Lions, tigers and bears? Visit a wild animal sanctuary here in central Pennsylvania

Jennifer Mattive was in elementary school when her father rescued the family’s first exotic pet, squirrel monkeys. Months later came a 6-month-old bear.

While employed as a Pennsylvania State Trooper, Terry Mattive started taking exotic and local animals confiscated by government agencies in 1985, building enclosures for them in the family’s backyard.

Five years later, T&D’s Cats of the World, named after Terry and his wife Donna, opened to the public as an animal sanctuary, a mile loop going through exhibits of wolves, bobcats, bears, tigers and more.

The family doesn’t search for animals — Jennifer Mattive said that whoever ends up in their care is an act of fate, either brought in by law enforcement who’ve confiscated illegal animals, pet owners who’ve realized they’ve gotten in over their heads, or zoos that need to re-home animals. Recently, the sanctuary took in a Himalayan black bear that had been tied up to a tree in its previous owner’s backyard before neighbors informed law enforcement.

Jennifer Mattive, who works now works full-time at the sanctuary, lovingly referred to it as “the land of misfit toys” where animals from all backgrounds come to live out their lives in Penns Creek.

For T&D, the animal’s welfare always comes first, with volunteers stationed at every area to enforce the rules. One of the big things the sanctuary does to keep their animals calm and safe is keep names private to ensure guests don’t call for or taunt the animals.

“We don’t post their names because a lot of them know their names,” Jennifer Mattive said. “I wouldn’t want you standing here calling their name just for a picture.”

The animals are more visible and interested in visitors than other larger zoos due to the lack of constant crowds, Jennifer Mattive said. On a recent walk through the sanctuary, dingos, foxes, wolves and tigers followed the tour with varying degrees of interest. Two of the younger tigers walked the length of their enclosure, following the tour to the other side of the sanctuary.

“We’re only open about 70 days a year, so you come and guess what? You’re enrichment for them,” she said. “They want to be upfront and we like that. I want people to see them, enjoy them, learn about them and have some respect for them.”

The sanctuary takes in all the animals they can, but have made some hard decisions when it comes to large animals.

“My dad has no problem helping animals, but he also has the common sense to say no to a rhinoceros and a baby elephant,” Jennifer Mattive said.

The sanctuary receives no state or government funding, with donations, admission sales and the family’s own money covering the costs. The park has no paid staff, with Jennifer and her brother TJ there full time with the help of several volunteers. Local veterinarians, including Fred Metzger in State College, donate their time to help any sick or injured animals that may arrive.

T&D also allows visitors to sponsor animals for $50-100, which helps pay for their care throughout the year. Sponsors get a sign on the animal’s enclosure, a certificate, information on the species and two season passes. Mattive said it’s a popular gift, as people can come to visit the animal they help to support.

Sanctuary rules, hours and information can all be found on the T&D website, as well as ways to donate or sponsor the animals.

How to get there: From State College, the fastest route is along state Route 45 East, getting you there in just more than an hour.

What to bring: Comfortable shoes as the sanctuary path is unpaved.

Places to eat nearby: Rusty Rail Brewing Company, Amy’s Frosty Freeze

Admission cost: $10, cash only

Hours: Weekends noon to 6 p.m., Wednesday-Friday guided tours at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. only

More information: tdscats.com

This story was originally published June 15, 2022 at 10:58 AM.