REGISTERED COMPANY NUMBER: 04365977 (England and Wales) REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 1104420
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES AND
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
FOR
THE BIG CAT SANCTUARY LIMITED (GROUP)
Brindley Millen Limited Statutory Auditors 167 Turners Hill Cheshunt Hertfordshire EN8 9BH
THE BIG CAT SANCTUARY LIMITED (GROUP)
CONTENTS OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS for the Year Ended 31 DECEMBER 2024
| Page | |
|---|---|
| Report of the Trustees | 1 to 6 |
| Report of the Independent Auditors | 7 to 9 |
| Statement of Financial Activities | 10 |
| Balance Sheet | 11 to 12 |
| Cash Flow Statement | 13 |
| Notes to the Cash Flow Statement | 14 |
| Notes to the Financial Statements | 15 to 29 |
| Detailed Statement of Financial Activities | 30 to 31 |
THE BIG CAT SANCTUARY LIMITED (GROUP)
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES for the Year Ended 31 DECEMBER 2024
The trustees present herewith their report and the financial statements for the year ended 31st December 2024. The trustees have adopted the provisions of the Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) "Accounting and Reporting by Charities" (FRS 102) in preparing the annual report and financial statements of the charity.
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in notes to the accounts and comply with the charity's governing document, the Charities Act 2011 and Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial reporting Standard applicable in the UK.
OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES
Objectives and aims
The Big Cat Sanctuary, referred to as BCS is a non-political, non-sectarian voluntary body with charitable status working with statutory and other voluntary organisations to preserve big cats. The mission statement declares that BCS is dedicated to the preservation, breeding and care of exotic big cats. BCS raises awareness and funding for world-wide big cat projects. In addition to supporting animals, BCS helps to protect rare and endangered plant life.
Public benefit
The trustees confirm that they have referred to the guidance contained in the Charity Commission's general guidance on public benefit when reviewing the charity's aims and objectives and in planning future activities.
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THE BIG CAT SANCTUARY LIMITED (GROUP)
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES for the Year Ended 31 DECEMBER 2024
STRATEGIC REPORT
Achievement and performance
2024 has been a truly transformative year for The Big Cat Sanctuary, underscored by powerful conservation work, compelling storytelling, and meaningful change within our leadership and outreach.
This year saw the launch of our Big Cats in Crisis campaign — a flagship initiative aimed at raising awareness and support for endangered big cats around the world. Central to this campaign was the successful and emotional rescue of five lions from war-torn Ukraine. The first of these, Yuna, arrived safely at the Sanctuary in 2024 and has already become a powerful ambassador for rescue and rehabilitation efforts worldwide.
We were honoured to be named ‘Animal and Environment Charity of the Year’ for Kent, a recognition that reflects our unwavering commitment to both animal welfare and public engagement.
In an exciting step forward for our team’s involvement in global conservation, Chris and Gill became the first recipients of our newly established Conservation Award , will enable them to visit the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre (UWEC) to support and learn from frontline conservation efforts.
We were delighted to welcome Clouded Leopards back to the Sanctuary — an important species with vulnerable wild populations. Their return strengthens our conservation breeding programmes and provides new educational opportunities for the public and supporters.
The fifth series of One Zoo Three aired in 2024, further raising awareness of the Sanctuary’s work and inspiring audiences about wildlife and conservation. We also began work on a dedicated documentary, Saving Yuna , which will tell the remarkable story of the lions rescued from Ukraine and the tireless efforts of our team to provide them with a safe future.
In 2024, we welcomed Cameron Whitnall as the new Managing Director of The Big Cat Sanctuary . Cameron brings fresh energy, deep knowledge, and a powerful commitment to continuing the Sanctuary’s legacy while driving forward our strategic goals.
As Trustees, we are proud to see The Big Cat Sanctuary evolve and lead with purpose. This year has been one of growth, resilience, and inspiration, all made possible by the dedication of our staff, volunteers, supporters, and partners. We look forward to continuing our mission to protect and advocate for big cats around the world.
Key performance indicators
Financial
Total income has risen by 26%, the charity also retains significant reserves and liquid assets.
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THE BIG CAT SANCTUARY LIMITED (GROUP)
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES for the Year Ended 31 DECEMBER 2024
STRATEGIC REPORT Financial review
Financial position
Group income for the year was £3,646,058 (2023: £2,893,129). Group expenditure amounted to £3,237.474 (2023: £2,992,838) net movement in funds for the year was a surplus of £394,244 (2023: deficit £116,073). As at 31st December 2024 total reserves amounted to £5,083,611 (2023: £4,689,367)
In accordance with Charity Commission guidance, the Trustees review on a regular basis the level of income reserves that they consider appropriate. At 31 December 2024, the trustees consider it appropriate to hold free reserves equivalent to six months general expenditure, about £1,600,000 (2023: £1,500,000). The unrestricted reserves at 31 December 2024 amounted to £3,661,062 (2023: £4,689,367). The intention remains to increase the level of reserves through the successful marketing of lodges, corporate partners and educational events.
Pay policy for key management personnel
The trustees consider that the Trustees and General Manager comprise the key management personnel of the charity in charge of directing and controlling, running and operating the charity on a day to day basis. All trustees give their time freely and no trustee received remuneration during the year. The pay of the senior staff is reviewed annually and usually increased in accordance with increases in average earnings. Soundings are taken with external consultants and other companies in similar businesses.
Principal risks and uncertainties
The charity faces differing risks although they can all be mitigated to an extent.
Zoo Licence
Our current license is valid until 28th February 2029.
Cat collection
This always needs to be kept under review, owing to the increasing average age. Our supporters, photographers and adopters expect to see new faces. This risk has currently been mitigated by the birth of cubs as part of the breeding programme and our continued meetings to develop enclosures for new species in the future.
