The Big Cat Sanctuary in Kent has officially announced the finalists in its inaugural Art Competition and Fundraising Auction, following an overwhelming response from artists worldwide.
The competition attracted almost 200 entries from across the globe, ranging from passionate amateur creators to highly acclaimed professional artists, including renowned wildlife artists such as Klara Bujtor, Nicola Gillion, Louise Hancox and Tracey Warner.
Each entry had to feature a wild cat and the competition celebrated extraordinary talent from across the globe, including entries from South Africa, Canada, Vietnam and Hungary.
From hundreds of submissions, an expert judging panel selected a shortlist of 34 exceptional 2D artworks celebrating wild cat species. The judging panel includes:
Danielle Tomlinson, Contemporary Wildlife Artist and influencer
Lynn Whitnall Deputy chair of the Trustee at The Big Cat Sanctuary
Sara Lake, Local Artist & supporter of The Big Cat Sanctuary
Alex Petrovic, Local Artist & Head of Hospitality at The Big Cat Sanctuary
Judging was based on strict criteria including technical skills, composition, style, choice of materials, and true-to-life likeness of the wild cat subjects.
Starting today, 2nd November, the 34 shortlisted artworks will go on public display at The Big Cat Sanctuary, giving Sanctuary visitors a chance to view the pieces in person. Simultaneously, an online auction runs until 13th December, offering members of the public the opportunity to bid on and purchase these original works of art. Every pound raised will directly fund The Big Cat Sanctuary’s vital work in animal welfare, rescue, breeding programmes, education, and wild cat conservation initiatives.
Today’s announcement reveals the six Finalists including works from Sylva O’Dell, Fiona Redmond, Klara Bujtor, Cari-Ann Clarkson, Louise Hancox and Cerys Lee Coates. From these, the judges have selected one overall winner and one runner-up. The Big Cat Sanctuary staff also chose their favourite and one runner up. Finally, there is an honorable mention award for originality, plus a runner up.
The announcement of the winners will take place with a formal presentation during The Big Cat Sanctuary’s exclusive Donor Day event on Saturday, 13th December 2026, after which the online charity auction will officially close at midnight.
Lynne Whitnall, competition judge and Chief Executive of The Big Cat Sanctuary, said: “We have been completely blown away by the incredible standard and global reach of this competition. Art has a unique power to connect people with the natural world, and seeing these magnificent wild cat species captured with such skill, detail, and emotion has been truly inspiring. We encourage everyone, whether visiting us here in Kent or joining us online, to take a look at these fabulous artworks, place a bid in our auction, and help us raise critical funds to support big cat care and international wildlife protection.”
How to bid
Members of the public can view the digital gallery and place their bids in the online fundraising auction by visiting: https://www.jumblebee.co.uk/thebigcatsanctuary_art_competition_2026_auction#none
