grounds and guide tours. We would be lost without these dedicated individuals, so we are incredibly grateful for them. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer or intern check out:
bigcatrescue.org/get-involved/ volunteer/ Big Cat Rescue, one of In this issue, actually just across the world’s most effective from this page, is the incredible accredited sanctuaries for A MESSAGE FROM BCR story of Hoover, a tiger that was exotic cats, is a leading PRESIDENT & EDITOR rescued from a circus in Peru advocate in ending the abuse following the country’s ban on the of captive big cats and saving Jamie Veronica use of wild animals in circuses. wild cats from extinction. We are home to over 70 lions, Its summer time here at Big Cat tigers, bobcats, cougars, Rescue and that means it is hot, The Big Cat Public Safety Act is servals and other species of hot, hot! With the hot weather gaining momentum. This bill will exotic cats, most of whom also comes the longer days, end suffering across our country have been abandoned, which means we can get more by banning the private ownership abused, orphaned, saved work done! and breeding of dangerous big cats. To date we have 72 co- from the fur trade, or retired from performing acts. Thankfully this is also the time of sponsors thanks to more than year that our intern program is 4,200 phone calls made by The sanctuary, located on 67 packed. We currently have 25 people just like you. See pages acres in the Citrus Park area of interns who in combination with 6-7 to find out how one call can north Tampa, was founded in the volunteers feed the animals, make a difference. 1992 and is a 501c3 charity. clean enclosures, maintain the Our bobcat rehabilitation program is hugely successful. Big Cat Rescue is accredited That is thanks to donors like by the Global Federation you, our awesome vet team and of Sanctuaries, certified by a handful of specially trained Independent Charities of rehabbers. In this issue read America as a “Best in America about the trials and triumph of Charity”, a member of the Thor and Mr. Claws. World Society for Protection of Animals, rated 4 Stars by The annual Wildcat Walkabout Charity Navigator, and is part is just around the corner. This of a global coalition including special event always sells out, so HSUS, IFAW, WWF, GFAS, be sure to get your tickets soon. Born Free and other animal protection groups working Well what are you waiting for? together to end big cat abuse. Get reading! This issue of the Big Cat Times is busting at the seams! Read more about Big Cat Rescue and the cats who call it home at: BigCatRescue.org Scan QR Codes in this issue with your smart phone to get more info. Tour Info: Zerve.com/BigCatRescue 2 BIG CAT TIMES - SUMMER 2016 - BIGCATRESCUE.ORG operation to seize Hoover exploring his new home at BCR these animals and place them in sanctuaries across the globe.
Hoover was owned by Circo Africano, a circus in northwestern Peru, Hoover awaits rescue in Peru where for many years he was forced to PERU TO AMERICA perform. His home was a tiny barren travel cage. Hoover, a 12-year-old male tiger ADI had been on track to remove from Peru, has found sanctuary at Hoover, but rescue attempts were Big Cat Rescue. Hoover received thwarted when the illegal circus a warm welcome from Big Cat went underground. Rescuers on Saturday April 23rd, which also happened to be his birthday. There was a giant birthday card for Hoover made by our enrichment committee as well as several wrapped presents awaiting him in his lush 1.5 acre home. Staff, volunteers, rescue crews and the media enjoyed a delicious birthday spread of Hoover gets rescued from the circus cupcakes, donuts, and coffee while watching Hoover take his Nearly eight months later a first steps into a life free from pain member of the public tipped and suffering. off ADI’s team to the location of the circus and a dramatic rescue Hoover has had quite the journey. ensued. Hoover was lethargic In 2011, Peru followed Bolivia’s and emaciated. Sadly he was the lead and joined a growing list of sole survivor of approximately countries worldwide to ban the a dozen big cats that had been use of wild animals in circuses. kept by Circo Africano. Animal Defenders International (ADI) joined forces with a Hoover arrived at ADI’s rescue nationwide law enforcement center in Lima, Peru frightened,
Hoover’s first steps onto American soil
BIGCATTV.COM - SUMMER 2016 - BIG CAT TIMES 3 sick and extremely thin. However, by customs in Hoover’s new home has access to a lake for swimming after months of intensive about an hour. veterinary care, a healthy diet, Hoover was then rehabilitation and exercise, loaded into the Hoover recovered and was ready Big Cat Rescue to start the next chapter of his life trailer for the final in America. leg of his trip. He was so tired from ADI contacted Big Cat Rescue the long flight about becoming Hoover’s forever he could barely home and we quickly agreed. keep his eyes However, the process of importing open. Hoover spent the next few hours a tiger into the U.S. turned out investigating and exploring. His to be a year long. Thankfully Hoover arrived at Big Cat Rescue eyes seemed full of wonder and around 9 AM. disbelief. Big Cat Rescuers cheered as the After a lifetime of being exploited truck and trailer and living in poor conditions pulled through the Hoover is finally going to get the gate. Hoover was care and love he deserves. He already loved by will be free to do as he pleases so many. whether that be relaxing in the sunshine, lounging up on his A big welcome at the entrance of Miami International Airport the permits were approved and Hoover’s crate Big Cat Rescuer Chelsea Feeny sets up Hoover’s Birthday party finalized through the United was unloaded States Fish and Wildlife Service in and secured to April and Hoover began his long the entrance trip home aboard a cargo plane of his new filled with flowers that were being home. Everyone shipped to the states for Mother’s gathered around Day. to watch as Hoover took Big Cat Rescuers drove across his first steps onto U.S. soil. He platforms or cooling off in his lake. the state to pick up their precious wasted no time. He stood right up He will never again be bullied cargo from Miami. He landed and walked out of the crate and into performing tricks or have to around 2AM and was processed then disappeared into the forest. worry about when his next meal will come. This is only possible because of people like YOU.
Can we count on you to help us fund Hoover’s ongoing care at Big Cat Rescue? It costs us nearly $10,000 per year for food and veterinary care for a tiger. It’s because of wonderful donors like YOU that we can continue to Hoover settles right into his rescue and provide a permanent new home at Big Cat Rescue home for exotic cats like Hoover! Thank you!
4 BIG CAT TIMES - SUMMER 2016 - INSTAGRAM.COM/BIGCATRESCUE LET THE FUN BEGIN! Nearly 1 year after rested during their stay. They construction first began the Angelica enjoys every second of her vacation are an adventure seeking Funcation Enclosure is now couple and were always on the complete. This 22,000 square move and interacting with their foot space is a wonderland of new environment. excitement. Two large rock caves provide a great spot to During the next few weeks we escape the summer heat for a worked our way through the long leisurely nap. A massive waiting list for Funcation, with jungle gym provides shade the oldest residents receiving and a higher vantage point priority. Nairobi, Frosty, and from which the cats can survey Kalahari the servals have each their kingdom. Lots of space Mary Ann checks out the massive den had a turn as well as Angelica, to run, play, and explore and a Apache, Divinity, Little White variety of toys for enrichment Dove and Running Bear the make this new enclosure a fun bobcats. and exciting place to visit. The little cats as well as cougars So far every cat has had a and leopards will take turns different reaction. Some are spending a one week vacation bold and walk right around with in the Funcation Enclosure. their heads held high marking every thing they see as their First to go on vacation were own. Others take a day or two Max and MaryAnn. Initially to feel comfortable and others they were in awe of the sheer stay hidden during the day and amount of space that lay before Mary Ann takes a dip in the pool choose to explore under the them. After a few moments cloak of darkness. One thing is taking it all in, they got to work certain. These cats have never checking out every inch of their experienced such a wide open new territory. They climbed all space that simulates as closely over the jungle gym platform, as we can the feeling of being walked the perimeter, trotted wild and free. Many thanks to across the large open space you, our wonderful supporters, after birds, checked out their for giving this amazing enrichment pool, and romped opportunity to the residents of about chasing one another Big Cat Rescue. playfully. The duo barely
Frosty serval is quick to check out his vacation digs
22,000 sq ft funcation now open PINTEREST.COM/BIGCATRESCUE - SUMMER 2016 - BIG CAT TIMES 5 BIG CAT PUBLIC SAFETY ACT CongressLookUp 14 NEW CO-SPONSORS 4,200 CALLS MADE PLEASE MAKE THE “CALL OF THE WILD”
We are pleased to report that since the last issue we have added 14 more Cosponsors from all over the country, 3 Republicans and 11 Democrats, to the bipartisan Big Cat Public Safety Act. This brings our total to 72 Cosponsors in addition to Sponsor Walter Jones (R-NC). This means that 17% of the House of Representatives is already committed to voting for the bill when it comes to the floor for a vote! The new Cosponsors in order of No one knows what this language means. Then we when they signed on are: visually show them the space Florida allows. Under Florida law, two 500 pound tigers can be kept in a 10 Rep. Theodore Deutch (FL) x 24 concrete floored chain link box their entire lives. Rep. David Scott (GA) Pound for pound by weight, this would be like you living Rep. Jeff Denham (CA) in the tiny box shown in the photo above. Rep. Stephen Lynch (MA) Rep. Janice Schakowsky (IL) Then we invite our visitors to call their legislators right Rep. Steve Cohen (TN) then. Inside the gift shop we have a large board showing Rep. C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger (MD) who has already Cosponsored the bill – they have a star Rep. Susan A. Davis (CA) by their name. Rep. Elijah E. Cummings (MD) Rep. Patrick Murphy (FL) We assist by looking up their legislators’ phone Rep. Barbara Lee (CA) numbers. This session, i.e. since the bill was introduced Rep. Scott R. Tipton (CO) in September 2015, visitors have made a wonderful Rep. Christopher P. Gibson (NY) 4,200 phone calls! Add to that the calls and emails Rep. Carolyn B. Maloney (NY) by supporters like you who read the Big Cat Times or receive our Advocat emails, and you can see why If you live in the district of any of these legislators, it support for the bill in Congress is steadily growing. would be a huge help if you would call or email their office and thank them for becoming a Cosponsor of If you have not already contacted your legislators, H.R. 3546, the Big Cat Public Safety Act, to reinforce please visit BigCatAct.com for easy instructions. To see their decision by showing that constituents noticed. the current Cosponsors visit: A significant reason we keep adding cosponsors is the calls that supporters are making to their legislators bigcatrescue.org/house urging them to support the bill. Many of these calls are bigcatrescue.org/senate made by our tour visitors. At the end of the sanctuary tour, one way we show people how weak the laws are is Thanks so much for helping put an end to these big cats to show them the USDA “rule” for how much space is living in miserable conditions! required for a tiger enclosure. 6 BIG CAT TIMES - SUMMER 2016 - TWITTER.COM/BIGCATRESCUE StopBigCatAbuse
FACEBOOK.COM/BIGCATRESCUE - SUMMER 2016 - BIG CAT TIMES 7 BIG CATS ON THE RUN!!
Everyone at the sanctuary would like to extend ROARING Big Cat kudos to Advocat’s Miki Y. and her running partner Yung Hae C. in recognition of their amazing accomplishment in having run and successfully completed the Boston Marathon in support of the magnificent creatures CONGRESSMAN that call Big Cat Rescue home! PATRICK MURPHY (D-FL) Miki and her friend not only helped promote Miki running the Boston Marathon VISITS THE BIG CATS BCR while running the Boston Marathon In April we were honored to have a visit by Rep. Patrick by wearing their custom designed Big Cat singlets, Murphy, pictured here with tiger Bengali. Rep. Murphy but also raised currently represents the 18th Congressional district of over $1000 in Florida stretching from Ft. Pierce to Palm Beach. He is support of the running for the Senate seat vacated by Marco Rubio. cats via the sponsorship of After hearing story after story on the tour of how these family, friends big cats are mistreated in captivity, Rep. Murphy on the and colleagues! spot committed to become a cosponsor of the Big Cat Public Safety Act. He did so shortly after the visit and Miki and Yung sent us the following much appreciated note: Hae reported that they “Big Cat Rescue works hard every day to end the abuse Yung Hae running the Boston Marathon received a of captive big cats and save wild cats from extinction. After taking a very educational tour, I am so thankful that ROARING number we have organizations like of “Go Big Cat!” this right here in Florida cheers along the working hard to protect course of this our environment and our historic marathon. wildlife. I am proud to now be a cosponsor of Miki also ran the Big Cat Public Safety and successfully Act.” completed the New York Half Marathon We thank him very much in support of the for caring about the cats and excitedly cats, making time to reported that as she visit, and particularly for approached a band supporting the bill that on the course, they is the only solution to the suddenly started misery these cats endure playing “Eye of the in captivity. Tiger”!!! 8 BIG CAT TIMES - SUMMER 2016 - BIGCATRESCUE.ORG/PLUS WILDCAT WALKABOUT
Big Cat Rescue is excited to invite you to our annual Wildcat Walkabout on October 1 from 10 AM - 3 PM. Proceeds from this special event will be donated towards wildcat conservation projects around the globe.
Join us for an afternoon of good food and up close views of our furriest friends. The festivities of this 5-hour experience will include: Some of Tampa’s finest food trucks, enrichment demonstrations, face painting, photo booth, and exploring the sanctuary at your leisure.
For details and tickets go to:
zerve.com/bigcatrescue/safari
GIVE DAY VICTORY AGAIN! DONATION For the second year in a row Big Cat Rescue supporters arose to the challenge. SOARS TO Despite the technology failure of the firm providing the Leader Board and online donation form Give Day, 561 of you fought through the technology NEW HEIGHTS frustration and donated a total of $283,408 making BCR the nonprofit that had both the most dollars raised and most supporters donating! The prizes added an additional $6000 for the cats. Big Cat Rescue has the best supporters who are ready and Here is an image of the willing to lend a helping hand in Leader Board. The 163 new and interesting ways. Unique donations made on our donations of stocks, bonds, goods, website when the Give or services will now be joined by air Day site was not working miles. Joe and Nan Marotti have counted but were not graciously donated an outstanding entered into the system 365,000 air miles. These air miles so are included in the will come in handy when we need bubble numbers. to travel to rescue sites or are attending advocacy conferences Thanks so much for your across the country. Thank you so incredible support of much Joe and Nan, you are truly the cats on what is our wonderful! largest fundraising day of the year! CATLAWS.COM - SUMMER 2016 - BIG CAT TIMES 9 vision on his left side did not hinder time for Thor to go home. He was A BOBCAT’S his ability to hunt, so he would still transported to a beautiful wooded be a candidate for release. property about 100 acres in size.