Financial
We are working to reach pre-pandemic experience and lodge occupants as well as finding new ways to engage our membership and reach a new audience. The Trustees are cautiously optimistic for the future. We continue to monitor and amend our budgets as appropriate to ensure the efficient use of funds including capital projects. The charity is debt free.
Management
There are some key people whose departure would cause BCS some difficulty that can however be mitigated. The first would be Lynn Whitnall, Trustee however the remaining Trustees would search immediately for another trustee. The next is Adam Terrington, General Manager. We have other Heads of Departments to oversee the Sanctuary temporarily until a new General Manager could be recruited. If Lesley Rowlings, Finance Manager, were to depart, the Company Secretary would be able to provide sufficient cover until a new appointment is made.
The trustees have examined the major strategic, business and operational risks which the charity faces and confirm that systems have been established to enable the charity to lessen or mitigate those risks.
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THE BIG CAT SANCTUARY LIMITED (GROUP)
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES for the Year Ended 31 DECEMBER 2024
STRATEGIC REPORT
Future plans
Through our Big Cats in Crisis project, we aim to rescue up to five lions from war-torn Ukraine and provide them with a safe and permanent home at the Sanctuary. We also plan to complete the construction of a new habitat for our clouded leopards and look forward to welcoming Bua and Django in 2025. Alongside this, we will be welcoming Kuda, a rusty-spotted cat, and two female white lions who will join Kasanga, our lone African male lion, to form a small pride for companionship. In addition, Asiatic lions Sonika and Sahee will move to our sister charity, Hertfordshire Zoo, as part of the EEP.
Our breeding programme continues to focus on the North Chinese Leopards, Snow leopards, Cheetah and Jaguars, while the trustees’ target of £50,000 to donate to other conservation projects remains unchanged. Alongside this, we are committed to growing our membership scheme, expanding our online community, and strengthening support for the vital work we do.
STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT
Governing document
The charity is controlled by its governing document, a deed of trust, and constitutes a limited company, limited by guarantee, as defined by the Companies Act 2006.
The Big Cat Sanctuary was incorporated on 4 February 2002 as a company limited by guarantee and not having a share capital under the Companies Act 1985. The organisation is a registered charity number 1104420 with effect from 17 June 2004 and is established under its Memorandum and Articles of Association dated 4 February 2002 as amended by special resolution on 20 May 2004.
Recruitment and appointment of new trustees
The number of trustees shall be not less than three but is not subject to a maximum. The company may appoint a new trustee by ordinary resolution. A trustee appointed by such resolution must retire at the next Annual General Meeting.
There are no trustees retiring this year.
Trustees have to date been recruited by personal recommendation. The charitable company has been fortunate that the mix of expertise has been sufficient to enable the trustees to make informed decisions. The most recently appointed trustees have very varied business experience that has enhanced our overall expertise.
Organisational structure
The day to day management of the site is regularly reviewed by Peter Sampson who reports to the other trustees at Board meetings. Any decisions that affect existing or new policies are made by the Board, having received recommendations from Peter in his consultancy role.
There is a separate Conservation and Ethics Committee chaired by Mr A Beer and comprising S Philp, P C Sampson, L Whitnall, B Smith and representatives of Hertfordshire Zoo.
Wider network
The charitable company has access to the World Association of Zoos and Aquaria through its links with Hertfordshire Zoo. In addition, the charitable company is a member of BIAZA, the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums and benefits directly by its links with other members., The charitable company is an associate member of EAZA (The European Association of Zoos and Aquaria). The charitable company is able to participate in the European Endangered Species Breeding Programme (EEP).
The charitable company works closely with Ashford Borough Council under the terms of its Zoo Licence expiring on 28th February 2029.
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THE BIG CAT SANCTUARY LIMITED (GROUP)
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES for the Year Ended 31 DECEMBER 2024
STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT
Related parties
The company has no share capital and the members of the Board of Trustees have no interest in its surplus or assets and receive no remuneration. No trustees had any contract or arrangement of a material nature with the charitable company during the period under review.
The charitable company has a wholly owned subsidiary, The Big Cat Sanctuary Experiences Ltd, incorporated on 24 April 2015 and through which the trading element of the Foundation is conducted. The subsidiary company runs the Overnight Lodge programme, an amazing immersive and exclusive experience.
REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS
Registered Company number 04365977 (England and Wales)
Registered Charity number 1104420
Registered office
Marley Farm Headcorn Road Smarden Ashford Kent TN27 8PJ
Trustees
M J Brady W E Peacock L K Whitnall T P Whitnall S J Winterburn P Wiggins (resigned 15.12.24) G Batters (appointed 7.8.24) C S Whitnall (appointed 1.2.25)
Company Secretary
R E Spiller
Auditors
Brindley Millen Limited Statutory Auditors 167 Turners Hill Cheshunt Hertfordshire EN8 9BH
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THE BIG CAT SANCTUARY LIMITED (GROUP)
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES for the Year Ended 31 DECEMBER 2024
STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES' RESPONSIBILITIES
The trustees (who are also the directors of The Big Cat Sanctuary (Group) for the purposes of company law) are responsible for preparing the Report of the Trustees and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).
Company law requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charitable company and of the incoming resources and application of resources, including the income and expenditure, of the charitable company for that period. In preparing those financial statements, the trustees are required to
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select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
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observe the methods and principles in the Charity SORP;
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make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
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state whether applicable accounting standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements;
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prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charitable company will continue in business.
The trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charitable company and to enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charitable company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
In so far as the trustees are aware:
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there is no relevant audit information of which the charitable company's auditors are unaware; and
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the trustees have taken all steps that they ought to have taken to make themselves aware of any relevant audit information and to establish that the auditors are aware of that information.
AUDITORS
The auditors, Brindley Millen Limited, will be proposed for re-appointment at the forthcoming Annual General Meeting.
