PA Animal Attractions

Exploring T&D’s Cats of the World in Snyder County

A collage of four photos taken at T&D's Cats of the World: The top left photo shows a white tiger walking along the edge of its enclosure, surrounded by greenery and a metal mesh fence. The top right photo features a close-up of a cougar resting peacefully on the ground within its enclosure, with a few plants growing near the fence. The bottom left photo captures a wooded gravel path flanked by animal enclosures, with trees providing shade along the tranquil walkway. The bottom right photo displays the entrance sign to T&D's Cats of the World, prominently featuring a lion's face, with a bright blue sky and trees in the background.

If you’re looking for information about visiting T&D’s Cats of the World in Snyder County, you’re in the right place!

A white tiger with striking black stripes lies down inside a secure enclosure at T&D's Cats of the World, facing sideways with its eyes partially closed. The tiger's large paws are visible as it rests on the ground, which is covered with dirt and small rocks. The enclosure is surrounded by a metal mesh fence, with wooden posts and green foliage in the background, creating a natural environment for the tiger.

T&D’s Cats of the World is a wildlife refuge dedicated to providing a safe haven for big cats and other exotic animals.

A cougar rests peacefully on the ground inside a secure enclosure at T&D's Cats of the World, with its head and paws visible through the metal fence. The cougar is lying on a mix of grass and dirt, appearing relaxed in the natural surroundings.

For those who appreciate wildlife and are looking for an educational experience, T&D’s Cats of the World offers a rare opportunity to observe these majestic creatures up close while supporting a cause that truly makes a difference.

A set of orange directional signs at T&D's Cats of the World guides visitors toward various animal enclosures, including tigers, deer, wolves, coyotes, and dingoes. The signs are attached to a post near a secure enclosure, with a "Suggested Route" sign in red pointing left. The enclosure and surrounding area are lush with greenery, and a sign in the background reminds visitors not to throw food or objects at the animals.

Directions | Hours | Admission Fees

T&D’s Cats of the World is located at 363 Mountain Road, Penns Creek, PA 17862.

The sanctuary os open to visitors May through September during the hours listed below.

A sign at T&D's Cats of the World provides information about the refuge's hours of operation and admission fees. The sign indicates that the refuge is open on weekends from May through September, with guided tours available Wednesday through Friday during the summer months. Admission prices are listed as $10 for children aged 3-12 and $15 for visitors aged 13 and up, with free entry for children aged 2 and under. The sign also notes that only cash or checks are accepted for payment. The sign is mounted outdoors, with a picnic area and a blue sky with clouds visible in the background.

Admission fees as of 2024 are: Ages 13 and up – $15 | Ages 3-12 – $10 | Ages 2 and under – Free.

The visitor center at T&D's Cats of the World is a rustic wooden building with a red metal roof and a porch that stretches across the front. The building is labeled "T&D's Cats Wild Animal Refuge" with a colorful sign above the entrance. The porch is decorated with plants, benches, and an American flag, creating a welcoming atmosphere. The surrounding area is lush with greenery, and the sky is bright and blue, enhancing the rural charm of the setting.

The Origins of T&D’s Cats of the World

The facility was founded in 1990 by Terry and Donna Mattive on land adjacent to their home.

The entrance sign at T&D's Cats of the World features a striking image of a lion with the sanctuary's name in bold red letters. The sign is mounted on a wooden frame and surrounded by greenery, with a gravel parking area and several vehicles visible in the background under a bright, partly cloudy sky.

As one of the few exotic animal rescues in the state, it began as a passion project and has grown into a full-fledged sanctuary.

A white tiger with distinctive black stripes lies on the ground inside a secure enclosure at T&D's Cats of the World. The tiger is resting with its head down and eyes partially closed, appearing relaxed in its environment. The enclosure is surrounded by a metal mesh fence, and the ground is covered with dirt and greenery, with a wooden post visible nearby.

T&D’s Cats of the World provides a permanent home for animals rescued from difficult and often dire situations, many of whom would have faced euthanasia without their intervention.

A capuchin monkey stands on a wooden perch inside a secure enclosure at T&D's Cats of the World, gazing directly through the metal mesh fence. The enclosure features wooden structures and ropes for climbing, creating a naturalistic environment for the monkey.

Unlike other facilities, they do not engage in buying, selling, or trading animals, ensuring that every resident is given a safe and caring environment for life.

A large bear sits upright inside a secure enclosure at T&D's Cats of the World, with its mouth slightly open and patches of tan fur visible on its chest. The bear is surrounded by greenery, with a metal fence in the foreground.

With no breeding on site, all the animals at the refuge come from troubled backgrounds or are taken in when other animal parks shut down, making T&D’s a true haven for those in need.

A small monkey with a white beard and brown fur clings to the mesh of its enclosure at T&D's Cats of the World, peering curiously out at the camera. The monkey's expressive face and large eyes are framed by the metal grid, with various branches and climbing structures visible in the background of the enclosure.

Today, Terry Mattive continues to run the refuge with the help of two of his children and a dedicated team of volunteers.

A bald eagle perches inside a large, secure enclosure at T&D's Cats of the World wildlife refuge, spreading its wings partially open, with a wooden structure and natural foliage visible in the background.

Despite the extensive work involved, the sanctuary remains a non-profit endeavor, a testament to the family’s unwavering commitment to the care of animals that cannot be released back into the wild.

A raccoon lies down on a wooden platform inside a secure enclosure at T&D's Cats of the World, resting its head on its paws while gazing through the metal mesh. The raccoon appears relaxed, with its distinctive black mask visible on its face. The enclosure is shaded, with ropes and other climbing structures surrounding the raccoon.