Dr. Boorstein stabilized the breaks to In most cases when the transport TALE Thor’s jaw with suture and wire. After crate doors are opened the bobcat several weeks of eating a soft food will bolt, running full speed away, diet the bones in his jaw began fusing never looking back. However, Thor back together. Once the integrity of has not made any thing easy for his these bones was restored the wires rescuers since the day he arrived. were removed. In typical fashion he stood his ground OF BEATING Dr. Gingerich, a dentist, and his team with a 20 minute stare down before from the Pet Dental Center in Miami causally ambling away. Finally he traveled across the state to root canal slunk behind a small hill just out of THE ODDS Thor’s broken canine. A root canal is sight. a procedure in which the nerve and pulp of the tooth is removed. The Rescuers looked on reflecting on his In our last issue we shared with you inside of the tooth is then cleaned rehabilitation and release, realizing the rescue story of Thor the bobcat. and sealed, resulting in a usable they would never see him again. To recap, Thor was found after he and pain free tooth. This would be Then he reappeared just past the had been hit by a car. He was badly essential to giving Thor the best hill. injured and just sat in the middle of chance of survival once released. the road until help arrived. Cats depend on their canines and As he trotted away at a slightly claws to catch and dispatch prey. increased pace it seemed to Thor’s injuries included several suddenly dawned on him that he breaks to the upper and lower jaw, Radiographs of Thor’s broken was free. He ran faster and faster a broken canine, fractures to the eye shoulder blade were sent to Dr. Hay, until he was at top speed. When socket, and a complicated fracture a specialist in orthopedics and soft he approached a low fence he flew to the shoulder blade. His eye was tissue surgery, for a consultation. Due high into the air clearing it with little swollen and protruding most likely to the fragility of the shoulder blade effort. He ran and ran until he was due to a combination of the impact bone and the amount of muscle so far away that it became difficult and the resulting fracture to the attached to it, he recommended to see him. Thor disappeared deep socket. Blood work revealed he was cage rest for several weeks to allow into the forest, this time for good. anemic from blood loss. He was a the bones to heal. mess and the prognosis was poor. It Show your support for Thor and help was feared that he would not make it After 2 months of hospital care Thor fund our bobcat rehab program with through the night. was finally ready to be moved to the one of these awesome tees. Each outdoor bobcat rehab enclosures. design features an actual imprint The next morning Thor was more This large natural space would be of Thor’s paw taken while he was alert and Big Cat Rescuers knew they Thor’s home for the next month sedated. Find these tees and other had to do everything in their power while he regained his muscle mass cool Thor gifts in our online gift shop. to send this young bobcat back out and brushed up on his hunting skills. Search using the keyword “Thor”. into the wild where he belongs. And so began his long road to recovery. Throughout Thor’s journey he was BigCatRescue.biz cheered on by adoring fans that Thor was examined by several watched him via a live streaming specialists. Dr. Miller, an web cam. This high def camera is ophthalmologist, saved Thor’s eye permanently installed in our rehab by suturing the third eye lid shut. This enclosure and is one of 9 on the kept the eye moist until the swelling grounds that can be watched online went down and he was able to blink 24/7 at Explore.org/BigCatRescue again. Unfortunately even though the eye healed he never regained Three months after his rescue it was vision. On a positive note, losing
10 BIG CAT TIMES - SPRING 2016 - BIGCATRESCUE.TUMBLER.COM VISIT OUR ONLINE GIFT SHOP AT BIGCATRESCUE.BIZ- SUMMER 2016 - BIG CAT TIMES 11 VOLUNTEERS AWARDED FOR OUTSTANDING DEDICATION
Congratulations to the following Big Cat Rescuers who have been recognized for their outstanding commitment to the mission of Big Cat Rescue. In honor of this service they were each presented with the SAVE award.
The SAVE award is a $1,000 donation made by Big Cat Rescue towards wild cat conservation in honor of the recipient.
Keeper Trainee Alex Foxx is an excellent worker who helps wherever she is needed and always has a smile on her face. She is incredibly enthusiastic and always wants to learn something new.
In honor of Alex a donation of $1000 was made to the Cape Leopard Trust to fund the conservation of caracals in South Africa.
and brown hyenas. Caracals as Assess threats to survival for a result may play a major role in caracals in the Peninsula and maintaining the ecosystem as potentially beyond to other parts they are the largest remaining of South Africa. predator in the area. The goals of the CLT’s study on caracals are to: These funds will be used to purchase radio collars equipped Establish baseline information with satellite tracking as well as about the caracal population in for veterinary health assessments the Cape Peninsula. of the caracals being studied.
Evaluate the effects of Senior Keeper Bonnie has been The Cape Peninsula is a urbanization on the behavior, volunteering for 4 years. She is biodiversity hotspot that has lost movement patterns, diet, and so positive and hard working. No almost all of its large mammals genetic health. matter who she is working with, such as cape lions, leopards or what the task may be, she is
12 BIG CAT TIMES - SUMMER 2016 - SNAPCHAT: @BIGCATRESCUER PROJECT PHOTOS FROM RESPECTIVE PROJECT WEBSITES always smiling and laughing. about the species has been To show Bonnie how much she found during this field study. is appreciated, $1000 was given The group collects data on to the Black Footed Cat Working the ecology of the Black Group to fund the ongoing Footed Cat, including home research needed to conserve the range sizes and usage, social Black Footed Cat in South Africa. organization, food habits, mortality, longevity, dispersal and reproduction of the population.
The Black Footed Cat Working Group consists of 7 biologists and veterinarians and acts as a central information The Pallas Cat is one of the least source for the species. studied wild cats in the world despite having a large habitat black-footed-cat.wild-cat.org/ ranging across Russia, Mongolia and North-Western China. Joanna Atkin is a Level 5 intern. The habitat of this species has She has achieved the highest been decreasing over the years level in our intern program due resulting in numbers that have Started 23 years ago this is one to her unending dedication dramatically declined. Biology of of the longest running small cat and tireless efforts. Joanna has the species and its adaptations projects. More than 60 cats have made a significant impact on our to different landscapes have been caught and collared. The domestic foster kitten program, never been studied adequately, entirety of what is known today helping new interns learn how to meaning data is lacking on care for their fosters and taking the current spatial distribution, the most challenging foster migratory patterns and habitat kittens under her wing. preference.
The Pallas Cat Study and Conservation Program focuses on collecting much needed data in order to effectively determine future conservation actions that will benefit the Pallas Cat
savemanul.org/eng/
Do you want to help the big cats and make new friends? Big Cat Rescue is always looking for volunteers. Keepers clean To celebrate Jo, a $1,000 enclosures, feed the animals, and donation was given to the Pallas landscape. Partners work in the Cat Study and Conservation gift shop and guide tours of the Program to fund the ongoing sanctuary. Get all the de-tails at: research needed to conserve wild BigCatRescue.org/volunteer Pallas Cats in Russia.
CHATBIGCATS.COM - SUMMER 2016 - BIG CAT TIMES 13 GIFT SHOP PURCHASES DIRECTLY BENEFIT THE BIG CATS
King of Beards Tee Blue or Brown Luminous Leopard, Fitted Cut Lion wearing BCR Beanie S, M, L, XL $24.40 XXL $26.54 Purple or Blue S, M, L, & XL S, M, L,& XL $24.40 XXL $26.54 $24.40 XXL $26.54
Tiger Poop Brewed Daily at BCR Roaring Motors Lion Tee I see LIONS Periodically Panthera Tigris V-neck Purple S, M, L, & XL $24.40 XXL $26.54 S, M, L, XL $24.40 S, M, L, & XL $24.40 XXL $26.54 S, M, L, XL $24.40 XXL $26.54
Rhinestone Fitted, Stretchy Tiger Face Composed of Words Racerback Leopard Tank Lion Outburst, Fitted Cut Tiger, Snow Leopard or Leopard S, M, L, & XL $24.40 XXL $26.54 S, M, L, & XL $24.40 XXL $26.54 S, M, L, & XL $24.40 XXL $26.54 S, M, L, XL $24.40 XXL $26.54
Tiger in Text S, M, L, & XL 34.03 XS, S, M, & L Light Weight XXL $36.17 $16.91 Hoodie
Kids Super Hero Tees Medium Socks fit Women 6-11 & Men 5-10 Supermane $9.49 ea. Choose Shorty Tiger made with or Lion Mane recycled materials, White Lion w/BCR Logo, Black Tiger w/ BCR Logo, or Lion March
14 BIG CAT TIMES - SUMMER 2016 - BIGCATRESCUE.ORG ALL PRICES INCLUDE TAX & SHIPPING ORDER ON PAGE 19 OR PURCHASE ONLINE AT BIGCATRESCUE.BIZ
BCR Tumbler Tigers 15 oz Mug $15.84 Big Cats 15 oz Mug $15.84 Bobcats 15 oz Mug $15.84 Joseph Painting Mug 15oz $15.84 16.oz $17.05
CHECK OUT OUR ENTIRE SELECTION AT: BIGCATRESCUE.BIZ BCR Lion & Lioness Bumper Sticker $6.21 Supporter Bracelet $3.68 ONLINE EXCLUSIVES BIGCATRESCUE.BIZ
Photo Collage Mouse Pad $15.84
12” Dream Eyes Tiger $15.48
8” Snow Leopard $8.35 Hoover Tiger Tote Bag BCR Photo Collage License Plate Frame All I Care About Is Rescuing Tigers, and Check out the Category: Like Maybe 3 People and Beer features 18 resident big and little cats of Big BCR Racerback Tank Online Exclusives Cat Rescue. Standard size and four holes at BigCatRescue.biz make easy installation. $15.84 for these great items and hundreds more!
