July/August 2013 • Volume 57 Issue 4 TABLE of JULY/AUGUST 2013 | VOLUME 57, ISSUE 4 Contentscontents

July/August 2013 • Volume 57 Issue 4 TABLE OF JULY/AUGUST 2013 | VOLUME 57, ISSUE 4 contentscontents

Features

10 Technology Brings Bebo the Bobcat Back Home Jeff Collins reports a happy ending to this story. 2222

12 A Back Door Venue to Eliminate Big Cats from the Private Sector Vera Chaples explains what is behind the petition to the USDA.

17 Finally Getting into Cats Courtney Frenchak relays how one cat can quickly lead to another.

22 Help Wanted – More USDA Licensees Wanted Leah and Bobby Aufill on the challenges to gain USDA licensing.

28 Small Cat Alliance Presentation Chris Tromborg attends the annual fundraiser and fills us in.

31 A Brief, Incomplete Review of Wild Cat Conser- vation Funding, or is the Leopard a Small Cat? Jim Sanderson puts FCF’s $15,000 donation into perspective.

1212 66 3535 Feline Conservation Federation Volume 57, Issue 4 • July/August 2013 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.

Conservation Contact Us

35 Why is Palm Oil so Bad? FOUNDER: DIRECTORS: Tina Bayer gives a primer on the Catherine Cisin Conservation perils of the palm oil industry. Pat Callahan EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR: 1961 Connecticut Ave Lynn Culver Cincinnati, OH 45224 [email protected] 513-541-7867 36 The List – Palm Oil Hides [email protected] Behind Many Names OFFICERS: President Chris Tromborg Kevin Chambers 217 Baja Avenue 37 Cleaning Palm Oil out of our 7816 N CR 75 W Davis, CA 95616 Lives Shelburn, IN 47879 530-753-2763 Liz Hatton shares a couple of 812-397-2302 [email protected] substitutions for palm oil [email protected] products. Jim Sanderson, Ph.D. Vice President 356 Freeman Street Mindy Stinner Hartford, CT 06106 P.O. Box 882 505-720-1204 Mebane, NC 27302 [email protected] Husbandry 336-421-0065 [email protected] JOURNAL STAFF: Managing Editor: 6 The Scoop on Poop Secretary Lynn Culver Tina Bayer looks into the Debi Willoughby 281 Albee Road Layout/Copy Editor: wealth of information packed in Uxbridge, MA 01569 Eden Tran, [email protected] a poop. 508-380-4722 [email protected] Associate Editor: Journal Reporter: Judith Hoffman Brande Redfield 14 Blast from the Past – A Tail of Treasurer Two Bobcats Lynn Culver Membership Services: Krista Griffin conquers calcium 141 Polk Road 664 Jennifer Kasserman deficiency. Mena, AR 71953 816-674-7277 479-394-5235 membershipservices [email protected] @felineconservation.org

Pictorials The Feline Conservation Federation publishes the Journal Organization bimonthly. The FCF is non-profit, (Federal ID#59-2048618) 20 Your Best Shots noncommercial,and international in membership, devoted to Debi Willoughby, Liz Hatton, 4 the welfare and conservation of exotic felines. Amylynn Moon-Sick, Lindey Letter from the President The Journal publishes articles on exotic feline conservation Cochran, Doug Kildsig, Jen- Time to renew your FCF and husbandry, management, and regulatory and legislative nifer Kasserman, Susan Stef- membership. issues affecting ownership for our members. The author’s fens, Paul Winterman. point of view does not necessarily represent the point of view of the organization. Reproduction of any material in the Jour- 5 From the Executive Director nal may not be made without the written permission of the Species Writing comments to stop original copyright owners and/or copyright owner, FCF. crippling new restrictions on Letters to the editor and guest editorials are also published. husbandry. Display advertisement space is available at the following 15 News of Over 10 South China prices: $10 business card, $25.00 quarter page, $50.00 half Tigers in Africa Under Rewil- 34 FCF Marketing Committee page, and $100 full-page ad. dling Unknown Nan Xianghong reports in this Invites you to join the Effort Submission deadline for articles and advertisements is the Southern Metropolis Daily to Increase FCF Awareness 10th of even numbered months. reprint of a news blackout. Lauren Bean reports on Please submit high resolution photos and articles to the Journal many projects that need Managing Editor. Photos and arti- 26 Cougar Attacks: Encounters of your support. cles may be emailed to the Worst Kind [email protected], or A book review by Kane Molavi. 34 Donations send by postal service to: 141 Polk 664, Mena, AR 71953.

