Wildlife Heritage Foundation

I have read the right up and the talk about breeding for conservation and releasing back into the wild, is absolute hogwash. These animal could never be released into the wild, as they have been rared around people, used for photevents. They have never learned to hunt, just to growl and snarl for the cmaeras. They would be killed within a few days of being relased. Thsi cirucs has been created for the typical trophy hunter photographer, who;s only objective is to get that shot, with no regard to the welfare of the animal. It is a photo circus. It is a richmans private zoo or rather a circus and has absolute nothing to do with wildlife conservation. I know I have been trained as a game warden in South Africa

(Written by: purpleshutter)

I went as part of a Wild Arena workshop back in 2008. You'll find much better opportunities for taking decent big cat photos than at a zoo (and this is not a zoo!), and it's less crowded. You'll also get a chance to get closer to them - there is just a strong wire fence separating you and the cats. Shooting through the fence can sometimes be awkward, and you have to be aware of the background as it can be distracting in photos, but this is only a small downside. However, the only way around this is to go to the animal's natural habitat or a safari park, but then, you are not guaranteed to get this close, let alone even see them. By going to the WHF. you will get the chance to photograph many different types of cat such as Snow Leopards, Lions, Tigers, Cheetahs and the lesser known varieties, like Servals. The other advantage is that if you are lucky, you may be able to touch some of the animals! As it was so hot on the day I went, the cats were just flaked out, a tiger and a lion were lying against the fence in their enclosures, so I was lucky enough to get to scratch them (and I can tell you that lions can indeed be ticklish) - I have to point out that at least one member of staff was keeping an eye on things for our safety. If you ever get the chance, I'd say go. If nothing else, you get the opportunity for some great photos, and really appreciate exactly how BIG some of these big cats really are...

(Written by: AndyM2020)

If you like cats and enjoy photography then this place is a must. I would quite happily jump in the car now and spend another 5 hours to get there from Yorkshire. Lots of info on cats and great tips on photography. Amazing Place !!!

(Written by: jomojonni)

Hi all, I have recently got back from Chris Westons Big Cat Photo Shoot in Headcorn, Kent and have had the most wonderful day. The private location not open to the general spectating public is run by The Wildlife Heritage Foundation and is a privately funded conservation organisation and basically breeds rare and endangered large cats. The grounds are immaculate, the enclosures are very natural looking and the keepers there are very tuned into photography as it is their main source of income, and interact with the cats in order for us, the paying photographers to get the best shots possible. They get the cheetah to run towards you through long straw like grass with snippets of meat and the metal mesh fencing is just big enough not to obscure the largest zoom lenses, so the shots are clear and unobstructed. I write this because I have been touched by my experience there, the staff are very passionate about what they do, the cats are so relaxed and so well cared for too. The breeding programme is funded by the likes of us and other photographic organisations arrange workshops/photo shoots there too. The work that goes on here is world class and when you think that one big cat there is among only 30 left in the whole world then the importance of the place becomes more apparent. I have, I hope as I haven't downloaded them yet off my cameras, got some pictures that you are just not going to get even in the wild to quote the keeper there unless you spend years on the big game parks and spend £1000's doing so. I thoroughly recommend anyone either thinking of or hesitating to book a photo shoot there, which is advertised on this site by the way that it is worth every penny and thoroughly enjoyable; you are not fighting for space to get the best shots as there is plenty of room too. The food is good and well, the Big Cats truly are amazing!!! Some of the images taken are viewable in my gallery, regards, Phil.

(Written by: shipwreck53)

I would urge anyone that is interested in shooting big cats to go along here the staff are wonderful and the ohotographic opportunities are truly wonderful. You can see some of the images that I took on flickr. www.flickr.com/photos/stevenbeard A great day out.

(Written by: Steven Beard)

The best place to photograph big cats up close, staff friendly & helpfull, have visited twice & never fails to impress

(Written by: Leslie B)