Tiger World Endangered Wildlife Preserve

What Tiger World Endangered Wildlife Preserve does

Tiger World Endangered Wildlife Preserve is a nonprofit animal conservation and educational center headquartered in Rockwell, North Carolina, founded in 2007 by Lea Jaunakais. The organization operates a USDA-licensed facility housing approximately 120 exotic animals across 54+ species, including 14 endangered species, and reaches over 100,000 visitors and 30,000 students annually through guided tours, self-guided walkabouts, and curriculum-aligned educational programs. Its core product is general zoo admission priced at $15 for adults and $12 for children and seniors, supplemented by a portfolio of add-on experiences including the Parakeet Jungle ($3), Wild Adventure Golf ($5), Carnivore Feed Safari Tours ($20), VIP Safari Tours, and $100 animal encounters with sloths and kangaroos.

The business model blends transactional admission revenue, subscription-style annual passes ($40-$300), a recurring Wild Adoption donor program (monthly from $25, yearly up to $3,750), one-time donations, on-site gift shop sales, and venue rentals including birthday parties. Distribution is primarily on-site walk-in and direct website ticketing (newly rolled out via a third-party booking platform), with marketing concentrated on Facebook and amplified through corporate sponsors (Wells Fargo, Bank of America, Lowe's, Home Depot, HP, Duke Energy) and reciprocal zoo partnerships across at least six facilities. The organization operates without tax support and has no disclosed external funding rounds or institutional investors, relying on diversified earned-income and contributed-revenue streams under the leadership of Founder Lea Jaunakais, Attending Veterinarian Dr. Eric Setzer, Director of Wildlife Aubrey Taylor, and a small staff of animal care specialists and operational roles.

Name

Tiger World Endangered Wildlife Preserve

Legal name

Tiger World, Inc.

Website

https://tigerworld.us

Company type

Private

Founded year

2007

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Tiger World Endangered Wildlife Preserve is a nonprofit, USDA-licensed wildlife conservation and education center in Rockwell, NC, housing 120+ exotic animals across 54+ species. It serves families, school groups, and wildlife enthusiasts via guided tours, animal encounters, and subscription-based membership and adoption programs.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Wildlife Conservation and Educational Zoo Services

NAICS

Zoos and Botanical Gardens (71213), Nature Parks and Other Similar Institutions (712190)

SIC

Services-Amusement & Recreation Services (7900)

akta.pro primary industry

Zoo & Aquarium Parks (Ticketed Wildlife Attractions) (THAJAEAE)

akta.pro secondary industries

Wildlife Rescue, Rehabilitation & Release (BPAGAIAC), Wildlife Rehabilitation & Release Centers (Public Viewing/Education) (THAAAFAC), Wildlife Conservation & Species Protection (BPAGAGAB)

Keywords

• Wildlife conservation education
• Animal rescue rehabilitation
• Exotic animal preserve
• Educational zoo tours
• Endangered species programs

Headquarters

HQ city

Rockwell

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. General Admission: Ticket sales for individual visitors to access the wildlife preserve, animal exhibits, and interactive experiences. One-time per visit revenue model.
2. Annual Passes: Recurring membership revenue from repeat visitors seeking unlimited access throughout the year, providing predictable annual income and customer retention.
3. Gift Shop Sales: On-site merchandise sales including souvenirs, educational materials, and branded items to visitors.
4. Donations: Voluntary contributions from visitors and supporters supporting animal care, conservation efforts, and facility improvements.
5. Special Experiences and Add-On Attractions: Additional fee-based interactive experiences, behind-the-scenes tours, and premium animal encounters beyond standard admission.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels4 records

Core offering

Tiger World Endangered Wildlife Preserve is a nonprofit animal conservation and educational center that operates a USDA-licensed exotic animal preserve in Rockwell, NC, housing 54+ species including 14 endangered animals. The core offering is general zoo admission providing access to self-guided and guided educational tours, with supplementary fee-based experiences (Carnivore Feed Safari Tours, VIP Safari Tours, Educational Animal Encounters, Parakeet Jungle, Wild Adventure Mini-Golf) and recurring annual memberships and symbolic Wild Adoption donation programs.

Product overview

Tiger World Endangered Wildlife Preserve is a nonprofit animal conservation and educational center offering a unified zoo experience centered on rescue, rehabilitation, and preservation of exotic animals. The core product is general zoo admission ($15 adults, $12 children/seniors) providing access to 54+ species including 14 endangered animals with educational guided tours and self-guided walkabout experiences. The portfolio includes add-on experiences: Carnivore Feed Safari Tours ($20/person) for evening big cat feeding observation, VIP Safari Tours with behind-the-scenes access (groups of 10 or fewer), Educational Animal Encounters with Nacho the sloth or kangaroos ($100 for up to 4 people), Parakeet Jungle interactive bird habitat ($3), and Wild Adventure Mini-Golf ($5). Annual Passes (Standard $40-$180, Premium $60-$300) provide unlimited admission with varying benefits. The shop offers branded merchandise including children's books about resident animals ($10-$16), a 14-month calendar ($12-$20), DVD ($10), and Boo Bucks gift certificates ($20-$80). The Wild Adoptions program enables symbolic animal sponsorships at monthly ($25+), one-time ($170-$220), and yearly ($300-$3,750) tiers with tiered benefits including certificates, posters, and meet-and-greets.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Zoo Admission General admission to Tiger World Endangered Wildlife Preserve in Rockwell, NC. Adults $15, children (2-17) and seniors $12, children under 2 free. Includes self-guided and guided educational tours.
• Carnivore Feed Safari Tour Guided evening tour where guests follow carnivore specialists to observe and learn about big cat feeding behaviors including tigers and lions receiving their specially prepared diets.
• Thursday Evening Carnivore Feed Safari Tour Evening carnivore feeding tour offered May through September by appointment only. Limited to 50 guests, approximately one hour duration, $20 per person.
• VIP Safari Tours Small group behind-the-scenes tours with 10 or fewer guests, including guided access to meet animals and participate in feeding experiences with carnivores and herbivores. Admission included, offered daily at 11 AM.
• Gift Certificate – Sloth Encounter 10-minute encounter with Ignacio 'Nacho,' the Linnaeus's 2-Toed Sloth, including petting, feeding, and playing. Certificate mailed to purchaser; separate zoo admission required. $100 per encounter for up to 4 people.
• Educational Animal Encounters Animal encounters available by appointment with sloths and kangaroos. 10-minute experiences include petting, feeding, and learning about the animals. $100 for up to 4 people.
• Annual Pass – Premium Premium annual membership with unlimited admission to Tiger World and Wild Adventure Golf, 10% gift shop discount, reciprocal zoo benefits, and discounted special event tickets. $60-$300 based on party size.
• Annual Pass Standard annual pass with unlimited admission to Tiger World for one year and discounted special event tickets. $40-$180 based on party size.
• Wild Adventure Golf 9-hole mini-golf adventure with safari-themed holes featuring different animal species. $5 per person (zoo admission required).
• Parakeet Jungle Interactive walk-through habitat where visitors can feed and mingle with Australian Parakeets. $3 per person after zoo admission, offered daily.
• Tiger World 14 Month 2026 Calendar 14-month wall calendar celebrating Tiger World animals with up-close photos, animal birthdays, and fascinating animal facts. $12 single or 2 for $20 including shipping.
• Children's Book – Nacho's Night Out Children's book about Nacho the two-toed sloth exploring Tiger World beyond his habitat. Written by Wildlife Director Aubrey Taylor. $10 per book.
• Children's Book – The Tail of Roman Children's book about Roman, a special Bengal Tiger without a tail who learns that being different has advantages. Written by Wildlife Director Aubrey Taylor. $10-$16 depending on options.
• Tiger World DVD Professionally produced DVD providing a unique perspective of Tiger World and its animals, with information about the mission. $10 with free shipping.
• Boo Bucks Gift Certificates Gift certificates available in $20 increments for zoo admission, gift shop items, and animal encounters. Never expire. Buy 4 get 1 free. $20-$80.
• Wild Adoptions (One-Time) Single gift box adoption for animals including tigers, lions, leopards, monkeys, bears and more. Silver ($170) includes certificate, stuffed animal, poster; Gold ($220) adds water bottle. Tax-deductible.
• Wild Adoptions (Monthly) Monthly recurring adoption donations starting at $25 to support animal care and rescue efforts. Five levels available (Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum, Diamond). Tax-deductible.
• Wild Adoptions (Yearly) Annual adoption at five levels ($300 Bronze to $3,750 Diamond) with benefits including adoption certificate, season pass, animal poster, Facebook/email updates, habitat plaque, and meet-and-greet at higher levels.
• Birthday Parties Birthday party packages at Tiger World. Details available on the birthday parties page.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 54 species and 14 endangered animals cared for at the facility
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers2 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