3 Feline Conservation Federation Volume 57, Issue 4 • July/August 2013 Letter from the President In every copy of this FCF Journal is a be speaking up against this proposal as all committee and an 11% chance of being Renewal/Order form. You may have of our members should. Don’t delay; the enacted. Considering that only 11% of already renewed, and in that case, please deadline for comments is October 4, 2013. bills made it past committee and only pass the form on to a friend so they can Read more about this in the Executive about 3% were enacted in 2011–2013, it is fill it out to join the FCF, or use it to order Director letter and Vera Chaples’ editorial. actually twice as likely as most bills to be some of the new items for sale in the FCF In addition to the potential changes to acted on, so we need to stay involved. Store. The membership fees are supposed the USDA regulations, we still need to be Right now there are 74 cosponsors signed to be paid by October 1, and normally we mindful of the bill before Congress, up. send out reminders monthly but got a late H.R.1998, titled the “Big Cats and Public I would like to close by congratulating start, so if you have not paid yet, you will Safety Protection Act.” This bill makes it Pat Callahan for his recent retirement after receive bi-weekly email reminders until illegal to breed the big cats in captivity 30 years at the Cincinnati Zoo. “Pat the you do. The best way to stop all these except as part of the AZA zoo system’s Cat” was the head keeper of the feline col- emails is to hurry up and pay your dues. Species Survival Plan. At this time it is lection and his retirement will be a huge If you wish to pay by check or credit card, referred to the Subcommittee on Fisheries, loss to all the felines at the zoo. We wish please use the form provided, and if you Wildlife, Oceans, and Insular Affairs. him well in retirement and hope he can live in the U.S., mail off $35 General Please write the committee chairman, spend more time with family and on con- Member dues or $60 professional member Republican John Fleming of Louisiana’s servation projects. dues. Canada members need to remit $40 4th district, who determines if the bill and international members send $60. moves in his committee. According to Some members joined this year during the bill tracker (www.govtrack.us/congress), Kevin Chambers months of March through August, and this bill has a 27% chance of getting past they have a credit on their dues; the amount they need to pay is listed on this renewal form. We grant a 60-day grace period, but when that period passes, you are dropped from the membership roster, so please renew today. Many members FCF NEEDS YOUR SUPPORT have responded to the email notices and we appreciate this. By renewing in a timely manner, you eliminate much of the Meet the work involved in sending email notices and written reminders. We mail out annu- Wildcat al membership/registered handler cards in November, so if you renew late, you miss Safety Net out on these laminated cards. Challenge! We returned from a great convention in Nashville, which included some very special hands-on time with three clouded FCF granted funds to leopard cubs. This species is especially transport 28 tigers to difficult to breed in captivity and, as Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge where the these big cats a secure retirement home to live out their golden Karen Rice reported in the last Journal years. issue, fecal hormone studies reveal this Now we need to refresh our funding so FCF can help transport more cats when emergen- feline is highly stressed in captivity. cies arise. Nashville Zoo, one of the most successful For each donation of $30 or more, choose one of three thank you prints by artist Teri breeders of this species in America, has Zucksworth. These 18” x 24” colored pencil drawings are ready for matting and framing. found that the answer to the husbandry Pick the black leopard, “Hanging Around,” the challenge is to remove the cubs from the lounging white tiger, “Paying a Visit,” or the mother, hand-rear them, and expose them snow leopard, “Standing Guard.” to normal human activities at a young age Go to the FCF website to make a donation with to de-sensitize them to stimuli that cause PayPal today. Or call the treasurer at 479-394-5235 to use your credit card and support stress and better prepare them for a life in this worthy cause. captivity. How ironic that just a month Do your part to help transport captive felines after we return, animal rights fanatics pro- out of harm’s way—support the FCF Wildcat pose that leopards (including cloudeds and Safety Net with a donation today. snows, I am sure) be only mother-raised, in a proposal they wish USDA to impose on all the big cat species. The FCF will