Carabiner Key Ring Choose Gold, Black or Blue $5.21 each
I Just Want to Drink Wine & Rescue Tigers Hoover Rescue Tank Thor Bobcat Mug Crazy Cat Lady Toy 5.25” comes with 6 cats $15.84
Leopard Clicky Pen Rotating message w/ each click Tiger Paw Painting Pillow Tiger iPhone Case Hoover Tiger Photo Tee Crazy Cat Lady Board Game $26.54 $4.00
ALL PRICES INCLUDE TAX & SHIPPING BIGCATTV.COM - SUMMER 2016 - BIG CAT TIMES 15 Keisha
Ares & Orion Andre POOL PARTY!
16 Jade & Armani T J
Zeus
T J POOL PARTY! Zabu
Jade & Armani 17 VISIT THE CATS TOUR & PROGRAMS RESERVATIONS REQUIRED
ZERVE.COM/ BIGCATRESCUE (888) 316-5875 Do you shop on Amazon? Select Big Cat Rescue as your KIDS TOUR designated charity Children of all ages and their parents can and every purr-chase learn about the big cats on this guided can help the cats. Everything is the same as it is at Amazon.com, with the tour of the sanctuary. This tour is given added bonus that a donation will be made to the big cats for every purchase on a child’s educational level. Tour is 1 you make using this portal. It’s a free and easy way to give without any extra hr. Children must be accompanied by cost! smile.amazon.com/ an adult.
DAY TOUR PROJECT CATER-WALL Guided tour of the sanctuary. Learn about the big cats and the threats The perimeter of the sanctuary is 7,200 feet. they face both in the wild as well as in We have completed construction on 2/3 of captivity. Hear their personal stories of this project, and need your help to finish the how they were rescued. Tour is 1.5 hrs. remaining 2,300 feet. You can sponsor 1 linear No children under 10 years. foot of wall for $100. For your donation you will receive a BCR screensaver, 2-for-1 Tour FEEDING TOUR Pass, and name listed on donor sign. Follow a keeper as they feed the big cats. Observe a variety of cats eating BIG CAT WISHLIST and learn about the their nutritional needs in captivity. Tour is 1 hr. No Donate a new or used item from our wishlist children under 10 years. online at: http://tinyurl.com/n42yjmh BIG CAT KEEPER TOUR This tour takes you behind the scenes. Enjoy making enrichment (treats and food puzzles) for the big cats and watch as the keepers hand out the enrichment you made. You will also observe operant training sessions with the big cats. Tour is 2 hrs. No children under 10 years.
GIFT CERTIFICATES FOR ALL TOURS AVAILABLE ONLINE AT BIGCATRESCUE.BIZ
Prices and availability for all tours are subject to change. Visit us online for the most current tour information. Closed Thursdays, Thanksgiving & Christmas Day. Tours may be canceled due to inclement weather. 18 BIG CAT TIMES - SUMMER 2016 - INSTAGRAM.COM/BIGCATRESCUE THE BIG CAT TIMES ORDER FORM Summer 2016 BCR SUPPORTER MAGNET BILLING ADDRESS (please print legibly) ORDER DATE: ______Name: ______Phone: ______Address:______City: ______State: ____ Zip: ______Email: ______
RECIPIENT ADDRESS (if different than above) Name: ______Address:______City: ______State: ____ Zip: ______BCR Ribbon Magnet Gold or Silver $8.35
DESCRIPTION QTY SIZE PRICE EACH TOTAL PRICE
SPONSORSHIP KIT: ULTRASOUND DONATION (Your contribution will be matched dollar for dollar!) AUTOMATIC GIVING PROGRAM - SUSTAINING DONOR SOCIETY Please charge my card this amount each month: PAVE THE WAY BRICK (See description and instructions below) 4X8 $100 PAVE THE WAY BRICK (See description and instructions below) 8X8 $200 PERIMETER WALL 1 FOOT $100 GRAND TOTAL
PERSONALIZATIONS (enscription to appear on the brick or wall fund sign, CREDIT CARD INFO: or brief note to be included on a card sent with order to recipient) ______Card #: ______/ ______/ ______/ ______Exp. Date (MMYY): __ __ / __ __ CCV# (back of card) ______Signature: ______AUTOMATIC GIVING PROGRAM - JOIN THE SUSTAINING DONOR SOCIETY: Big Cat Rescue makes it easy and convenient to donate monthly with no worry. You can do this either by credit card or by direct debit to a checking account for as little as $5/month. For credit card donations, just fill in the highlighted line on the order form above and provide your credit card information. For checking account direct debit email [email protected], or leave a message for Howard at 813-920-4130. This is a G-R-R-eat way to spread out your donations and provide steady support that is so meaningful for the cats.
PAVE THE WAY BRICK: Laser engraved bricks line the paths leading to our Trading Post Gift Shop and to the entrance of the tour path. 4” x 8” Brick: 29 characters per line, total of 5 lines OR heart or paw print symbol, 14 characters, total of 5 lines. 8” x 8” Brick: 14 characters per line, total of 6 lines OR With heart or paw print symbol, 14 characters, total of 4 lines. To order complete form above and include personalization in provided area.
PERIMETER WALL FUND: To best protect our big cats we have constructed a solid perimeter wall surrounding the property. $100 funds 1 linear foot of wall. Donors will be recognized on a permanent sign at the sanctuary.
Big Cat Rescue is a 501 (c)(3) non profit organization, FEID 59-3330495. A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR BIG CAT RESCUE CORP., A FL-BASED NONPROFIT CORPORATION (REGISTRATION NO. CH 11409), MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE 1-800-435-7352 WITHIN THE STATE OR BY VISITING www.800helpfla.com. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE. Big Cat Rescue does not utilize the services of professional solicitors,100% of all contributions go directly to Big Cat Rescue Corp. The Big Cat Times is distributed quarterly in Tampa, FL at no charge to our donors. If you have any questions, please email [email protected] or call 813-920-4130. PINTEREST.COM/BIGCATRESCUE - SUMMER 2016 - BIG CAT TIMES 19 BIG CAT WARRIORS
This March, for her 8th birthday, Megan (at center in pink jacket holding a cougar photo) chose to celebrate her special day by fundraising for Big Cat Rescue! Instead of birthday gifts, Megan asked that her birthday party guests contribute to the care of Nikita lioness.
We helped out by sending Megan and her mom some materials to help give the party the Big Cat Rescue touch.
All together Megan and her friends raised enough to be Big Cat Warriors! In Megan’s words “I’m so glad that I got to help you guys for my birthday”.
Thank you for thinking of our Nikita on this very special birthday and we hope you enjoy watching your girl live the good life on her very own Explore.org camera!
LITTLE KIDS - BIG IDEAS
Just because the kids that support Big Cat Rescue are little doesn’t mean they don’t have big ideas. Long time student supporter Alexander The campaign kicked-off with Mr. Howell being silly joined up with his friend Phoenix to a school wide presentation, propose a fundraiser at their school, included a student raffle, and the first of its kind! culminated in a grand prize drawing with cool Big Cat In honor of their school mascot, Rescue themed gift baskets the bobcat, Alexander and Phoenix as giveaways! organized a school wide campaign to raise funds for our very own Mr. What a wonderful way for the Howell. Their long-term goal is to students at Banner School to raise $500 from the students each come together and learn more commitment and all the students year to support Mr. Howell’s medical about bobcats! We thank Alexander at Banner School for making this needs, food, and general care. and Phoenix for their hard work and campaign a success!
