July/August 2014 • Volume 58 Issue 4 TABLE of JULY/AUGUST 2014 | VOLUME 58, ISSUE 4 Contentscontents

July/August 2014 • Volume 58 Issue 4 TABLE OF JULY/AUGUST 2014 | VOLUME 58, ISSUE 4 contentscontents

Features

New Member Review of the 2014 FCF 6 Convention Scottsdale, Arizona Cynthia Stimpson found the Convention a great way to get more involved with the cats. 1414 Where Are All Those “Crazy Cat Lady” People 14 at Convention? Olivia Robertson and the Walk on the Wild Side gang were excited to attend this year’s Convention.

My N.O.A.H. Internship 17 Kassandra Jermyn gets plenty of hands-on experience.

Tracking Cats with Satellites: Tagg the Pet 22 Tracker Review Maxene Price chose this GPS system for her serval.

Thank You for the Feline Husbandry Course 24 Marisa Katnic could only stay for the class but found it well worth the trip.

An Extraordinary Tiger 25 Vera Chaples has put Spike through every kind of diagnostic test to help get him back on track.

Husbandry and Beyond 29 Convention first-timer Kae Hamilton took advantage of all Convention had to offer.

Husbandry Leads to Animal Sense! 30 Andrea Sobokta to lead an Animal Sense Workshop at Out of Africa in November. 1717 2727 1111 Feline Conservation Federation Volume 58, Issue 4 • July/August 2014

JOIN THE FCF IN ITS CONSERVATION EFFORTS WWW.FELINECONSERVATION.ORG A membership to the FCF entitles you to six issues of the Journal, the back-issue DVD, an invitation to FCF husbandry and wildlife education courses and annual convention, and participation in our online discussion group. The FCF works to improve captive feline husbandry and conservation. The FCF supports captive and wild habitat protection, and provides support for captive husbandry, breeding programs, and public education. Send $35 annual dues ($40 Canada, $50 international) to FCF, 141 Polk Road 664, Mena, AR 71953.

Features cont. Contact Us

Wildlife Conservation Educators 31 Course Review FOUNDER: DIRECTORS: Serval owner Lynn Northern- Catherine Cisin Conservation Spanganberg hopes to add other Pat Callahan felines and educational programs EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR: 1961 Connecticut Ave to her future. Lynn Culver Cincinnati, OH 45224 [email protected] 513-541-7867 Wild Species Registry Update – [email protected] 34 Phase 1 of the Initial Release OFFICERS: Wild Species Registry team is President Chris Tromborg about ready to unveil a new reg- Kevin Chambers 217 Baja Avenue istry program supported by FCF 7816 N CR 75 W Davis, CA 95616 grants. Shelburn, IN 47879 530-753-2763 812-397-2302 [email protected] [email protected] Jim Sanderson, Ph.D. Species Vice President 356 Freeman Street Mindy Stinner Hartford, CT 06106 Arabian Wildlife P.O. Box 882 505-720-1204 7 Balazs Buzas introduces us to Mebane, NC 27302 [email protected] the five cats of the desert and 336-421-0065 mountains. [email protected] JOURNAL STAFF: Managing Editor: Management of Mountain Lions Secretary Lynn Culver 27 in Arizona Debi Willoughby April Howard, wildlife biologist, 281 Albee Road Layout/Copy Editor: says the big cats are hard to Uxbridge, MA 01569 Eden Tran, [email protected] study. 508-380-4722 [email protected] Associate Editor: Judith Hoffman Treasurer Husbandry Lynn Culver Membership Services: 141 Polk Road 664 Jennifer Kasserman Mena, AR 71953 816-674-7277 Raising Spots: The Asian Leop- 479-394-5235 membershipservices 32 ard Cat Vs. the Geoffroy’s Cat [email protected] @felineconservation.org James Sublett and Sheri DeFlo- rio compare the two tiny felines. The Feline Conservation Federation publishes the Journal Blast from the Past: Fractures in Organization bimonthly. The FCF is non-profit, (Federal ID#59-2048618) 35 Ocelots with Juvenile Osteo- noncommercial,and international in membership, devoted to porosis the welfare and conservation of exotic felines. John P Hunter, DVM, and Letter from the President Catherine Cisin explain calcium 4 The Journal publishes articles on exotic feline conservation deficiencies and bone fractures. and husbandry, management, and regulatory and legislative issues affecting ownership for our members. The author’s From the Executive Director point of view does not necessarily represent the point of view 5 of the organization. Reproduction of any material in the Jour- Legislation nal may not be made without the written permission of the Update from the Legislation original copyright owners and/or copyright owner, FCF. Registered Handlers 28 Director 31 Letters to the editor and guest editorials are also published. Amy Flory says we had some Display advertisement space is available at the following wins, some losses, and some prices: $10 business card, $25.00 quarter page, $50.00 half still to go. 23 Donations page, and $100 full-page ad. Submission deadline for articles and advertisements is the 10th of even numbered months. Pictorials Second Quarter Board of Please submit high resolution 37 photos and articles to the Journal Directors Minutes Your Best Shots Managing Editor. Photos and arti- 20 Pat Quillen, Robert Hohn, Fred cles may be emailed to Hood, Tina Bayer, Ashley Vagg, General Membership [email protected], or Courtney Frenchak. 38 Meeting Minutes, June 2014 send by postal service to: 141 Polk 664, Mena, AR 71953.

3 Feline Conservation Federation Volume 58, Issue 4 • July/August 2014 Letter from the President Elsewhere in this newsletter, on page By helping the Wild Species Registry you keep. Even though needed to keep 34, you can read about the status of the become operational, we are placing the good records, many of the fields may be Wild Species Registry and the FCF’s tools needed to establish organized breed- kept private where they cannot be viewed involvement with it. At the convention ing programs for our animals to exist. unless you give permission for that person board meeting, the FCF board approved a Call it an investment in our future, if you to see them. This tool has long been $3,000 donation to this project and will. In the past, it has been very difficult needed and the FCF is proud to be promised future support. Why do we feel for someone to find out the ancestry of an involved in its implementation. You will that this is such an important project? animal when trying to find potential mates be hearing lots more on this project as Well, one of the most frequently heard for their animals. This will give us a way things progress. statements by our detractors is that the pri- to keep good genetic records, make The nomination period for the 2014 vately held animals are of little genetic informed decisions on pairings, and keep election to the Board of Directors ended value and that there is no true conserva- the genetic health of each species at the August 10. The present board members tion being done by private breeders. The optimum level as may be done. The beau- all accepted their automatic re-nomina- current studbooks are kept by the AZA ty of this registry is that a breeder need tions except for Jim Sanderson. There and they contain very few non-AZA ani- not be involved in an organized breeding was only one nomination received from mals and would not consider allowing an program and may make those decisions the membership and that was Robert Bean animal from a non-AZA facility into any independently, if they so desire. The reg- for director. As a result, there is a full of their breeding programs unless the ani- istry is also not open for just anyone to slate of nominees, but only one for each mal was transferred to an AZA facility. check into how many and what species position, so there are no contested races. The Board held a meeting in late August, and decided to do the election differently this year. The cost of an election generally costs the organization around $1,000 in printing, postage, and counting costs. Since none of the races are contested and write-in votes are not allowed in the constitution, the Board decided that since the outcome is basically pre-determined, we could save the organization the $1,000 and hold the election on the forums this year. The constitution, bylaws, and programs and policies were reviewed to make sure that this would be allowed. In the September/October issue of the Journal, you will receive full instructions on when, where, and how to vote using the FCF website’s Members-Only section. That issue will also include full biographies of all the candidates running for the Board.

Kevin Chambers

4 Feline Conservation Federation Volume 58, Issue 4 • July/August 2014 From the Executive Director By Lynn Culver in a domestic environment that they would there until her recent death. Loreon was indeed become pets and the barbaric prac- awarded the Lotty for her contributions to One of the FCF’s earliest members, tice of taking them from the wild would ocelot breeding and in the 1980s the LIOC Loreon Vigne, passed away quietly at cease. held a convention at her Isis Oasis. home on July 15th. Loreon’s FCF mem- Loreon’s early contributions to the Not many members have spanned so bership number was 214, and that tells Long Island Ocelot Club newsletter many decades of cat ownership that you something. She joined the Long included “The True Romance of Trilby included breeding, rescue, and exhibiting. Island Ocelot Club in 1962, when it was Ocelot,” illustrated by Mike Balbo. Writ- Loreon continued to breed ocelots long operated out of Amagansett, New York, ten in a humorous and playful way, in after most owners gave up in response to by Catherine Cisin. those days ocelot ownership was a lighter the burdensome restrictions placed on In the 1960s, ocelots were being pur- affair and not fraught with all the rules endangered species commerce by the U.S. chased from classified ads in the newspa- and regulations that we face today. When Fish and Wildlife Service. In 2005, Lore- pers. They cost a mere $60. Ocelots were Trilby delivered Omar, her first offspring, on was charged with violating the ESA coming into this country from South it was the first ocelot to be born in San and fined heavily for accepting monetary America, after their mothers were killed Francisco, and her story was given posi- donations to her non-profit Isis Oasis by natives in the rain forest, no doubt for tive press in the San Francisco Chronicle. church in exchange for gifting ocelot off- her fur, and the babies taken for the pet Loreon organized an LIOC Convention spring to the donors. The government did trade, and they were even sold in pet in San Francisco. It was during this very not recognize this as a gift. She was fined stores. convention that there was a tragedy in the and forbidden to breed her ocelots. Loreon and other cat owners started an city where some folk’s mountain lion From the boom of the 1960s, to the bust LIOC chapter in California, and members mauled a child in their backyard. The cat of today, ocelots are nearly gone from pri- would meet at local parks or each other’s had no cage, but was kept tethered to the vate sector captivity. I hope and pray that homes to discuss how to care for their house. This story was the beginning of we can hold onto other species, but fear cats. There was not much attention the end of exotic cats in San Francisco. that once the generic tiger is brought back toward breeding, as most of these cats Laws were passed to remove all exotic under ESA control, we will see the same were destined to be pets. Loreon, howev- animals from the city. scenario play out for this critically endan- er, was determined to make more ocelots Loreon moved to ten acres of land in gered species. in captivity, feeling certain that as time Geyserville, a small wine growing com- went on and more generations were born munity in Sonoma County, and resided

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5 Feline Conservation Federation Volume 58, Issue 4 • July/August 2014 New Member Review of 2014 FCF Convention Scottsdale, Arizona By Cynthia Stimpson son, was the founder of the Lee Richardson Zoo My interest in the husbandry of in Garden City, Kansas. exotic animals began upon learning that Since then, I wanted to my great-great-grandfather, Lee Richard- follow suit and establish my own zoo and education program. I first learned about FCF five years ago while doing research on Savannah cats for my ROP veterinary assistant course. When I saw that they offered husbandry and educational courses, I The peaceful atmosphere at Scottsdale Cotton- knew I had to take woods Resort was enhanced by its beautiful land- them. So, in March scaping. Photo by Lynn Culver. 2014, I joined as an official member and, on June 17th, FCF, it was always difficult to find materi- my friend Chris and I were on the al on the subject of exotic animal hus- road to Arizona. It was a pleasant bandry; it was almost Area 51 confiden- drive. I arrived at the Cottonwoods tial. All the material for the course was Resort around five o’clock, which very insightful and covered everything gave me enough time to relax before the course. I did not know what to expect when arriving Cynthia did not know what to expect to the class the next arriving at the FCF Husbandry Course, morning. While every- but made friends quickly with Geoffroy's one was introducing cat Isabella. themselves, I felt a level of uneasiness. Everyone had several years of experience while I was just soaking my feet. I began to wonder if my goals were unrealistic. My doubts were washed away in an instant at the sight of the Geoffroy’s and lynx kittens running around the room. The Geoffroy’s kitten took a liking to my bag. Throughout the class, I would look down once in a while and see her lying on it. As the class commenced, I was surprised how empowering the course was. It was a breath of fresh air to Fiona, another of the Geoffroy's cats at con- hear people say, “You vention, shows off her jumping abilities during can do this, too.” the Thursday evening icebreaker. Photo by Isabella hangs by Cynthia. Before I found the Fred Hood.

6 Feline Conservation Federation Volume 58, Issue 4 • July/August 2014

Everyone enjoys the display of exotic kittens. Chris Out of Africa wildlife included rhinos. Photo by Debi Morahan holds a Eurasian lynx cub. Willoughby. from natural history to training and people staying at the enrichment. There were several breaks resort were invited to throughout the class, including lunch. At the presentation. the end of the course, there was a multiple Thursday, choice test for which, if passed, a certifi- June 19th, was the cate of completion was rewarded. The official start of the test covered all topics discussed. After convention when the course, we also attended an education- most members had al presentation of the kittens that were now arrived. This there. It was very insightful. It had a meeting for me was great introduction to the FCF. I particu- most educational and larly liked how the employees and other provided me with the deeper understanding of the mission of the FCF. There was discussion about Michel San- dlin, the owner of Tiger Truck Stop, The safari bus tour makes a stop at the giraffe barn. and his tiger named Sandra Hohn holds a carrot in the mouth and gets Tony, and the battle "kissed" by one of the gentle giants. Photo by Robert that he fought Hohn. against animal rights that he won! It was appalling and somehow came as no surprise as to how out of touch the animal rights groups are. After the meeting, I took the opportunity to interact with the kittens again. They were joined with a bobcat and two other Geoffroy’s cats. I lost track of time and had not noticed that the other attendees had left to play bingo. My friend and I found ourselves alone with the kittens. Zebras bray at Out of Africa. Photo by We happily sat there keeping an Fred Hood. eye on them. Again, the Geof-

7 Feline Conservation Federation Volume 58, Issue 4 • July/August 2014

Jeff Harwell allowed Cynthia and Chris to hose down Journey, one of the park's two new tiger The Tiger Splash show was a one-of-a-kind experience that cubs. featured a variety of inflatable toys being "hunted" by the big froy’s cat, now known as Isabella, was a tour inside cats. Photo by Fred Hood. content to stay close to me to avoid the the hoofs- rough and tumble of the other kittens. tock enclosure. We were greeted by Chris, on the other hand, found himself to zebras and several other African and be the best toy that the lynx had ever seen. Asian hoofstock. I especially enjoyed Friday, we all boarded a bus to Out of meeting the giraffe, who offered a kiss Africa. The commute had a beautiful in exchange for a piece of celery. After view of the Arizona landscape. Upon the bus ride, we had lunch and headed arrival, we immediately boarded a bus for over to Tiger Splash, a show where tiger and handler enjoyed chasing toys and cooling off in the pool. While they played, Dean Harrison took the micro- phone to educate us on the instinct of

Banquet night was enhanced by the presence of this serval kitten, Gary, brought by Jennifer Kasserman. Photo by Fred Hood.

Ashwin Naidu gave a compelling talk about his plans for fishing cat Jim Sanderson explains how big conservation in India, and FCF cats get the "lion's share" of the Kurt Beckelman opens the auction up members willingly opened their donation pie and small cat conser- for bidding, auctioneer Abe Basmajian, wallets to support his work. vation efforts have to operate off standing, FCF president Kevin Cham- Photo by Fred Hood. the crumbs. Photo by Fred Hood. bers, seated. Photo by Fred Hood.

8 Feline Conservation Federation Volume 58, Issue 4 • July/August 2014 predators. Afterward, we all dispersed to look at the different animals; I went with a small group of other convention goers. One of the keepers, Jeff Harwell, introduced us to the hyenas and some of the cats. Jeff introduced us to a couple of tiger cubs that had just been brought to the facility. He explained to us how the cubs were not allowed to be used in Tiger Splash because of a disagreement with HSUS. After this, he asked us, “Who has never hosed down a tiger before?” I immediately raised my hand and he handed me the hose and instantly the Saturday night banquet where everyone gathers for conversation, comradery, fine dining, cubs came bounding up and evening festivities. Photo by Debi Willoughby. jumping in and out of their tub trying to catch the water. My how little donations for wild cat conserva- of the best things I have ever done. It has interaction with the cubs was more than I tion reached the small cat species. Later driven me to be more involved with wild ever expected from the weekend. Very that night, there was a formal banquet and cat conservation then I ever thought possi- few members of the public are given the an open donation for Ashwin’s work for ble. It has made me feel responsible for opportunity that I was given. After that, I fishing cats that raised over $1,300. That the future of wild cats and other animals. was on cloud nine for the remainder of the was the last day for me at the convention. I now know beyond a shadow of a doubt, day. I went home with my certificate of com- this is the work I want to dedicate my life On Saturday, there were several guest pletion and a greater appreciation for wild to. speakers. My favorite guest speaker was cats. Ashwin Naidu, from India, and his work Becoming a member of the FCF is one with fishing cats. I was astonished to learn from Jim Sanderson’s presentation HAVE YOUR MORNING COFFEE WITH THE FCF!

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©2014 PMI Nutrition International. All Rights Reserved. Feline Conservation Federation Volume 58, Issue 4 • July/August 2014 Arabian Wildlife By Balazs Buzas 23 million years ago. This Al Mayya Breeding Center, Al Mayya three million square kilo- Sanctuary, Fujairah, United Arab Emirates meter area is mainly desert, (UAE) with mountains around the coast on the east and south. (Adapted from a talk at the FCF Conven- The climate is either arid, tion in Scottsdale, AZ desert climate or arid, steppe climate. During summer, it is hot and humid near the sea and experiences either no rain or heavy rain- storms. Some areas, This three million like the Dhofar area in square kilometer Oman, and the Al area is mainly Mahrah area in Yemen, desert, with moun- have a summer humid tains around the poaching and habitat loss. tropical monsoon cli- coast on the east The Gordon’s wildcat (Felis mate. and south. silvestris gordoni) distribution The Arabian culture is widespread and presumed to is a religious Muslim culture with tra- cover most of the Arabian Peninsula ditional Bedouin lifestyles. The except the big sand dune areas. The major Bedouins are desert-dwelling Arabian threat is hybridization with feral and free- ethnic groups usually divided into ranging domestic cats, the same problem tribes or clans. In contrast, there is wildcats (Felis silvestris) have in Europe. The Arabian Peninsula encompasses the modern urban lifestyle. Tradi- The IUCN Red List status is Near Threat- seven counties and holds many threat- tional hunting with Arabian grey- ened, and the number of Gordon’s cats in ened and endangered species of wildlife, hound Saluki and falconry are prac- zoos worldwide is less than 100 speci- including the critically endangered Ara- ticed. mens. bian leopard. Twenty-five percent of Arabian The sand cat (Felis margarita) popula- species are threatened with extinc- tion is likely declining as sand dune habi- The Arabian Peninsula is an important tion. The most important mammal species tat continues to be lost. Additionally, they part of Western Asia (Asian continent), are the critically endangered Arabian are sometimes caught for the international between Africa and Asia, and is also leopard (Panthera pardus nimr) and one pet trade. The IUCN Red List status called Arabia or the Arabian subcontinent. of his prey, the Arabian tahr (Arabitragus places this cat at Near Threatened. It was formed by the Arabian tectonic jayakari). According to the “Regional According to the latest Sand Cat Stud- plate moving from Africa toward Asia, as Red List Status of Carnivores in the Ara- book, the captive population is less than a result of the rifting of the Red Sea 56 to bian Peninsula,” published by the IUCN 200 animals. The biggest captive popula- in 2011, the tion lives in the Al Ain Wildlife Park in other felid the United Arab Emirates. species are also The Asiatic caracal (Caracal caracal threatened by schmitzi) is widespread in the region and

The Gordon’s wildcat (Felis silvestris gordoni) distribution is widespread and presumed to cover most of the Arabian Peninsula, except the big sand dune areas. Unfortunately, Gordon's cats are threatened by hybridization with feral domestic cats. This specimen is most like- The sand cat (Felis margarita) population is likely ly a hybrid. declining as sand dune habitat continues to be lost.

11 Feline Conservation Federation Volume 58, Issue 4 • July/August 2014 The Arabian specimens of cheetah were collected during the last century and were assigned to the Asian subspecies (Aci- nonyx jubatus venaticus). This one lives in Iran. DNA analysis has recently confirmed that the animal shot in Dhofar region in Oman, in 1977, belonged to this subspecies. The IUCN Red List status is Critically Endangered and only a few of these felids are living in a breeding center in Iran. Captive cheetahs in Arabia are the North African (A. jubatus soem- Arabian specimens of cheetah collected during meringii) and South the last century were assigned to the Asian sub- African subspecies (A. species (Acinonyx jubatus venaticus). The chee- jubatus jubatus). tah above was photographed in Pardisan Park, The Arabian leopard Tehran, Iran. (Panthera pardus nimr) is The Asiatic caracal (Caracal caracal endemic to the Arabian Peninsula, centers, private collectors, and zoos across schmitzi) is widespread in the region except for small populations in the Sinai the peninsula. Lots of private collections and appears to be stable at present. Peninsula in Egypt, and in the Negev mainly house hundreds of gazelles, Arabi- This caracal photographed is from desert in Israel. The IUCN Red List sta- an oryx, scimitar-horned oryx, and South Africa. tus is Critically Endangered. The latest African ungulates, but there are at least appears to be stable at present. IUCN Red studbook shows less than one hundred ten breeding centers and some big zoos. List status is Least Concern, but the num- living in ten institutions, with the biggest Only one rescue center exists, located in ber in zoos is less than 50, with very few populations in the Breeding Centre for Abu Dhabi, UAE. Lots of confiscations specimens represented outside of Arabia. Endangered Arabian Wildlife (BCEAW), of birds, baboons, cheetahs, and other Sharjah, UAE, and in Taiz Zoo, wildlife happen in the region at the busiest Yemen. international airport in Dubai. There are around 70 breeding

Balazs Buzas works at the Al Mayya Breed- ing Center, Al Mayya Sanctuary, Fujairah, The Arabian leopard (Panthera pardus nimr) is endemic to the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Balazs spoke Arabian Peninsula, except for small populations in the Sinai at the FCF Convention about the endangered Peninsula in Egypt, and in the Negev desert in Israel. Photo by felines of the Arabian desert and mountains. Hadi Musalam Al Hikmani.