4 Feline Conservation Federation Volume 57, Issue 4 • July/August 2013 From the Executive Director By Lynn Culver Animal Welfare, which has actually grant- with big cats, bears, and nonhuman pri- ed money to failed sanctuaries that buy mates of any age. The petition does not The comment period on the proposed into the no-contact dictate, including the recognize the well managed animal facili- regulations for the Animal Welfare Act mismanaged Wild Animal Orphanage, ties that serve functions vital to the preser- ends on October 4th. By the time you once run by Carole Asvestos; Born Free vation of rare and endangered species. read this Journal, you will have only a USA, a true powerhouse when it comes to We need to remind everyone that the peti- few days left to act. But as long as you fundraising and spreading lies about cap- tion is based upon misleading reports visit the website before October 5th, or get tive husbandry and the people who devote compiled by organizations known for their your letter postmarked on the 4th, your their lives to the animals in their care; Big agendas to eliminate captive wildlife comments will count. So, please, read this Cat Rescue, run by Carole Baskin, a failed entirely. I think that these fanatic people Executive Director letter and Vera Chap- breeder/broker turned “born again” sanc- have separated themselves so far away les’ well written editorial on page 12 of tuary, after she realized that the true path from nature that they have literally, not this Journal, and take the time to write to riches was to abandon the hard work of figuratively, lost touch with nature. They your comments and then visit rearing hand-raised offspring and instead may call themselves animal champions, http://www.regulations.gov/#!document- joined with the HSUS and worked her but they do not share our connection to Detail;D=APHIS-2012-0107-0002 to post way to the front of their parade; and, the wild cats and nature. They have no prob- your comment, or mail written comments latest to join the petition, animal rights- lem shutting down hundreds of well-man- to: Docket No. APHIS-2012-0107, Regu- run Detroit Zoological Society, owned by aged private facilities, and eliminating the latory Analysis and Development, PPD, the city of Detroit, which is in Chapter 9 very models of proper wildlife conserva- APHIS, Station 3A-03.8, 4700 River Road bankruptcy, with no answer as to what tion needed to educate the public and gen- Unit 118, Riverdale, MD 20737-1238. affect it might have on the Detroit Zoo. erate support for conservation efforts. It is hard to believe animal rights fanat- The city owns the land and assets, and its As our Conservation Advisor, Dr. Jim ics have found yet another way to divert animals cost a fortune to feed and care for. Sanderson, said, “There is a connection our attention from our animals, and once Certainly it is not a secure situation for between touch, stimulation of the frontal again force us to justify ourselves to the these animals, and the zoo ought to con- cortex of the brain, feeling good, and feel- government and the public. It is so true centrate on its own animals, not ours. ing a strong connection to whatever it is that those who do nothing have plenty of The petitioners propose amendments you are touching - like a wild cat.” Pro- time to complain. And those who are that would eliminate all human contact hibiting human interaction with the young angry complain the loudest. Animal peo- of big cats removes this proven way to ple are happy people and we do not want stimulate the public to care about wildlife to have our consciousness rubbed in this preservation. The amendments would ugliness. We do not want to justify our effectively eliminate appearance of our animals; we want to be left alone. But this beautiful felines on television and movies, time we do not have a choice in the mat- forbid the hands-on experience of animal ter. I guess what is the most aggravating friendships, and create a 15-foot barrier of about all this is that the petitioners are distance between humans and nature’s such losers. Condemning and judging us creatures. are: the Humane Society of the United In the private sector’s smaller, more States, which has no actual husbandry intimate facilities, there is the possibility experience with wildlife and is actually for more one-on-one interaction with ani- nothing more than a fundraising machine mals and for the development of important that uses its money to buy political power; relationships based on genuine trust and the World Wildlife Fund, which has raised affection. In these situations, interactions billions of dollars and spent millions on with humans almost certainly reduce tigers only to have the population actually stress responses. fall after thirty years of “saving tigers,” Many private facilities, which rely upon and now they have the gall to attack our outreach to the public to generate operat- private sector breeding success and try to Cinnabar cougar was bottle fed and ing funds, would be severely impacted. infer that our tigers fuel the global black reintroduced to his cougar mother These amendments would eliminate mil- market, a smokescreen to divert attention at the age of eight weeks. He and his lions of dollars in revenue currently away from their own failed international two brothers were co-raised by their financing conservation and preservation efforts; the Global Federation of Animal cougar mother Tara, and Bart and I. efforts. Private sector facilities preserve Sanctuaries, the latest sanctuary associa- The love and trust created by being rare species not found in municipal zoos, tion to be formed around the notion that his surrogate mother carried on into and much of our success is owed to hands- captive wildlife needs to be managed to his adulthood and enabled us to on husbandry and public outreach. If extinction, commercial use is always com- learn one of life’s most precious there are problems with some licensees mercial exploitation, that wild animals lessons: what the true meaning of not meeting the present USDA regula- should not be seen in public, and certainly being a cougar is all about. tions, then address them. Do not elimi- never touched; the International Fund for nate our hands-on husbandry. 5 Feline Conservation Federation Volume 57, Issue 4 • July/August 2013 The Scoop on Poop By Tina Bayer so obvious. Overfeeding is a common cause, espe- My first day of work as a vet tech was cially in kittens or cubs. a gag, literally! The other techs had a lit- Antibiotics can alter the tle initiation prank: make the new girl gut flora and result in (me) set up all the fecal flotations and see diarrhea. A food allergy how long it would take her to toss her or intolerance can upset cookies. I personally did not have much the gut, along with drink- experience with dogs, so I was not quite ing unfamiliar water or prepared for the olfactory surprise I got changing diets too quick- when I opened the first brown bag full of ly. Parasites, like coc- Rottweiler logs. My stomach was doing cidia or strongyloides, can more flips than an Olympic gymnast. I produce diarrhea with would choose to clean 50 litter boxes over mucus or blood present. one dog kennel any day. At that time, I Dehydration is a cause had no idea how valuable feces were. I and result of diarrhea. It have always believed it was important to is especially important to keep an eye on the feces; observing your be aware of the fecal cat's feces and elimination habits is a habits of cat species that great, easy way to monitor the internal do not drink extraneous health of your cat. Keeping aware of any water, like sand cats or Tina Bayer and young assistant pick up poop as changes in those habits can alert you to black-footed cats. Cats in part of her research for this article. illness, stress, dietary problems, and many general seem to have an more issues. Early detection and proac- emotionally sensitive gastrointestinal Diarrhea is a symptom with many pos- tive awareness is key to maintaining your tract, because diarrhea can be triggered by sible causes, and determining that cause cat's physical and emotional welfare. stress or excitement. can be easy or tricky. Time is of the Diarrhea is a non-specific symptom to Cats have a relatively short intestinal essence, so staying proactively aware is be aware of that can turn dangerous very tract to begin with, but transit time can be the best way to benefit your cat. Close quickly. The cause can be obvious or not sped up even more by irritating sub- monitoring is critical when diarrhea is stances. One specific presented, so if it lasts for more than 24 substance is some dead hours, veterinary intervention is recom- animals. They can mended. cause rapid transit, pro- Constipation is another fecal condition ducing yellow or green- to pay close attention to. The underlying ish, sour-smelling stool. cause can be tricky to identify, because This is a good reason to the urge to defecate can be voluntarily be cautious regarding overridden. This can be a reaction to donated 4D meat (dead, stress, like a small cat not wanting to alert down, diseased, dying). a larger predator to his presence. Geriatric Many illnesses and cats can experience constipation more fre- diseases can produce quently because “older, less active cats diarrhea as a symptom. experience reduced bowel activity and the Greasy, frequent stools muscles of the abdominal wall may weak- are brought on by mal- en, which increases prolonged retention absorption. Foamy and hardness of stools.” Fecal impaction stools suggest a bacteri- is similar, as it is a large mass of dry, hard al infection like salmo- stool that can develop in the rectum due to nella or campylobacte- chronic constipation. If impaction is not riosis. Feline pan- remedied with enemas or laxatives, the leukopenia (aka feline mass will have to be manually extracted infectious enteritis) is a with forceps under anesthesia. (This is A close examination of the contents of the litter deadly disease that can not a pleasant situation; I actually had to box can tell you a lot about the health and wellbe- produce yellow or do this while working at the vet office.) ing of your feline. Well-formed stools indicate good blood-streaked stool. Megacolon is another bowel condition digestion and absorption, while loose stools can Colitis and the inflam- that causes constipation by stretching of indicate parasite load, protozoan infestation, matory bowel diseases the large intestine wall or colon caused by stress, malabsorption syndrome, or bacteria or can produce a difficult large amounts of fecal material building viral infection. to control diarrhea. up inside. Hairballs, grass, and other for-

