They will never know freedom. Can they at least know compassion? Winter 2010-2011

Construction of ‘Wild Woodlands’ Begins

With the influx of new rescues, we began construction on our newest area to be called ‘Wild Woodlands.’ This expansion will be a home for any cat in need, from tigers to servals. Several acres were cleared last fall and now the poles for the first two free-roaming habitats are in and the bottom fencing is almost complete. We were not able to start the building before the ground froze but as soon as it dries

up in the spring, construction will begin on this as well as the perimeter fencing. The first two enclosures will be for the tigers waiting in our quarantine area, Zeus and Layla. Each will have over 5,000 square feet to themselves for now. Eventually they will each have a tiger-sized enclosure of 10,000 square feet. Since this new building will house both large and small cats, we’ve designed a partitioning wall that will block the view from one side of the building

to the other. Otherwise the features will be the same as all of our previous buildings. When completed, it will provide us with eight free-roaming habitats for current ‘patiently-waiting’ residents. We hope to complete four of the exterior habitats within the next year but a few of us here are overachievers and will strive for five! One of the most enjoyable parts of this job is moving an animal into their new home. They are so curious, sniffing everything, jumping up on the perches or running around

like crazy. The look on their faces makes all of the hard work worth it. The big cats taken in from the closure of Wild Animal Orphanage in Texas will be the first to move in to ‘Wild Woodlands.’ Please help us create this wonderful home for them by donating today! We need your continued support to keep this project moving.

Each vertical pole is $80; the perimeter fence is over 2,000 linear feet and will cost $20,000; the building will cost $70,000. The completed project is expected to cost $343,000. But we know we can accomplish this with your support!

Sabrina Shows Her StripesSabrina, the Sumatran tiger mix, was rescued this summer from horrific conditions in Texas after her owner died. Each day we see her eyes brighten, her growls lighten and her confidence build as she starts to strut her stripes. After spending time in quarantine, she was moved into a larger enclosure near Cougar Cove. She became quite upset when the big cats from Wild Animal Orphanage arrived, so we decided to move her to a quieter area by tigers Titan and Lilly. A chute was constructed so she could walk to the new area at her own pace. She made the journey with no problems at all. We are so proud of each step she makes. We know that it is a struggle for her each day to trust us – she has opened up so much. Sabrina now plays with pumpkins and boxes, takes food from the keeper’s tongs and is out and about roaming her territory quite often. She still can be hesitant and will roar if things happen too quickly for her but what a different tiger she has become since her arrival! We know in the next year she will truly become the tiger she was meant to be.

PO Box 314 Sandstone MN 55072 320-245-6871 WildcatSanctuary.org

Sebastian

SabrinaKita

PO Box 314 Sandstone MN 55072 320-245-6871 WildcatSanctuary.org

From the Keeper...You made 2010 a success!

It was the busiest year on record for us here at The Wildcat Sanctuary, including a record number of big cat rescues. With your help, we were able to build the final three new free-roaming habitats for our resident cougars, thus completing our Cougar Cove area. Other major accomplishments included an indoor quarantine area for sick and recovering animals; hiring a Programs Coordinator and a Part-Time Keeper; adding a seventh bungalow; breaking ground for our Wild Woodlands area and so much more than we can fit into this newsletter.

The biggest news is, of course, all the big cats. In one year TWS took in 7 big cats, a feat we never thought possible. But with all of you, our supporters, right there behind us, we did it. With so many new residents we had to think fast, where are they all going to live? With a little shuffling and merging of residents we were able to fit them all in. Of course, larger free-roaming habitats are in our plans; we are even building in the snow to complete them as soon as possible.

In the midst of the big cat hubbub, we completed Cougar Cove. With such large habitats we were able to merge five cougars together. Donoma and Andre are finally living with the Wyoming cubs Noah, Carlo and Langley. It was definitely the happiest merge we have ever seen - they are inseparable now.

I would like to take this moment to remember the lives lost this year: Jasper, Milo, Cheyenne, Amos, Jasmine, Kajeeka, Lakota and Tsavo , you all touched our lives and made us better for it. Thank you for sharing your time with us…even if it was only briefly.

And thank you, our loyal supporters, for allowing us to have such a busy year!