Feline Conservation Federation Volume 58, Issue 4 • July/August 2014 Where Are All Those “Crazy Cat Lady” People at Convention? By Olivia Robertson A Walk on the Wild Side Exactly how much luggage do nine currently hous- people need? As we all stood in the park- es over 150 dif- ing garage, we quickly learned how much ferent species was too much! My name is Olivia of animals, but Robertson and the “we” I am referring to the prime focus is A Walk on the Wild Side. This last is on conserva- June, I had the pleasure, along with our tion of felines. CEO director, zoology intern, and big cat Siberian tigers, handlers, to attend the FCF Convention in Bengal tigers, Scottsdale, Arizona. Barbary lions, a I have had the opportunity to travel all black leopard, over the world and have explored Africa servals, cara- on three occasions, and also lived abroad cals, bobcats, in the UAE. To me, I have always had the Canada lynx, experience, but never took the side of edu- Siberian lynx, cation and conservation seriously until Bengal cats, returning to the States. I have been with and Savannahs A Walk on the Wild Side for nearly seven all call A Walk years now. on the Wild A Walk on the Wild Side is a 501(c)(3) Side home. Turns out the "crazy cat lady” type people at Convention Non-Profit Organization that does rescue, A Walk on were none other than Shelleen Mathews, co-worker There- conservation, and education in Canby, the Wild Side is sa Daykin, and boss Steve Higgs. Photo by Olivia Robert- Oregon. A Walk on the Wild Side was run solely by son. founded by Steve Higgs and Cheryl Jones. volunteers, Steve and Cheryl's first exotic animals many of whom currently has two full-time exotic feline were a binturong and a cougar cub. Since have been with the organization for five handlers with well over 5,000 documented the early days, they have continued to take plus years. Safety is a prime concern at hours, two full-time volunteers with over in and house all sorts of exotic animals. the facility when working around big cats. 1,000 documented hours, one full time They currently house one of the largest The founders have put in place a set of CVT with over 1,000 documented hours, collections of the world’s deadliest snakes rules that all abide by. Any individual and one OSU zoology intern with 1,000 and othet reptiles. One of their big cats wishing to work around big cats are documented hours. We hold our standards had the pleasure of hosting a party for required to acquire 1,000 big cat hours, very high when teaching and training at Faith Hill and Tim McGraw. Bella, the working solely with big cats bear, was also featured on Jay Leno as a between the ages of six and cub. 16 weeks (only). The facility

FCF members ride the safari bus at Out of Africa, filming zebra Olivia has one of the Out of Africa park’s giraffe and other hoof stock. Photo by Fred Hood. eating out of her hand.

14 Feline Conservation Federation Volume 58, Issue 4 • July/August 2014 individuals pass public that we do not “make them work.” through our By allowing the general public to interact, exhibit yearly. hold, and have their pictures taken with We are often cubs, it also helps us with our future han- asked to speak to dling of our big cats. various organiza- A Walk on the Wild Side never knows tions, including exactly what each year will bring. We schools, Girl often agree to take in cubs, feed, house, Scouts, Boy love, and raise them temporarily, so that Scouts, vets, they can properly and safely be placed elderly, Rotary with another accredited facility to live out Clubs, Kiwanis, their lives. We have donated many cubs and many more to smaller zoos throughout the Northwest.

Habitats at Out of Africa park were spacious and natural looking. This one is for servals. Photo by Lynn Culver. our facility. organizations, on our A Walk on the Wild Side is not receiv- mission and efforts to ing any state funding and/or grant money. help keep many disap- We are the only working non-profit orga- pearing species alive. nization of our kind in the state of Oregon. When available, we We work June through September, take our cubs and kits throughout the northwestern states of or other non-feline Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Califor- species on stage. We nia. Several ambassador animals accom- enjoy speaking to the pany our qualified volunteers and interns public on conservation Jeff Harwell coordinates with another park handler to various events. We have received and our efforts. Our to stimulate tiger play during Tiger Splash. Photo numerous awards and ribbons for our edu- organization offers by Debi Willoughby. cational displays. Several animals are dis- “photo opportunities” played in a jungle-themed atmosphere. with our babies. We love giving a “bucket Most recently, we were contacted by On the average, we see two million plus list” opportunity to folks. Our animals Moorpark Zoology School. The school fulfill a lot of “Make lost a male tiger and asked us to hand- a Wish” and young raise a male for them in the future. The cancer patients’ last opportunity to raise a cub and pass on wishes. But, as it teaching to future zoo keepers is a positive should be, our ani- opportunity for both parties. Our cubs are mals always come usually given anywhere from 10-12 hours first. We make it of hands-on, daily interaction by our han- very clear to the dlers. Our future endeavors are a daily

Join the Zoological Association of America

Several levels of membership include commercial, educational, facility, and individual. Facility Accreditation is also available.

promoting the P.O. Box 511275 responsible ownership, Punta Gorda, FL 33951 941-621-2021 Mickey Olsen, Wildlife World Zoo and Aquarium park management, and propagation of animals in both info@zaaorg owner, gives a tour to Kevin Chambers, Lynn Culver, private and public domains www.zaa.org Jessica Bean, and Bobby Bean. Photo by Fred Hood.

15 Feline Conservation Federation Volume 58, Issue 4 • July/August 2014 Prior to leaving for convention, I heard I would meet some real “crazy cat lady” type people. Keep in mind that the Convention was a first, not only for me, but for our entire organization. I was excited ͞FRESH + OASIS is the 'Missing Link' to a Healthy for the opportunity Complete Diet & Optimal Performance to meet these so- ͟ called “crazy cat lady” type people. Add Oasis premix to fresh meat & the result is a scientifically Not sure I met too Ashley Bordelon and Jamie Maurer balanced and complete real food diet ʹ no guess work. Oasis is many “crazy cat demonstrated how to draw blood professionally formulated by Dr. Gary Pusillo, and for over 20 lady” type individ- from a tiger’s tail during our visit to years, has been the #1 selling vitamin & mineral premix for exotic uals. However, I Wildlife World Zoo and Aquarium. cats, trusted by the world's top breeders, private zoos and did meet a lot of Photo by Olivia Robertson. great animal sanctuaries. Now Oasis is available under the Complete Natural come us. It was a great learning experi- lovers! Nutrition brand along with other exceptional nutritional tools like ence for me to have the handlers draw I applaud the Primal Cal, Rapid Rehab & Crisis Care. blood from a tiger using the tail. I was FCF for a great able to record the process and bring it line up of guest www.CompleteNaturalNutrition.com / 866-807-7335 back to show our other staff and volunteer speakers. I will- members. ingly admit my Thank you to Cottonwood Resorts for attendance was hosting us all. The resort staff was eager mainly for “Out of to please and we spent quite a bit of time Africa.” However, adventure to strive to help educate the in the pool area. I would like to thank the speakers present were indeed an added general public, advocate for private own- Lynn Culver for helping to save our pool bonus. Speaking of "Out of Africa," what ership, and continue our mission of visitor, our alligator. an incredible park! Weeks prior to leav- healthy captive breeding. All I can say is, FCF, you made my first ing, I would spend an hour or so a day just convention quite memorable and enjoy- admiring their web- able for both myself and the entire staff of site. I was clearly A Walk on the Wild Side. Thank you to excited to visit, and all the FCF officers for putting on a great Dean and Prayeri convention and allowing us to be a part of have an incredible it. park and amazing staff. “Tiger Splash” was by far my most memorable part of the entire day. I want to give a special thank you to Dean and Prayeri for also taking time out to speak to all of us. Upon arriving at Wildlife World Zoo and Aquarium, we [Left to right] Bailey Bemis(volunteer), Julie were greeted by Moore(board member and exotic feline handler), Mickey Olsen him- Theresa Daykin(CVT), Steve Higgs(CEO/founder), Jay self. What an The Walk on the Wild Side gang had Daykin(volunteer), Cheryl Jones (director and board incredible man. He a good laugh making Lynn Culver member), Heather Panaro (volunteer), Olivia Robert- took time out to believe the little alligator in the Cot- son (board member and exotic feline handler), and introduce himself to tonwoods Resort pool was real. Kris Hernandez (zoology intern). all of us and wel- Photo by Olivia Robertson.

16 Feline Conservation Federation Volume 58, Issue 4 • July/August 2014 My N.O.A.H. Internship By Kassandra Jermyn sometimes they could be tired, grumpy, and want nothing to do My name is Kassandra and I am with me. Happiness is even a college current student studying working with a grumpy cat, wildlife biology. I had always because I was finally able to work dreamed of one day working with with wild cats. exotic cats, but I thought it was Debi mentioned that the very unlikely that I would ever get woman whom she got her cats the chance. So, I spent my first from was looking for an intern for year of college studying sports the summer. She told me I would medicine and working with people. be interning at a breeding facility I quickly found my passion for peo- in Arkansas, and being the cat ple dying down while my passion enthusiast that I am, I gladly for animals stayed strong. I jumped aboard without a second searched the web for colleges that thought. Taking care of exotic had a wildlife major and transferred cats and their cubs seemed too to the first one I found, hoping to good to be true. We talked with get a chance to live my dream. Bart and Lynn Culver, the owners My first semester in my new col- of the N.O.A.H. breeding facility, Kassandra Jermyn plays with Geoffroy’s cat Char- lege proved to be much more relat- to see if the internship was still lie as part of her daily routine. Photo by Lynn Cul- ed to what I wanted to do. I available. Luckily for me, it was, ver. worked in a herpetology lab for a and just like that I had a summer year, taking care of different species of cational facility run by Debi Willoughby. adventure planned. pythons, turtles, and water monitors. One I was accepted and began working with I headed down to Mena, Arkansas, with week was spent in North Carolina, work- her four exotic cats. I was ecstatic to be no idea what to expect, arriving near the ing for the conservation center; collecting able to see a bobcat, Geoffroy’s, Bengal, end of May on a rainy afternoon, and was population dynamics by catching individ- and Savannah cat every weekend! Debi invited in to observe one of the bottle- ual snakes and turtles and taking their sta- walked me through my new routine and feeding sessions with the babies. Lynn tistics. Even though I was not working also began teaching me how to read a had her hands full with 14 kittens. I could with cats at the time, I was so happy to cat’s body language. Together, we barely contain my excitement as I work around different species of beautiful worked on forming my bond with the ani- watched the cute, tiny bobcats, animals. I found a love for reptiles that I mals. Her Savannah is a total love bug, so Geoffroy’s, and lynx, all run around and had not had before, and it gave me a that bond was not hard to form! The bob- bump into things. Lynn began to teach me desire to work with various animals. cat, Dakotah, and Geoffroy’s cat, Spirit, about the kittens; she mentioned how lynx Around the same time that I started were the trickiest to bond with. They grow their canine teeth before their eyes working in the lab, I applied for a volun- were both totally wild and had their very open, the Geoffroy’s become independent teer position at Jungle Encounters, an edu- individual personalities. Sometimes they and begin climbing things at a young age, could be very and that bobcats often develop more slow- friendly to me, and ly but are always full of purrs. I tried tak-

Chubbs the bobcat sticks his head out to greet Kas- Charlie and Fiona Geoffroy’s visit Kassandra in her RV sandra. for overnight stays.

17 Feline Conservation Federation Volume 58, Issue 4 • July/August 2014 ing in as much as possible to be able to tain that some cats were fighting. help her in the near future. One of my favorite cats to talk to After a tour of the property and an was named Loki, a Eurasian lynx. I introduction to each adult cat (including would go over and kneel at the side bobcats, servals, caracals, Geoffroy’s, of his cage and he would run over lynx, and one cougar), it was time to prep and make a deep “oof” sound food. After watching Lynn prep for a cou- towards me. Mimicking the sound ple of days, it was my turn to give it a go. as best I could allowed us to have Soon enough, I was able to prep and feed conversations. When at the cougar the adults on my own, and I immensely enclosure, Mishi would make a enjoyed all the interaction with the adult variety of sounds. He always hissed cats. Some of us had our routines down as he neared me, but always ended already. Individual feeding behaviors had up purring and lying down next to to be learned as well as which type of me. Whenever Mishi saw Lynn or meat certain cats preferred. The lynx in Bart (Mom and Dad), he would call particular are really picky eaters! out to them in a raspy, mid-tone, short greeting; it almost sounded like he was saying “Mom!” There was one time in particular when I visited a male bobcat named Chubbs and playfully said “Heyyy” to him in greeting. To my surprise, he responded with what sounded exactly like a “Heyyy” in the same pitch, same tone, same everything! I had to do a double take to make sure I was not getting pranked! The day would only continue to Kassandra bottle feeds Peanut, a rather get better. After feeding and taking large bobcat kitten that still enjoys drink- meat out of the freezers for the next ing milk. Photo by Lynn Culver. day, I would retreat to my RV and have some dinner. Around 9 pm, I only dreamed about working with wild would pick up some of the kittens from cats before, and to be able to do it for an the house and have them stay the night entire summer was entirely surreal, not to with me. This got them used to new mention that kitten cuddles were always places, new smells, and different people. included! We played for hours and I bottle-fed them until they fell asleep. Hummer is one of three male servals However, they at NOAH and the father of the kittens had tons of ener- Kassandra helped raise. gy and would only end up In addition to feed time, I would also go falling asleep if around in the morning or afternoon to the lights were check on each cat, which means stopping off and fell asleep by each cage for about ten minutes and when I did. observing. Several serval cats were in Occasionally, I heat and the male servals were sweet talk- would wake up in ing to their ladies. I even got to see cara- the middle of the cals mate. I slowly became familiar with night to a Geof- the repertoire of noises each species froy’s kitten makes, which sometimes could be a bit curled into my bizarre. The male Geoffroy’s that were in neck and a bobcat heat and could smell a female in heat but kitten snuggling could not get to them would make this in the side of my raspy scream that could be heard through- chest. It was safe Sariah, a spotted lynx arrived at NOAH during Kassan- out the compound. Before understanding to say I was in dra’s stay. She made friends with Fiona Geoffroy’s. what that scream was, I was almost cer- heaven! I had Photo by Lynn Culver.

18 Feline Conservation Federation Volume 58, Issue 4 • July/August 2014 As my internship went on, I found myself becoming more comfortable with bottle-feeding. I was not an expert by any means, but was able to handle several kittens on my own. Then there was learning the art of pooping a kitten. It was tough to get the hang of it at first; many kittens would squirm and try to get away from me. Soon enough though, Lynn and I were going through rolls of toilet paper each feeding. I also became faster at feeding the adult cats once I got the hang of it. My daily chores started taking less time and allowed me more time to spend on projects and with the cats. I was able to give the adult cats some enrichment. I would take spearmint from the garden and boxes from chicken we had processed, tie them together, and put them in the cat cages. Spearmint acts just like catnip and they would be drooling in no time. It also Toward the end of the internship, Kassandra was interacting with serval, proved that no matter how big the cat, a caracal, bobcat, lynx, and Geoffroy’s kittens. Photo by Lynn Culver. box is still the best toy. Close to the end of my internship, we ings, I would sit on the couch and Lynn with cats and setting me up with Lynn. had another influx of kittens. There were would take out the kittens, three or four at The boys (Debi’s wild cats are all male) five bobcats, five Geoffroy’s, three cara- a time, and we would begin feeding and do not seem too phased by my return, but cals, three servals, and three lynx. We pooping them. Gradually, the couch I bet they cannot wait for a certain some- almost could not leave the house, because would be filled with kittens walking one to be added to the mix, Debi’s new as soon as we were done with one feeding across our laps. There was fur, milk, cry- baby girl, a bobcat kitten named Moxie! it was time for another! For these feeding, and cuteness everywhere Moxie was a kitten at N.O.A.H. and was and it was just the best. We born during my internship, and now she tried to cuddle them all and has a wonderful, loving home in New give them all the love they England. We are so excited to see her wanted. It was amazingly cute learn and grow. and I am still not quite sure how my inner cat-love did not implode from all the cuteness! All too soon, my internship had ended and I said goodbye to the wonderful kittens and cats at N.O.A.H. This experience is not something I take for granted, and I will never forget what it was like to live my dream for an entire summer. I cannot thank the Culvers enough for allowing me to have this opportunity. I was truly blessed to be able to do this and would definitely recommend the internship to any fellow cat lover out there. Now I am home and will be starting school shortly. I have gladly returned to Jungle Encounters, volunteering with the wild cats I first met. I am Nico, a Eurasian lynx, naps on Kassandra’s forever grateful to Debi for Loki lynx is the father of the lynx kit- lap. Photo by Lynn Culver. allowing me to start working tens born at the NOAH facility.

19 Mother margay and her kitten relax in Brazil facility. Photo Dane Anthony was the young contributed by Pat Quillen. dance at the FCF Convention ing Thumper Eurasian lynx. Robert Hohn. Your Best Shots!

Giana Geoffroy’s cat sharpens her claws. Stunning black panther at Wildlife World Z Photo by Robert Hohn. Aquarium. Photo by Fred Hood. gest in atten- n. He’s hold- Young Ashley Vagg took this . Photo by photo of Dolly Gluck’s eleven year old serval Sawabu at the family picnic.

Tina Bayer regularly dotes on Kiran the Siberian tiger at Safari’s Sanctu- ary in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma.

Close up face shot of “Kitty Pat” Wait, first let me take a selfie! Zoo and Eurasian lynx. Photo by Courtney This gorgeous couple is Yhetti Frenchak. Canada lynx and Tina Bayer, at Safari’s Sanctuary. Feline Conservation Federation Volume 58, Issue 4 • July/August 2014 Tracking Cats with Satellites: Tagg the Pet Tracker Review By Maxene Price plastic piece, it opens hinges wide enough to clip Through my efforts to onto the collar clip. The have a safe indoor/out- collar clip is comprised of door serval, I decided to hard plastic, metal, and purchase a GPS tracker two flexible silicone for my cat, Vega. There straps, the grey strap for are several pet tracking large collars and a clear devices on the market, one for small collars. To and after some research attach the tracker to the decided to purchase collar, you first remove “tagg,” the pet tracker. your pet’s collar, place the The product description clip on top of the collar, explains how tagg is hook one side of the flexi- used to turn your pet’s ble strap into the collar existing collar into a clip groove, then wrap the GPS collar. strap around the back of The tagg pet tracker the collar attaching it to system comes in a small the other groove. Com- box and includes the plete the assembly by tracker, charger, and pinching the hinges of the collar clip that attaches The tagg pet tracker system turns your pet’s existing collar into a tracker and pressing it the tracker to your pet’s GPS collar. It comes in a small box and includes the tracker, onto the clip. existing collar, and the charger, and collar clip that attaches the tracker to your pets’ exist- I set up the tagg tagg guard - a protective ing collar, and the tagg guard - a protective sleeve that keeps the account by going to sleeve that keeps the tracker clean. www.tagg.com and fol- tracker clean. Specifical- lowing the click-by-click ly designed for pets over instructions. The most important step of ten pounds, it would be this process was setting up the tagg zone. too bulky for a domestic We dragged a square digitally over our cat to wear comfortably, enclosure using their GPS map. If the but fits perfectly on our tracker, and your pet, leaves this square, it adult serval. shoots a signal up to a satellite and back The tracker is a hard down to our computer and phone. That is plastic square featuring right; there is an app for that! We down- an off/on button in the loaded the tagg app for our smart phone. center with flexible sili- The ability to check in on Vega while we cone sides. By pinching were out by app is what appealed to us the sides of the main initially. Using the tagg app, you can

Using the tagg app, you can locate and track if your cat has Maxene’s serval Vega wearing the tagg pet tracker left your digital perimeter, get turn-by-turn directions to on his regular collar. your escaped pet’s location, and track your pet’s daily activity levels.

22 Feline Conservation Federation Volume 58, Issue 4 • July/August 2014 locate and track if You can pur- your cat has left chase tagg online your digital or at your local perimeter, get phone store. We turn-by-turn direc- purchased ours at a tions to your Verizon store. escaped pet’s They added it to location, and track our bill. The aver- your pet’s daily age price is $99.99 activity levels. (U.S.), with a By using 24 monthly fee of satellites, tagg has $8.00. The first 95% accuracy three months of within 25 feet of your service are the tracker’s loca- included with your tion. You receive purchase of the a text and email tagg system. within ten minutes As members of of your pet leav- the exotic animal ing the tagg zone. community, we You can also hold responsibility locate them imme- not only for our- diately by clicking selves, but our fel- the locate button The first test of the tagg system gave a false alarm, leading Maxene to race low owners. Tak- on the tagg app home, only to find Vega sleeping by the perimeter. ing preventive for the most recent measures is the updates. The battery of the tracker should said Vega was outside the tagg zone. I safest way to protect our community from last between 20-30 days in optimal condi- drove home at 100 mph, popped a tire, put negative backlash. In the event of escape, tions. In our experience, the tagg tracker’s on the spare, sped at 60 mph on the donut, we are left with few options to safely battery lasts an average of three days. then ran to his enclosure the second we bring our cats home. If the tagg tracker Tagg sends you an email and text when pulled into our driveway. To our surprise, can help pinpoint the location of our ani- your battery becomes low. It takes less we found him in his enclosure sleeping by mals and aide in retrieving them, it is a than 30 minutes to reach full charge from the perimeter. The satellites had per- tool I want to have on hand. Fortunately, empty. The signal reception in your area ceived him to be just outside it. We fixed others are starting to accept and praise the can affect its accuracy and battery life. the issue by expanding the tagg zone a exotic pet community, including those of Tagg also sends email and text alerts if it few feet outward of his enclosure. the tagg company. falls off and disengages After reaching the tagg from the collar. company and notifying my I personally tested the use of their product, they tracker before using it for gave me this statement: Vega. I had my husband DonationsDonations “COOL! We know that hide in the woods and used tagg gets used for domestic the turn-by-turn directions The FCF Board of Directors thanks the following individuals and pets, farm animals, and to locate him. Each time corporations who have made donations to FCF projects since the last even jet skis, but this is the proved successful. We did published Journal, providing additional funding for educational mate- first time we have heard of experience a major mal- rials for members and legislators, supporting conservation, and it being used for exotic function with the tagg species. We are excited to improving captive feline welfare. tracker within the first know that tagg is expanding weeks of using it. The first We appreciate each donation, no matter the amount, recognizing that its uses!” They also noti- time we left Vega in his it is the many small gifts that, when combined, add up and make a dif- fied me that they were enclosure without direct ference in the effectiveness of the FCF. We encourage everyone to fol- developing new trackers supervision, my husband low this example and donate funds for projects that interest you. that would be out within the and I went to see a movie. next year. We made sure his tracker Out of the available was on correctly, secured Educational donation: trackers, tagg is affordable the doors to his double James Tunnicliffe and easily accessible. And entry, and made our way to though it is far from the the theater. After getting The FCF appreciates your generosity & best and most accurate of popcorn and sitting down, I trackers, we feel better with checked the tagg app. It continued support. it than without it.