Report of the trustees, incorporating a strategic report, approved by order of the board of trustees, as the company directors, on ............................................. and signed on the board's behalf by: 09/25/2025
.......................................................................... Matt Brady (Sep 25, 2025 20:53:48 GMT+1) M Brady, Trustee
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REPORT OF THE INDEPENDENT AUDITORS TO THE MEMBERS OF THE BIG CAT SANCTUARY LIMITED (GROUP)
Opinion
We have audited the financial statements of The Big Cat Sanctuary (Group) (the 'charitable company') for the year ended 31 December 2024 which comprise the Statement of Financial Activities, the Balance Sheet, the Cash Flow Statement and notes to the financial statements, including a summary of significant accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).
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In our opinion the financial statements:
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give a true and fair view of the state of the charitable company's affairs as at 31 December 2024 and of its incoming resources and application of resources, including its income and expenditure, for the year then ended;
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have been properly prepared in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice; and
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have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006.
Basis for opinion
We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)) and applicable law. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditors' responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We are independent of the charitable company in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the UK, including the FRC's Ethical Standard, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.
Conclusions relating to going concern
In auditing the financial statements, we have concluded that the trustees' use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements is appropriate.
Based on the work we have performed, we have not identified any material uncertainties relating to events or conditions that, individually or collectively, may cast significant doubt on the charitable company's ability to continue as a going concern for a period of at least twelve months from when the financial statements are authorised for issue.
Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the trustees with respect to going concern are described in the relevant sections of this report.
Other information
The trustees are responsible for the other information. The other information comprises the information included in the Annual Report, other than the financial statements and our Report of the Independent Auditors thereon.
Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in our report, we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon.
In connection with our audit of the financial statements, our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the audit or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether this gives rise to a material misstatement in the financial statements themselves. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact. We have nothing to report in this regard.
Opinions on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006
In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of the audit:
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the information given in the Report of the Trustees for the financial year for which the financial statements are prepared is consistent with the financial statements; and
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the Report of the Trustees has been prepared in accordance with applicable legal requirements.
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REPORT OF THE INDEPENDENT AUDITORS TO THE MEMBERS OF THE BIG CAT SANCTUARY LIMITED (GROUP)
Matters on which we are required to report by exception
In the light of the knowledge and understanding of the charitable company and its environment obtained in the course of the audit, we have not identified material misstatements in the Report of the Trustees.
We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters where the Companies Act 2006 requires us to report to you if, in our opinion:
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adequate accounting records have not been kept or returns adequate for our audit have not been received from branches not visited by us; or
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the financial statements are not in agreement with the accounting records and returns; or
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certain disclosures of trustees' remuneration specified by law are not made; or
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we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit.
Responsibilities of trustees
As explained more fully in the Statement of Trustees' Responsibilities, the trustees (who are also the directors of the charitable company for the purposes of company law) are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as the trustees determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.
In preparing the financial statements, the trustees are responsible for assessing the charitable company's ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the trustees either intend to liquidate the charitable company or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.
Our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements
Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue a Report of the Independent Auditors that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (UK) will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements.
The extent to which our procedures are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud is detailed below:
We obtained an understanding of the legal and regulatory frameworks that are applicable to the charity and determined that the most significant are those covered by the Statement of Recommended Practice for Charities (SORP 2019) and the Charities Act 2011. We assessed the risk of material misstatement in respect of fraud by making enquiries of management and trustees and by testing the implementation of accounting controls in place.
Based on the results of our risk assessment we designed our audit procedures to identify non-compliance with such laws and regulations identified above by making enquiries with key personnel and reviewing relevant documentation such as minutes of Trustee meetings and correspondence with regulatory bodies. We considered the risk of fraud through management override by incorporation testing of journal entries and reviewing any requirements to meet performance targets. We also considered, and tested for, the possibility of unauthorised payments to related parties.
A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements is located on the Financial Reporting Council's website at www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our Report of the Independent Auditors.
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REPORT OF THE INDEPENDENT AUDITORS TO THE MEMBERS OF THE BIG CAT SANCTUARY LIMITED (GROUP)
Use of our report
This report is made solely to the charitable company's members, as a body, in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the charitable company's members those matters we are required to state to them in an auditors' report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the charitable company and the charitable company's members as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.
Maurice Brindley FCA BSc (Senior Statutory Auditor) for and on behalf of Brindley Millen Limited Statutory Auditors 167 Turners Hill Cheshunt Hertfordshire EN8 9BH 09/26/2025 Date: .............................................