20 BIG CAT TIMES - SUMMERG 2016 - TWITTER.COM/BIGCATRESCUE Jeffrey & Roberta David Gill $200 DONATIONS Newton $400 Fay Forman $200 SPONSOR A CAT Received Jan 1st - Mar 31st Jennifer Green $400 Francine & Raymond Kimberly George $400 Mineau $200 All kits include: 4-page color fact Jennie Jamison & Bernice Brooks $5,000 Larry Moore $400 Frank & Eileen Sauer $200 sheet about the species, BCR decal, ECHOage $383 Gwendolyn Maples $200 Millard & Lillian Prutky Trust, Registration Card to select the cat of Kim Melick Trustee $5,000 Jackie Lashinsky $375 Joe & Jane Harris $200 Robin Tucker $3,009 Terry Anderson $370 Kathy Lesser $200 your choice. 8x10 color photo of the The Human Fund $2,500 Alan Cunningham $350 Kathy McDaniel $200 cat you choose to sponsor with the Mary Nall $1,950 Margaret Williams $325 Keith, Cindy & Maggie cat name and your name as sponsor Whiskey Joe’s Bar & Grill $1,739 BL Monroe $300 Roberts $200 printed on it. Sponsor levels below Beckie Tomlyn-Litten $1,500 Christina Heinle $300 Lynn Matoush $200 include these additional benefits: Sole Marittimi $1,500 Cynthia Evans $300 Martha Morandi $200 Donna Groh $1,311 Daniel Pursel & Lisa Melissa Alcock $200 Sheila Siderman & Jerry Palin $1,250 Minich $300 Michael Baird $200 $25 BIG CAT BUDDY – KIDS: Wildcat Barbara Orloff $1,150 Deanna Raney $300 Michael Green $200 coloring pages, 1 Kid Tour Pass Andrew, Julia & Gigi Menard $1,000 Fran W Hamilton $300 Nancy VanUden $200 Deupree Family Foundation $1,000 Friends of the Central Ridge Patricia Wojtowicz $200 10% off Library Inc. $300 Pauine Adams $200 $25 BIG CAT SUPPORTER: Greg DiCostanzo & Gillian McPhee $1,000 card Joe & Kathleen Ward $1,000 Greg Lutzen $300 Paul & Nicki Lyford $200 June Mayeda $1,000 Helmut Heidemann $300 Randall Prescott $200 Kim Robbins $1,000 Llora Darrah $300 Richard Bodner $200 $50 BIG CAT FRIEND: 10% off card, 1 Lee Chrostowski $1,000 Martin & Sarah Hydell $300 Robert & Anne Sneed Day Tour Pass Lynn Russell Advised Fund at Aspen Michele DeVincentz $300 Family Foundation $200 Nancy Gelderloos $300 Robert Teeter $200 Community Foundation $1,000 10% off Lynne Carrelro $1,000 Robert Holdredge $300 Schweitzer Engineering $100 BIG CAT PROTECTOR: Melanie Shea $1,000 Stefanie Kraus $300 Laboratories Inc. $200 card, 2 Day Tour Pass, 30 mailing labels Tampa Bay Rays Baseball Ltd. $1,000 Tammera Zehr $300 Scott Shaw $200 Suzanne & Alan Lucas $900 Tanya Tetu $300 Sharon Sauro $200 $250 BIG CAT CONSERVATOR: 10% The Body Shop Foundation $899 Cesar Chavez $262 Susan Lewis $200 off card, 2 Day Tour Pass, 60 mailing Barry Colston & Tina Sonzogi $200 The Banner School $841 labels Barbara Steinberg $775 Gail LaBaugh $250 Verena Schueck $200 Shari Sawyer $690 Carla Marone $250 Frank & Mavis Ainsleigh $600 Charles Carter $250 Thank you for your $500 BIG CAT WARRIOR: Conservator Steven Carter $600 Dallas Hansell $250 support! If your donation benefits plus 4”x4” photo donor Betsie Scott $500 Diana Gerardot $250 came toward the end of plaque displayed at gift shop and Brandon Vincent $500 Janice Elliott $250 the quarter, it may not 6”x12” engraved sign displayed on Jennifer Quinn $250 Brett Harrison $500 have been entered into tour path, Private Tour for 10 Carol Sheridan $500 John & Michelle Lewis $250 Mei Mei Wong $250 our database in time Christine Rogan $500 for this newsletter and Connie Mishali $500 Peter Rosenstein $250 $1,000 BIG CAT HERO: Conservator will appear in the next. David Fredericks $500 Richard & Pearl benefits plus 6”x6” photo donor Donation data entry is Donna Wilcox $500 MacGregor $250 plaque displayed at gift shop and Robert Davis $250 manual and subject to Frances Blackburn $500 9”x12” engraved sign displayed on Godbold Foundation Inc. $500 Robert de Vos $250 occasional errors, so if Jim & Maggie Cox $500 Sharon Javer $250 your donation should tour path, Private Tour for 10 Joseph & Cynthia Sansone $500 Steven & Anne Harrison $250 appear and does not, Karen Harkey $500 Thomas Miller $250 please email: $2,500 BIG CAT CHAMPION: Karen Waller $500 Ali Salur $225 Conservator benefits plus 8”x8” David Nugent $225 Lisa Parks $500 Katie.Nikic photo donor plaque displayed at gift Louise Kanaan $500 Skyla Harlfinger $225 @BigCatRescue.org Lynn & Stuart Lang $500 Eugenia VanBremen $220 shop and 12”x12” photo donor sign Broadbandtv Corp. $216 displayed on tour path, Founder Tour Marina Newby $500 While the list of donors of Michael Popham $500 Catherine Traversone $210 for 10 $100-199 is too long for Steve Ann Chambers $500 Heather Wickless $210 this print edition, they are Suzanne Spantidos $500 Shalen Hamar $206 Conservator Rafael Shamilov $201 very much appreciated $5,000 KING OF BEASTS: The Kutch Family Fund of The Dallas benefits plus 12”x12” photo donor Foundation $500 Alice & Vincent Luce $200 and recognized by being Thomas Gibb $500 Amanda Fenick $200 appended to the online plaque displayed at gift shop and Timothy & Leigh Hunt $500 Anthony Russo $200 edition. 18”x24” photo donor sign displayed Tony Ficarra $500 Big Travel Bike LLC $200 - Howard Baskin, on tour path, Founder Tour for 10 Jerome & Susan Burch $467 Charlotte Pierce $200 Treasurer Christina Farah $450 Cherise Hsu $200 NEED A LAST MINUTE GIFT? Sindhu Mathew $450 Dan Mahowald $200 DOWNLOAD KITS ONLINE AT Vanessa Lopez $450 Dave Zunac $200 BIGCATRESCUE.BIZ FACEBOOK.COM/BIGCATRESCUE - SUMMER 2016 - BIG CAT TIMES 21 care for the wild bobcats in rehab sleek stealthy adult. He was ready at Big Cat Rescue. These bobcat to go home and so the search for rehab keepers wear camouflage a suitable release site began. It ghillie suits and do not speak around can sometimes be difficult to find the cats. Care including feeding, places to release bobcats that have cleaning, and administration of been rehabilitated. Many people medications is done quickly and assume these wild animals can just efficiently, minimizing each bobcat’s be taken back out to the woods exposure to humans. Our goal is somewhere and let go or perhaps to keep these bobcats as wild as go to a state park or the like, but this possible so that they will thrive once is not the case. Regulations require released back into the wild. that the bobcat be released in the same county, generally close to Approximately a month and a half where they were initially found. The after his arrival Mr. Claws was sedated property must be a minimum of 40 for a follow up exam. His fractures acres and written permission from had healed and he was ready for the the landowner is required. It takes next phase of his rehabilitation. a lot of research to identify suitable release sites and contact information Mr. Claws spent the next 3 months in for those property owners. Requests our outdoor rehab enclosures where are sent out to numerous individuals MR AND MRS CLAWS he gained back his strength and at the same time and then the sharpened his hunting skills. At this waiting game begins. Nearly 5 months after being rescued point he was introduced to another Mr. Claws was ready to go home. bobcat kitten that had arrived on the Thankfully for Mr. Claws our top In November of last year, Mr. Claws same day as him. Mrs. Claws was pick agreed to allow us to release was found injured in a parking lot in him on their land which Christmas Florida. He had suffered encompassed 1,600 a broken leg, tail, and pelvis as well acres of prime Florida