Big Cat Habitat Wild-O-Ween Event Planned

SARASOTA, FL — Sarasota-area families looking for something fun and safe to do this Halloween need to look no further than Big Cat Habitat and Gulf Coast Sanctuary’s annual Wild-O-Ween event. The event takes place on Oct. 31 from 12 to 4 p.m. at the Big Cat Habitat, located at 7101 Palmer Blvd.

The afternoon will feature various kid-friendly events including live animal demonstrations, a costume contest, face painting, pony rides, pumpkin bowling and painting, and a mummy-wrapping contest where children wrap their parents up like a mummy using toilet paper.

The nonprofit organization has hosted this annual Halloween celebration for about a decade, said Renee Ferreira, marketing and events manager. “Obviously, this year we’re doing things a little bit differently because of COVID. We’re lucky to have an almost completely outdoor arena. Families will be able to social distance. They’ll be able to breathe the fresh air. There’s plenty of space.”

Because of the pandemic, staff has several safety protocols in place for the event, she said. In addition to social distancing, each child will receive their own pumpkin to bowl with. They’ll keep this pumpkin to paint later in the afternoon, that way only child touches each pumpkin.

Also, instead of setting up trick-or-treat stations, each kid will receive their own individually wrapped bag of treats. And while masks aren’t required while outdoors, they’re recommended. They are required when visitors are indoors, though.

Capacity is limited to just 75 percent, Ferreira added. When Big Cat Habitat first reopened in August, they were at 25 percent capacity, which slowly increased in phases. They’ve also reopened different parts of the park in stages, though the petting zoo remains closed, she said.

Wild-O-Ween comes at an opportune time for the nonprofit, which is hoping to raise funds to put towards animal care.

“Like many other places, we all got closed down (in March) right on the brink of the busy season for us, that tourist time,” Ferreira said. “Spring break is when we do most of our business.”

Though they were closed through much of the pandemic, all animals at the sanctuary received full care and there were no layoffs, she added. Typically, they rely on the income from park entry fees to fund the organization. During the pandemic, they’ve relied mostly on monetary donations. Many local grocery stores have donated food to keep the animals fed, as well, she said. “But it’s definitely been a struggle. A large part of our income comes from guests coming to visit.”

Big Cat Habitat and Gulf Coast Sanctuary was founded in 1987 by Kay Rosaire. Initially, she started taking in abandoned animals that needed a home and paid for their care herself. Eventually, she formed a nonprofit organization in 2005 and opened the sanctuary to the public.

“Our mission is to provide a safe, loving and permanent home to exotic and domestic animals in need,” Ferreira said. “We’re fortunate to have so many beautiful animals and to be able to provide for them.”

Today, the nonprofit cares for more than 150 animals, ranging from koi fish and birds to larger animals like camels, lions, tigers and bears.

“I like to say (we’re) a hidden secret,” she said. “Surprisingly, there are people who live just a couple of miles away and don’t realize where here. We want people to come enjoy the animals. It’s great, especially, for kids to be around.”

Attend Wild-O-Ween

Where: Big Cat Habitat and Gulf Coast Sanctuary, 7101 Palmer Blvd., Sarasota

When: Saturday, Oct. 31, 12 to 4 p.m.

Cost: $20 for adults; $10 for children 3 to 12 (additional donations for face painting and pony rides)

Learn More: Big Cat Habitat and Gulf Coast Sanctuary website