Fairmount Park in Philadelphia in Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Big Cats Are Not Pets
Despite the similarities between the personalities and behaviors of big Cats and domestic cats, big cats are not pets. Unfortunately, many people around the world, including here in the United States, believe they can safely keep a big cat as a pet.
Big cats around the world are threatened by poaching for the pet trade. Capturing big cats from the wild, as well as buying and selling them across country and state lines, is illegal. These practices significantly decrease their wild populations and have contributed to many species becoming endangered. And, no matter how much planning you do, keeping a big cat at home is never safefor you or for the cat.
In 2022, the United States passed the Big Cat Public Safety Act. This Act, which was supported by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, prevents private individuals from buying, selling, breeding, owning, or profiting off of several big cat species. This act will help reduce the demand for big cats in the pet trade and protect cats that already live in the United States.
Erected by Philadelphia Zoo.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Animals • Environment • Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 2022.
Location.
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in Southeast Pennsylvania. It is also in the American Northeast and in the Mid-Atlantic. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy, New Netherland, and one of the original Thirteen Colonies.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Look Up! (within shouting distance of this marker); Philadelphia Zoo Wins 2007 Top Exhibit Award! (within shouting distance of this marker); Trumpeter swan (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Diversity Makes All the Difference (about 500 feet away); Sebastopol goose (about 600 feet away); Galapagos tortoise (about 600 feet away); Domestic Duck Breeds (about 600 feet away); Pigeon Brainpower (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Philadelphia.
Credits. This page was last revised on April 6, 2025. It was originally submitted on April 6, 2025, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 102 times since then and 8 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 6, 2025, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