Alicia Ice - TWS Animal Keeper

Newest Arrival - Sebastian, the Bengal Kitten

Sebastian’s owner contacted the local Humane Society to surrender him because of his ‘accidents’ in the house. Our Bengal program was full but we were looking for a buddy for one of our shy residents, Diego. We thought Sebastian, an 8 month old kitten, would be perfect. Cedar Pet Clinic performed an intake exam and diagnosed him with Giardia and Trichamonas Foetus, both gastrointestinal parasites which were causing his poor litter box habits. He is being treated and doing wonderfully at the Sanctuary. He’s a very social boy that loves to jump, cuddle and be the center of attention.

Save the Date! March 26, 2011 6-9 pm Duluth, MN

TWS will host its 2nd annual Whiskers & Waves, wine and beer tasting gala to benefit The Wildcat Sanctuary in Duluth MN. The event will be held at the fabulous Greysolon Ballroom and will showcase many local and statewide breweries and wineries, including South Shore Brewery, Surly and Crispin Cider. Guests will be greeted with a passport and glass to journey them through the many tasting stations. This is a special opportunity to get to know the Sanctuary. Along the tasting path will be stories, photos and videos detailing the residents and their lives before and after the Sanctuary. This early evening event will have a silent auction and entertainment. A gift bazaar will also be available where guests can purchase one-of-a-kind Sanctuary items.

Tickets are $30 per person in advance; $40 at the door and are available on-line at WildcatSanctuary.org or by calling 320-245-6871. Admission gives entrance to the event, wine and beer tasting, appetizers, dessert, coffee and a souvenir glass.

Sierra, one of the Texas rescues, is loving the snow!

Cats Needing Sponsors:Cougar, Vista, and servals, Rio and Phoenix. To sponsor a cat, visit our website and click on ‘Sponsor a Wild One’.

IN MEMORY OF: In loving memory of Max, from Gail E. Wescott

s In memory of Betty Sud, from anonymous

sIn memory of Jim Gould, RIP, from Dwight H Gaut

s In memory of my dad, David Vincent Muehlstedt,

from Julie Muehlstedt s

In memory of 420, a little tame, much loved cat,from Sarah A Nunn

s In memory of Alex and K’eh-Leyr, always in our hearts,

from L M Bergman s

In memory of our mom Marlys, who loved the beautiful cats, from Linda Meyer

sIn memory of Leonard Rado, my beloved father,

from Kimberly J. Hruby s

In loving memory of Nicky, from Kevin Byrne s

In memory of Georgene Klement, from Christy Prinz s

In memory of Riley, from Amy Lovgren s

In memory of Jack, my cat peacemaker, who went to play at the rainbow bridge, from Stephanie E Pierre

sIn memory of Jack kitty cat Pierre, from Jean L Pierre

s In memory of Snoopy the cat, from Susan Quist

sIn memory of Tsavo, from Deborah Zanish & Debbie Pierce

sIn memory of France Mackiewicz, from Stephen & Dela Mackiewicz

sIn memory of my step mom, Emily Pellegrini,

from Jo Ann Pellegrinis

In memory of Isabelle, from Christine E Dietsches

In memory of Pepe, mother’s little angel, from Susan

IN HONOR OF:In honor of Laurel Randall, from Racheal Miller

sIn honor of Julie Hanan’s birthday, from Nicole Trebil

sIn honor of my daughter, Karen J. Berg,

from Judith J. Dirks s

In honor of the Catskill Game Farm cats from Jeanie Robinson-Pownall and Anne Muller

PO Box 314 Sandstone MN 55072 320-245-6871 WildcatSanctuary.org

In honor of my beloved cat, Dusky, who was my friend for 21 years, from anonymous

s In honor of my best cat Cartman, from Douglas J. Moen

sIn honor of Misty, from Philip Grundlehner

sIn honor of Jim Little, from anonymous

sIn honor of Spike, the best cat I ever had, from Nicole Lane

sIn honor of Layla Belle, from anonymous

sIn honor of my hard-working friend Diane Palmersheim,

from anonymouss

In honor of Jazzie, from Barbara Thiess

In honor of Simba our first cat, from Celeste Orieux-Crosss

In honor of Bosco the peacemaker, from Stephanie E Pierres

In honor of Shadow, from anonymouss

In honor of Peggy Fisher, from Johnine Hays s

In honor of Issy & Max, whose lives were transformed when they came to TWS, from Ingrid Graudins