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THE BIG CAT SANCTUARY LIMITED (GROUP)
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES (including income and expenditure account) for the Year Ended 31 DECEMBER 2024
| Notes INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM Donations and legacies 2 Charitable activities 4 Fundraising Experience days Lodges Other trading activities 3 Other income Total EXPENDITURE ON Raising funds 6 Charitable activities 7 Fundraising Preservation, breeding and care Experience days Lodges Total Tax payable NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE) Transfers between funds 21 Net movement in funds RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS Total funds brought forward TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD |
Unrestricted fund £ 588,960 655,936 510,962 1,199,881 231,164 31,190 3,218,093 116,849 562,965 1,480,719 478,306 572,909 3,211,748 (14,340) (7,995) (1,020,311) (1,028,306) 4,689,367 3,661,061 |
Restricted funds £ 427,965 - - - - - 427,965 - 8,576 8,575 8,575 - 25,726 - 402,239 1,020,311 1,422,550 - 1,422,550 |
31.12.24 Total funds £ 1,016,925 655,936 510,962 1,199,881 231,164 31,190 3,646,058 116,849 571,541 1,489,294 486,881 572,909 3,237,474 (14,340) 394,244 - 394,244 4,689,367 5,083,611 |
31.12.23 Total funds £ 561,419 729,673 383,064 972,355 236,235 10,383 2,893,129 72,965 512,258 1,273,661 461,067 672,887 2,992,838 (16,364) (116,073) - (116,073) 4,805,440 4,689,367 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
The notes form part of these financial statements
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THE BIG CAT SANCTUARY LIMITED (GROUP)
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET 31 DECEMBER 2024
| Notes FIXED ASSETS Intangible assets 13 Tangible assets 15 CURRENT ASSETS Stocks 18 Debtors 19 Cash at bank and in hand CREDITORS Amounts falling due within one year 20 NET CURRENT ASSETS TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES NET ASSETS FUNDS 21 Unrestricted funds Restricted funds TOTAL FUNDS |
Unrestricted fund £ 21,343 1,141,928 1,163,271 38,103 245,435 3,022,771 3,306,309 (808,518) 2,497,791 3,661,062 3,661,062 |
Restricted funds £ - 1,422,549 1,422,549 - - - - - - 1,422,549 1,422,549 |
31.12.24 Total funds £ 21,343 2,564,477 2,585,820 38,103 245,435 3,022,771 3,306,309 (808,518) 2,497,791 5,083,611 5,083,611 3,661,062 1,422,549 5,083,611 |
31.12.23 Total funds £ 28,457 1,698,089 1,726,546 27,051 311,965 3,357,062 3,696,078 (733,257) 2,962,821 4,689,367 4,689,367 4,689,367 - 4,689,367 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
09/25/2025
The financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees and authorised for issue on ............................................. and were signed on its behalf by:
Matt Brady (Sep 25, 2025 20:53:48 GMT+1)
............................................. M Brady, Trustee
The notes form part of these financial statements
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THE BIG CAT SANCTUARY LIMITED (GROUP) (REGISTERED NUMBER: 08864205) BALANCE SHEET – THE BIG CAT SANCTUARY LIMITED ONLY 31 DECEMBER 2024
| Notes FIXED ASSETS Intangible assets 14 Tangible assets 16 Investments 17 CURRENT ASSETS Debtors 19 Cash at bank and in hand CREDITORS Amounts falling due within one year 20 NET CURRENT ASSETS TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES NET ASSETS FUNDS 21 Unrestricted funds Restricted funds TOTAL FUNDS |
Unrestricted fund £ 21,343 930,008 1 951,352 426,633 1,916,867 2,343,500 (359,041) 1,984,459 2,935,811 2,935,811 |
Restricted funds £ - 1,422,549 - 1,422,549 - - - - - 1,422,549 1,422,549 |
31.12.24 Total funds £ 21,343 2,352,557 1 2,373,901 426,633 1,916,867 2,343,500 (359,041) 1,984,459 4,358,360 4,358,360 2,935,811 1,422,549 4,358,360 |
31.12.23 Total funds £ 28,457 1,432,247 1 1,460,705 452,514 2,644,978 3,097,492 (233,786) 2,863,706 4,324,411 4,324,411 4,324,411 - 4,324,411 |
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09/25/2025
The financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees and authorised for issue on ............................................. and were signed on its behalf by:
............................................. Matt Brady (Sep 25, 2025 20:53:48 GMT+1) M Brady, Trustee
The notes form part of these financial statements
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THE BIG CAT SANCTUARY LIMITED (GROUP)
CASH FLOW STATEMENT for the Year Ended 31 DECEMBER 2024
| Notes Cash flows from operating activities Cash generated from operations 1 Tax paid Net cash provided by operating activities Cash flows from investing activities Purchase of intangible fixed assets Purchase of tangible fixed assets Sale of tangible fixed assets Tax payable Net cash used in investing activities Change in cash and cash equivalents in the reporting period Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the reporting period Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the reporting period |
31.12.24 £ 926,714 (16,364) 323,933 - (1,244,641) - - (1,244,641) (334,291) 3,357,062 3,022,771 |
31.12.23 £ 317,008 6,925 323,933 (13,172) (340,631) 1,667 (16,364) (368,500) (44,567) 3,401,629 3,357,062 |
|---|---|---|
The notes form part of these financial statements
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THE BIG CAT SANCTUARY LIMITED (GROUP)
NOTES TO THE CASH FLOW STATEMENT for the Year Ended 31 DECEMBER 2024
1. RECONCILIATION OF NET (EXPENDITURE)/INCOME TO NET CASH FLOW FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
| Net (expenditure)/income for the reporting period (as per the Statement of Financial Activities) Adjustments for: Depreciation charges Tax payable (Profit)/loss on disposal of fixed assets Asset reclassification Decrease/(increase) in stocks Increase in debtors Increase/(decrease) in creditors Net cash provided by operations 2. ANALYSIS OF CHANGES IN NET FUNDS |
31.12.24 £ 394,244 370,394 14,340 - 14,972 (11,052) 66,530 77,286 926,714 |
31.12.23 £ (116,073) 374,833 16,364 (1,667) - 8,364 (129,784) 164,971 317,008 |
|---|---|---|
| Net cash Cash at bank and in hand Total |
At 1.1.24 £ 3,357,062 3,357,062 3,357,062 |
Cash flow £ (334,291) (334,291) (334,291) |
At 31.12.24 £ 3,022,771 3,022,771 3,022,771 |
|---|---|---|---|
The notes form part of these financial statements
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THE BIG CAT SANCTUARY LIMITED (GROUP)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS for the Year Ended 31 DECEMBER 2024
1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Basis of preparing the financial statements
The Big Cat Sanctuary is a registered charitable company in the United Kingdom. In the event of the charity being wound up, the liability in respect of the guarantee is limited to £1 per member of the charity. The address of the registered office is given in the charity information on page 1 of these financial statements. The nature of the charity's operations and principal activities is dedicated to the preservation, breeding and care of exotic big cats.
The financial statements of the charity, which is a public benefit entity under FRS 102, have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102) 'Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019)', Financial Reporting Standard 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland' and the Charities Act 2011.