18 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Feline Conservation FoundationcoreOthersTiger World is a member of the Feline Conservation Foundation, providing credibility in the exotic feline preservation community and access to conservation resources and best practices.
• Out of Africa ParkminorGTM or Marketing PartnerReciprocal zoo partnership allowing members of each facility to visit the partner location at reduced or no additional cost, expanding the value proposition of annual memberships.
• Animal Park at the Conservators CenterminorGTM or Marketing PartnerReciprocal zoo partnership providing cross-promotional benefits and expanded membership options for visitors interested in multiple wildlife facilities.
• Watering Hole Safari & Water ParkminorGTM or Marketing PartnerReciprocal zoo partnership offering members combined wildlife and water park experiences across partner facilities.
• Maui Ocean CenterminorGTM or Marketing PartnerReciprocal zoo partnership extending membership benefits to marine life experiences at the Maui Ocean Center for traveling members.
• Montgomery ZoominorGTM or Marketing PartnerReciprocal zoo partnership providing expanded access to the Montgomery Zoo facilities for annual pass holders.
• Mann Wildlife Learning MuseumminorGTM or Marketing PartnerReciprocal zoo partnership with wildlife learning museum, enhancing educational value for members interested in wildlife education.
• ITS/SensafeminorOthersCorporate sponsor providing donations and support for the wildlife preserve operations.
• Lowe'sminorOthersCorporate sponsor providing donations, building materials, and facility support for preserve improvements.
• CharlottePlaysetsminorOthersCorporate sponsor providing playground equipment and facility amenities for visitor areas.
• Lesslie Animal HospitalminorOthersCorporate sponsor providing veterinary services and animal healthcare support for the exotic animals.
• Duke EnergyminorOthersCorporate sponsor providing energy services and utilities support for facility operations.
• Frazier SignsminorOthersCorporate sponsor providing signage and marketing materials for the preserve.
• Wells FargominorOthersCorporate sponsor providing financial support and donations for wildlife conservation efforts.
• Bank of AmericaminorOthersCorporate sponsor providing financial support and community investment in the preserve.
• Titan SolarminorOthersCorporate sponsor providing solar energy solutions and support for sustainable facility operations.
• HPminorOthersCorporate sponsor providing technology equipment and support for preserve operations.
• Home DepotminorOthersCorporate sponsor providing building materials, hardware, and facility improvement supplies.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• T.I.G.E.R.S. (The Institute of Greatly Endangered and Rare Species): Wildlife preserve in Myrtle Beach, SC focused on rare and endangered big cats with public tours and photo encounters. Directly comparable species focus and visitor-facing tour product.
• Exotic Feline Rescue Center: Nonprofit rescue center in Center Point, Indiana caring for over 200 exotic cats. Directly comparable no-kill sanctuary operating model with public tours and educational programming.
• Discovery Wildlife Park: Family-owned wildlife park in Inglis, Florida featuring big cats, primates, and exotic animals with guided tours and educational programming. Similar size and operating approach to Tiger World.
• Out of Africa Wildlife Park: Wildlife park in Camp Verde, AZ featuring big cats, tigers, and exotic animal encounters. Reciprocal zoo partner with comparable visitor experience mix of tours, animal encounters, and education.
• Carolina Tiger Rescue: Nonprofit big cat and wildlife rescue in Pittsboro, NC offering public tours and educational programming. Closest geographic and operational peer — same nonprofit rescue/education model and same North Carolina base.
• Tiger Haven: Nonprofit big cat sanctuary in Kingston, Tennessee dedicated to rescue of abused, abandoned, and surplus big cats. Directly comparable rescue-driven nonprofit model with educational public access.
• Big Cat Rescue: One of the largest accredited big cat sanctuaries in the US, located in Tampa, FL. Nonprofit rescue and education model with tours, memberships, and adoption programs mirroring Tiger World's structure.
• National Tiger Sanctuary: Nonprofit tiger and exotic animal sanctuary in Mountain View, Missouri offering public tours and conservation education. Comparable mission, species focus, and ticketed tour-based operating model.
• Animal Park at the Conservators Center: Nonprofit exotic animal preserve in Burlington, NC offering public tours and conservation education. Already a reciprocal partner of Tiger World; directly comparable operating model and species focus.

Broad incumbents

• Lion Country Safari: Large drive-through safari park and amusement attraction in Loxahatchee, Florida. Broader scope and significantly larger scale, but overlapping big cat and exotic animal visitor experience category.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/TigerWorldNC
• Xx.com/tigerworld
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/tiger-world

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles12 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Tiger World Endangered Wildlife Preserve