On our family road trip to Chattanooga, TN, we made a spontaneous stop in northern Alabama at Tigers for Tomorrow, an animal preserve with over 100 acres of land and more than 150 rescued animals. These creatures come to the preserve to live out the rest of their lives in a safe, nurturing environment, and we were excited to experience this unique wildlife sanctuary.
I wasn’t sure what to expect—would I be amazed or saddened by the sight of the animals? But from the moment we arrived, it was clear this was a place where animals were cared for with respect and love. We thoroughly enjoyed every moment!
Getting Started: Exploring Tigers for Tomorrow
Our visit began in a quaint little gift shop where we purchased our tickets. The experience is self-guided, which gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace. As we walked through the entrance, we were greeted by smaller farm animals, including pigs, llamas, and a friendly tortoise named Tort. It was a charming start before we ventured toward the larger, more exotic animals.
The path to the larger animals felt almost magical. The serene trail, surrounded by nature, made us feel like we had stepped into another world—almost as if we were on the set of Jurassic Park! The eerie quiet, paired with the sense that we were the only guests that afternoon, added to the surreal atmosphere.
Up Close with Majestic Wildlife
What really sets Tigers for Tomorrow apart is how close you can get to these incredible animals. The short page fences separating visitors from the enclosures allow for an up-close, personal experience. We were just five feet away from some of the most majestic creatures, like lions, tigers, and bears (oh my!), who were lounging or strolling about. Of course, there were two fences between us and them, but that didn’t diminish the thrill of the encounter.
My absolute favorite moments were watching the lions and tigers lying on their backs with their legs stretched out in the air, looking incredibly relaxed. It reminded me of how our dog Charlie sprawls out on the couch when he’s feeling cozy. There’s something so heartwarming about seeing such powerful animals in moments of complete calm and comfort.
One of the highlights of the day was witnessing a bear, about the size of our loveseat, dive into his little pond to retrieve some floating fruit. It was such a treat! But the most breathtaking moment was seeing a tiger leap into the air with what seemed like the height of a second-story building. The sheer power and grace of that jump left us in awe.
The Wildlife: More Than Just Tigers
In addition to the lions, tigers, and bears, we saw wolves, lynx, cougars, jaguars, and even a liger (a lion-tiger hybrid). The diversity of animals was impressive, and it was incredible to observe them so closely. Each animal had its own personality, and you could tell they were content in their surroundings.
We also encountered barnyard animals, which added to the charm of the preserve. The blend of exotic wildlife and farm animals made it a unique and memorable experience for our whole family.
Important Note: No Photography Allowed
One important thing to keep in mind is that photography is not allowed at Tigers for Tomorrow unless you book a private tour. This rule is in place due to past guest behavior. While it may seem like a bummer at first, not having our phones out for pictures actually allowed us to fully immerse ourselves in the experience. We were able to soak in every moment, undistracted by trying to capture the perfect shot.
Final Thoughts: A Must-Visit Family Destination
Our visit to Tigers for Tomorrow was an unforgettable experience. The combination of the serene setting, the intimate encounters with animals, and the sense of peace throughout the preserve made it a highlight of our trip. If you’re ever in northern Alabama or planning a family trip to Chattanooga, I highly recommend stopping by. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see these majestic animals up close and support a sanctuary that provides them with a safe haven.
Whether you’re an animal lover, a family seeking a unique day trip, or just someone who appreciates nature, Tigers for Tomorrow is a destination you don’t want to miss!