The financial statements are prepared on a going concern basis under the historical cost convention. The financial statements are prepared in sterling which is the functional currency of the charity.
The significant accounting policies applied in the preparation of these financial statements are set out below. These policies have been consistently applied to all years presented unless otherwise stated.
Critical accounting judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty
Accounting estimates and judgements are continually evaluated and are based on historical experience and other factors, including expectations of future events that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances.
Useful economic lives of tangible assets
The annual depreciation charge for tangible assets is sensitive to changes in the estimated useful economic lives and residual values of the assets. The useful economic lives and residual values are reassessed annually. They are amended when necessary to reflect current estimates, based on technological advancement, future investments, economic utilisation and the physical condition of the assets.
Income
Activities (SoFA) when the charity is legally entitled to the income after any performance conditions have been met, the amount can be measured reliably and it is probable that the income will be received.
For donations to be recognised the charity will have been notified of the amounts and the settlement date in writing. If there are conditions attached to the donation and this requires a level of performance before entitlement can be obtained then income is deferred until those conditions are fully met or the fulfilment of those conditions is within the control of the charity and it is probable that they will be fulfilled. Animal adoption income is included in full in the Statement of Financial Activities when received.
Donated facilities and donated professional services are recognised in income at their fair value when their economic benefit is probable, it can be measured reliably and the charity has control over the item. Fair value is determined on the basis of the value of the gift to the charity. For example the amount the charity would be willing to pay in the open market for such facilities and services. A corresponding amount is recognised in expenditure.
No amount is included in the financial statements for volunteer time in line with the SORP (FRS 102). Further detail is given in the Trustees’ Annual Report.
Gifts in kind donated for resale are included at fair value, being the expected proceeds from sale less the expected costs of sale. Where estimating the fair value is practicable upon receipt it is recognised in stock
continued...
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THE BIG CAT SANCTUARY LIMITED (GROUP)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued for the Year Ended 31 DECEMBER 2024
1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES - continued
Income
and ‘Income from other trading activities’. Upon sale, the value of the stock is charged against ‘Income from other trading activities’ and the proceeds are recognised as ‘Income from other trading activities’. Where it is impracticable to fair value the items due to the volume of low value items they are not recognised in the financial statements until they are sold. This income is recognised within ‘Income from other trading activities’.
Income from trading activities includes income earned from fundraising events and trading activities to raise funds for the charity. Income is received in exchange for supplying goods and services in order to raise funds and is recognised when entitlement has occurred. Experience day income is recognised when the experience day has been fully provided for. Lodge income is recognised during the period in which the lodge accommodation and associated experience is provided. Retail income is accounted for when the sale takes place.
Expenditure
All expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all costs related to the category. Expenditure is recognised where there is a legal or constructive obligation to make payments to third parties, it is probable that the settlement will be required and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. It is categorised under the following headings:
-
Costs of raising funds;
-
Expenditure on charitable activities; and
-
Other expenditure represents those items not falling into the categories above.
Irrecoverable VAT is charged as an expense against the activity for which expenditure arose.
Charitable donations payable to third parties are within the charitable objectives. Where unconditional donations are offered, this is accrued as soon as the recipient is notified of the donation, as this gives rise to a reasonable expectation that the recipient will receive the donation. Where donations are conditional relating to performance then the donation is only accrued when any unfulfilled conditions are outside of the control of the charity.
Support costs allocation
Support costs are those that assist the work of the charity but do not directly represent charitable activities and include office costs, governance costs, administrative payroll costs. They are incurred directly in support of expenditure on the objects of the charity and include project management carried out at Headquarters. Where support costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated to cost of raising funds and expenditure on charitable activities on a basis consistent with use of the resources. Fund-raising costs are those incurred in seeking voluntary contributions and do not include the costs of disseminating information in support of the charitable activities.
Intangible fixed assets
Amortisation is provided at the following annual rates in order to write off each asset over its estimated useful life.
- Website - 20% on cost
Intangible fixed assets are stated at cost or valuation less accumulated depreciation and accumulated impairment losses. Cost includes costs directly attributable to making the asset capable of operating as intended. Fixed assets below £750 are not capitalised.
continued...
Page 16
THE BIG CAT SANCTUARY LIMITED (GROUP)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued for the Year Ended 31 DECEMBER 2024
1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES - continued
Tangible fixed assets
| Tangible fixed assets | Tangible fixed assets | Tangible fixed assets |
|---|---|---|
| Depreciation is provided at the following annual rates in order to write off each asset over its estimated useful life. | ||
| Improvements to property | - | at varying rates on cost |
| Long leasehold | - | 5% on cost |
| Plant and machinery | - | 20% on reducing balance and 10% on cost |
| Fixtures and fittings | - | 25% on reducing balance and 15% on cost |
| Motor vehicles | - | 25% on reducing balance and 10% on cost |
| Computer equipment | - | 33% on reducing balance |
Tangible fixed assets are stated at cost or valuation less accumulated depreciation and accumulated impairment losses. Cost includes costs directly attributable to making the asset capable of operating as intended. Fixed assets below £750 are not capitalised. Assets in the course of construction are not depreciated until they are brought into use.
Stocks
Stocks are stated at the lower of cost and estimated selling price less costs to complete and sell. Cost includes all costs of purchase, costs of conversion and other costs incurred in bringing stock to its present location and condition. Cost is calculated using the first-in, first-out formula. Provision is made for damaged, obsolete and slow-moving stock where appropriate.
Donated stocks are fair valued.
Taxation
The charity is exempt from corporation tax on its charitable activities.
Fund accounting
Unrestricted funds can be used in accordance with the charitable objectives at the discretion of the trustees.
Restricted funds can only be used for particular restricted purposes within the objects of the charity. Restrictions arise when specified by the donor or when funds are raised for particular restricted purposes.
