The Big Cat Sanctuary – Cold Room & Freezer Installation

Supporting Wildlife Conservation with Precision Refrigeration Solutions

Project Overview: Cold Storage for a Centre of Excellence

The Big Cat Sanctuary in Smarden, Kent, is a world-class facility dedicated to the conservation, welfare, and education surrounding some of the planet’s most endangered big cat species. The sanctuary plays a vital role in global breeding programmes, research, and public awareness initiatives—all aimed at preventing extinction and improving animal welfare.

Following our successful work at their sister site in Herefordshire, we were proud to be invited back to support the sanctuary’s latest development: the construction of a new Centre of Excellence at the Kent site.

Project Brief: Reliable Cold Storage for Specialist Needs

The client required the installation of:

• A 6m x 6m walk-in chiller

• A 6m x 8m walk-in freezer

These cold storage rooms are essential for preserving specialist food stocks used to feed a wide variety of big cats—ranging from snow leopards to tigers—each with very specific dietary needs.

Because this was a new build project, we were involved from the early construction phase, working closely with site managers to ensure seamless integration of refrigeration infrastructure into the wider facility.

Our Work: End-to-End Cold Room & Freezer Installation

Our experienced refrigeration team managed the entire installation process, which included:

Room Construction

• Full panel build of both the chiller and freezer rooms, using high-performance insulation for energy efficiency and temperature consistency.

• Installation tailored to meet the high hygiene and animal welfare standards expected at a conservation facility.

Flooring & Safety

• We fitted slip-resistant commercial vinyl flooring in the walk-in cold room, providing a durable and easy-to-clean surface for daily operations—critical in a setting where safety and hygiene are non-negotiable.

Refrigeration & Commissioning

• Complete installation of all refrigeration pipework and control systems, using reliable, low-maintenance components suitable for long-term operation.

• Full system commissioning and testing, ensuring optimal performance from day one.

Outcome: Precision Temperature Control for a Critical Mission

The new cold room and freezer provide the Big Cat Sanctuary with the temperature-controlled storage capacity they need to safely and efficiently manage food supplies for over 50 rare and endangered cats.

“It’s not just about cold storage—it’s about ensuring the wellbeing of some of the world’s most endangered species. Our installation plays a small but vital part in their daily care and conservation efforts.”

This project highlights our ability to deliver technical installations in highly specialised environments, supporting clients who are making a meaningful impact on wildlife and the planet.