On Monday 16th June, Year 3 were extremely fortunate to visit the Big Cat Sanctuary in Smarden — a very special place that is not open to the public.
This unique opportunity formed part of our rainforest topic, supporting the children’s learning about deforestation, its impact on the environment, and the animals — particularly the big cats — who call these precious habitats home.
The visit was full of awe-inspiring moments, but perhaps the most memorable was hearing the deep, rumbling roars of the lions before we could even see them. The children were captivated, and their excitement only grew as we explored further.
A particularly delightful surprise came when I called out “Year 3!” to gather the children for a photograph. A cheetah, who had been basking in the sunshine nearby, leapt to her feet and ran to the edge of the enclosure — clearly thinking she was being summoned for her lunch! The children were thrilled by this sudden burst of energy from such a graceful animal.
Throughout the day, the children learned about the different species of big cats and discovered that the term “big cat” refers not to size, but to a particular vocal range — big cats can roar! They listened intently to the stories of how each cat came to be at the sanctuary and took part enthusiastically in the day’s activities.
The sun shone warmly on us as we were guided around the sanctuary by the wonderful Gill, who shared her expert knowledge and clear love for the animals. Being able to get so close to these magnificent creatures was a truly unforgettable experience for the children, and they returned to school inspired and full of questions.
Mrs Mathers, Year 3 Teacher