6 Feline Conservation Federation Volume 57, Issue 4 • July/August 2013 eign objects, known as bezoars, can cause restrain a fully conscious 150-pound leop- available, safest, least stress inducing, difficult passage or even complete block- ard or other big cat. A non-familiar per- self-sustaining testing sample available. age. The mass continues to increase in son involved adds to the danger risk. The Brazilian Journal of Medical and size if left untreated. When it becomes Safety of the cat, personnel, and responsi- Biological Research defines stress as a too large to pass, complete blockage can bility come first, which puts fecal collec- change in homeostasis balance, usually result in a dangerous situation requiring tion on the safest side. Fecal collection resulting from environmental fluctuations. surgical intervention. Another interesting also can be done more frequently than The animal’s response to a stress stimulus observation is that “constipation and fecal blood without any detrimental effect to the may be divided into three phases: behav- incontinence can occur in tailless cats, cat. A seven-pound cat typically has ioral alteration, stimulation of the sympa- possibly due to incomplete enervation of about eight ounces of blood in the circula- thetic system, and activation of the HPA the colon.” Regardless of the cause, any tory system. Feline blood donors can usu- axis which results in a cortisol increase change in the elimination frequency of the ally only donate 60 milliliters of blood at that can be measured to evaluate the stress cat warrants further attention. Disregard- a time, but fluids need to be administered response. “The measurement of cortisol ing the change and waiting too long for a to compensate for volume loss. There is secretion is a reliable method to evaluate vet examination can be dangerous and no such issue regarding fecal collection the response of the animal to a stress stim- uncomfortable for the cat. quantity. Fecal collection involves no ulus.” The newer field of fecal hormone When fecal changes occur, diagnostic direct handling of the cat (ideal for more stress testing has influenced a positive, tests will be performed by a veterinarian. aggressive animals), so much of the stress dramatic shift towards caring for and The most common fecal tests used are is taken out of the equation. This is improving the captive feline’s emotional fecal flotations, smears, cultures, and important when testing for cortisol (the welfare. Cortisol is a “glucocorticoid that stains, but fecal endocrine testing is the stress hormone) levels, because handling the adrenal cortex secretes that helps regu- most fascinatingly valuable test available. the cat can inflict stress on it, which can late overall metabolism and the concentra- This type of hormone testing is usually contaminate the not of interest to private owners, but to result of what is facilities and institutions, this testing is being tested for in the worth its weight in gold. It allows hor- first place. Urine is mone metabolite (products of metabolism) another sample com- concentrations to be measured. The spe- monly used for diag- cific hormones tested for are: cortisol, nostic testing, but this estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone. can be difficult and Two basic extraction methods are used time consuming with an assay (term used to describe a test unless your cat will that determines the proportional amount automatically use a of a substance). The first method is wet litter box with aquari- feces with methanol: “suspension in wet um pebbles, so as not feces (0.5g) in 5 mL of 80% methanol.” to absorb the urine. The other method involves dried feces And last I checked, with ethanol. “It is based on 0.2g of fully Van Ness and Rub- lyophilized (freeze-dried) powdered feces bermaid have not boiled with 90% or 100% ethanol.” made litter boxes for Fecal hormone testing offers many lions, yet. Cystocen- advantages compared to other methods tesis is the procedure Fecal hormone monitoring can help determine the and samples. The biggest advantage is the for urine collection optimum time to introduce potential mates, especially safety of both the cat and the keeper. directly from the when dealing with felines that have not been reared Fecal samples require no invasive collec- bladder. A long nee- together and must be introduced as adults. tion technique. In dogs, the most common dle is inserted into the bladder to aspirate tion of blood sugar.” Cortisol production venipuncture site is the cephalic vein, urine. This can provide the clean catch, is induced by stress in order to prepare the located on the front legs. In domestic but again is problematic due to the safety body for a stressful situation. Cortisol cats, the preferred veins are the jugular in issues while working on a conscious large metabolites are the chemical components the neck, and the femoral, inside the back cat. The one time I performed a cysto, left after glucocorticoids are digested. leg by the groin. It is highly unlikely any while working at the vet office on an anes- The metabolites are the particles that are conscious cat is going to sit perfectly still thetized animal, it required an ultrasound actually measured. Not all stress is dan- while being stuck with a needle, and cats for exact bladder location and was very gerous or bad; cortisol production can tend to be more averse to more restraint. expensive for the client. Milk is another increase during hunting, feeding, and mat- Less tends to be best when restraining fluid option, but is limiting, since not all ing behaviors. In order to differentiate cats. The methods of restraining a seven- females are lactating all the time and between good and bad stress, it is impor- pound domestic cat may work on some of males are completely excluded (unless tant to monitor cortisol levels on a regular the smaller species (I still would not rec- your male cat starts to miraculously pro- basis to determine the fluctuation pattern ommend trying this with a black-footed duce milk). Based on all these examples, specific to each individual. Without cat), but they cannot be used to safely feces seem to be the most universally knowing the basal cortisol rhythms, nor-

