Big Cat Rescue, famously featured in the Netflix series "Tiger King," has sold a significant portion of its Hillsborough County property for $19.5 million. This transaction is part of a larger trend of high-profile real estate sales in the area, including a record-breaking Odessa mansion listing. The funds from the sale will support the Baskins’ ongoing mission to protect wild cats and care for their relocated animals in Arkansas.
Key Takeaways
- Big Cat Rescue sold a large tract of its Hillsborough County land for $19.5 million.
- The proceeds will fund the organization’s global mission to prevent extinction and care for rescued cats.
- The former sanctuary land is slated for significant residential development.
- Hillsborough County is experiencing a surge in high-value real estate transactions.
Big Cat Rescue’s Property Sale
Big Cat Rescue, once spanning nearly 70 acres in Hillsborough County, has finalized the sale of a substantial part of its land. The sanctuary, which announced its closure and relocation of its animals to Arkansas in 2023, sold a major portion of the property to a developer for $19.5 million. This sale marks the end of an era for the well-known animal sanctuary.
Howard Baskin, co-owner of Big Cat Rescue, stated that the money generated from the sale will be crucial in their ongoing efforts to combat the extinction of wild cats and to cover the costs associated with caring for their animals at the larger sanctuary in Arkansas. The Baskins aim to continue their advocacy work, focusing on preventing abuse in captivity and protecting endangered species.
Future Development Plans
The land sold to the developer is expected to be transformed into approximately 280 townhomes. Additionally, another developer is anticipated to purchase the remaining 11 acres on the north end of the property, with plans to construct around 300 apartments. This signifies a major shift in land use for the former sanctuary site.
Broader Real Estate Trends in Hillsborough County
The sale of Big Cat Rescue’s property is occurring amidst a dynamic real estate market in Hillsborough County. Notably, a mansion in Odessa recently became Tampa Bay’s most expensive listing ever, with a staggering price tag of $38.5 million. This indicates a robust and high-value market for significant properties within the region, attracting substantial investment and development.
Key Takeaways
- Big Cat Rescue sells large portion of Hillsborough property for $19.5M, FOX 13 Tampa Bay.
- Big Cat Rescue sells off Tampa property, Bay News 9.
- $38.5 million Odessa mansion is Tampa Bay’s most expensive listing ever, Tampa Bay Times.