home to about 80 cats. For more information visit bigcatrescue.org.