7 Feline Conservation Federation Volume 57, Issue 4 • July/August 2013 mal and abnormal fluctuations can- ing. not be evaluated. Chronic high Once mating has occurred, preg- stress can dangerously compromise nancy can be difficult to visually the cat’s physical health. So, once confirm, especially in species that the cat’s specific pattern is estab- typically deliver only one kitten or lished, elevated cortisol metabolite cub, like the ocelot. A perfect exam- levels can be used to modify the ple is Sala the ocelot at the Cincin- cat’s environment to restore home- nati Zoo. Her story is completely ostasis to the cat’s internal system. detailed and documented in the Felid Knowing the levels is completely TAG Times February 2013 newslet- useless unless environmental ter. Sala was artificially inseminated changes are willing to be made. with semen from ocelot Monsieur. For example, it was determined Sala's pregnancy was confirmed 60 that “cats should have access to at Fecal monitoring is a great technique that can days after AI by fecal progesterone least 75% of the enclosure’s verti- help identify females who are not cycling regu- analysis and she gave birth to cal space.” There is a direct rela- larly, females who are not ovulating, and females healthy Genoveve on December 31, tionship between 75% access and who are ovulating, like this serval rolling in the 2012. lowered cortisol concentrations, grass, but not getting pregnant. If mating has occurred repeatedly “the greater the access to the height with no resulting pregnancy, fecal tive clouded leopards were characterized of the enclosure, the lower levels of fecal monitoring is a great place to start in iden- as calm or anxious based on keeper ques- corticoids.” Another example, provided tifying fertility issues. Jason Herrick, of tionnaires and fecal cortisol levels. The by Dr. Chris Tromborg, says that “in leop- the University of Illinois, stated that cats were subjected to behavioral reaction ard cats, the absence of retreat or conceal- “assessment of fecal hormones is probably tests, like mirror image stimulation and ment opportunities as afforded by dense the most powerful tool available, since unfamiliar people, to elicit a noted behav- vegetation has been shown to result in ele- this technique can help identify females ioral response. The clouded leopards vated levels of circulating cortisol.” who are not cycling regularly, females were administered clomipramine, deslore- Because of the detrimental effect of who are not ovulating, and females who lin, or nothing, and tests were repeated to chronic stress on the cat’s physical sys- are ovulating but not getting pregnant.” compare and record hormone levels. tem, especially on the reproductive func- Cheetahs are another species difficult Clomipramine did not suppress sexual tion, monitoring the cortisol levels and to breed in captivity. In “Human Factors hormone concentrations and had no nega- applying that knowledge is an admirable Affecting the Reproductive Potential of tive effect on male reproductive function. conscious effort to improve the emotional Ex Situ Male Cheetahs” by SCBI, some This research hints that clomipramine may welfare and optimize the physical health valuable information was discovered with be an effective option to aid in the forma- of felines in captivity. the help of fecal hormone monitoring. tion of genetically valuable breeding Reproductive success in non-domestic Increased glucocorticoids in cheetahs pairs. This testing and research was pos- felids has been greatly advanced through housed on exhibit versus off exhibit have sible due to help from fecal hormone test- fecal hormone testing. This testing has been documented, but this relationship to proved beneficial in every stage of reproductive planning, whether natural breed- HAVE YOUR MORNING COFFEE WITH THE FCF! ing or assisted reproduction. The first place to start is to establish the estrus cycle rhythm and testosterone The FCF is proud to offer FCF logo coffee mugs. These high patterns, which can be done through fecal gloss, black, 11-ounce mugs are listed on our FCF website hormone monitoring. This is important store and can be for determining optimum time for intro- purchased for only ducing potential mates. $5.00 each with Fecal hormone testing can provide $5.00 shipping and valuable information to help in pairing individual cats and improve compatibility, handling to U.S. especially in compatibility-challenged addresses. You can species like the clouded leopard. This also use the Mem- species is notoriously difficult to breed in bership form/Prod- captivity due to male aggression. Fecal uct order form hormone testing has provided some included in this promising insight that may help solve some of that aggression. In “Characteri- Journal issue. FCF zation and Control of Aggression and coffee mug profits Reproduction in the Male Clouded Leop- benefit the Wildcat ard” by Diane Koester, some priceless Safety Net Fund. research was revealed. A number of cap-

8 Feline Conservation Federation Volume 57, Issue 4 • July/August 2013 Tranquilizing large feline species like a tiger is always risky, and since hormones are excreted almost exclusively in feces, fecal hormone monitoring is a valuable research tool.