Further explanation of the nature and purpose of each fund is included in the notes to the financial statements.
Hire purchase and leasing commitments
Rentals paid under operating leases are charged to the Statement of Financial Activities on a straight line basis over the period of the lease.
Pension costs and other post-retirement benefits
The charitable company operates a defined contribution pension scheme. Contributions payable to the charitable company's pension scheme are charged to the Statement of Financial Activities in the period to which they relate.
Going concern
The financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis. The trustees have reviewed and considered relevant information, including the annual budget and future cash flows in making their assessment. Based on these assessments the trustees have concluded that they can continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the annual report and accounts.
Debtors and creditors receivable/payable within one year
Debtors and creditors with no stated interest rate and receivable or payable within one year are recorded at transaction price. Any losses arising from impairment are recognised in expenditure.
continued...
Page 17
THE BIG CAT SANCTUARY LIMITED (GROUP)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued for the Year Ended 31 DECEMBER 2024
2. DONATIONS AND LEGACIES
| Unrestricted funds £ Donations 304,219 Membership fees 232,260 Animal adoptions 52,481 588,960 OTHER TRADING ACTIVITIES Unrestricted funds £ Shop sales 231,164 INCOME FROM CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES Activity Special events Fundraising Photographic groups Experience days Big cat encounters Experience days Other income Experience days Lodge experiences Lodges |
Restricted funds £ 427,965 - - 427,965 Restricted funds £ - |
31.12.24 Total funds £ 732,184 232,260 52,481 1,016,925 31.12.24 Total funds £ 231,164 31.12.24 £ 655,936 74,916 417,273 18,773 1,199,881 2,366,779 |
|
|---|---|---|---|
3. OTHER TRADING ACTIVITIES
4. INCOME FROM CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES
5. INCOME EARNED FROM OTHER ACTIVITIES
The subsidiary, The Big Cat Sanctuary Experiences Limited, which is wholly owned by the parent, is a registered company (No. 09560661). The summary financial performance of the subsidiary alone is:
| 31.12.24 £ Total income 1,431,045 Total expenditure (705,795) Net income 725,250 The assets and liabilities of the subsidiary are: Fixed assets 211,920 Current assets 1,144,750 Current liabilities (631,419) Total net assets 725,251 |
31.12.23 £ 1,208,590 (843,635) |
|---|---|
| 364,955 | |
| 265,843 739,135 (640,022) 364,956 |
continued...
Page 18
THE BIG CAT SANCTUARY LIMITED (GROUP)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued for the Year Ended 31 DECEMBER 2024
6. RAISING FUNDS
Other trading activities
| Unrestricted funds £ Opening stock 27,051 Purchases 127,901 Closing stock (38,103) 116,849 CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES COSTS Fundraising Preservation, breeding and care Experience days Lodges |
Restricted funds £ - - - - Direct Costs £ 113,601 115,673 28,944 83,522 341,740 |
31.12.24 Total funds £ 27,051 127,901 (38,103) 116,849 Support costs (see note 8) £ 457,940 1,373,621 457,937 489,387 2,778,885 |
31.12.23 Total funds £ 35,415 64,601 (27,051) 72,965 Totals £ 571,541 1,489,294 486,881 572,909 3,120,625 |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
7. CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES COSTS
8. SUPPORT COSTS
| Fundraising Preservation, breeding and care Experience days Lodges NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE) Net income/(expenditure) is stated after charging/(crediting): Depreciation - owned assets Other operating leases Surplus/(deficit) on disposal of fixed assets Computer software amortisation |
Management £ 457,940 1,356,198 457,937 487,602 2,759,677 |
Governance costs £ - 17,423 - 1,785 19,208 31.12.24 £ 363,281 53,838 - 7,114 |
Totals £ 457,940 1,373,621 457,937 489,387 2,778,885 31.12.23 £ 367,718 51,838 (1,667) 7,114 |
|---|---|---|---|
9. NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE)
Net income/(expenditure) is stated after charging/(crediting):
continued...
Page 19
THE BIG CAT SANCTUARY LIMITED (GROUP)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued for the Year Ended 31 DECEMBER 2024
10. TRUSTEES' REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS
There were no trustees' remuneration or other benefits for the year ended 31 December 2024 nor for the year ended 31 December 2023.
The trustees consider the board of trustees, external consultants and the senior management team comprise the key management personnel of the charity in charge of directing and controlling, running and operating the Foundation on a day to day basis. As detailed above, no trustees received remuneration during the period. The remuneration to the external consultants totalled £13,698 (2023 : £6,764).
Trustees' expenses
There were no trustees' expenses paid for the year ended 31 December 2024 nor for the year ended 31 December 2023.
| 11. STAFF COSTS Wages and salaries Social security costs Other pension costs The average monthly number of employees during the year was as follows: Average number of employees |
31.12.24 £ 1,010,272 80,025 59,861 1,150,158 31.12.24 49 |
31.12.23 £ 1,093,373 83,021 63,100 1,239,494 31.12.23 56 |
|---|---|---|
No employees received emoluments in excess of £60,000.
Key management personnel remuneration
Gross remuneration and benefits received by key management personnel totalled £85,107 (2023: £152,874).
continued...
Page 20
THE BIG CAT SANCTUARY LIMITED (GROUP)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued for the Year Ended 31 DECEMBER 2024
| 12. COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES Unrestricted fund £ INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM Donations and legacies 561,419 Charitable activities Fundraising 729,673 Experience days 383,064 Lodges 972,355 Other trading activities 236,235 Other income 10,383 Total 2,893,129 EXPENDITURE ON Raising funds 72,965 Charitable activities Fundraising 512,258 Preservation, breeding and care 1,273,661 Experience days 461,067 Lodges 672,887 Total 2,992,838 Tax payable (16,364) NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE) (116,073) Transfers between funds 27,871 Net movement in funds (88,202) RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS Total funds brought forward 4,777,569 TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD 4,689,367 |
Restricted funds £ - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - (27,871) (27,871) 27,871 - |
Total funds £ 561,419 729,673 383,064 972,355 236,235 10,383 2,893,129 72,965 512,258 1,273,661 461,067 672,887 2,992,838 (16,364) (116,073) - (116,073) 4,805,440 4,689,367 |
|---|---|---|
continued...