23 Feline Conservation Federation Volume 58, Issue 4 • July/August 2014 Thank You for the Feline Husbandry Course By Marisa Katnic and helpful I felt like I had visited with an old friend I knew my whole life. I have been a member of the FCF since The following day, I arrived bright and 2009, and since joining I have always bushy tailed to class not knowing what to wanted to register and take the Feline expect. I began introducing myself, as Husbandry Course that usually takes place many of the names I recognized were in conjunction with the annual convention. electronic contacts or by membership, My choice to take the course was, of but had never met face-to-face. Each course, to gain further knowledge of feline participant of the class received a fabu- husbandry in general and to understand lous student text pamphlet. The first por- my own cats, namely my two high per- tion of our course was natural history and centage savannahs and my Bengal cat. very cool to learn more about and discuss The secondary purpose was to meet like- the 37 recognized cat species. Have you minded people and share personal experi- ever heard of an Iriomote cat (Prionailu- ences and our mutual love of the feline rus iriomotensis)? Well, I did not. It world. Each year, the course takes place should be nicknamed "Remote Cat." in the month of June, which is a hard There are none in captivity and they are month for me to get away from work. It is only found on an island of Japan. Fasci- nating facts to learn! I am quite partial to servals, having hybrids and my passion is the cheetah. I sit on the U.S. board of trustees for the Cheetah Conserva- tion Fund. The course also covered nutrition, health care basics, handling, behavioral condition, enrich- Marisa bottle feeds Isabella during ment, proper enclosures, fencing, the Husbandry Course break. facilities, and equipment, along with regulatory agencies and permits. class attentive at all times. You did not Question and answers were offered want to miss anything she said. Well, throughout class. We even had kit- maybe the class lost a little interest when tens/cubs in class! So, you might ask the cubs were at our feet, but, joking me, how can one study when you aside, Mindy delivered and presented the have baby Geoffroy's cats crawling course better than I could have imagined. on your textbook, together with a I was like a sponge trying to absorb everything she said. I am so thankful to have Eurasian lynx cub Thumper seems to Eurasian lynx kitten batting your had Mindy as my instructor. want to make a call home on this cell feet? It is hard. It was such an excit- When the day finished, we were given phone. Photo by Nancy Wulff. ing opportunity and experience. I felt like a kid in a candy store, as it cer- exams and I sharpened my pencil and also a month for graduations, weddings, tainly was sheer pleasure. memory and passed the test! I received a Father's Day, etc. To get over to the East I must acknowledge how wonderful our lovely certificate of accomplishment. So, Coast, as I am in California, adds time, so course instructor was. Mindy Stinner was what better way to show my happiness? every year I have had to sadly bow out. so full of information, knowledge, educa- Open a bottle of a celebratory drink and So, this year the course was pretty close tion, and experience, and she kept the share with a friend. In this case a baby to me, in Phoenix, Arizona. I had neither bottle, me, and a Geoffroy’s kitten! weddings to attend nor graduations on the horizon. This was it. I took the time off work, made my airline reservation, and was purring with delight to have finally made the commitment to take my long- anticipated feline husbandry course! I was very pleased and impressed with how the FCF put it together. Lynn Culver was gracious to have hooked me up with folks arriving around the same time I did, which was the day before the course started. The evening prior, I met Debi Willoughby, the Mindy Stinner teaches the Husbandry class to a room of eager students. FCF secretary, who was so genuinely nice Photo by Lynn Culver.

24 Feline Conservation Federation Volume 58, Issue 4 • July/August 2014 An Extraordinary Tiger By Vera Chaples quent bubble baths and his willingness to Mystic Jungle Educational Facility, Inc. engage the guests. Little did I know that a timer was ticking away inside this magnif- Spike came to us in November of icent creature; a time bomb ready to go off 2009. Let me rewind… Although I had at the least provocation. the experience with big cats, as well as a The rollercoaster ride began in January lifetime around all species of animals both of 2014. I had set off for the Wild Cat wild and exotic, I was ADAMANT that Weekend in Sarasota, Florida. The week- no big cats come onto the property. end started with my intern and me walk- A bundle of chuffing, goofy fur, he ing out of the hotel, only to find my truck came bounding into the house to find me stolen. The weekend was fantastic regard- in the bathroom and greeted me as if we less, and I finished my husbandry course. had known each other our entire lives. I Spike had begun to go “off” his food was still not sold and requested the paper- while I was away, which we all know in work that accompanied him. On it, the wintertime is not normal, nor a good sign. paperwork stated that Spike was a 12 After a week battling to try and get him to week old Siberian tiger. I was aghast. Of eat, we called in our regular veterinarian. all tigers, my husband had to bring home He was sedated, and blood work and a the biggest of the big cats. I prayed that physical examination were done. All there had been a mistake. That he had Spike arrived a bundle of a chuffing, results were normal. As our vet put it, been so diluted in lines that he would be goofy fur and matured into a beauti- “Spike was the healthiest looking sick the size of a Bengal. But my prayers went ful Siberian Tiger. tiger he had ever seen.” To him Spike unheard. Spike grew and grew and South Florida frequently for big jobs, the looked normal, but I knew better. GREW! majority of the entire zoo became my The on and off again with food went on As life moved on, I continued to care responsibility. I loved them all big and for a few weeks, but then he started vom- for Spike. With my husband going to small. If I had to pick favorites, it iting. We rushed him to a specialist who would be either Sher Khan or Fury. did radiographs, barium series, ultrasound, Both Asian/Indian leopards. I was CBC, chemistry profile, urinalysis, stool never really a “tiger person.” Not cultures and exams, and finally explorato- that I did not like them, but my ry surgery with cytologies and biopsies; passion was the leopards. NOTHING was found. Despite all of this, Spike grew to be very large and he came home and recovered. Although I magnificent. He quickly became was grateful that he had recovered, I was the star of the Jungle, with his fre- fearful because no diagnosis was made. If

Spike had begun to go “off” his food while Vera was away at the FCF Wildcat Week- end, which was not normal and not good. Every kind of diagnostic test was run but no diagnosis was made.

25 Feline Conservation Federation Volume 58, Issue 4 • July/August 2014 For some time all was great. Spike was gaining weight in leaps and bounds; that is, until I left for the Ari- zona Feline Conserva- tion Federation Con- vention. Spike started going off of his food again, but this time he totally stopped eating anything. This went on for five weeks, until again he started vomiting. He was again rushed to our specialists. This time he was in critical shape. He was given Spike returned home from the vet hospital over 24 bags of fluids and recovered, but left Vera fearful of a within a 24-hour span. relapse. Our veterinarian this time did full skull radi- we did not know what this was, then how ographs, dental radiographs, could we prevent it from happening again? fecal cultures, blood cultures, We had close contact with many of our and an endoscopy. He was colleagues during this time. Most offered also tested for H. pylori (nega- advice and moral support. The most tive), but upon reflection that Vera has a close relationship with Spike, crushing advice though was the admonish- probably was not an accurate which certainly helped with the examination, ment from some for going as far as we result as he had been on antibi- treatment, and recovery of Spike’s illness. did. More than one person told us that otics for two weeks prior. thought about Spike. He is only five years they had seen this exact same scenario, Again, nothing was found. At one point, old! How can an animal so young and where the people spend a ton of money, when I walked in to visit him, euthanasia vibrant one moment, turn into a critically only to end up with a dead tiger. This by was at the forefront of my mind. I had an ill animal the next? far was the most depressing, but we perse- emaciated, depressed animal that was Then it hit me. Even though the vered. starting to give up. I was beginning to endoscopy and the test were negative and believe the people that had non-conclusive, the only thing that made told us that despite it all, we sense through it all was ulcers. At this would have a dead tiger. point, we had nothing to lose. So I started Spike was given an injec- him on famotidine twice a day, changed tion to help with the vomit- his diet to lean red meat only, and feed ing, which normally would three times a day. only last 24 hours, but in But one has to wonder. What truly Spike it lasted up to five causes ulcers? No one really seems to days. He was taken home, know, but I firmly believe that stress plays and my husband, of course, a hard roll in it all. And one cannot ignore had to leave for jobs again. It the fact that he crashed both times that I was down to my son and me left town. My feeding regime was fol- to work with a very sick tiger. lowed to the letter, so it was not a change He stopped eating three more in diet or routine. Stress lowers the times shortly after coming immune system by raising cortisol levels. home. And to treat him, we So is it safe to say that perhaps, my leav- had to sedate him, give the ing stressed him out, causing him to devel- injection, more fluids, and op ulcers? then recover him. Not only To date, he is growing stronger daily. was this stressful on him, but His meat intake is more than it has ever on us as well. been. And, it is pretty safe to say that I am I cried myself to sleep Spike soaks in his tub, cools off from the Flori- never leaving town again, unless of course every night. Every waking the hotel will take tigers! da summer heat under the watchful eye of Vera. moment caught me deep in

26 Feline Conservation Federation Volume 58, Issue 4 • July/August 2014 Management of Mountain Lions in Arizona By April Howard To manage the increasing number of Predator, Furbearer, and Large Carnivore urban lion/human conflicts, the Arizona Biologist, Arizona Game & Fish Depart- Game and Fish Department has estab- ment lished interactions using established (Adapted from a talk at the FCF Conven- guidelines. It has clarified how reports tion in Scottsdale, AZ) should be verified, what types of cougar behavior are considered exceptionally Few adult mountain lions in the wild dangerous, how many such verified inci- live more than 12-13 years, although some dents would trigger removal, and how the might reach 15 to 18 years; most pass offending animal will be removed. away by the time they are six years old. Mountain lions occur at relatively low In Arizona, the peak breeding season is densities and are difficult, expensive, and March to June, and the births generally time consuming to study. The abundance peak between June and September. While differs widely in various habitat types. the litter size is two to four kittens, only Learning about mountain lions is a slow one or two usually survive. Mountain “Management of Mountain Lions in process, as this kind of research is not lions prefer rough mountainous terrain Arizona” was presented during conducted in a lab. Wildlife managers with abundant stalking cover. Convention by April Howard, continue to learn about prescriptions nec- Male lion territory is anywhere from 60 Predator, Furbearer, and Large Car- essary to achieve conservation and man- to more than 300 square miles. Females nivore Biologist, Arizona Game and agement. Adaptive management includes hold smaller territories, generally 15 to Fish Department. maintaining corridors for dispersal. The about 115 square miles. Home ranges cators of ecosystem health. current direction is to manage predators, overlap between sexes, but mountain lions Much of the early research focused including mountain lions, in a sustainable are territorial and practice mutual avoid- mainly on diets. Later research focused manner that integrates conservation, use, ance in their overlapping distributions. on relationships between mountain lion and protection. Maintenance of occupied Lion populations are limited by abun- predation and populations of prey, includ- habitat and range in Arizona, is a key dance of prey. They generally disperse ing cattle. Most recent studies have cen- component of mountain lion management. from natal populations between ten and 33 tered on mountain lion predation on Lions are managed through regulated months of age. Eighty percent of male bighorn sheep. Urban mountain lion stud- hunting, bag limits, ML zones, and depre- sub-adults disperse, compared to just 30 ies look at the barriers to gene flow. dation removals. percent of females. Lions disperse over Genetic analysis suggests a high degree of long distances, some over 50 miles. genetic mixing throughout the western In the 1950s, the concepts of ecology U.S. and Canada. Arizona, Colorado, began to emerge with awareness of preda- New Mexico, and Utah study results indi- tors as natural and essential components cate mountain lions from the four states of ecosystems. By the 1970s, mountain shared a common gene pool. Habitat bar- lions were no longer classified as riers like the Grand Canyon, extensive “varmints,” but regulated as a big game deserts, grasslands, rivers, and highways species. Controlled hunting provided pro- do seem to limit gene flow. Most agen- tection, as the cats were now valued as cies that manage mountain lions believe trophies by hunters and as license fee populations have increased in recent income for the Wildlife Department. In times. Mountain lions have re-established the 21st Century, many biologists now in regions of the Great Plains, boreal consider mountain lions as important indi- Canada, and eastern U.S. These conclu- sions are based in part on the increased encounters with humans and increased harvest rates in many regions. The Arizona population is estimated at between Mountain lions are difficult to 2,500-3,000 indi- study. Most recent studies have viduals. centered on mountain lion preda- Variability of mountain lion diets - % occurrence in scats. tion on bighorn sheep.