increased importance.” Since hor- Who knew that scooping the poop was mones are excreted almost exclusive- so valuable to in situ and ex situ conserva- ly in feces of felines and tranquilizing tion? I am absolutely fascinated with the is always risky, fecal hormone moni- information fecal hormone testing pro- toring is a valuable research tool. As vides and the ways it can improve the Janine Brown stated, “the ability to welfare and future for wild cats. track gonadal and adrenal activity via Acknowledgements: Information for hormones is key to optimizing health this article was compiled from 2010, and reproduction. Comparative 2011, 2012 Felid TAG Annual Reports, endocrine studies have greatly The Cat Owner's Home Veterinary Hand- expanded our knowledge base of non- book, Clinical Textbook for Veterinary domestic felids. It has been possible Technicians, C. Krelekamp and Ing. L. through the development of non-inva- Versteege of the Netherlands, E. Mostl sive fecal steroid metabolite analysis and R. Palme of Vienna, Austria, Dr. techniques, which currently is the Chris Tromborg, Pat Callahan, SCBI reproductive function had not been stud- method of choice for monitoring Reports, Animal Physiology Textbook, ied in depth, yet. Hormone concentrations endocrine function in wildlife species.” and other internet sources. were determined non-invasively using Enzyme Immuno Assays on fecal extracts to determine a correlation between high glucocorticoid levels to low testosterone levels. Off-exhibit males showed signifi- cantly higher total sperm and total motile sperm and lower glucocorticoid levels than cheetahs housed at institutions open to the public. The results suggest the cheetah’s reproductive function possesses a “stress sensitivity” that helps explain the breeding difficulty. Fecal monitoring was crucial in helping to solve this mystery and we can use this information to help improve the future and health of cheetahs. If natural breeding is not possible, as was the case of ocelots Sala and Mon- sieur, fecal hormone monitoring is the basis for planning assisted reproduction. Fecal endocrine testing is used to track estrus and testosterone rhythms to prepare for the assisted reproduction. This is similar to a woman tracking her basal body temperature to determine exact ovulation time to improve chances of successful fer- tilization. These are just a few specific examples of how valuable fecal endocrine testing is in the reproduction of wild cats. Massive research has been done and is currently being conducted, and all contributing to the conservation efforts for all cats. In conclusion, Mostl and Palme stated, “as the measurement of physiological stress also has importance in wildlife management, conservation biology, and behavioral ecology, the measurement of fecal glucocorticoid metabolites is gaining

9 Feline Conservation Federation Volume 57, Issue 4 • July/August 2013 Technology Brings Bebo the Bobcat Back Home By Jeff Collins

One of the most difficult issues with exotic cats is maintaining a secure, escape-free environment. This problem came to the forefront recently when, on a hot July morning, I discovered that overnight my 14-month-old male bobcat, “Bebo,” had escaped the barn where he lived. Fortunately, Bebo was equipped with a small transmitter on his collar, about the size of a quarter, made by the LoCATor Company. This transmitter, which is tracked by a hand-held receiver up to one mile in distance, was also the very same one worn by our Bengal (Egyptian mau/Asian leopard) cat named “Punkin.” And Punkin's story is one that has to be added to my commentary for your edifica- tion. My wife Mary and I acquired Punkin Bebo sports his LoCATor collar, a precautionary safety device that recent- the Bengal in 2004, with the intention of ly paid for itself when Bebo’s enclosure was damaged by a storm. keeping him indoors. Punkin, however, did not approve or appreciate this arrange- ment, and over a period of time began protesting incessantly with human-like and buried in the dirt. The poor cat's howling vocalizations which remains were about 100 feet from that drove us absolutely crazy. spot. Eventually, we compromised It was a few months later that we with Punkin and, after he was acquired Bebo the bobcat from Lynn Cul- neutered and a year of age, he ver. Bebo was five weeks old and quite a was collared with the trans- handsome male bobcat with spectacular mitter and allowed to roam rosettes and markings. Bebo was not per- the fields and forests of our mitted outside without a leash and he did southwestern Ohio farm. not appear to want to go outside. Just to Our primary concern for be sure, we outfitted Bebo with Punkin's Punkin was the roving packs old transmitter collar. He did not mind the of coyotes which were the collar at all, even though he would fight greatest threat to the 20 with his leash harness. A few times, Bebo pound cat. So, over a seven got free from his area of confinement, but year period, Punkin was per- always returned shortly, being frightened mitted to be free until sun- by the smells, sights and sounds. But on down, and if he had not the hot July morning of his recent escape, returned by then, I would go he was really gone this time and I could into the woods with a flash- not detect a signal on the receiver. It was light and, receiver in hand, obvious he was long gone, so I made two track him down and bring circles around the two mile perimeter of him home. the farm and finally picked up a faint sig- This worked to perfection nal far away and on another property deep for years, until one week we in the forest. were out of town and the I set out on foot, crossing property caretaker did not bring the cat lines, creeks, ravines, brambles, and blow in after dark. I came back to downs, all the while the signal strength find that Punkin had been the increasing. Finally, I climbed up to a victim of the dreaded coy- steep wooded ridge line overlooking a otes. I was able to track creek, where I had a receiver signal at full Jeff Collins holds his big yearling bobcat down the transmitter, which a strength. I had to be right where he was, Bebo. coyote had pulled off the cat but I could not detect a cat anywhere. The