as damaged and missing teeth and a habitat. Mr. Claws’ new deep laceration to his leg. home features a variety of habitats including Dr. Boorstein, Dr. Bard and technician marshes, hardwood Jamie Gibbs of the Humane Society hammocks, and scenic of Tampa Bay performed surgery lakes. repairing the broken leg with a permanent plate. The fractured The day of Mr. Claws’ pelvis was not displaced, so cage release was filled with rest would heal the broken bone. excitement. The release Lucky for Mr. Claws his damaged site was lush and teeming and missing teeth were baby teeth with wildlife. As we drove which would be replaced with adult through the release site teeth soon. A short lived friendship - Mr. Claws on left, Mrs. Claws on right in the middle of the property we spotted For the next 7 weeks Mr. Claws a few weeks younger and we had numerous water birds, owls, bald recovered indoors in small quarters hoped the duo could be raised and eagles, snakes, and alligators. This to allow for his broken bones to heal. released together. Unfortunately, area was alive with wildlife! A perfect This is always a critical time for rehab these two bobcats were very food home for this young bobcat. bobcats as they can either hurt aggressive and their friendship only themselves further due to the fear of lasted a short while. Rescuers stopped at a nice grassy being trapped in a cage or become spot near a pond and unloaded the too accustomed to humans caring It seemed like it happened overnight crate. Cameras were positioned for them day to day. that Mr. Claws had transformed and observers were standing by. from a young scruffy kitten into a Dr. Boorstein was given the honor Only a select few trained keepers 22 BIG CAT TIMES - SUMMER 2016 BIGCATRESCUE.ORG/PLUS of opening the door releasing the as a young kitten we were concerned of brain damage or perhaps she is bobcat whose life he had saved. Mr. she might have brain damage or slow in her mental development. Claws took off like a flash, running vision issues. This concern was as fast as he could gaining ground brought on by her unusual behavior In addition to this deficit she has with leaps and bounds. In just when seeking out and hunting her been very slow to grow. Her a few seconds he was gone. He food. She will often bite at the miniature stature in combination disappeared into the forest. Hearts ground or surrounding area missing with her inefficient hunting skills were filled with joy at the site of this her target by a few inches. To rule out have resulted in her need to remain healthy bobcat getting a second vision problems Dr. Miller examined in the rehabilitation program a little chance at life and going back to Mrs. Claws. She found her eyes to while longer. She will be monitored where he belongs. be normal and functioning. However, closely for improvements during the after reviewing videos of Mrs. Claws next few months. Hopefully with a Meanwhile Mrs. Claws continues and her approach to food, she little more time she will gain the size her rehabilitation at Big Cat Rescue. agreed with keepers that Mrs. Claws and efficacy required to survive on Having suffered an injury to her head was a little off. This could be a result her own in the wild.
Mr. Claws’ release was attended by rescuers; Jamie Gibbs, Dr. Boorstein, Jamie Veronica, Gale Ingham, Afton Tasler, Karma Hurworth, & Dr. Bard
Dr. Boorstein and BCR President Jamie Veronica
CATLAWS.COM - SUMMER 2016 - BIG CAT TIMES 23 which act like Reproduction and Offspring: SPECIES snowshoes, After a gestation of approximately SPOTLIGHT: and are 69 days, females produce a litter SIBERIAN effective in of 1-4 kittens, with the average supporting the being 2. They weigh 8-12 cat’s weight on ounces at birth. They are weaned LYNX the snow. between 3-5 months of age, and are independent at the age of Habitat: The 10 months. They reach maturity Siberian lynx around 24 months for females occurs in a and 30 months for males. wide variety of environmental Social System: Solitary, except for and climatic females with offspring, or siblings Fun Facts: The Siberian lynx is a sub-species of the Eurasian lynx. conditions. Throughout Europe who have just separated from The name lynx comes from the and Siberia, it is primarily their mothers who may travel and Greek word “to shine,” and may associated with forested areas hunt together for several months be in reference to the reflective which have good ungulate before separating. ability of the cat’s eyes. populations and provide enough cover for hunting. Hunting and Diet: The Eurasian Lynx primarily hunts hoofed Population: In Russia the lynx is thought to be stable in some Distribution: The Eurasian Lynx mammals, although they rely regions and to be decreasing has a very broad distribution. It on smaller species where these in others. The Siberian lynx occurs along forested mountain are less abundant. Prey includes population was last estimated ranges in southeastern and several varieties of deer as well as at around 22,510 individuals in Central Europe and from northern hares, marmots, and wild pigs. 2013. Threats: The largest threat facing this lynx Size and Appearance: The Siberian lynx is the is the competition largest of the lynx family, for prey with hunters, with males weighing as conflicts with farmers, much as 90 pounds. The loss of habitat and the fur is typically grayish, increasing urbanization. with tints varying from There is still some yellowish to rusty. They hunting of the lynx for have 3 main patterns: the pelt trade, but it is predominately spotted, believed to be restricted predominantly striped, to less than 1,000 per and unpatterned. The year from China and coats are more heavily 2,800 per year from spotted in the summer Russia. It is believed phase, and almost that both countries have barely visible in the winter phase. and eastern Europe through the been keeping those numbers They have a flared facial ruff, long Boreal forests of Russia, down well below their quotas, and prominent black ear tufts, and into Central Asia and the Tibetan each country has exported long hind legs with a short black plateau. The lynx’s stronghold is below 1,000 per year. In the past tipped tail. Their large, wide- a broad strip of southern Siberian numbers were as high as 6,000 spreading feet are covered in fur, woodland stretching from the per year and have reached highs Ural Mountains to the Pacific. of 12,000 in a year.
24 BIG CAT TIMES - SUMMER 2016 - BOOK TOURS OF BIG CAT RESCUE AT ZERVE.COM/BIGCATRESCUE Apollo - Male Siberian Lynx Born: 1997 Rescued from fur farm 25 Sri Lanka: Beginning in 2014, Ashan Thudugala has been monitoring potential threats to the fishing cat in the country. He initiated a research and conservation project in the hilly region and organizes awareness programs for school children and students. In Sri Lanka’s hill country, many forest patches are covered or crossed by roads, or have been deforested in recent years to allow for expansion of urban areas. The fishing cat population is presumably severely affected by this habitat loss and fragmentation with feeding grounds for the species diminishing. In addition road kills are increasing, so Ashan also started setting up road signs at spots along highways where fishing cats have been killed. (Big Cat Rescue assisted in funding for this in situ project.)