27 Feline Conservation Federation Volume 58, Issue 4 • July/August 2014 Update from the Legislation Director By Amy Flory passed HB 4393, with very limited have was averted after companion bills exemptions for exhibitors, as only AZA or were introduced to prohibit USDA Class For those who are unaware, I was offi- related facilities, circuses, and USDA C from acquiring certain species, includ- cially appointed as the FCF Legislation Class C exhibiting at a fair or carnival, ing the larger cats, unless they meet strict Director in early 2013. I prepare and post along with medical and research institu- requirements. Maryland zoos were able to the legislation on the member’s only sec- tions are exempt. Those not exempt must change the language to allow them to tion and keep it updated regularly, even obtain a permit, have $300,000 liability acquire new animals if they have a though the last updated date may not insurance with maximum $250 deductible, $1,000,000 insurance policy, paid full- reflect this. This list is always available permanently mark each animal, and meet time director, and at least one full-time on the website under “Legislative Alerts” certain caging standards, along with other staff trained to care for each species, ani- and the current year. I also send out alerts requirements. The law left the actual list mal disposition policy if the facility clos- to members in states when a hearing has of animals up to the newly created Dan- es, and zoonotic disease risk and preven- been scheduled on a bill and annually gerous Wild Animals Board. Their list, tion training plan. Both bills passed with review the state laws for updates. If any which currently includes the same felines the amended language. members have any questions or comments as the Ohio ban, was approved on July 30, Several other attacks against USDA on legislation, I may be reached at legisla- and goes before the legislature in 2015. licensees were defeated, including an Illi- [email protected]. On a positive note, bans or severe nois bill to completely prohibit USDA Here are some updates on both bills restrictions in Kansas, South Carolina, and Class C from obtaining certain animals, introduced into legislature and rules intro- Wisconsin, have been defeated. Also, two two Indiana bills to remove the exemption duced by agencies this year. states passed bills this year to allow cer- for commercial dealers, companion Iowa BILLS tain people who possessed animals on the bills to limit zoos to AZA for so-called On the federal level, all bills affecting date the bans took effect, but who never dangerous wild animals, a New York bill felines are currently stalled in committee, obtained a permit, to be allowed to obtain to restrict animals used in traveling shows with Congress on vacation in and circuses, and a New York August. This situation affects Committee Should Axe the Big Cats and Public Safety Act bill targeting circuses. the Big Cats Public Safety Act. RULES The U.S. Congress ends its two- Dr. Jan E. Janecka of Duquesne University, who has well rec- This year, a few rules were year session this year, so all fed- ognized work in the field of conservation genetics for multiple introduced that affect felines. eral bills that do not pass by the exotic feline species, as well as disease genomics, states, "The Colorado passed a rule clarifying end of the year must be reintro- key to long-term survival of a species is large effective popula- which sectors are exempt from duced next year and the process tion size and high genetic diversity. Passing Senate Bill 1381 Chapter 11 #1103C, Indiana started all over again. would significantly reduce both. It would have an unavoidable passed a rule making several of On the state level, most state negative impact on the future of the captive tiger population as the smaller cats Class II and legislatures have either well as other endangered feline species maintained in captivity." revising the requirements of the adjourned or concluded regular wildlife possession permit, and floor sessions. By the time you receive the necessary permit to legally possess Wyoming passed a rule to add a permit this, only Michigan, New Jersey, and their animals. Those in Oregon with an denial process for permits under Chapter Pennsylvania will still be in regular ses- approved disability who use an animal 10 live wildlife, Chapter 33 scientific per- sion, with Ohio in skeleton session and possessed before January 1, 2010, to alle- mits, and Chapter 45 rehabilitation per- Massachusetts in informal session. For viate the disability have until December mits. those of you unfamiliar with these terms, I 31, 2014, to obtain a permit. In Louisiana, Louisiana introduced two rules pertain- will briefly explain. A skeleton session is those who possessed a big exotic cat since ing to big exotic cats: a rule to comply a non-voting formal session where a few 2006, have another chance to get a permit. with the big exotic cat law change and a legislators from each chamber (House and Both bills were introduced to help owners rule to revise the definition of zoo and the Senate) briefly meet - sometimes as little of an exotic cat get a permit: a lynx in inspection requirements and to delete the as just a few minutes - to conduct routine Oregon, and Tony the tiger in Louisiana. cougar enclosure standards. Comments business. An informal session is where a This year, several bills seemed to be are due on September 30, and August 30, few legislators meet to work on routine or focused on USDA licensees by either respectively. non-controversial matters. It should be placing restrictions on them or limiting PETITIONS noted that Massachusetts is the only state what animals they can acquire. One bill There is one active state petition regard- that passes legislation which is supposed succeeded, as New York recently passed ing felines. Several groups have filed a to be non-controversial during its informal S6903, as amended, which prohibits deal- petition with California Fish and Game to sessions. Since it is informal, such votes ers or exhibitors from allowing direct con- ban hybrid cats in the state. The agency is are not recorded. tact with a big cat without a permanent scheduled to take action on the petition on A few new laws were passed this year, physical barrier between the public and October 8. If accepted, the agency would both good and bad. This year, we saw yet the cat. draft a formal proposed rule and have a another state pass a ban on so-called dan- However, in Maryland, an attempt to public comment period and hearing before gerous wild animals. West Virginia limit what animals USDA licensees can voting to adopt it.

28 Feline Conservation Federation Volume 58, Issue 1 • January/February 2014 Husbandry and Beyond By Kae Hamilton ers and employees, sanctuaries, breeders, healers, and people wanti- Lynn called me wanting me to write an ng to own a big cat. I met lots of article on the FCF convention. I told her I members, especially since I was am not a writer, so here it is! (LOL) This new to the convention, and it was was my first FCF convention. I arrived a hard to remember everyone (some day early to take the husbandry course. I due to my age, LOL). Some of have owned servals for 12 years and won- them I still keep in touch with and dered what I could learn, if anything. I have become good friends with. actually learned quite a bit; some from the I’m ready to be there next year to class and a lot from course instructor see everyone again. Mindy Stinner talking about her first-hand The trip to Out of Africa was a experiences. And, yes, I passed the lot of fun, especially getting to see class!! all the animals up close while being I was also surprised at all the different fed. Tiger Splash was very interest- Little Bit, a very tiny Geoffroy’s cat, found reasons people were members; zoo owning, as it is their way of keeping Courtney Palmer’s shoulder to be a great everyone safe place to perch. Photo by Nancy Wulff.

Male lion chews on carcass meat during the feeding tour after the Tiger Splash show at Out of Africa. Photo by Fred Hood.

Young bobcat Tucker takes in all the sights and sounds of convention. Photo by Nancy Wulff.

A stop At Black Springs Café on the way home from Everyone had a great time on banquet night. Photo by Out of Africa fed the hungry crowd. Photo by Fred Fred Hood. Hood.

29 Feline Conservation Federation Volume 58, Issue 4 • July/August 2014

while entertaining. direction). I think my favorite part of the I thought I was tour was kissing the giraffe!!! After the going to die on the long, hot, tiring day, it was super refresh- walk back up the ing to stop on the way home at Black hill under the sear- Springs Café for barbeque buffet. The ing summer sun, best part was that it was waiting for us; all after walking we had to do was serve up our plates and down the hill and eat. taking pictures of I also got to stay for the Sunday tour of all the animals Wildlife World Zoo and Aquarium. I had being fed. Thanks a great time riding the rides and seeing all to Barbara the animals. I loved all the birds and Deutsche for stay- would have stayed a lot longer if I could ing with me until have figured out a way to do it. we got safely back The highlight of the trip was playing An amazing flying tiger leap into the water is an every- to the group (a lit- with all the kittens. Nothing better than day occurrence during Tiger Splash. Photo by Debi tle misguided hands-on! Willoughby. Husbandry Leads to Animal Sense!

By Andrea Sobokta

The FCF Convention was a first for me. I took the Felid Husbandry course and so appreciated the detailed course content and lively delivery. Out of Africa was wonderful! As a result of that trip, I have arranged to run one of my “Animal Sense” workshops onsite there in November. Thank you for having the convention right in our backyard!! I know I can also speak for Nancy in saying we both hope to attend the next one.

Andrea Sobokta practices her bottle feeding skills during the husbandry course. Photo by Nancy Wulff.

30 Feline Conservation Federation Volume 58, Issue 4 • July/August 2014 Wildlife Conservation Educator’s Course Review By Lynn Northern-Spanganberg abilities and resources. ple and hopefully help me My ultimate goal has better understand the I attended the Educator's Course this been to expand my exotic animals that I cur- summer. I wanted to share a little about knowledge base as much rently own. Going in, I myself and my experience at the FCF as I can with the express was unsure what to expect Educator’s Course. I am the owner of one purpose of then searching from the course, but I was male serval named Stryker and one female out opportunities to pleasantly surprised at F1 hybrid named Stella. They were both enhance the general pub- how organized and pro- hand raised and bottle fed. I only have lic’s understanding of fessional everyone was. It four years’ experience with exotic cats, these amazing species, was immediately clear but have long had a passion for exotics and to push for an that our instructor had and have looked for every opportunity to increased awareness of years of experience and a expand my knowledge base on all aspects the need to promote the vast reservoir of knowl- of exotic felines. I have established rela- conservation of all exotic edge. She was captivating tionships with a few breeders who have felines. Without the ben- in her abilities to share been willing to serve as mentors to me, efit of persistent educa- Shelleen Mathews prac- her knowledge in a way and they have worked with me when I tion from knowledgeable tices her lynx bottle feed- that was both informa- have had questions or concerns, but ulti- sources, the general pub- ing during one of the tional and fun. Besides mately I have learned as I have gone, lic, and specifically our breaks. Photo by Fred the set program, I loved often by experience. various local, state, and Hood. mingling and comparing Ever since I was a little girl, I have national governments, backgrounds and experi- dreamed about owning a zoo and interact- will base their understanding on what they ence with really cool people who share ing with exotic animals of all types, but learn from biased media reporting and my same interests! Instead of getting the especially the big cats! Lions, tigers, and hearsay. dubious looks that I normally get when I cheetahs; each animal carried with it its I am early on in my journey, but the talk to people about my cats, I was now own unique style and characteristics. process has been rewarding in every surrounded by people who get it! Every- Having a pair of every animal would be respect. The more I learn, the more I rec- thing from jaguars to the Geoffroy's cat ideal! I guess I was always a little jealous ognize how little I truly know! There is was a topic of discussion; it was my of Noah and his Ark. so much to learn from these beautiful dream come true! It was not until a few years ago that I creatures. Every day they teach me some- This was the experience that I was hop- realized that these long-held dreams thing new about their unique personalities, ing for. I would recommend future cours- could, to some degree, become a reality. I the idiosyncrasies of each species, and es to anyone who owns, has aspirations to had reached a point in life where I was ultimately the power of instinct. own, or just has a love for exotic cats. financially able and mentally prepared to When I first received notification of the This is the course for you! I cannot wait care for a few of these exotic animals. My scheduled seminar, I jumped at the oppor- for the next one to be announced! goal from the beginning was to search for tunity to take part in a course that would Great job on putting together a superior the right species that would best fit my expand my exposure to like-minded peo- course!

