When I arrived at Catty Shack Ranch in Jacksonville, I had no idea just how much I would see and learn.

If you are trying to find the purrrfect place to entertain family and friends, look no further than Catty Shack Ranch. Today, Rance heads to Catty Shack Ranch to celebrate National Lion Day. He explores the ranch to learn all about the big cats that live on property.

Catty Shack Ranch said goodbye Thursday to Freddy, a 17-year-old lion who was born with a neurological birth defect.

Not quite sure how to fill the time with the in-laws? It can be tough to find affordable options for out-of-town guests.

Black Cat Yoga Studio will instruct you on yoga poses feet away from the rescued lions, tigers and other exotic animals.

Now that's a ROAR of a deal!

Catty Shack Ranch will offer free admission for first responders in honor of the 20th anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Catty Shack Ranch’s only female lion passed away peacefully at the sanctuary Thursday night. The 21-year-old big cat was three when she and about a half a dozen other exotic animals were confiscated by the USDA from a private zoo in 2002. “All of our rescued animals receive the finest medical treatment, but one thing we can’t cure is old age,” Catty Shack’s Executive Director Curt LoGiudice said. This weekend, Catty Shack is honoring her by dedicating all visits to Nyra’s memory. The sanctuary relies on ticket sales to provide food and medical care for all of the animals.

Published: October 14, 2020, 9:00 am Updated: October 19, 2020, 8:16 amJACKSONVILLE, Fla – Now that’s a ROAR of a deal! It's Kids Free November at the Catty Shack Ranch. Two children will get free general admission to the ranch with the purchase of an adult ticket. MORE DEALS: Free family fun: Save big during ‘Kids Free November’Offer is valid November 1 – November 30, 2020. Catty Shack Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary1860 Starratt Road, Jacksonville, FL 32226Phone 904-757-3603

Curt Logiudice with the Catty Shack Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary knows the feeling. “Immediately, I got on the phone and talked with some of our board members and some of our team caretakers,” Logiudice said. “And (we) wanted to know, ‘are we ready for this undertaking?’”To get ready, Logiudice is hoping people at home will open their hearts and their wallets. Friday multiple animals will be joining the hundreds who already call Catty Shack home. With a lot of prep work for the new arrivals underway, Logiudice says donations will go a long way.

Dawson Larsen was the starting pitcher on the West Nassau High School baseball team. He was a Beta Club member and volunteered at the Catty Shack Ranch. Dawson has received an academic scholarship to the University of Florida and graduated with a 4.6 GPA.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - Catty Shack Ranch is calling on "your mini superheroes to save the day." The month of October has been full of frights and "fraidy cats" at the big cat sanctuary during its Haunted Forest events leading up to Halloween. Volunteers will also be available to answer questions about the wildlife ranch's 38 lions, tigers and other big cats. Catty Shack Ranch's Haunted Forest runs until October 27. Prices:$15 for Adults (12 and up)$10 for Children (3 to 11)Copyright 2019 by WJXT News4Jax - All rights reserved.

Curt LoGiuduce is the executive director of Catty Shack Ranch and joins us with more information for International Tiger Day.