Bangladesh: Hasan Rahman, Jennifer McCarthy and Kyle McCarthy used a presence-only SAVING WILD computer model to predict the distribution of fishing cats as more is currently known about dead fishing cats FISHING CATS in the country than about live ones. Between January 2010 and March 2013, national newspapers reported The Fishing Cat Working Group (FCWG) was founded 82 incidents involving fishing cats that were captured in the spring of 2011 with the aim of compiling and by local people; 14 individuals were rescued and disseminating information about the fishing cat released without being monitored; 30 individuals were (Prionailurus viverrinus), one of four small cat species fatally injured, and the fate of 38 Fishing Cats remained considered endangered by the IUCN Red List of unknown. They called for urgent measures to protect Threatened Species, and encouraging conservation the species. action for the species. Of the FCWG conservationists, some are involved in surveying ecology and status of Dr Jim Sanderson of the FCWG commented: “Fishing cats the fishing cat in several range countries, while others are specialists and no larger generalist species can act as have gathered available information on the historical umbrellas to protect their limited and often threatened distribution of the fishing cat. In November 2015 these habitats. Much of Southeast Asia had already been lost. conservationists were able to meet for the very first time at The Javan fishing cat subspecies has likely followed the a 5 day international symposium in Nepal to push global Javan tiger into extinction. Fishing cats in Vietnam have fishing cat conservation forward, each conservationist no laws protecting them and any that remain might be a presented their efforts and shared their experiences. lost cause. The existence of Cambodia’s last fishing cats The symposium brought together participants from depends on bold conservation actions. Despite these Bangladesh, Cambodia, India, Sri Lanka and Nepal. setbacks, fishing cat conservationists will never give up!” Below are examples of the current conservation projects aiding in the protection of the fishing cat, two of which You can read more about work done by the Fishing Cat are funded in part by Big Cat Rescue. working group here:
India: Since 2011 Tiasa Adhya has been documenting FISHING-CAT.WILD-CAT.ORG and mapping fishing cats outside protected areas in Information obtained from: http://www.wildcat.org/viverrinus/ West Bengal. Her project was one of the first attempts infos/FCWG2016_1stInt_FishingCat_Conservation_Symposium_ to research how the fishing cat persists in a human- proceedings.pdf dominated landscape. The study looked at threats to the fishing cat including habitat loss and poaching. Tiasa was instrumental in forming Fishing Cat Protection Committees and works with local communities to initiate a community-owned fishing cat conservation area. (Big Cat Rescue assisted in funding for this in situ project.)
26 BIG CAT TIMES - SUMMER 2016 - VISIT OUR ONLINE GIFT SHOP AT BIGCATRESCUE.BIZ necropsy indicated he had multiple organ failure. Sad Farewell He was 19 years old. Taking care of 79 exotic animals is a roller coaster ANGELICA Angelica, a female bobcat, ride of emotions as we try to provide the best came to Big Cat Rescue possible life for them and yet deal with the gut when she was 15 years wrenching decisions of life and death. Of our 79 old. Like Bongo, she was animals, 59 are over the age of 12, which is about a pet who’s owner ended as long as they live in zoos or in the wild. An up in foreclosure and was amazing 54 are over the age of 15 (90+ in human unable to provide for her years). Even more incredible, 27 are 20 years or any longer. Whenever we older. It is with heavy hearts we must say good rescue an exotic cat from bye to these beautiful cats who have touched our 1997 - 2016 a private owner we require hearts forever. the owner sign a contract agreeing that they will never again obtain an exotic cat as a pet. This stipulation puts a stop to the BONGO Bongo, a male serval, was born into the pet trade. trade one individual at a time. Angelica thrived here Sadly many exotic cats like during the next 5 years. Just a few weeks before Bongo end up homeless her passing Angelica got to be one of the first little when their owners can no cats to have a turn in the Funcation enclosure. She longer afford to care for enjoyed her time in this fun new space immensely. them. Bongo was 4 years Shortly after her vacation keepers noticed her jaw old when he first arrived was swollen. Assuming she had a dental issue, the at BCR. He spent the next vet team sedated her only to find she had a bone 21 years of his life being mass in her jaw. Because the invasive mass was 1991 - 2016 loved and cared for every inoperable she was humanely euthanized. Biopsy day. Most servals have yellow colored eyes, but results revealed the mass was a squamous cell Bongo had the sweetest big brown eyes you have carcinoma, a form of cancer. ever seen. He reigned as the oldest cat at Big Cat Rescue before passing away in his sleep a few days FLUFFY Fluffy, a female serval, was after his 25th birthday. A necropsy showed that he the last remaining survivor had succumbed to both heart and kidney failure. of a trio of kittens born into the pet trade. As a kitten ZEUS Zeus, a male Siberian lynx, she was very outgoing, was rescued along with his but once she matured she brother Apollo from a fur became more reserved and farm when they were just untrusting of her human care kittens. In general wearing givers. Like many cats that live to be as old as Fluffy, real furs is no longer socially 1993 - 2016 acceptable. However, some her kidneys began to fail. celebrities continue to wear Her organ failure in addition to the recent onset of cat furs despite public outcry. seizures made her a poor candidate for sedation. 1997 - 2016 Their lack in judgment and When Fluffy suddenly refused to eat we believed it dismissal of animal welfare was her time. However, it turned out that Fluffy had perpetuates an awful trade. Zeus and Apollo were some dental issues that needed to be addressed. luckily spared from being harvested. Sadly others She had three bad teeth which required extraction. continue to perish. Zeus and Apollo lived together Although the procedure was successful, she never and were inseparable. Tragically, Zeus suffered a recovered from being sedated. She was too old massive seizure and despite heroic efforts from Big and too weak to carry on. Fluffy was 23 years old. Cat Rescuers and our vet team he passed away. His BIGCATRESCUE.TUMBLER.COM - SUMMER 2016 - BIG CAT TIMES 27 were unsure if her mobility issues VET REPORTS: were a result of this or something else. Unfortunately for Teisha her MRI LAST CHANCE inability to move about freely was FOR TEISHA TIGER compounded by the fact that she was grossly overweight. Teisha was rescued in October of last year. She was seized by the Ohio Teisha was immediately put on a Department of Agriculture when her healthy diet and medications to owner failed to meet requirements reduce inflammation and pain. A for keeping exotic pets. healthy diet plan helped Teisha drop Compressed discs and arthritis in the neck 60 pounds since her initial rescue in Ohio. Once Teisha was a more appropriate weight the vet team felt comfortable sedating her for an exam. Overall Teisha was in good health with the exception of her spine. X-rays showed significant arthritis all throughout her neck and back as well as in her wrists and ankles. Her radiographs were sent out to specialists for advice on how to proceed with Teisha’s diagnostics and care.
Meanwhile Teisha took a turn for the worse. She was struggling to just stand up and would lay in one spot all day long. Our veterinarians and staff made a plan to transport Teisha to the University of Gainesville where Large compressive lesion on the spinal cord When Teisha first arrived at Big Cat she would have an MRI. Specialists Rescue she had extreme difficulty at the university recommended standing up and walking. She relied the MRI to determine if the cause mainly on her front limbs to propel of Teisha’s decreased mobility was herself up and forward as her back something that could be alleviated end swayed weakly from side to with surgery. side. According to officials she had been picked on by her cage mates Teisha was loaded onto the rescue at the failed facility. However we trailer in the early morning to make the 3 hour trip to Gainesville. There a team of veterinary Dr. Miller and Dr. Wynn examine Teisha as Interns Chelsea and MC groom specialists and students sedated Teisha and prepped her for the MRI. The MRI took nearly 3 hours to complete. It MRI at the University of Florida was a long waiting game and the Teisha has so many bulging discs end results were compressing her spinal cord that the not what we had neurologist recommended against hoped for. doing surgery. There were just too
28 BIG CAT TIMES - SUMMER 2016 - CHATBIGCATS.COM many areas that were affected frond got caught across the and it would require incisions and roof of his mouth, resulting surgery from Teisha’s neck all the in the damage of his upper way down her back to the base of molars on both sides. her tail. This would be incredibly invasive and Teisha’s ability to Surprisingly, Jumanji recover from such a procedure never acted like there was was very poor. The neurologist something stuck in his noted that Teisha’s condition had mouth and he continued been going on for many years. to eat his breakfast each morning with no issues. We were saddened by the news that we would be unable to help Unfortunately once the Teisha with surgery. However, bad teeth were extracted as a last resort, the neurologist Jumanji was left with no suggested starting Teisha on chewing teeth in his upper a course of steroids. Now that we jaw. Therefore he will have to be on knew the root of the problem, we JUMANJI! WHY DID a soft chopped diet for the rest of could try to approach it medically. YOU EAT THAT?! his life.