Registered Exotic Feline Handler Program The FCF board of directors congratulates the following individuals for being accepted into the Registered Exotic Feline Handler Program since the past Journal issue. Marisa Katnic – Basic Cynthia Baird - Intermediate Robert Threadgill - Basic Paul Stevens – Intermediate Basic Feline Handlers have documented at least one year of experience, Intermedi- ate level is at least five years of experience, and Advanced handlers have more than ten years experience. Update your registration when you obtain additional handling experience or new species experience. The online registration form can be filled out directly in the members-only section of the FCF website. The $30.00 registration fee can be made through PayPal. Being a registered handler is the first step to becoming a Professional Member. Professional Membership application is also online on the Members-Only website. Little Bit Geoffroy’s kitten rests on Congratulations to all of these members for their dedication to their cats. JB Anderson while he takes the educator’s test. Photo by Debi Debi Willoughby, FCF Secretary Willoughby. 31 Feline Conservation Federation Volume 58, Issue 4 • July/August 2014 Raising Spots: The Asian Leopard Cat Vs. the Geoffroy’s Cat By James Sublett & Sheri DeFlorio, childhood cat memories led me to who I their skills into their surroundings. Twin Pine Farm & Exotics am and what I do today. The desire, com- The Geoffroy’s are more independent mitment, and hard work that are poured than the leopard cats; they live their lives I never thought in a million years that into our farm each day make us love every in a faster motion. The Geoff’s are quick, we would have an opportunity to own a second. Twin Pine Farm & Exotics Geoffroy’s cat. One day, that hope and is home to many animals, but the desire came and another was seized as we conservation of felines is the driving acquired an Asian leopard cat (ALC). Not force behind it all. The support and too many people are given a chance to connections from other FCF mem- own a Geoffroy’s, but we were fortunate bers, private owners, businesses, and enough to have the right timing in our enthusiasts have contributed to the lives to do so. We always admired and Farm’s success. My wonderful men- desired an Asian leopard cat, but we had tor and friend, Lynn Culver, has accepted the fact that owning one was out been a role model creating a high of our reach. I remember every moment standard that we live by. leading up to the day these cubs were I would like to start by recogniz- placed in our hands, the moments of ing the intelligence of these two growth, youth, and the continuing knowl- species. Looking beyond those cap- edge that I gain each day as they age into tivating eyes and spotted rosettes adults. Within just a few days of birth, reveals two entirely different felines these babies came into our lives. Their with a commonality. These cats first sight, their first focus, was a moment share a purpose of what the FCF and of bonding love and an everlasting, life- its members strive for – population. long connection formed. Bottle feeding Reproduction of these species, and hand rearing these felines, imprinting, through breeding, will keep their taking on the role of their mothers, was an future alive; we can contribute to amazing experience. As they continue to this by standing behind them, push- grow, we are gaining knowledge of their ing their existence with preservation, traits and characteristics that make them education, and research. While both unique individuals within their own these species live with a purpose to Tapanga, an Asian leopard cat kitten, species. The knowledge and insight that naturally expand their genes, we can possesses an intuitive mind and empa- is gained each day is truly fulfilled when it live with a purpose by devoting our- thetic personality in tune to her people’s can be shared with others. selves to them. every feeling and thought. My motivation and inspiration stems The Geoffroy’s cat and ALC are back from childhood; the bond and con- nearly the same in size, but possess entire- sly, and witty, and in constant speed with- nection I had with my first cat made an ly different personalities. Love is the one in everything that they do. This speed is impression in my life. An imprint of common trait they both hold true to testa- carried through the nursing of a bottle, to ment; both felines fall the meal at dinner, and in every mindful in love with those who thought. Their thinking process is fast and raise them. That love is they tend to be five steps ahead of them- a trait that bounces selves all the time. This trait causes poor back and forth each decision choices, as they are not thorough- day, in each interaction, ly weighing the consequences of their as they live in our actions. Their speedy thought processes, home. Geoffroy’s seem however, can benefit them in many other to mature more quickly aspects of life, such as hunting. The leop- than the leopard cats. ard cat, like all cats in general, is indepen- The faster maturity rate dent, but is much more docile and slow. is not noticed in size or The intuitive mind of a leopard cat is growth, but by their frightening at times. They are empathetic skills, specifically in to your every feeling and thought; some- hunting, climbing, and times I think they foresee what will hap- communication. ALCs, pen in advance. These little fortune tellers on the other hand, know to be more affectionate if you are Luna the Geoffroy’s cat matured more quickly than mature a lot more slow- sad and more playful if you are happy. leopard cat Tapanga, noticed in size, growth, and by ly in life skills, but are When the lights go out, they make their her skills, specifically in hunting, climbing, and com- much more affectionate way to you, staying with you throughout munication. and they seem to adapt the night. My Geoffroy’s, to this day, will

32 Feline Conservation Federation Volume 58, Issue 4 • July/August 2014 leopard cat likes every waking or resting moment. She is to share her water talents; by our side from the moment we get home she demands to be held to the moment we leave home. She will while her humans take a greet us at the door to express her shower, perhaps just to thoughts of missing us with affection and spend time with us. Since kisses. Leopard cats watch your every the Geoff’s are so speedy, move; Tapanga studied her humans so they prefer action, so a attentively in the bathroom, she now uses robotic swimming fish or the toilet as a human would. They are any toy in motion suits observant, constantly learning, and always them well. They will curious while striving to please you all at keep themselves occupied the same time. The Geoffroy’s are so at length sometimes, not smart, so cunning, and so stealthy that we ever knowing when to humans could learn a thing or two from quit their fun. The ALC them! An extremely loyal species with an is always there, shadow- intelligent mind of a lion wrapped up into Spacious enclosures with plenty of height for ing you while you clean a six pound body. Nothing can stop a climbing are important components for these dishes in the kitchen sink Geoffroy’s cat, nothing can get in their small, athletic, and energetic species. or brushing your teeth in way, and there is not an obstacle or chal- snuggle up under the covers with me as the bathroom sink; if the water is on, she lenge they cannot conquer. Once you cre- well. No matter how long my adult is there. Other than the love of water ate a bond with a Geoffroy’s, they will be Geoff’s have been outside in their habitat, being a shared trait, these cats both love to connected to you for life. I can bring them back inside our home, at play. They will play with anything and If you are ever given the chance to own any time, and they will use the litter and enforce the playfulness out of their a Geoffroy’s cat, Asian leopard cat, or any sleep beside us, as if they never left. The humans. It is so important to enrich their other exotic feline species, you should ALC’s physical growth rate is nearly the lives with toys and interaction. Both cats take the opportunity of a life changing same as a Geoffroy’s, but their mind have learned to play catch and retrieve; experience. There are no words that can development is slower. It takes a much they will bring their toy back to me for describe the bond and connection made longer time for the leopard cat to learn more throws for hour upon hour. Some- with these species. Hand rearing, imprint- their jumping, stalking, climbing, and times I wake up in the mornings with a ing, and raising these felines bring us such overall life skills than the Geoffroy’s. vast array of toys that are ready to be joy and love. To know that a wild cat Both cats are very loving and connected thrown upon waking again. It is times loves and accepts you as its own is a ful- to the people they bonded with. They will like these that you know you would not fillment unlike any other. With the proper both tell you what they want and when want your life to be any other way. love, affection and attention, these mag- they want it, almost demanding orders. We believe there are many similarities nificent felines will be the best addition to Some of their demands include what they between these two species. Perhaps the your life. We continue our conservation would like to eat, how they want you to common traits they possess come from efforts here on the farm because of that play, what cat litter they prefer, and, of their upbringing; their humans. The Geof- fulfillment and love gained each day. We course, where their box should be located. froy’s and leopard cats are raised alike, are constantly learning and striving to Demands even extend to the time they with the same attention to love and affec- give them the best of the world while prefer to eat; they will let you know when tion. This proves as truth, while the Geof- gaining knowledge to share with others. they are hungry because it is demanded, froy’s are outside they whether you are ready to feed them or not. remain just as loyal as if When preparing their meal, the Asian they never left our home. leopard cat will literally jump on the To this day, we can go counter and pick the piece of chicken that into their outdoor habitats SHE prefers out of the bowl. They are and they will crave our both strong-willed. If I fed the ALC her attention; they will be meal in a room and she does not like the very affectionate and lov- drumstick I gave her, she will find her ing, wanting and some- way back to the kitchen, to the bowl, and times demanding to be pick the thigh instead; she will dive head- held or just petted. first into that bowl, growling a “back-off” Tapanga, our Asian while she carries it back to her room. leopard cat, is much more These are the moments that bring you in tune with our emotions laughter, and you bend the “no counter” and feelings. The ALC is rules, just a little, for times like these. intuitive to the humans Both felines share a passion and interest she is bonded with. She with water. The Geoffroy’s will play in looks to us for guidance Luna naps in the clothes closet, a typical hang the water for hours with their toys. The and is with us during out for Geoffroy’s.

33 Feline Conservation Federation Volume 58, Issue 4 • July/August 2014 Wild Species Registry Update - Phase 1 of the Initial Release By Wild Species Registry Team the following frameworks (which are will include not only the general public- named after some of the animal residents facing website for WSR, but will include At the close of last year, the Wild of The Conservators’ Center): (amongst other things) areas to learn Species Registry was still in a nascent ARTHUR: This is the management about the WSR, a page at which a user state. The primary work that had conclud- console which will be used by WSR oper- may download documents, another page ed had been the creation of a functional ators (and, in the future, Species Coordi- to allow a user to submit forms, a user relational database and a very rudimentary nators) for maintaining registry informa- login area to view their account and the interface that could be used to manage the tion. This has now been built and is in the animals/litters registered with the WSR. data (animals, users, locations, etc.). initial testing phase. This has been designed and the initial Work on the WSR project slowed as ROLAND: This is the reporting system work has begun. discussions about the overall direction that will be used by WSR Operators (and, With all of this work underway, we were held, the determination of what the in the future, Species Coordinators) to thought it would be nice to present an ini- feature set of the initial roll-out should generate the various reports required of tial mockup of one of the pedigrees that a include was determined, and the resources the system. This system is currently customer of the WSR could receive for an available to conclude the work were put in under development. animal that they have registered. (It’s place. SAVIK: This is a framework that isn’t worth noting that this is the design toward Thanks to a very generous contribution directly used by a user of the system, but which we’re working. The logo for the by the FCF, work on the project has is comprised of the data model, web ser- WSR may change, and the inclusion of resumed at an accelerated pace, and this vices, the core database, and all of the images of the animal will likely not be article is the first update of the progress of security features of the system. This sys- available until a future release, but the the WSR project. tem is in place, with some tweaking possi- information provided will most certainly In addition to the finalization of the ble depending upon what the testing of the be there.) architecture of the database, the structure other systems reveals to us. of the software has been broken down into WILLOW: This is the WSR Website. It

34 Feline Conservation Federation Volume 58, Issue 4 • July/August 2014 Blast From the Past: Fractures in Ocelots with Juvenile Osteoporosis Long Island Ocelot Club advanced osteoporosis. There was a lack The kitten was hospitalized for a few May 1964 of calcium in the entire skeleton; the long days and then sent home. At ten days Volume 8 Number 3 bones showed wide marrow cavities and post-surgery, the pins were quite loose, very thin cortices, and the lumbosacral but despite some slippage a good callus By John P. Hunter, D.V.M. vertebrae showed lack of density and a could be felt at each fracture site. At three San Jose, California definite ventral curvature of the spine. weeks post-surgery, X-rays showed good Vitamins and calcium were prescribed and healing and the pins were removed. The Juvenile osteoporosis in felines is it was advised that the kitten be confined kitten began to use the legs within a few thought to be a dietary condition brought to a small area. days and made an uneventful recovery. about primarily by a lack of calcium in the Eight days later, the condition was diag- In the past year and a half, we have had diet as opposed to osteogenesis imperfecta nosed and the kitten returned unable to two more ocelot kittens with fractured in man, which is a hereditary disease. use its rear legs since falling off a chair femurs; one was seven and the other nine Of the three dozen or so ocelot kittens the day before. X-rays were taken and weeks old. Both kittens had osteoporosis we have seen in the past three years, showed identical fractures in the proximal and in both cases the fractures were approximately one third have experienced one-third of both femurs. caused by minor falls. In each case there lameness or soreness of the limbs and The kitten was anesthetized with a 4% was a fracture in the upper one-third of pelvis. These affected kittens varied in solution of Surital sodium and stainless one lemur. These fractures were also age from five to 12 weeks. steel intramedullary pins were used for repaired with stainless steel The first ocelot kitten presented to us fixation of the fractures by open surgery intramedullary pins and both healed nice- with pain and lameness in the rear legs through the fracture site. Due to the soft- ly. was a ten week old male. The pain and ness of the bones, the pins did not fit very Prognosis appears to be good in the lameness had come on over a period of tightly in the medullary cavities. For this early stages of juvenile osteoporosis and about a week. On examination, the kitten reason, approximately one inch of pin was permanent lameness, and the possibility of had a normal temperature, was eating left extending through the skin over the fractures can be prevented by heavy sup- well, but showed extreme discomfort on coso-femoral joint on each side and the plementation of the diet with calcium and palpation of the rear legs and pelvis. Full pins were connected by a transverse pin to vitamins. body X-rays were taken and showed well help immobilize the rear legs.

