SARASOTA, Fla., Jan. 12, 2016 – Showfolks of Sarasota has honored Kay Rosaire, executive director of the nonprofit Big Cat Habitat and Gulf Coast Sanctuary, with a Lifetime Achievement Award. The award was given to Rosaire Dec. 10 to recognize her contributions to the art of circus and the lasting impact she has had on the industry.
“The Lifetime Achievement Award is given to someone who has not only had a successful career, but who continues to contribute to the community and to the art of circus,” said Leigh Ketchum, President of Showfolks of Sarasota. “Most importantly, we award individuals who have had a lasting impact on the industry and other people’s lives. Kay had a stellar career as an animal presenter and trainer, and we felt what she has done with Big Cat Habitat is enriching and will have a long lasting result.”
Kay Rosaire has more than 30 years of experience working with, and caring for, exotic animals and began re-homing big cats in 1987. A world renowned animal trainer and eighth generation circus family descendent, Rosaire originally supported Big Cat Habitat and Gulf Coast Sanctuary while still traveling and performing with her own big cats until retiring from the entertainment industry. She proceeded to concentrate on providing a safe and permanent home for big cats and other exotic animals in need. The sanctuary was designated a nonprofit in 1996.
Big Cat Habitat provides a permanent home for big cats, bears, primates, and more than 150 other animals that cannot go to shelters for domestic animals. Many of the animals at the habitat are in danger of extinction in the wild. Big Cat Habitat also provides education to the public to foster appreciation for the animals and to raise awareness about the importance of habitat preservation and extinction prevention efforts. More information about the sanctuary and its residents can be found at www.BigCatHabitat.org or by calling 941-371-6377.
About Big Cat Habitat:
Big Cat Habitat and Gulf Coast Sanctuary is a nonprofit safe haven for big cats, bears, primates and other animals in need that is supported solely through charitable contributions and admission fees. The sanctuary was founded by Kay Rosaire, who has more than 30 years of experience working with, and caring for, exotic animals and big cats. Big Cat Habitat provides education to the public to foster appreciation for the animals and to impart the importance of habitat preservation and extinction prevention efforts. It is located at 7101 Palmer Blvd., Sarasota, Fla. More information is available at www.BigCatHabitat.org, connecting on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/BigCatHabitat or by calling 941-371-6377.