It took two weeks to see the full Jumanji is a 20-year-old male black Jumanji does not seem bothered benefits from the new medication. leopard. Despite his age he still by this one bit. He gets all of his At first the steroids seemed to help acts like a cub sometimes. When favorite foods still and they are cut Teisha, she was getting around her he is in a mischievous mood he up into easy to eat pieces. enclosure a little better and was in will sometimes destroy good spirits. However, soon her the palmetto bushes in his Dr. Boorstein extracts the bad teeth while Intern Jo monitors Jumanji’s temperature improvements plateaued and then enclosure. He chews off the reversed. Teisha became weak and leaves and bites the fronds was unable to stand up at all. down to helpless nubs.
The vet team knew there was nothing One day keepers found more that could be done for Teisha part of a molar on his and made the decision to end her feeding block. The vet suffering. team decided he needed to be sedated for a possible We are incredibly saddened by the dental issue. loss of Teisha. She was such a sweet natured and inquisitive tiger. She As soon as Dr. Boorstein left a permanent paw print on the took a look in Jumanji’s hearts of everyone who met her. mouth the culprit was obvious, although it was no where to be found. Jamie takes X-rays with assistance from Intern Martin
Across the roof of Jumanji’s mouth was an irritated groove that spanned between the molars on the left side all the way to the molars on the right.
Most likely Jumanji had been up to his usual antics and when chomping on the Broken canine post root canal palm fronds a portion of the
BIGCATRESCUE.ORG - SUMMER 2016 - BIG CAT TIMES 29 NEW DIAGNOSTIC the operation of the machine and successful capture of diagnostic TOOL FOR WINDSONG images. Prior to or in the middle of MEMORIAL HOSPITAL performing an ultrasound exam we are able to call in to sonographers on The Windsong Memorial Hospital standby. These technicians can log has changed the way we care for the into the ultrasound computer as well cats completely. Rarely is there a case as view the exam via a live streaming in which we need to take a cat offsite camera. These two features allow for diagnostics. Right here at the for live interactive assistance with sanctuary we can sedate, evaluate, capturing images needed by the With the services provided by Oncura take dental and full body X-rays, radiologoists. This is an invaluable we will never need to worry about run bloodwork, stain and evaluate service. that. We can feel confident that we slides, test fecals, and even perform will always have experts standing by surgery. Thanks to the generous to help. This is especially important donations of big cat supporters we in big cat medicine as there is a limit have been given an outstanding on the sedation time and in that time- opportunity to build and outfit a frame we want to get everything state-of-the-art hospital. One key done that needs to be completed in piece of equipment which was very order to avoid multiple sedations. much needed fell by the wayside for nearly a year. We had to prioritize After the purchase of the machine, our equipment needs and fundraise Dr. Boorstein and Jamie completed for each, one after the other. Finally 8 hours of training in operating the it came time to raise donations unit conducting a protocol for a towards the purchase of this life- Jamie ultrasounds Reise full abdominal imaging. They both saving machine, an ultrasound. the cougar while she is successfully completed the course receiveing a routine exam and are now certified. Thanks to the generosity of SHARE Foundation we were able to provide One of the biggest complaints The ultrasound machine is a vital a $25,000 match that helped fuel our from practices that have ultrasound piece of equipment that will give us fundraising efforts. The opportunity machines is that they do not get one more insight into the health of to make an individual’s donation used enough and in turn the doctors the cats that are examined. count for double spread like a do not get proficient in capturing wildfire and in no time we had raised images. If the equipment is not used To donate fill out the form on $20,000 towards the match. Leaving frequently it can be easy to forget page 19 or visit: us with just $5,000 left to raise in some of the protocols for locating order to fully fund the purchase of certain organs or even just operating BigCatRescue.org/ the machine itself. this advanced machine. ultrasound
Earlier this year Dr. Boorstein and BCR President Jamie Veronica attended the North American Veterinary Conference in Orlando. At this conference there is a large showcase of products and supplies. Several ultrasound companies were represented. They visited each booth and talked with representatives about their machines and the services they offered. One company in particular stood out from the rest. Oncura offers a very unique service – live assistance with Dr. Boorstein ultrasounds Kalahari the serval while she is sedated for a dental exam 30 BIG CAT TIMES - SUMMER 2016 - BIGCATTV.COM them belonging to rare and JOINING FORCES threatened species such as Asiatic wild dog, marbled TO SAVE WILD TIGERS cat, Sunda clouded leopard, Sumatran elephant and Sumatran orangutan.
In order to discriminate between individuals, tiger pictures were analyzed using unique stripe patterns and sex of the animals photographed. The resulting data was then analyzed using spatial capture-recapture models. These models estimate density accounting for the spatial distribution and movement of individuals.
In addition to collecting data using camera traps, the In celebration of International Tiger Day Big Cat International Tiger Project funds Wildlife Protection Rescue has joined forces with Clemson’s Tigers Units to patrol the Bukit Tigapuluh National Park and for Tigers to raise awareness and funds to protect surrounding buffer zones. Local people are employed wild Sumatran tigers through the efforts of the as members of these units, giving good employment International Tiger Project. opportunities to local people and increasing the profile of the Sumatran tiger and its importance Big Cat Rescue has designed a collaborative t-shirt to in the area. Members of these units receive raise awareness and funds for the International Tiger extensive training Projects conservation efforts in Bukit Tigapuluh. For including first every t-shirt sold $8 will be donated to the project. aid, wildlife crime In addition, Big Cat Rescue will match dollar for investigation, dollar t-shirt sales up to $3,000. So for the first 157 survey techniques shirts sold, a donation of $27 and report writing. will go towards these iconic The Wildlife big cats. Protection Units have been very Check out these paw-some successful in tees and help save wild tigers deterring poaching by purr-chasing yours today! and illegal The tee is available in a variety logging. They are of colors in both guys and also responsible ladies styles. for educating other local people bigcatrescue.org/international-tiger-day-2016/ about laws against poaching wildlife, The International Tiger Project has identified key and how to gather Sumatran tiger habitat in the Bukit Tigapuluh information about landscape using camera trap surveys. Currently, illegal activities 12 adult tigers and three tiger cubs have been and report these to individually identified through camera trap photos. the forestry police. In addition, a total of 36 medium-sized and large mammal species have been detected, many of
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Is It Too Late for the Florida Panther? disturbing, wait until you read this next part. The FWC is responsible for managing, protecting, and Will the Panther soon disappear from the forests and conserving Florida’s wildlife. A commission of 7 swamps of Florida forever? Each passing week it looks individuals appointed by the governor leads the FWC. like this could become a reality sooner than expected. Last fall, the FWC shocked the public To date this year 25 Florida Panthers with a proposal that would abandon have perished. An average more than 1 efforts to increase population goals per week. 20 of those were road kills, and instead weaken protections for 2 were killed by other panthers over the Florida Panther. This proposal was territory disputes, and 3 died from submitted without consulting with the unknown causes. state’s staff Panther biologists.
While 5 known Panther kittens have In addition, vice chairwoman of the FWC, been born this year, the births cannot Aliese Priddy, has joined a group of keep up with the deaths. Research developers seeking a special permit that indicates that less than half of Panther would allow for the killing of Panthers kittens born will survive past the age of that interfere with their development 6 months. plans. The group has plans to turn 45,000 acres of prime Panther habitat into a The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation bustling town the size of Washington D.C. This area Commission reports that there are between 100-180 would be home to mining, oil exploration, agriculture, Florida Panthers remaining in the wild. We are only and 10,000 residential homes. half way through 2016 and approximately 20% of the population has been lost. Unfortunately the time to speak out about both of these issues has passed. Follow us online for future updates If you think these statistics are both surprising and on how you can help protect the Florida Panther. Can’t wait for the next issue? 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