TERCERA'S INFIRMITY below it (later thought to be due to her Looking back over the weeks, we won- spinal curvature). der whether her condition resulted from By Catherine Cisin And then, at age five months, weight the too early removal from her mother and ten pounds, it “suddenly” happened. Ter- the lack of natural bone-building material, “Terry” was the gentlest, sweetest crea- ry's hindquarters collapsed under her, fol- or was it in part due to her unbalanced ture as a young kitten that we had ever lowed the next day by her forelegs. Soon diet. She rejected all food except beef and known. We grew gradually to accept the she could not support her weight. we indulged her. Of course, her all-pro- following qualities as normally hers with- Promptly we took her to a veterinarian tein diet was supplemented with many out suspicion that they should have been in Saint Petersburg, Florida, where we forms of calcium and the multiple vita- indicative: were when it happened. Dr. Fred Wil- mins contained in oleum percomorphum. 1. Her more than cautious hesitation to ilarth’s Animal Medical Center (2540 30th From our experience, members may jump down from a lap or chair. Avenue, N.) tranquillized her, after finding take warning to suspect the health of a kit- 2. Her plaintive habit of placing her her temperature low enough to be consid- ten that is too docile, too sweet, too front paws on our knees, asking to be ered normal, with injectable Thorazine. dependent, even though outwardly there is picked up. He immobilized her long enough for X- no indication that all is not well. 3. Her near panic, clinging to our hands rays. His diagnosis: Dr. John Swinford, Syosset, N.Y., with toes and claws, as we lowered her to “To Whom It May Concern: Terry, a observing Tercera on April 5, said that the the floor. five month old ocelot, was presented to us picture of her which appeared on page 10 4. Her intermittent, almost impercepti- the 9th of March, 1964, with definite signs of the March Newsletter clearly shows the ble limp. of lameness in her rear quarters. “Radi- curvature of her spine, her back showing 5. Her preference to gallop, kangaroo- ographs show a very thin cortex of all indentation close to the beginning of her like, using front and rear legs together bones.” There is a very marked ventral tail. We examined the radiographs from when running. curvature of the lumber-sacral area. The Saint Petersburg, confirming his suspi- 6. Her cautious walking gait, swinging pelvis is tipped greatly from the horizontal cions regarding her spine. He further her pelvis from side to side, almost cross- plane. A diagnosis of osteogenesis imper- noted the closeness of her pelvic bones, ing her hind feet. fecta was made; Calcium Gluconate forming too narrow an opening to permit 7. From her early life, her habit of uri- (10%) was given intravenously, plus injec- bearing kittens. Caesarian section would nating high above body level, instead of tions of Vitamin A and D.” be indicated should the situation arise.

35 Feline Conservation Federation Volume 58, Issue 4 • July/August 2014

36 Feline Conservation Federation Volume 58, Issue 4 • July/August 2014 Second Quarter Board of Director Minutes The second quarter Board of Directors ues to update our legislation section as information in this system, but the website Meeting was held at the Cottonwoods needed. interface is not up yet so people can’t Resort in Scottsdale, AZ, June 19, 2014. Development update: Erin Patters man- update their own information. She needs Board members present were: President- ages our Facebook page on a continuous $15-18,000 to get the interface function- Kevin Chambers, Vice President-Mindy basis. ing. She asked the ZAA to help sponsor Stinner, Treasurer-Lynn Culver, Secretary- Education Committee update: Currently this and is awaiting an answer. Lynn Cul- Debi Willoughby, and Director-Pat Calla- sends out bimonthly newsletters, revises ver moved to have the FCF donate $3,000 han. online fact sheets as needed. Working on to start, to the CCI Wild Species Registry Directors Jim Sanderson and Chris devising a plan to work with teachers and Code Writing Project. In return, Mindy Tromborg were not present. get the FCF into schools; creating more will write up a proposal on what the FCF Ratify the 1st Quarter 2014 Minutes: online resources for teachers, educators, will get in return. Kevin Chambers sec- Moved by Mindy, seconded by Pat, that etc.; and reviewing the current onded the motion. 4 Yes votes, 0 No the approval of the minutes of the First courses/workshops offered. Locations for votes. Motion passed. Mindy Stinner Quarter 2014 be ratified. The motion car- next Wildcat Weekend were suggested: abstained from the vote due to her ried with five yes votes. Stillwater in January, in conjunction with involvement in the project. At the next Treasurer’s Report: Lynn to send details OSU. board meeting we will review Mindy’s to board members via email. Global Marketing Committee update: Market- proposal and decide on additional fund- assets = $107,553.81; ING Savings = ing currently includes items for sale and ing. $76,141; and Bank of America checking Vocus PR. It has been hard to attract new Election: The Borda count was previ- account $29,000 (convention expenses not vendors to advertise; money is tight. ously decided on. The nomination period included in this number). Wildcat Safety Net update: No applica- ends Aug 10th; there have been no nomi- tions were received this year. We need to nations submitted. Members will be Old Business: spread the word about this. reminded of this in the general members Executive Director Update: Lynn Cul- Accreditation Committee update: Cur- meeting and in an FCF Journal article. ver will be writing herself a check for the rent members are Christa Donofrio, Pat Lynn Culver will be researching secure $5,000 we approved to pay her in the last Callahan, Karl Mogensen, and Rebecca online voting to determine if it will work board meeting for her services as execu- Krebs. We need one more member. with the Borda count. She will present to tive director in 2013. There are two pending applications; Debi the Board in a special meeting. If online Journal: The printer we were using was will give those people the instructions on won’t work, we will determine where the bought out and the new owners seem how to reapply to the new committee votes will be counted in the special meet- more responsive. Journal creation is members. There is also one new applica- ing. going well and getting out in a timelier tion; Debi will inform that facility with 2015 Convention: Suggestions were manner. the same info. Jungle Cat World in Canada, Philadelphia Registered Handler Program: We cur- Professional Committee update: Cur- Zoo. rently have 149 registered handlers, 16 rent members are Karl Mogensen, Pat General Members Meeting Items to dis- new in the last year. Callahan, Mindy Stinner, and Shelleen cuss: Conservation Committee updates – Mathews. There were four new applica- Vocus PR, website, new public relations there have been a few new grant applications in the last year. There is an issue person, election nominations, next con- tions. Board suggested we ask Jim with the system not forwarding applica- vention location, advanced course, species Sanderson to get with his conservation tions to the committee head, Shelleen registry, accreditation and professional contacts to see if they want to apply for a Mathews. Lynn will get this fixed. applications. grant. Shelleen will write a Journal article No other new business was discussed. Pat Callahan will ask the people we explaining what is going on and how to Debi Willoughby moved to adjourn the have awarded grants to write an article for apply. meeting, Pat Callahan seconded. 5 yes our Journal, detailing the progress of their votes, 0 no votes; motion passed. project and how the grant was spent. New Business: There was also discussion on how we can Website: Chuck Bunnell with Eagle get members involved with field research. Web Designs is almost done with the Discussion continues. rewriting of the code to make the website Public Relations update: We have more secure. Next he will work on refor- signed an agreement with Vocus PR. We matting the site; this will give it a fresh are currently using their site to generate new look. Debi Willoughby will be in internet newsletters and emails. We can charge of recruiting volunteers and com- also review statistics on those newsletters ing up with a few designs for the Board to and emails. We need a Public Relations review. Total estimate for website over- volunteer to head this account up. haul from Chuck is approx $3,500. Legislation update: Amy Flory contin- Studbook: Mindy Stinner said there is

37 Feline Conservation Federation Volume 58, Issue 4 • July/August 2014 General Membership Meeting Minutes, June 2014

The general membership meeting was wildlife species and encouraged involve- cussed. Potential sites suggested were held at the Cottonwoods Resorts in Scotts- ment. Philadelphia Zoo, PA, Dallas or Ft. Worth dale, AZ, Thursday evening after the ice- Members were informed that we need with a tour of Fossil Rim, and Jungle Cat breaker, June 19, 2014. one more volunteer for both the accredita- World in Canada. Several topics were discussed: tion committee and the professional mem- The members were informed about the bers committee. Debi Willoughby, FCF secretary FCF contract with Vocus PR, an internet- 2015 Convention locations were dis- based public relations and marketing package. We asked for a volunteer to ANIMAL FINDERS' GUIDE head this area; no one volunteered. Published the first of each month The members were informed about the FCF website updates being done and were 12 issues – only $24 asked to see Debi Willoughby if they want Informative articles on exotic to give suggestions on the formatting. animal husbandry and what is The members were reminded that this is an election year and nominations need to happening in the industry. be submitted to the Secretary by August Exotic animals, 10th. related products & services, Members were informed that we were reviewing the courses we currently offer auctions & shows advertised. and are working on an advanced course or PO Box 99, Prairie Creek, IN 47869 workshops. phone: 812-898-2678, fax: 812-989-2013 Members were informed that the board www.animalfindersguide.com voted to donate $3,000 for code writing to speed up the Registry being developed for email: [email protected]

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3232 The mission of the FCF is to support the conservation of wild felids by advocating for qualified individuals to own and to pur- sue husbandry of wild felines, providing expertise and material support to ensure the continued welfare and viability of these populations, contributing to research, and funding protection programs that benefit felids living in nature.

Front Cover: The sand cat (Felis margarita) is a true desert dwelling feline and one of the most formidable cats in the world. Also known as the sand July/August 2014 Volume 58, Issue 4 dune cat, it is found in both sandy and stony desert, living in areas far from water. These small cats have thickly furred feet, an adaption that protects them from the extremes of a desert environment and helps them tolerate extremely hot and cold temperatures. Photo by Balazs Buzas.

Back Cover: Fiona, one of three Geoffroy’s kittens to attend the FCF Convention in Scottsdale, Arizona. Other kittens present were a Eurasian lynx, a bobcat, and a serval. The kittens were on display during Wednesday’s Husbandry and Wildlife Educator’s courses, and during Thursday’s icebreaker and Saturday evening’s banquet and auction. Photo by Fred Hood.