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Tiger Haven is a non-profit 501(c)3 sanctuary for big cats in Roane County, Tennessee. The sanctuary has been in operation since September 1991.
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As of December 2014, Tiger Haven reports having over 250 animals in sanctuary, all but 10 of which are tigers, lions, leopards, and cougars. The remaining 10 includes servals, caracals, and bobcats. The sanctuary houses rescued animals deemed to be abused, abandoned or neglected. The facility occupies a 75-acre (30 ha) property.
The facility is operated by Tiger Haven, Inc. The director of the facility is Mary Lynn Haven. In 1991 she was given a Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency permit allowing her to keep tigers and other big cats on the premises. The animals receive regular veterinary care from the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine (UTCVM), including on-site visits to sanctuary premises. In 2011, the UTCVM class of 2014 voted to donate proceeds from the first UT College of Veterinary Medicine Charity Golf Classic to benefit Tiger Haven.
Controversy
Tiger Haven has been controversial. Neighbors of the facility have expressed concern that animals might escape can be heard "for several miles". The lawsuit was dismissed in March 2013.