Big cat home looks for site

Big cats are looking for a home near Ipswich.

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THE search is on to find an 80 hectare site in the Ipswich region to host a massive big cat sanctuary that could open as early as 2013.

Corporate manager turned tiger handler Liz Bellward said with preliminary approvals from Biosecurity Queensland already in place, securing the right site, council approvals and corporate sponsors was her next step.

Ms Bellward left her job as handler at Dreamworld's Tiger Island exhibition just months ago to concentrate full-time on Karma Cats, of which she is the founder and managing director.

“We're looking for land close to the Warrego or Cunningham Highways with access to water, a mixture of topography and both clear land and treed areas,” Ms Bellward said.

“We want to make the habitats and overall environment as natural as possible.”

The former General Electric high-flyer said once a site was found, not only would the sanctuary provide a valuable tourist attraction for the Ipswich region but also help in the conservation of big cats.

“We want to open with lions, tigers, snow leopards, cheetahs, servals, plus Australian wildlife as well,” she said.

“But once we're up and running we'll look to expand our collection beyond just big cats – we want to make it a real animal sanctuary.

“All profits realised will be used to run the centre or support conservation initiatives around the world to protect endangered species in the wild.”

She said visitors to the park would be given the opportunity to interact with the animals, including patting a tiger or playing with a lion cub.

Karma Cats – which already has a breeding and handling team lined up – is currently awaiting approval for deductible gift recipient status, so anyone who donates to the cause will receive a tax deductible receipt.

Ipswich Mayor Paul Pisasale said council would have to carefully consider any proposals for the sanctuary.

Visit Karma Cats at www.karmacats.org.au.