Big Cat Rescue in Tampa

[Dave Starr]

Has anyone here visited Big Cat Rescue in Tampa? We'll be there next week, & I'm wondering what lenses others have used. My main question is how close you can actually get to the cats, and do fences, etc. interfere any with photography.

Thanks

 

[Flotsam]

Hmmm... Big Cats... I'd use a _very_ long lens.

 

[Dave Starr]

Not a bad idea, but they claim it's pretty much an "up close & personal" tour. I got a couple shots of a lion at Busch Gardens a few years ago at a distance of 3 feet. The 1" plexiglass between us doesn't show at all.

 

[rbarker]

Is catnip available in "branch" size for big cats?

Have fun, Dave.

 

[juan]

Someone in my camera club went there and gave a talk to us. I, unfortunately, didn't pay a lot of attention, but as I recall, there are now a lot of fences, etc. in the way. There is a way to get closer and this guy did it. I believe you have to sign up for a guided tour and that the tours are limited in number. I'd call before I went and inquire.
juan

 

[Melisa Taylor]

juan is right. there are fences that will be between you and the animals. not sure about the guided tour possibility, but I have been there twice and last time I checked there were fences. There is one section that you can get a shot without a fence in the way. One of the tigers has an area that has water around it and you may be able to get a shot with a long lens from the bridge.

 

[Dave Starr]

I checked with them & there is a photo tour that gets you close enough to shoot through the fences so they won't be in the pictures. It is more expensive; a 2 hour tour with a guide is $150.00 for 2 people. The regular tour is 90 minutes for $20.00 per person, but you'd be 6 feet from the fence, so it would show. We booked the 2 hour photo tour for next Tuesday. I'll shoot film & my wife will use the camcorder.

 

[davestarr]

We took the photo tour Tuesday and it's great. They really go all out to make sure you get good shots. We got everything we wanted in 1 1/4 hours & they only charged us for 1 hout - $75.00. I shot 5 rolls of Ultra 400, so when we get home next week, I'll see what I got. If you're in the Tampa area, I highly recommend the photo tour.