10 Feline Conservation Federation Volume 57, Issue 4 • July/August 2013

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following me and refused to come out. So I fed and watered being thus distract- him in the thicket and left him there sleep- ed, I plunged down ing until dusk, when he came out of the a hill into a creek, thicket and into the barn. winding up muddy So, Bebo the prodigal was returned to and bruised, while his home without incident, other than a the frightened cat few scrapes and bruises, and we are so ran off during the happy he was not lost and wandering far commotion. I back- from home, thanks to the advent of mod- tracked and found ern technology and the LoCATor Compa- him lurking about ny. 50 yards away and I would be remiss not to mention the began the drag rou- great job that Lynn Culver does in the tine again with exotic feline industry, tremendous experi- Bebo following. I ence, expertise, and professionalism, com- finally arrived with- bined with a passion for her cats. Every in 50 yards of the time I have needed assistance or support, Bebo is more used to the creature comforts of a nice barn, but the bobcat Lynn has gone to great effort to be of couch and air conditioning than the thorny thickets and holed up in a thicket assistance. We thank her for her dedica- ravines full of bugs that border his owner’s property. of honeysuckle and tion to the industry and the species. horrible thought crossed my mind that maybe I might find the collar buried again. Finally, I looked down about ten feet in front of me and there was a bobcat, virtually invisible, flattened against the ground, ears back and completely still, staring at me intently. So I had tracked down the illusive beast, but now how was I going to get him back home through almost one mile of rough terrain? (I had not ventured into the woods unprepared; I had brought a raw chicken leg wrapped in a bag for this occasion.) Bebo still remained motion- less, flattened on the ground, so I called to him softly, and he stood up, every hair on his body erect. He did not approach me, so I tied the chicken leg in the bag onto a stick and began walking home dragging the bag behind me. Bebo eventually followed, very slowly, tentatively, constantly sniffing the ground where I had been. I walked through the woods, dragging my bait, ever watching the bobcat slowly Bebo gets his excitement balancing on the upstairs railing of his people’s home.

11 Feline Conservation Federation Volume 57, Issue 4 • July/August 2013 A Back Door Venue to Eliminate Big Cats from the Private Sector By Vera Chaples “They belong in the wild” or “They belong in their native “What man does not understand, habitat.” That is unfortunately he fears. What he fears, he where I have been losing my destroys.” professional attitude, as I seem to be repeating the same Not only is the private sector rhetoric over and over again, of exotic animal owners coming having to defend an issue that under attack with such bills as to me is black and white and, to HR 1998 (this has been present- others, as foreign as Mars. ed before as HR 4122 the prior Now on to the facts of cub year), but now organizations handling by the public… such as IFAW, HSUS, and Big It is human nature to have to Cat Rescue have now petitioned touch, see, and smell to realize the USDA to ban the handling of the sometimes dire situation an big cat cubs of ANY age and to Vera Chaples and Asian leopard Keeper share a animal is in. One can read not allow the removal of the moment of trust and genuine affection. about what is happening in a cubs from the mother until third world country and see sta- appropriate weaning time (which in a big ments can and do make the difference in tistics where a species is facing extinction, cat can be upwards of six months if you what a lot of people will choose to but one really begins to get genuinely want to get technical and with a leopard believe. involved when one gets one-on-one with 18-24 months), and I for one do not want Having experience in this specific area, that animal. You begin to feel it in your to have to have to help, treat, or even try I am going to give you the VERY VALID heart and soul. So cubs do play an impor- to handle and keep healthy an animal that reasons WHY this is a bad idea and WHY tant part in helping with conservation on a has not had human interaction until that these cubs DO need to be removed from different leg of the spectrum, as well as it age! This petition has been acted upon by the mother at a young age. I have a 100% does to help fund these facilities that have the USDA and there is now a public com- success rate in raising all exotic cats, from the cubs. ment period open until October 4, 2013, tigers and leopards down to bobcats. Now why is it necessary to take these asking for input from everyone on this Remember, as stated, that big cats in cubs away from the mom so early? Well, proposal. The easiest way to make a com- captivity are the result of over 15 genera- as cruel as it seems, there are many rea- ment is online at: tions of captive breeding programs. The sons this is absolutely necessary: http://www.regulations.gov/#!document- private sector (facilities such as ours and 1. For critically endangered species, Detail;D=APHIS-2012-0107-0002. private owners) have not obtained endan- hand-rearing is the safest, most viable Now, I am here to give you the “inside gered species from the wild since the option to assure the health and well-being scoop” and the reality of all situations induction of CITES in July of 1975. of the animal. occurring in this world. To most, because The reason I am recapping this is 2. Big cats in captivity need to be they are not in the world of big cats or because I cannot tell you how many times socialized in a way that they are trusting exotic pets, it is a foreign and confusing I get into online fights because of the of humans as their “human mothers.” world, and if one does not investigate, one trance-like, Kool-Aid drinking chant Why, you may ask? This will help to can be fooled into thinking they are doing taught by their illustrious leaders, saying improve safety for staff, volunteers, han- something good, when in fact they are destroying what they are so adamantly try- ANIMAL FINDERS' GUIDE ing to save or help. It is up to us, in this Published the first of each month industry, to realize this fact and stand 12 issues – only $24 steady in our resolution to educate the masses. Remain professional at all times Informative articles on exotic and, even though you feel you have animal husbandry and what is repeated something for the millionth time, happening in the industry. remember this very well could be the first time that the person you are engaging has Exotic animals, heard it. If one person begins to realize, related products & services, they will educate someone else. Thus it auctions & shows advertised. becomes a chain reaction. Even in online discussions, remember to remain profes- PO Box 99, Prairie Creek, IN 47869 sional no matter how bad you are being phone: 812-898-2678, fax: 812-989-2013 baited, because, rest assured, you have an www.animalfindersguide.com audience that is watching and your com- email: [email protected]