sIn honor of all the suffering creatures of the planet,

from Merrill Kramers

In honor of Kaia Agnes Larsen’s 10th Birthday, from Janice S Larsen

sIn honor of all the domestic cats I have lived with

and loved throughout my life, from anonymous s

In honor of Whisper, from anonymous s

In honor of Pat Keene, from Robert Johson s

In honor of all the feral and stray cats I’ve rescued,from B.L. Kautz

sIn honor of Lyndsey & Brad O’Quinn,

from Dee & Dave Powerss

In honor of Gary, Charlotte & Elizabeth Powers, from Dee & Dave Powers

sIn honor of the dedicated people from TWS,

from Barbara J O’NeilWith thanks for Meme the tiger’s story in

“Good Grief: Finding Peace After Pet Loss”, from Sid Korpi

Donations may be made online or by mailing your check to TWS.

Donations as of 12/15/2010. We reserve the right to edit submissions.

Help NeededWe are always looking for volunteers with skills and interest in social media, public relations, web development and education. Volunteer orientations are coming up soon! If this fits you, please contact volunteer@wildcatsanctuary.org.

TWS 2011 Calendars are Here!

Bring in the New Year with this fabulous calendar filled with 12 amazing photographs of our Sanctuary residents, taken by Pamela Lammersen of PCML Photography. You can order yours through Ebay or by mailing us a check for $12.95 with the word ‘calendar’ in the notes section.

� Get a little ‘Sweet’ on someone! �Cleo, a female serval, and Sampson, a male caracal, were the first tworesidents to call TWS home. They quickly formed a bond andhave been inseparable ever since. Cleo is on the shyer sidewhile Sampson is very outgoing. Over the years, both havewelcomed several other servals to the Sanctuary and nowreside with 8 other wildcats in a free-roaming area. Even after10 years and several cat friends later, Sampson and Cleo can stillbe found cuddled up together. Their love for one another isapparent and a testament to unconditional friendship.

Showing an animal in need that you care is an amazing gift. This giftof love can be shared with someone special this Valentine’s Day. Witha $25 donation, we will send you or a loved one a Valentine greetingcard. This year’s card includes a color photo of Cleo and Sampson. Theinside message tells the recipient that a generous donation was madewith love in their honor.

Orders must be received by February 7th to guarantee Valentine delivery by February 14th.

Orders must be received by February 7th to guarantee Valentine delivery by February 14th. Mail your check or payment option, along with this order form, or a copy of, to:

The Wildcat Sanctuary PO Box 314 Sandstone MN 55072

���Valentine Order/Donation Form ���� Please accept this general donation of $____________� I would like to order ____ Wild Valentines @ $25 each for a total of $____________

� Check enclosed � Please charge my Visa or Mastercard $ Amount: _______________

Credit Card #:___________________________________________________ Expiration Date: __________________

___________________________________________________ __________________________________________________Signature Name as it appears on card________________________________________________________Email Address

Please: � Mail me a receipt � Email me a receipt � No receipt necessary

THIS GIFT IS FOR:

__________________________________________________First & Last Name:

__________________________________________________Street Address:

__________________________________________________City, State, Zip:

� Check here if you would like the gift mailed directly to the recipient.

THIS GIFT IS FROM:

__________________________________________________

First & Last Name:

__________________________________________________Street Address:

__________________________________________________ City, State, Zip:

Phone: __________________________________

�Check here if you would like the gift mailed directly to you.

The Wildcat Sanctuary is a 501c3 organization.Tax ID#22-3857401

Meet Some of Our Small CatsCiega is a marbled Bengal cat that was surrendered after her owner said she wasn’t using the litter box, the most common reason for Bengal cat surrenders. Upon arrival, it was clear that Ciega also had a handicap. She was born with underdeveloped eyes and completely blind. Some might think this a very difficult handicap for a cat, but not in Ciega’s case. She’s a very determined little girl. She climbs, jumps and plays with feather toys, just like the other cats. She can even tell when you have your back turned, she’ll swat you to give her more attention. Ciega is a very resilient girl, and in spite of her disability, is a very fun loving cat.