Page 21
THE BIG CAT SANCTUARY LIMITED (GROUP)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued for the Year Ended 31 DECEMBER 2024
| 13. | INTANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS (group) | |
|---|---|---|
| Computer | ||
| software | ||
| £ | ||
| COST | ||
| At 1 January 2024 and 31 December 2024 | 35,571 | |
| AMORTISATION | ||
| At 1 January 2024 | 7,114 | |
| Charge for year | 7,114 | |
| At 31 December 2024 | 14,228 | |
| NET BOOK VALUE | ||
| At 31 December 2024 | 21,343 | |
| At 31 December 2023 | 28,457 | |
| 14. | INTANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS (parent) | |
| Computer | ||
| software | ||
| £ | ||
| COST | ||
| At 1 January 2024 and 31 December 2024 | 35,571 | |
| AMORTISATION | ||
| At 1 January 2024 | 7,114 | |
| Charge for year | 7,114 | |
| At 31 December 2024 | 14,228 | |
| NET BOOK VALUE | ||
| At 31 December 2024 | 21,343 | |
| At 31 December 2023 | 28,457 |
continued...
Page 22
THE BIG CAT SANCTUARY LIMITED (GROUP)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued for the Year Ended 31 DECEMBER 2024
15. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS (group)
| COST At 1 January 2024 Additions Reclassification At 31 December 2024 DEPRECIATION At 1 January 2024 Charge for year At 31 December 2024 NET BOOK VALUE At 31 December 2024 At 31 December 2023 COST At 1 January 2024 Additions Reclassification At 31 December 2024 DEPRECIATION At 1 January 2024 Charge for year At 31 December 2024 NET BOOK VALUE At 31 December 2024 At 31 December 2023 |
Assets under construction £ 248,498 1,189,023 (14,972) 1,422,549 - - - 1,422,549 248,498 Fixtures and fittings £ 181,165 1,737 - 182,902 127,295 10,531 137,826 45,076 53,870 |
Long leasehold £ 826,099 - - 826,099 484,968 67,491 552,459 273,640 341,131 Motor vehicles £ 21,190 - - 21,190 15,964 1,307 17,271 3,919 5,226 |
Improvements to property £ 2,524,693 - - 2,524,693 1,577,481 252,470 1,829,951 694,742 947,212 Computer equipment £ 88,712 1,082 - 89,794 73,205 5,117 78,322 11,472 15,507 |
Plant and machinery £ 219,705 52,799 - 272,504 133,060 26,365 159,425 113,079 86,645 Totals £ 4,110,062 1,244,641 (14,972) 5,339,731 2,411,973 363,281 2,775,254 2,564,477 1,698,089 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
continued...
Page 23
THE BIG CAT SANCTUARY LIMITED (GROUP)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued for the Year Ended 31 DECEMBER 2024
16. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS (parent)
| COST At 1 January 2024 Additions Reclassification At 31 December 2024 DEPRECIATION At 1 January 2024 Charge for year At 31 December 2024 NET BOOK VALUE At 31 December 2024 At 31 December 2023 COST At 1 January 2024 Additions Reclassification At 31 December 2024 DEPRECIATION At 1 January 2024 Charge for year At 31 December 2024 NET BOOK VALUE At 31 December 2024 At 31 December 2023 |
Assets under construction £ 248,498 1,189,023 (14,972) 1,422,549 - - - 1,422,549 248,498 Fixtures and fittings £ 134,015 1,737 - 135,752 99,880 5,597 105,477 30,275 34,135 |
Long leasehold £ 302,376 - - 302,376 197,036 15,119 212,155 90,221 105,340 Motor vehicles £ 14,850 - - 14,850 10,753 1,024 11,777 3,073 4,097 |
Improvements to property £ 2,524,693 - - 2,524,693 1,577,481 252,470 1,829,951 694,742 947,212 Computer equipment £ 87,954 1,082 - 89,036 72,447 5,118 77,564 11,472 15,508 |
Plant and machinery £ 179,721 44,848 - 224,569 102,264 22,080 124,344 100,225 77,457 Totals £ 3,492,107 1,236,690 (14,972) 4,713,825 2,059,860 301,408 2,361,268 2,352,557 1,432,247 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
continued...
Page 24
THE BIG CAT SANCTUARY LIMITED (GROUP)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued for the Year Ended 31 DECEMBER 2024
17. FIXED ASSET INVESTMENTS
| FIXED ASSET INVESTMENTS | |
|---|---|
| Shares in | |
| group | |
| undertakings | |
| £ | |
| COST | |
| At 1 January 2024 and 31 December 2024 | 1 |
| NET BOOK VALUE | |
| At 31 December 2024 | 1 |
| At 31 December 2023 | 1 |
The group undertaking is The Big Cat Sanctuary Experiences Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary of The Big Cat Sanctuary Ltd. There were no investment assets outside the UK.
