Midway between Fresno (about a 30 minute drive away) and Kings Canyon NP is Project Survival's Sierra Cat Haven. They are focused on conservation and education (not rescue) of cheetahs, jaguars, leopards, bobcats, tigers, etc.
http://www.cathaven.com
If it works for your schedule there is a twilight tour event on October 2, you could visit both the Chaffee Zoo and the Cat Haven that weekend.
FYI, as you drive Highway 99 north of Fresno at the San Joaquin River bridge look at the bluff to the west. That is the future home of an aquarium currently in fundraising.
http://www.aquariusaquarium.org/