Mark is an F1 Bengal hybrid. This means he is the first generation breeding of a domestic cat with an Asian leopard cat. You can tell he’s an F1 because of his large eyes, small head and coat pattern, which are more characteristics of an Asian leopard cat. Mark was privately owned for ten years but surrendered when his owners decided to have a family. They felt Mark would not make a good pet for small children. F1 Bengals do not make good pets and unfortunately it is the animal that suffers when they are purchased. Lucky for Mark, TWS was here for him. He now lives with three domestic Bengal cats, a Geoffrey’s cat and another F1 Bengal. Mark loves any new scent. Give him a paper bag with some stinky perfume and he is at his peak rolling and drooling. We are happy to give Mark a home but we do hope someday people will realize that Bengals should not be bred for profit.

PO Box 314 Sandstone MN 55072 320-245-6871 WildcatSanctuary.org

Abby, a jungle cat, was taken in by a veterinarian. This vet soon realized that Abby was no ordinary cat; she was a wild cat. Jungle cats are native to Asia, the Middle East and India. They have a wide range of habitat from marsh and swamplands to tropical deciduous and evergreen forests. They hunt mostly rodents, small reptiles and birds. While jungle cats are not as popular of a pet as the Bengal, there are still breeders out there. Abby shows off her wild side when playing with the feather toy. She is lightning fast, and if she wins, she won’t let go for anything. When not chasing the feather toy, Abby loves to lounge in her fire-hose hammock and hunt for any unsuspecting field mice.

Appropriate Pet Program Featured Rescue Group

M.U.S.H.R. - Minnesota’s Unwanted Siberian Husky Rescue’s main goal is placing husky dogs into loving homes. They accomplish this through the work of dedicated volunteers who have an extensive knowledge of not only Siberian Huskies, but of general pet care. Their volunteers come from a wide range of backgrounds including dog trainers, veterinary technicians and animal lovers.

M.U.S.H.R is not a shelter;it’s a foster-based rescueorganization. As with anyrescue group, there are always more animals in need than they can take at one time. It’s only through fostering that they are able to take that one dog that may not otherwise have a chance. They’re always looking for more foster homes; if you are interested please contact mushr.org.

Trista Campbell, TWS Senior Keeper, recently adopted

Manokai from M.U.S.H.R.

Ways to Stay in Touch with TWSDon’t forget to sign up for our monthly enewsletter to receive news and photos. Drop us an email to add your name: cat@wildcatsanctuary.org

• Find us on Facebook and get the latest updates!• Follow us on twitter: twitter.com/wcsanctuary• See videos at: youtube.com/user/wildcatsanctuary• Visit our Ebay store

NONPROFIT ORG U.S.POSTAGE

PAIDMinneapolis, MNPERMIT #30308

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

Lakota was a very calm, older cat in a body that had many problems. He arrived from Texas blind and deaf. We soon noticed he would occasionally circle - a possible sign of a neurological problem. He was a happy cat that loved his enclosure mate, Salem. He liked being outdoors and taking naps. Then he began to circle more frequently and was very disoriented. We tried a few treatments and supplements but nothing seemed to help. It wasn’t fair for Lakota to live in a body with a brain that no longer worked the way it should, so we made the decision to help him pass on to a place where he could be strong.

Tsavo, such a beautiful lioness, had one of the greatest feline personalities TWS has ever seen. It is because of her love for life that her passing was so traumatic for the staff, vets and all of those whom had the fortune of meeting her.

Tsavo was spayed 8 days prior to her passing. She was recovering well until staff discovered that she had opened a small section of her sutures and damaged a portion of her intestine. The staff and vets immediately tended to Tsavo, performing surgery and providing intensive care but unfortunately it was not enough.

We will always remember her running across her enclosure to greet us as fast as she could, playing with her roommate Kita and making her funny noises. Remembering her joyful personality will help our tears slow and our hearts grow stronger.

Inside This Issue:- Constrution of Wild Woodlands begins- Order your wild Valentines and 2011 Calendars!- Save the Date for Whiskers & Waves - Meet Some of TWS’ Small Cats

PO Box 314Sandstone MN 55072WildcatSanctuary.org

Two Rescues Leave Us Too Soon