18. STOCKS
| Group | Group | Charity | Charity | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 31.12.24 | 31.12.23 | 31.12.24 | 31.12.23 | |
| £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| Stocks | 38,103 | 27,051 | - | - |
| 38,103 | 27,051 | - | - |
19. DEBTORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR
| Group | Group | Charity | Charity | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 31.12.24 | 31.12.23 | 31.12.24 | 31.12.23 | |
| £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| Trade debtors | 9,457 | 3,548 | 8,714 | 3,548 |
| Other debtors | 37,903 | 109,716 | 83,664 | 109,716 |
| Amount due from subsidiary company | - | - | 136,179 | 140,549 |
| Prepayments | 198,075 | 198,701 | 198,075 | 198,701 |
| 245,435 | 311,965 | 426,633 | 452,514 |
20. CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR
| Group | Group | Charity | Charity | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 31.12.24 | 31.12.23 | 31.12.24 | 31.12.23 | |
| £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| Trade creditors | 14,672 | 19,725 | 14,672 | 15,952 |
| Social security and other taxes | 25,874 | 28,024 | 11,533 | 11,659 |
| VAT | 55,617 | 77,121 | - | - |
| Other creditors | 627,444 | 585,309 | 250,753 | 185,848 |
| Accrued expenses | 84,911 | 23,078 | 82,082 | 20,328 |
| 808,518 | 733,257 | 359,041 | 233,786 |
continued...
Page 25
THE BIG CAT SANCTUARY LIMITED (GROUP)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued for the Year Ended 31 DECEMBER 2024
21. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS
| Unrestricted funds General fund Restricted funds Cats in Crisis TOTAL FUNDS Net movement in funds, included in the above are Unrestricted funds General fund Restricted funds Cats in Crisis TOTAL FUNDS |
At 1.1.24 £ 4,689,367 - 4,689,367 as follows: Incoming resources £ 3,218,093 427,965 3,646,058 |
Net movement in funds £ (7,994) 402,238 394,244 Resources expended £ (3,211,747) (25,727) (3,237,474) |
Transfers between funds £ (1,020,311) 1,020,311 - Gains and losses £ (14,340) - (14,340) |
At 31.12.24 £ 3,661,062 1,422,549 5,083,611 Movement in funds £ (7,994) 402,238 394,244 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
continued...
Page 26
THE BIG CAT SANCTUARY LIMITED (GROUP)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued for the Year Ended 31 DECEMBER 2024
21. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued
Comparatives for movement in funds
| Unrestricted funds General fund Restricted funds Small cat enclosure Lion enclosure TOTAL FUNDS |
At 1.1.23 £ 4,777,569 15,000 12,871 27,871 4,805,440 |
Net movement in funds £ (116,073) - - - (116,073) |
Transfers between funds £ 27,871 (15,000) (12,871) (27,871) - |
At 31.12.23 £ 4,689,367 - - - 4,689,367 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Comparative net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:
| Unrestricted funds General fund TOTAL FUNDS |
Incoming resources £ 2,893,129 2,893,129 |
Resources expended £ (2,992,838) (2,992,838) |
Gains and losses £ (16,364) (16,364) |
Movement in funds £ (116,073) (116,073) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
continued...
Page 27
THE BIG CAT SANCTUARY LIMITED (GROUP)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued for the Year Ended 31 DECEMBER 2024
21. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued
A current year 12 months and prior year 12 months combined position is as follows:
| Unrestricted funds General fund Restricted funds Small cat enclosure Lion enclosure Cats in Crisis TOTAL FUNDS |
At 1.1.23 £ 4,777,569 15,000 12,871 - 27,871 4,805,440 |
Net movement in funds £ (124,067) - - 402,238 402,238 278,171 |
Transfers between funds £ (992,440) (15,000) (12,871) 1,020,311 992,440 - |
At 31.12.24 £ 3,661,062 - - 1,422,549 1,422,549 5,083,611 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
A current year 12 months and prior year 12 months combined net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:
| Unrestricted funds General fund Restricted funds Cats in Crisis TOTAL FUNDS |
Incoming resources £ 6,111,222 427,965 6,539,187 |
Resources expended £ (6,204,585) (25,727) (6,230,312) |
Gains and losses £ (30,704) - (30,704) |
Movement in funds £ (124,067) 402,238 278,171 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Small cat and Lion enclosures - To fund the extension/refurbishment of the small cat and lion enclosures.
Cats in Crisis - To fund the transfer of Lions from the Ukraine to the UK and build specialist enclosures.
continued...
Page 28
THE BIG CAT SANCTUARY LIMITED (GROUP)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued for the Year Ended 31 DECEMBER 2024
22. LEASING AGREEMENTS
Minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases fall due as follows:
| 31.12.24 | 31.12.23 | |
|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | |
| Within one year | 79,432 | 55,399 |
| Between one and five years | 283,718 | 80,484 |
| More than five years | 54,113 | 72,150 |
23. RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES
Two of the charitable company trustees, Peter Sampson and Lynn Whitnall, are also directors of Parkside Leisure Limited.
The site from which The Big Cat Sanctuary operates is owned by Parkside Leisure Limited. The charitable company has a five year lease which commenced in July 2019 at a rent of £41,000 per annum.
During the year, £41,000 (2023: £41,000) was paid to Parkside Leisure Limited for rent of the site. Other expenses totalling £109,851 (2023: £86,763) were charged by Parkside Leisure Limited for other premises expenses). The charity received donations from Parkside Leisure Ltd of £1,600 (2023: £1,500)
The charitable company trustee, Lynn Whitnall is also director of Paradise Wildlife Park Ltd (PWP).
During the year, £8,602 (2023: £36,765) was invoiced by Paradise Wildlife Park Ltd for various costs. At 31 December 2024, the charitable company owed Paradise Wildlife Park Ltd nil (2023: nil).
The trustees have taken advantage of the exemption available under SORP 2019 (FRS102) and have not disclosed related party transactions with the subsidiary undertaking.
24. COMPANY STATUS
The company is a company limited by guarantee and has no share capital. Every member of the company undertakes to contribute in a winding up a sum not exceeding £1 whilst they are a member, or within one year after ceasing to be a member, towards debts and liabilities contracted before ceasing to be a member.
Page 29