Tiger World

About Tiger World

Tiger World is an endangered species preserve and educational center at 4400 Cook Road in Rockwell, North Carolina, a short drive from Salisbury in Rowan County. Its website describes it as a nonprofit animal conservation and educational center dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation and preservation of exotic animals, with the motto "Conservation through Education." It states that it is a licensed, USDA-approved facility and a registered nonprofit. Tiger World is not AZA accredited.

The website says the preserve operates with no tax support and relies on admissions, membership dues and donations to care for its animals. It describes its goal as providing the best environment in captivity for the animals while offering a stimulating learning environment for visitors, who see animals in naturalistic settings.

History

According to Tiger World's History and Goals page, it was founded in 2007 by Lea Jaunakais, who wanted to take part in the conservation and education of endangered and threatened animals. Tiger World bought a closed-down zoo and opened to the public on July 1, 2008. The page says it began with a few species of cats and primates and has expanded to more than 54 species, including 14 endangered animals, and that it reaches more than 100,000 visitors a year, including more than 30,000 schoolchildren.

Exhibits and habitats

A July 2026 guide from Visit Rowan County says the preserve houses species from five continents. It lists Bengal tigers, including white and golden varieties, Siberian tigers, lions, leopards and jaguars; gibbons, macaques, mandrills, baboons and lemurs; wolves, bears, sloths, kangaroos and wallabies; snakes, iguanas and tortoises; and peacocks, macaws, owls and cranes.

Tiger World's own site features Michael, a male Timbavati white lion that came from a conservation center in Africa and lives in a habitat called Timbavati Falls, and Ignacio, or Nacho, a Linnaeus's two-toed sloth. Its social feed has also marked the 10th birthday of the tigers Hera and Hercules. The tours page describes interactive glass features that put visitors close to the tigers, bears, lions, monkeys and birds. Other features include Parakeet Jungle, a walk-through habitat where visitors can feed Australian parakeets, and Wild Adventure Golf, a safari-themed mini golf course.

Conservation and programs

Tiger World offers guided educational tours and self-guided walkabout tours. As listed on its website, educational guided tours led by an animal handler run on weekdays at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. and should be booked by phone; weekends are self-guided, with Keeper Talks and feed cups for some animals, including the monkeys, bears and birds. School tours can be customized to a class curriculum and include a Keeper Talk and use of the picnic area.

On Thursday evenings from May through September, a Carnivore Feeding Safari Tour, by appointment only, lets visitors follow staff as they feed raw meat to the tigers, lions and other carnivores. Educational Animal Encounters give up to four people a 10-minute session petting, feeding and playing with one of the animals, by appointment. The site also lists birthday parties, Wild Adoptions, volunteering and internships.

The website lists a monthly calendar of events, including a Wild Easter Egg Hunt in March, Earth Week in April and Boo at the Zoo in October. Boo at the Zoo is listed for Saturday, October 17, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., with trick-or-treating with the animals.

Planning your visit

As listed on the zoo's website, Tiger World is open year-round from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., closed on Wednesdays, Thanksgiving and Christmas Day, and hours may change in severe weather. The website suggests visiting before 11 a.m. in summer, since many of the animals sleep in their dens during the hottest part of the day. Visit Rowan County lists free onsite parking. The phone number is 704-279-6363.

The About page describes the preserve as like a natural wilderness hike with pathways of rock and grass, and asks visitors to keep this in mind when bringing strollers or wheelchairs. The homepage lists paved pathways, a wheelchair and wagons for guests, and a driving cart for guests who need help getting around, and says Tiger World can arrange special times for disabled guests who prefer to avoid crowds. Pets and service animals are not permitted. Ticket details are on the website.