TAMPA, Fla. – January 10, 2011 – Big Cat Rescue is on the front lines of using social media to change the way people think about exotic cats. In just the past month, Big Cat Rescue, the largest accredited sanctuary in the country dedicated entirely to abused and abandoned big cats, has been lauded on three separate blogs as a great example of a non-profit that has mastered the art of social media. Posting regularly to more than 325 social media sites and hosting its own YouTube channel, Big Cat Rescue provides viewers and readers with the opportunity to learn about exotic big cats such as lions, tigers and panthers and to donate to the cause. Mashable cites Big Cat Rescue as a prime example of a smaller non-profit that has brilliantly harnessed the power of YouTube videos to greatly enhance the organization’s exposure around the world. In this case, video of the story behind three adorable orphaned bobcat kittens tugs at the heartstrings of viewers. Blog Universal shows how Big Cat Rescue customized its YouTube channel – Big Cat TV – to maximize ease of viewing and enjoyment for the viewer while incorporating a “donate now” image to encourage direct donations. The site also provides links to Big Cat Rescue’s affiliated websites and social media accounts. Nonprofitorgs posted an extensive and informative interview with Big Cat Rescue’s CEO Carole Baskin about how she and her team take full advantage of social media to get out their important educational messages about the big cats to a global audience that often has misperceptions about the cats. Baskin notes that the organization’s full-time videographer works diligently to capture the essence of the cats and then crafts a video that is both inspiring and has the elements of humor to make it go viral. “We try very hard to take advantage of every opportunity that social media can give us,” said Baskin. “We are proud that Big Cat Rescue is the all-time 6th most viewed and 7th most subscribed non-profit on YouTube. Social media allows us to educate and inform the public about the many issues involving exotic cats and the all-too-common abuse they suffer here in America and around the world.” About Big Cat Rescue: Located in Tampa, Fla., Big Cat Rescue is the largest accredited sanctuary in the country dedicated entirely to abused and abandoned big cats. The sanctuary is home to more than 120 exotic cats. For more information, visit bigcatrescue.org. Media Contact:Susan Bass, Director of Public Relations813.431.2720Susan.Bass@BigCatRescue.org FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE