the wildcat sanctuary uproar january
DESCRIPTION
The Wildcat Sanctuary (TWS) is a 501c3 non-profit, no-kill big cat rescue located in Sandstone, MN. TWS provides a natural sanctuary to wild cats in need and inspires change to end the captive wildlife crisis. TWS is funded solely on private donations. The Sanctuary is a rescue organization and is not open to the public. Combining natural and spacious habitats with a life free of exhibition, TWS allows all residents to live wild at heart. As a true sanctuary, we do not buy, breed, sell or exhibit animals. The Wildcat Sanctuary is accredited by the American Sanctuary Association and the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries.TRANSCRIPT
The Wildcat Sanctuary
January 2015UPROAR!
Jeremy, tiger
2 January 2015 January 2015 3UPROAR!
Tammy Thies Founder & Executive Director
Julie HananContributor
Carissa L. WinterGraphic Designer
Photography by TWS staff and Pamela Lammersen of PCML Photography
Mission: Provide natural sanctuary to wild cats in need and inspire change to end the captive wildlife crisis.
Vision: Help create a world where wild animal sanctuaries are no longer needed.
The Wildcat Sanctuary is accredited by the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries and the American Sanctuary Association. TWS is also a member of the American Association of Zookeepers and licensed by the USDA.
The Wildcat SanctuaryPO Box 314 • Sandstone, MN 55072
320-245-6871
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Copyright © The Wildcat Sanctuary. All Rights Reserved.
UPROAR!The Wildcat Sanctuary
January 2015 | Issue 5
WildcatSanctuary.org
One rescue at a time….
Ever since I started the Sanctuary over 15 years ago, I knew that I always wanted our organization to have heart. It was important to be true to the original mission, because that meant being true to you and the cats.
The Wildcat Sanctuary needed to be a place where each animal was looked at as an individual, not a collection or grouped by species. With 18 bobcats, I can tell you that no two are the same. The same goes for hybrids, servals and even the tigers. Each cat has their own past that has molded who he or she is today. Each has their own personality with likes and dislikes. Some are quiet and easy going, while others like to create their own drama…which cats often like to do.
We were not meant to be a one size fits all approach. It’s okay for a food aggressive bobcat to be a little heavy in order to take the edge off and decrease negative reactions to other animals. On the other hand, a cat who suffers from a bad declaw and arthritis may be thinner to ensure he is pain free and has mobility. It’s a place where the old can look a little rugged and frail, but still enjoy life in the tall grass or heated building and the young can cause a mess by tipping over water bowls and destroying toys.
It was also important that the Sanctuary give back choices and freedoms to the animals we rescue. So much has been stripped from them but, here at the Sanctuary, they can choose to stroll through a free-roaming enclosure, or feel safe in a smaller indoor room. They can choose to play with others or quietly nap alone. They are given several options for shade and play because just having one is not enough.
We are an organization that won’t turn our backs on a cat in need. We will network, transport and help provide a second chance at life even if our Sanctuary is full, because every life matters.
We know you feel the same way and are so humbled by your support. I am so thankful that today we have such caring volunteers, board, staff and supporters who believe every animal is as special as we do. There is no end to what we can do for the animals, and we will continue doing amazing things - one rescue at a time.
For the cats,
Tammy ThiesFounder & Executive Director
From the Founder
Noah, cougar
Max, Eurasian Lynx
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In the Heart of a Rescue Tonka, tiger
A life on display
I received a call from a caretaker of a small event center in California. She explained that servals, caracals, a lynx and tigers were on display at a
mansion. The mansion was used for weddings, events, retreats, tours and even yoga classes. The cats were all 4-paw declawed, in very small enclosures and one of the tiger enclosures was not compliant with the state regulations and the tiger needed a new home. His name was Tonka. She called several sanctuaries and all of us said the same thing – we can’t help the owner dump an animal at our expense while he continues exploiting others.
We received this call in the midst of acting as placement coordinator for 11 big cats and bears that needed homes from Alabama. The Alabama cats needed immediate placement and many needed medical attention, so they had to take precedent. After several months, conference calls and coordination, thankfully all 11 animals found safety at reputable sanctuaries.
I then received another call on Tonka and now the state agency gave 60 days to find him a new home. We knew absorbing one tiger would be doable, but was it ethical if all the other cats remained with the exhibitor? So, instead of taking the easy route and agreeing to just take one cat in, we did what was right. We offered Tonka a home ONLY if the exhibitor would release all seven cats to TWS. It would be a huge undertaking, but we had to do it. It was the right thing to do.
First, we heard all the cats were coming which meant we’d have to make accommodations for seven new cats. The next week, we were informed that the owner would release all but his prized possession white tiger. Now, we had another decision to make. We were willing to scramble, build and do what was necessary to save them all and end a cycle, but now that wasn’t happening. Do we help who we can and
take on the hardship while this exhibitor still keeps a white tiger to exploit?
We worked with International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) and other sanctuaries and a second sanctuary came forward agreeing to take some of the cats as well. We both agreed helping all but one was better than helping none. Then again, a few days before transport, the owner declined to place two more cats at the other sanctuary. We had to revisit our decision again. By now, we felt we knew the animals personally. The former caretakers had sent their files, photos and spent several hours on the phone sharing stories and pleading for our help. We knew Tonka had no alternative if we didn’t say yes. It wasn’t a national case with exposure, he wasn’t starving or being abused, yet he still needed a home and his fate was unknown. So we agreed to take in Tonka and two caracals named Nigel and Ivan and the other sanctuary accommodated the lynx. We agreed to return in the spring to take in the two servals and hoped the owner could be convinced to relinquish his one remaining white tiger.
After months, the cats were finally scheduled to arrive and call TWS home. We were busy preparing areas, building new ones to give them the best life possible, as well as protect them from the Minnesota winters in their heated indoor rooms. We were looking forward to a happy ending after all this time.
The cats arrived at 5 am in the morning. It had been a long trip for the cats, as well as the other sanctuary who transported them all. When we unloaded Tonka from the van, I asked the driver how big was Tonka’s old enclosure? They responded, “About as big as this van.” To see Tonka step out of the crate and into his free-roaming habitat confirmed we had done the right thing.
Tonka arrived severely atrophied in his back end from
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Nigel, caracal
Simon, tiger
Jeremy, tiger
not having a large enough space to exercise. He was put on a mobility program to help strengthen his back end and it was wonderful to see him climb up on his hammock the first time. He is a playful boy and definitely the largest tiger at the Sanctuary.
Sadly, Ivan the caracal was weak, uncoordinated and could not walk when he arrived. His records noted a neurological episode in 2012. Even with around the clock supportive care, Ivan was too weak to continue on. He gave up his fight within 36 hours of arriving at TWS. Ivan is a part of TWS forever, even though he was only here a few days. His brother Nigel was by his side until the end.
Our hearts broke. We cried tears for a cat we felt had been a part of our family forever. Rescues weren’t supposed to end this way. Nigel also continues to have neurological symptoms. So far we have been able to control the episodes with supportive care.
Times like these, remind us how special each cat is, that we never forget where they came from or what they have been through and how important our mission truly is.
Two cubs will grow up at The Wildcat Sanctuary
Shortly after Tonka, Nigel and Ivan arrived, we received a call from an exhibiting facility that needed to place two adolescent white tiger cubs. They explained that the tigers had been bred at their facility, but with staff changeover, they had decided to no longer breed tigers. This was a big deal to have a facility no longer breed tigers that would end up as surplus. Of course, we agreed to help as long as they would sign a contract stating they would not breed their remaining adult tigers and, if they had to be placed, they would be placed at an accredited sanctuary or zoo.
I was inspired by the facility and staff who were now putting the animals first and really trying to make the right decisions. They could have made a hefty profit by selling white tigers and cubs to the highest bidder, but they didn’t. They even set up veterinarian appointments to sterilize the tigers prior to placement.
Then it all came crashing down. The zoo staff was informed that they didn’t legally own three of the five adult tigers. It turned out, the parents were actually on a breeding loan from a zoo and the facility did not have the legal right to spay/neuter or place the tigers. This was devastating to all involved, but an all too common practice in zoos around the country. The originating zoo that owned the trio decided they wanted to rehome the adult white tigers to another zoo that would breed them. And worse yet, they said they did not want the third adult tiger who was orange and decided to split up the trio that had always lived together.
If we could find an immediate home for the trio together, we asked if the facility could convince the originating zoo to rehome them to a sanctuary? In other words, give the zoo an ultimatum – pick up the tigers now or they can legally be placed at a Sanctuary? At least this would still give us a chance to place these white tigers and stop the cycle of breeding.
As I write this, we are still in the middle of these negotiations. But, what was to become of the cubs that could indeed be removed from the breeding pool - if we acted now and agreed to take them in? We decided to make the commitment to them and they were neutered before they even arrived. At least we know no other white tigers will be bred by these two, only to be exploited. And, we will continue to fight as hard as we possibly can to save their parents, too.
There are so many ethical decisions, legal hurdles, and emotional ups and downs that go into each rescue. But once each cat comes through our Sanctuary gates, we know we made the right choice. We can’t help but think of the saying, “Saving the life of one animal may not change the world, but the world will surely change for that one animal.” We see it every day, as I look at Tonka playing in his first big pile of snow. The decisions are hard. But, seeing the difference it makes for a cat like Tonka who had no other chance, or for the tiger cubs who climbed their first tree today, we know we’re making the right choices for them. And it’s always about them.
Tonka, tiger
Nunda, Cleo and Mufasa, servalsand Sampson, caracal
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Fundraisers are a Roaring Success!Over $160,000 Raised
Because of YOU, this year’s Jungle Boogie and Give to the Max Day raised much needed funds to provide the best care for our cats!
Jungle Boogie 2014 – A Black Tail Event was a classic black and white evening that celebrated all of the lives we’ve saved together. There were lots of giggles as guests captured memories from this special evening at the fun-filled photo booth led and donated by Kaiser Clix.
The talented emcee/auctioneer team of Heather Harden and Karen Sorbo kept dinner lively as guests viewed the debut of our new brand video, created by HDMG.
Chicago’s Northdown Taproom and Julie Hanan received special recognition as our Lion Pride Award recipients. The Sanctuary welcomed new sponsors this year, including 3M and Surly Brewing Co. And a huge thank you to the Mahley Family Foundation for the matching Fund-A-Need grant.
Our beautiful 2015 Calendar, made possible by PCML Photography, was a huge hit.
It’s a big effort to pull off an event like this and we thank the donors, supporters, event committee, staff and volunteers who made it happen!
Give to the Max Day 2014 - you helped us rank 4th on the medium nonprofit leaderboard! During this 24 hour day of giving, over 1100 donors came together for the cats, including over 450 new donors. A special thank you to our donors Peggy Fisher and Lisa Coldor Stinson for providing matching grants that inspired others to give generously!
Working Together
The Wildcat Sanctuary is happy to announce a new partnership with 3M products. The company recently launched a new series of
duct tape called Tiger, Serval Spots, and White Tiger. This series features an actual photographic image of each of our cats’ fur patterns - our serval Sebastian along with tigresses Ekaterina and Sierra. Our No More Wild Pets campaign message is prominently displayed on each roll of tape, too.
We have so many wonderful volunteers that give countless hours and expertise to help our mission and help end the big cat crisis. One of those special people is volunteer Sally Thornton.
Sally has been a donor and sponsor of TWS for many years, but more recently became an onsite volunteer over the past year. Sally has helped in so many ways from office support, consulting on fundraising, to building outdoor habitats. Her most memorable job was shoveling a path in the deep snow so that our several hundred pound lions could get out to their perch! Sally’s contribution to TWS is priceless, she has volunteered 1002 hours this past year. And her work to help animals doesn’t stop there. She also works full-time at the Animal Humane Society, very involved with the transport and rescue of Chihuahuas from California to Minnesota and volunteers helping provide dogs and cats on the Leech Lake Reservation with much-needed veterinary care.
Each Person Makes a Difference
Each roll features the story of our cat, as well as The Wildcat Sanctuary’s mission. By reaching a new market, 3M is helping in our efforts to increase public awareness about the captive wildlife crisis and decrease the number of wild animals being kept as pets. Look for the duct tape in retail stores such as Office Max and Staples. We love hearing from our supporters who have found it stocked in stores all over the country!
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Treating the Entire Animal
Quality care begins with our whole team sharing their input and observations. We each hold a piece of the puzzle that’s important in developing the best plan and path for each specific cat. The cat’s intake file may provide information about their past. As the founder, I may have a unique perspective about behavioral and health history information for our long term residents. New members of the team bring expertise and experience from past sanctuaries and their work environments that can shed new light and new ideas for consideration.
Caretakers observe and make notations about the animals daily. Our volunteers see and share changes in animals each time they visit. All these puzzle pieces come together so we can provide exceptional care for the cats. Our veterinarians and specialists can provide the best medical treatment choices when they know as much as they possibly can about the cats Each of us knows that T.E.A.M. stands for The Entire Animal Matters.
Our vets, including Dr. Lori Ballinger, conduct exams every three years and provide preventative care continuously. They perform and oversee emergency surgeries that helped cats like Asha the lioness and Aslan the lion survive life-threatening health issues. Scarlet the clouded leopard wouldn’t have survived pyometra if not for the fast action of our surgical team. At his advanced age, Nigel the caracal has needed supportive and diagnostic care for neurological symptoms that have required quick intervention, too. The majority of our residents are senior and geriatric, so our veterinary team is ever vigilant in monitoring them closely.
Quality care means we seek the input of those outside our sanctuary, too.
It can be easy to think that, with just a little TLC, you can turn around the life of a rescued resident. In the best case scenarios, that can
happen. But, more often than not, the cats that come to the Sanctuary have extreme medical conditions, unknown history and, understandably, behavioral issues or fear of humans.
Our job is to make sure we treat the entire animal, both physically and emotionally. We provide the tools to help them heal. Each case is extremely different and many are very difficult. Some struggle with neurological and auto-immune disorders, while others are medically healthy but battle with stress and fear issues brought on by past neglect and abuse.
Every single one deserves the chance to thrive and overcome the issues they arrive with or develop as they age. And it’s important to us that we provide as many tools as possible to help them heal. We know how important it is to you, too!
This year, our Sanctuary Manager collaborated with International Fund for Animal Welfare and wild cat sanctuaries across the country to develop the “Best Practices in Nutritional and Feeding Protocols.” The end goal of the working group has been to create a document containing the recommendations for the highest standards related to exotic feline nutrition and feeding considerations. We know it will be a valuable resource for many in the field.
We also use an extended team and partnerships to expand the veterinary care we can provide. The Peter Emily International Veterinary Dental Foundation brings vets and dentists from around the world to provide specialized dentistry treatments, such as root canals, for our cats. This year, they treated caracal Sampson, bobcats Buddy and Libby, lynx Leisha, serval Jaharah and tiger Ekaterina for their much-needed dental issues.
Prior to arriving at The Wildcat Sanctuary, a large majority of our cats were 4-paw declawed and several have complications. We’ve seen regrowth that causes abscesses and lameness due to early onset arthritis. Our treatment plan includes providing pain relief through medication, as well as laser therapy. We use two kinds of laser treatments, including low level laser therapy performed by Dr. Gordon. We also collaborate with Dr. Conrad, founder of the acclaimed Paw Project, to document the problems caused by declawing and we continue to educate others about why declawing big cats should be outlawed.
For cats that have extremely active minds or are highly stressed and fearful due to traumatic histories, we’ve developed behavioral training programs in conjunction with Active Environment. We brought their expert onsite for a full week to learn about our Sanctuary, our cats, and those that seem to need special attention. When we strive to provide optimal care for our captive population, we also want to reduce or eliminate any abnormal behavior we might observe. Again, it’s the entire animal that’s important – mind and body.
We’ve successfully applied suggested behavioral modification techniques and positive reinforcement with several of our cats. For example, tigress Sabrina’s sessions include acclimating her to new people and to more people so that she’s no longer fearful of humans. So far, by implementing the behavioral management tools, the transformation we’ve seen in her has been amazing!
Quality care is something that takes a large team, both here at the Sanctuary and outside the Sanctuary. YOU are a big part of that team, too. You help us bring all the puzzle pieces together to provide the highest level of care possible for these cats we all love – and we thank you!
Twenty-seven of our residents are over 15 years old.
UPROAR! January 2015 15WildcatSanctuary.org14 January 2015
Castle, cougar
Layla, tigerO’Malley, African serval
Claud, Benson, bobcats
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It was an unseasonably warm winter day. The snow was thawing and patches of grass appeared all throughout sanctuary.
The sun was shining.Aslan was spending the morning doing what
he loved most – napping in between his girls Asha and Shanti Deva. They were curled up in a patch of exposed grass soaking in the sun’s rays. Asha was snug on his left side and Shanti was a few feet away on his right. This is what he always lived for. This is what we spent the past six months ensuring he received.
The vet and I approached the enclosure during our morning rounds. Aslan was a special part of everyone’s routine so we could monitor his health closely. Six months ago he was diagnosed with serious and chronic hepatitis of the liver. We made the decision to provide treatment as long as he could remain with his pride and be pain free.
Today, I was looking at Aslan who now had a very blonde and thinning mane – a side effect from some of his medications. This was quite the contrast from the full and dark mane he had in his younger years. His body was now that of an aged cat. But he was enjoying this day to the fullest. He was still the king of our sanctuary. Some even referred to him as the “tree of life” – a symbol of magnificent beauty and existence.
We had seen a steady decline and knew his time was limited. But we did not think it would end today. The pride was together and seemed more connected than ever. As I observed the lions blissfully in the sun with their eyes closed, I asked that Aslan give us a sign when it was time to let go. But for now, he would get to spend a peaceful day with the pride.
Shortly after I left the sanctuary that afternoon, Aslan had a serious seizure. As the caretakers rushed to the enclosure, Shanti Deva and Asha were trying to coax him up and were nudging and pushing him. When the seizure subsided, all three of them were coaxed into their indoor building.
Aslan had given us the sign. It was time to let him go with dignity. The seizures would only get worse and his body would only deteriorate. He deserved to leave the sanctuary as king, the same way he arrived.
Our compassionate vet and staff made his last moments as peaceful as possible. Aslan remained in his area overnight so Asha and Shanti Deva could mourn his loss.
When I was informed of his passing, I had taken a photo on my cell phone. I was several hours away, but it seemed fitting to take a photo of such a spectacular tree, maybe the “tree of life” in honor of Aslan.
He is now able to be free and king of his wild life. The pride is still together in spirit and one day will be reunited. Until then, we will take wonderful care of his girls, Asha and Shanti Deva.
Thank you to all of you who helped us provide Aslan six additional months of a happy life with the pride he loved so much. He spent his last day beautifully and doing what meant most to him. We have your support to thank for that. Aslan will be deeply missed but always be a part of The Wildcat Sanctuary.Aslan, lion
Aslan had given us the sign. It was time to let
him go with dignity.
Aslan the Lion - Forever Kingof his Wild Life
Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a
memory no one can steal.
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In memory of Sheena 1993-2014 We love you!Ted and Barb Saurman
In memory of Jack & Missy, two loyal companionsCornelia Hutt
In memory of our sweet Menou kittyLinda Lowry
In memory of Carolyn Hunt, our mom whose gypsy soul and wild heart live on through her kids and granddaughtersChris, Shannon, and Beth
In memory of Mom MillieHeidi Nelson
In memory of Eric’s 21st Birthday. You are never forgotten – We love you Big CatHarry, Lisa, Ashley & Grant
In memory of Marmalade SahrKim Sahr
In memory of Lacey JaneKande Larson
In memory of Pepper and GabbyFred & Nancy Buono
In loving memory of Thai-Rone Telling, much loved 20 year old Siamese pet of Marilyn & Jerry“Aunt” Wanda Finn
In memory of Herb CederbergRosalind Annen
In memory of Lillian PerrottaMarissa Mazeika
In memory of PrincessBeloved cat of Michael Finken
In memory of HerculesMarlene Font
In memory of Abby and NedCorydon Hohenstein
In memory of SassyDon Ludewig
In memory of Albert, my 20 year old TabbyJet Auer
In memory of Millie SchumanJay Walker
In memory of AlbertBeloved tabby of Jet Auer
In memory of Misty and friendsKathryn Bell
In memory of my Big KittyKirsten Bergs
Gifts through 12/31/2014
We knew you for a few short days and you will be part of TWS forever.
You were mother to all of your bengal friends and to your caretakers.
Ivan, caracal
Sumatra, bengal
You had a special beauty that will always shine bright.
Felicity, bobcat
In MemoryIn memory of MittensLaura Blauch
In memory of Ivan, your sweet caracal who passed awayKarle Busse
In memory of Ivan the caracalTeresa Calvert
In memory of JuneauJacquelyn Campbell
In memory of my mom, who always had room in her heart and home for furry babiesBillie Coppola
In memory of Cairo, Miss you every second of everydayAJ Dickson
In memory of Christopher’s 35th BirthdayLinda Duncan
In memory of SarafinaJoan Eichelberg
In memory of all the lost kittiesAlison Flores
In memory of Miss Holly… gone too soonTeresa Harris
In memory of my small cat who thought he was a big catJennifer Harmatz
In memory of Beau and SebbyMorganne Kaster
In memory of Mars Longden, beloved husband of Sanna Longden & best friend to all who knew him
Revel Miller In memory of Kit-KatGlinda King
In memory of all the voices forever heard in our heartsNicole Lane
In memory of AngelDebra Krook
In memory of Allison, helping the “kitties” for you while you care for all the critters in heavenPaul and Karen Lynn
In memory of Ember MelroseVelia Melrose
In memory and honor of Joyce Milby Cass 1942-1970Matthew March
In loving memory of Harlequin MitchellAlexandra Mitchell
In loving memory of all the precious cats I’ve shared my life withKim Meline
In memory of Naisiusiu, RIP little girlJeffery Meyers
In memory of Tumbleweed, RIP my little panther at heartBobbi Minjares
In memory of RockySherry Norbeck
In memory of SashaTisha Paige
In memory of GwynnieVicki Reese
In memory of Nancy ShoreSusan Quist
In memory of Eric R. ProcacciniRuth Procaccini
In memory of SassyLinda Schlutz
In memory of Ty, Onyx, and EbonyShirley Sinclaire
In memory of Yoma Rajah NomadAlan Smith
In memory of little AsterEllen Stewart
In memory of JazzBonnie Studler
In memory of Mary Rowan Quinn, Beloved sisterJan Swan
In memory of Ken and Lorna WienerGeri Wilson
In memory of my “tiger” Mr. TSharon Wood
In memory of Mabel KohlEmily Belanus
In memory of Karen Anne Carpenter a star on earth a star in heavenJ.A. de Vos
In loving memory of Nala and all the wonderful cats in our familyDeirdre Maher
In memory of Moonshadow the cougar at Wildlife West Nature Park in Edgewood NM Nicole Wylie
In memory of Robert W. MeischAnn Meisch
In memory of Menou, the sweetest kittyLynda Lowry
In memory of Jon NicholsonS Perry and L Staples
In memory of Anne WilderJohn Topolski
In memory of Jackson David BayesRob Topolski
In memory of our “wanderlust” friend, Chuck.Love, Ebenezer and Blossom
In memory of Valene PeraultKris Sittig-Bernard
In memory of Annie SabourinPamela Fisher
In memory of my son Ken. He loved The Wildcat SanctuaryDonna Czupta Grabowski
In memory of AslanSharon Wood
In memory of Carolyn Hunt DadyElizabeth Schlitter
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In Honor Gifts through 12/31/2014
For all the beautiful wild cats - may you live out your lives in peace comfort safety and harmony with each other!!Molly Nemec
In honor of Roz Annen’s birthdayFord and Barbara Sharpe
Happy Birthday Karen PaulsMichelle Friessen
In honor of Rosalind Annen’s birthdayWayne and Paula Nelson
In honor of Carissa Winter and her work for all creatures great and smallCornelia Hutt
In honor of Rosalind Annen’s birthdaySusan Howard and Rosalind Annen
In honor of Michelle FriessenKaren Pauls
In honor of Sally Thornton – Happy Birthday Sis!Molly Craig
To celebrate my little Queenie’s lifeRaddi Warfield
In honor of Linda and Todd Haug’s birthdays!! Joanne Haug
In honor of my vet tech job and my personal animal rescuesDawn Perault
In honor of George, with the heart of a lion in the body of a house catLaurie Knowles
In honor of Isaiah VaronaStephen Supperer
In honor of Elizabeth Eide’s birthdayKande Larson
In honor of Ruby LawrenceJohn Streeter
In honor of Bengal tigersSandy Hutchins
In honor of Aslan’s recoveryWanda Finn
In honor of Paula Nelson’s birthdayRosalind Annen
In honor of Tes SchaffJeff Brein
In honor of BootiesDanita Roberts
In honor of Mary Harden JohnsonLinda S Ripley
In honor of Ryan SteinkElla Lentos
In honor of Lynn KrapfSteve Sanders
In honor of Nancy TylerMrs. Melodee Costanzo
In honor of Sophie and CharterJon Lintvet
In honor of Paula Nelson’s BirthdayFord and Barbara Sharpe
In honor of Andrew SchindlbeckHeidi Schindlbeck
In honor of my mother Frances Mackiewicz, the best cat lover I know who instilled this love for all felines to my daughter PamelaSteve Mackiewicz
In honor of Suri, the white tiger that lived at the Audubon Zoo for many yearsRichard Abbrecht
In honor of all the great and beautiful cats you work so hard to supportKristine Anthony
In honor of Cinbad, who will always be a wildcat at heartHelen Babin
In honor of Baby Fio and PixieGenevieve Bachinski
In honor of Julie Hanan’s passion for The Wildcat SanctuaryBilly and Peggy Belt
In honor of all my fur babiesSamantha Bennie
In honor of my Beloved British Shorthair CatRichard Braham
In honor of Bonnie, animal lover and rescuer Mary Brennan
In honor of Dante PinkleyLynn Brun
In honor of TigerrooooPatrick Clarey
In honor of Kim BenderCompany match from Stuart Company
In honor of ShazamBob and Kim Coffey
In honor of Kitty and OliverPaul Conboy
In honor of ShotgunWendy Contreras
In honor of my love for animalsBillie Coppola
In honor of all the wild and free animalsJean Cruger
In honor of Tony the Tiger, “Free Tony the Tiger!”Darlene DeSantis
In honor of the beautiful cats that deserve good livesLinda Ehrle
In honor of Dr. Julie SorensonAndrya Feinberg
In honor of Zippy the awesome catJonathan Ford
In honor of Lulu and MorelliLeah Fuller
In honor of Chester, Juillet, Stolie, Ruska, and all the “tiny panthers”Sheryl Gamble
In honor of all the precious animals who are in desperate need of forever homesLinda Greenfield
In honor of all the beautiful cats at The Wildcat SanctuarySumy Guzman
In honor of Orville Smith
In honor of Sabrina the tigerRosann Hebert
In honor of Missy, Sam, Merlin, Morgana, Tartar, and PintoRonald Holmes
In honor of Alexander and Patricia CowieJanet Huddie
In honor of Baby Jenga “He has won my heart” Juliann Johnson
In honor of Kiko JohnsonChristina Johnson
In honor of HunterBonnie Kautz
In honor of Abbey ImmerMarietta Keenan
In honor of ReeseSusan Kern
In honor of SierraKimberly Koefod
In Honor cont.In honor of my little cat BetsyNancy Krupa
In honor of all the kitties in Hybrid HavenBrian Link
In honor of Edmund, Beloved house black pantherLisa Mathews
In honor of SukiKeith MacPherson
In honor of Nina, Murza, Charlie, Bimber, and BarnabyMargaret McNeal
In honor of my overlords to yoursAndrea Miller
In honor of Kodak, the best kitty in the universeSusan Nancarrow
In honor of giving all those big kitties a second chanceEmma Nelson
In honor of TullyGail Plewacki
In honor of Warren Eugene WrightPamela Poe
In honor of BeastieAnna Ransome
In honor of Renard, our Maine CoonKaren Riddell
In honor of EzraKristen Ringham
In honor of ChloeFabiola Rivas
In honor of my love for animalsAndrea Romero
In honor of Tonka, Nigel, and the rest of the pack. RIP Ivan Brian and Lindsy Rudolph
In honor of my cat CindyVioleta Russis
In honor of TaxJackie Rust
In honor of Regi, Paws, and PatchesSue Schillinger
In honor of Brianna and ZeusTimothy Schmidt
In honor of AmberAshley Schweiss
In honor of Scarlet’s caregiversPat Seger
In honor of all you doMary Simon
In honor of Rocky and ZephCarolyn Sigman
In honor of Lokai and SmokyPeggy Smith
In honor of Kathryn ForstJohn Stout
In honor of Kij, Jupiter, and StellaTess Tyne
In honor of all the cats who have owned meHollida Wakefield
In honor of BetteMaureen Weldon
In honor of LorenzoLinda Wetherby
In honor of AbbeyLuAnn Whale
In honor of Greg WozniakMarissa Wozniak
In tribute to all the majestic wild cats made helpless victims/prisoners for profitKarie Beaman
In honor of Richie, Max, Bart, Billie, Peaches & BeauBridget Boellner
In honor of all the caretakers for the continued efforts towards Nikita and her healthy life. Thank you for the wonderful joy this brought meJustin Brown
In recognition of the good work that you do for these beautiful critters as well as in raising awareness among humans. Much love to you allCamie Crawford
In honor of Alexis Sasha and Marmalade Rosary and Christopher Empett
In honor Bailey MarieKristie Flanigan
This is a tribute for my cat LokiMelody Geyer
In honor of Samson Bobo GungorCheryl & Wilbur Gungor
In honor of Kitty Katz & Snowski GungorCheryl Gungor
In honor of Rosemary
In honor of Pamela Sands Coleman
In honor of Aslan from Catskill Game FarmBrenda and Bill Spearman
In honor of Harrison BurnsLeigh Ann Naas
In honor of Tyler Tenorio, he loved tigers!Joan Harbison
In honor of Jacob Boucher and S-G ThomasTom and Terry Degerstrom
In honor of Cody PearsonJoanna Husoy
In honor of Jenna and Shawn PetersRachael Barber
In honor of Melissa CastilloAnna Golder
In honor of FrankieJohn Debee
In honor of Emma WilliamsSara Sia
In honor of Lynnette HancockPamela Moyer
In honor of Mireille Jasmine BayesRob Topolski
In honor of Karen AvenElizabeth Aven
In honor of BronwenKathryn Fox
In honor of Debbie BieberDarrick Jackson
In honor of Ayesha KelmanAdam Brady
In honor of Barb & Logan’s weddingChrissy, Steve, Monica & Jacob
In honor of Taylor RoccoBrian Wescott
In honor of The Pudwill FamilyBrian Wescott
In honor of Dick and Joan ApelBrian Wescott
In honor of Patricia Jensen Cheryl Laven
In memory of Valene PeraultThe Wildcat Sanctuary
In honor of Olivia Carver-RitterMelita Ritter
Gifts of $25 or more can be made in honor or memory of a loved one or pet and will appear in UPROAR!
22 January 2015 WildcatSanctuary.org UPROAR! January 2015 23
In honor of LaVonne LudkeDonald A. Johnson
In honor of SnowflakeSteven Remarski
In honor of Anna CannonKaren Raines
In honor of Gwenn ChrissMaeve Kelly and Frankie Hyde
In honor of Barbara SharpePaula Nelson
In honor of Rosalind AnnenPaula Nelson
In honor of Roz Annen and Paula NelsonBarbara Sharpe
In honor of Barb and Logan – May your life to-gether be full of love, laughter and excitement!Xo Chrissy, Steve, Monica & Jacob xox
In honor of Mr. and Mrs. WatsonDiana Collier
In honor of Mushu TsopanakisRandall Smith
In honor of Barbara Sharpe’s birthday and for ChristmasRosalind Annen
In honor of Paula Nelson for ChristmasRosalind Annen
In Honor cont. Gifts through 12/31/2014
Because of you, an incredible amount of work was completed in 2014 to better the lives of our residents.
• 3 tigers, 2 caracals and 2 F1 Bengals were welcomed as new residents
• Over 30 big cats found sanctuary across the country through our No Wild Cat Turned Away program
• The Small Cat Track building renovation was completed, including 6 interior heated rooms with hammocks, perches and toys
• 4 of 6 outdoor free-roaming habitats in Small Cat Track were renovated, including excavation and providing more vertical space
• A new Bengal bungalow and heated building were constructed for new residents
• 2 Bengal bungalows were upgraded to provide more outdoor spaces for residents
• A 6,000 sq foot, free-roaming bobcat habitat in Feline Meadows was constructed
• 2 warming houses were constructed and installed for outdoor quarantine and Tasha I to keep them warm this winter
• Over a dozen habitats received enhancements, including trees, shrubs, lean-tos and perches to provide more dynamic space for the cats
• A new computer system was installed to keep pace with business infrastructure
• A new high-definition security system was installed around the property with 18 cameras
• A generator was installed in the rescue trailer to operate the heat and air conditioning unit
• A back-up generator was installed on property to ensure back-up power in case of an outage
• Maintenance was performed on office buildings and grounds equipment
Give yourself a big round of applause for all you helped us accomplish!
Your Donations at Work in 2014!
Shalico, Canada lynx
NONPROFIT ORG
US POSTAGE PAID
TWIN CITIES MN
PERMIT 30308PO Box 314 • Sandstone MN • 55072
SPONSOR-A-WILD-ONESponsor a cat of your choice for yourself or a loved one. As a sponsor parent, you will receive their personal story, photos and more.
LEAVE A LEGACYA planned gift is a way to leave a legacy of support for The Wildcat Sanctuary that endures even after your lifetime. There are numerous different types of gifts, each with
unique features and tax benefits..
MIRACLE MATCHSave the date from March 1- April 30th where your gifts for the cats will doubled.
WAYS YOU CAN HELP
Details of all our programs can be found at
WildcatSanctuary.org
email: [email protected]: 320-245-6871
Noah, cougar