What You’ll See at T&D’s Cats of the World

The sanctuary is home to a wide variety of “big cats”, including tigers, lions, and cougars.

Beyond the big cats, T&D’s offers a chance to see other fascinating animals, including lemurs, monkeys, and a variety of birds.

A ring-tailed lemur climbs up the mesh of its enclosure at T&D's Cats of the World, with its long, striped tail hanging down. The lemur has bright, alert eyes and grasps the mesh with its hands and feet. The enclosure is constructed with wooden beams and includes multiple climbing structures, creating an enriched environment for the lemur.

The refuge also cares for bears, wolves, deer, raccoons, and other “less-exotic” species, contributing to the diversity and educational value of the sanctuary.

A fallow deer with large, broad antlers stands under a shaded area at T&D's Cats of the World, surrounded by hay and wooden posts. The deer gazes directly at the camera, with a grassy field and a water trough visible in the background.

Visitors can stroll along well-maintained paths that wind through the refuge, offering views of the animals in spacious enclosures designed to mimic their natural habitats as closely as possible.

A gravel path at T&D's Cats of the World winds through a wooded area, flanked by animal enclosures on both sides. The enclosures are surrounded by metal mesh fencing and wooden posts, with informational signs attached to some of the posts. The path is shaded by tall trees, creating a peaceful, natural environment as it leads further into the sanctuary. A small bench is placed along the path, providing a resting spot for visitors.

The large, naturalized enclosures prioritize the well-being of the animals, offering them ample space to roam, hide, and exhibit their natural behaviors.

A gravel path at T&D's Cats of the World runs alongside a tranquil pond covered with patches of green algae. The path is bordered by metal fencing on one side and dense trees on the other, providing a scenic and peaceful environment. The pond is surrounded by lush vegetation, and the pathway leads further into the wooded area under a bright blue sky.

Because of this focus on the animals’ comfort, they may not always be as visible as they would be in a traditional zoo setting.

A bear relaxes against the inside of a secure enclosure at T&D's Cats of the World, sitting in a laid-back position with one paw resting on the fence. The bear has a distinctive tan patch of fur on its chest, and the enclosure is surrounded by lush vegetation and wooden posts.

However, knowing that their well-being comes first makes the experience even more meaningful.

A black bear walks on the grass inside a secure enclosure at T&D's Cats of the World, with its head lowered as if sniffing the ground. The enclosure includes natural elements like logs and rocks, with a blue barrel and greenery visible in the background. The bear is surrounded by a metal fence, emphasizing the secure environment.

Educational signs provide insight into their backgrounds, behaviors, and the challenges they face in captivity and the wild.

An informational sign at T&D's Cats of the World describes the White Bengal Tiger, also known as *Panthera tigris tigris*. The sign includes a photo of a white tiger resting on a rock, with details about the tiger's distinctive fur color caused by a lack of pheomelanin, its natural rarity, and its conservation status as endangered. The sign also provides fast facts about the tiger's size, weight, and lifespan, as well as information about its diet in the wild. The sign is mounted on a metal fence with a wooden post visible in the background.

Final Thoughts

T&D’s Cats of the World offers a compassionate, lifelong sanctuary to animals rescued from challenging and often critical circumstances.

A white tiger with black stripes lies on its back inside a secure enclosure at T&D's Cats of the World, playfully stretching its paws in the air. The tiger appears relaxed and comfortable, with its head tilted slightly and eyes closed. The ground inside the enclosure is a mix of dirt, rocks, and patches of greenery, with the metal mesh fence and a wooden post visible in the foreground.

Whether you’re an avid animal lover or simply looking for a unique daytrip experience, this sanctuary offers a memorable visit that supports a vital cause.

A raccoon sits on a wooden platform inside a secure enclosure at T&D's Cats of the World, peering out through the metal mesh. The raccoon is slightly hunched, with its distinctive black mask and ringed tail visible. The enclosure includes ropes and other structures for the raccoon to climb, and the background is filled with natural light filtering through the trees.

By visiting, you not only witness the beauty of these incredible animals but also contribute to their ongoing care and well-being.

A small monkey with a white beard and brown fur stares through the metal mesh of its enclosure at T&D's Cats of the World. The monkey's wide eyes and expressive face are prominent, with the ground of the enclosure visible in the background, covered in dirt and small patches of greenery.

For more information, please visit T&D’s Cats of the World OFFICIAL WEBSITE.

Nearby Attractions

The Mifflinburg Buggy Museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the 19th century, preserving the only intact carriage factory complex in the United States.

A collage of four images from the Mifflinburg Buggy Museum. The top left image shows a maroon-seated buggy displayed in the museum's main exhibit area, with informational panels about Mifflinburg's buggy-making history. The top right image captures a tour guide demonstrating how buggy wheels were made using a vintage machine inside the factory. The bottom left image displays a collection of colorful buggies, including a green U.S. Mail buggy, set against a stone wall inside the museum. The bottom right image features the visitor center sign for the Mifflinburg Buggy Museum, under a bright blue sky.

Clyde Peeling’s Reptiland in neighboring Union County is a zoo that specializes in exotic reptiles and amphibians from around the world!

A collage of photos from Clyde Peeling's Reptiland in Allenwood Pennsylvania.

Check out the ANIMAL ATTRACTIONS section of my website for information about more of PA’s zoos, aquariums, aviaries, and wildlife viewing destinations.

Exploring the Pittsburgh Zoo and Aquarium.

Discover even more great destinations to explore all across Pennsylvania with the interactive PA Bucket List Travel Map!

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