12 Feline Conservation Federation Volume 57, Issue 4 • July/August 2013 tranquilizers. This early hands-on Think about this -- ANYTIME you ban activity actually saved our beloved something, you inadvertently create a Rosie’s life. She had a uterine black market. A prime example is, first infection and had gone septic. To and foremost, prohibition. The Asian tranquillize her for the trip to the leopard is supposedly protected. With the specialty hospital (over an hour’s ban laws on molesting these cats, this has ride away) would have increased actually increased the value of their pelts the risk of her dying. We would and other body parts. And, of course, it have had to tranquillize her for the will drive some owners underground, trip, and then they would have had jeopardizing the very animals these ban to put her under anesthesia, dou- seekers want to see protected. bling the risk of anesthetic death, And last, but not least, conservation has as her system was already in trou- many different facets. There are the ones ble due to the sepsis. We were in the field, the ones in the media, and the able to load her with minimal ones in your own backyard, such as us, the stress to her and transport her educators, doing what we can to raise where she needed to be to save her awareness on situations that are in dire life. need of attention. And captive breeding We also are able to vaccinate, programs by the private sector can and do de-worm, and doing general physi- work. Remember, it takes a nation to save cal exams (check teeth, mouth, a species, and not just one individual or gums, feel all over for bumps, organization can do it all alone. Species like African and Asian leopards lumps, wounds, etc.) without tran- Remember to do your part. The exotic are not conserved by AZA member zoos. If quilizing, as each and every one of world cannot afford for ANY of us to sit changes to the USDA regulations pro- our cats have been hand-raised back and do nothing. No matter your posed in an animal rights petition are (with the exception of Bobby) and species of preference, if it is not you adopted, private preserves will be unable accept our handling with no fuss at today... it will be tomorrow! to bottle raise ambassadors to increase all. This helps to find and ward off Please download your copy of the pam- public awareness. any problems before they become phlet provided by the FCF for reference dlers, and owners having direct contact serious. Every time you sedate an and guidelines on how and what to com- with these cats, as well as to decrease the animal (or human for that matter), you are ment on at: levels of stress in captivity when there are taking a chance on that animal NOT wak- http://www.felineconservation.org/uploads frequent visitors. They begin to actually ing up from the procedure. /6nqz_a_call_to_action_laid_out.pdf , look forward to the human engagement as 4. Most ALL of the private facilities are and then go submit your comment at: they find comfort and, yes, even love, in rural settings due to zoning laws. What http://www.regulations.gov/#!document- bonding with their human. Big cats bond this brings with it is the presence of native Detail;D=APHIS-2012-0107-0002. and bond HARD with their human moth- wildlife, inclusive of venomous snakes. ers, trust me! This is an increased risk to all the resi- 3. The removal of cubs early on also dents of a wildlife facility, but a cub can- benefits ease of well care. We are able to not withstand the bite of a venomous facilitate basic vet care without the use of snake, much less a full grown big cat. Couple this well planned back door banning with Big Cat Rescue’s latest smear campaign of painting all exotic pet owners as Hitler (according to the BCR blog, it states that petting tiger, lion, and other big cat cubs leads to animal abuse and has a picture of Hitler holding a cub), http://bigcatrescue.org/abuse- issues/issues/pet- cubs/#The_Truth_About_Tiger_Cub_Pet- ting_Displays_in_Malls, this ranks right up there with the likes of PETA, which has tried that same propaganda method by making posters with slaughtered chickens on one side of the poster and Nazi death camps with pictures of Jewish prisoners While the petition only seeks to Spike the tiger lets everyone know on the other ( http://www.peta.org/b/thep- impact the large feline species, we what he thinks of these animal etafiles/archive/tags/holocaust+on+your+p all know if it passes, the small cats rights fanatics and their petition. late/default.aspx ). like this bobcat are next.

13 Feline Conservation Federation Volume 57, Issue 4 • July/August 2013 Blast From the Past: A Tail of Two Bobcats Volume 47, Issue 4 July/August 2003 him grouchy. Since my husband and I deficiency and hoped that there had not work outside the home and are away for a been any major fractures to her spine, as By Krista Griffin large part of the day (five days a week), I there was a questionable area on her x- felt that Simon needed a companion. rays. Her calcium was increased, but at When people realize that you have bob- Enter Izabella - Here we go again with the time she had stopped eating. We cats in your home, you get a lot of the round-the-clock bottle feedings and began to give her B-12 injections to boost responses, but mostly they ask, “Do they everything that goes with it (a tiresome her appetite, while also injecting her with make good pets?” My response to that job, but special bonding time between you Calciferal (which has to be given careful- question now after raising two of them is, and your baby). Izzy, as she is called most ly). It was a long haul, but finally she “The question is would you make a good of the time, really became a momma's began to eat again. We increased her daily keeper?” Note that I use the term “keep- baby. Right away we could see the per- calcium with extra doses of calcium glu- er” and not “owner;” bobcats believe they sonality differences between her and conate mixed with magnesium carbonate own you and not the other way around. Simon. It would seem that perhaps there powder and crushed vitamin D tablets. Actually, I guess it must be a relationship were some nutritional differences as well. She was also given more bone and carti- of mutual respect. I am constantly learn- It was not that long ago that we were not lage with her meat. ing something through our experiences sure that Izzy would even still be with us. Today, Izzy is not only up on her feet together. I was going along trying to repeat the again, but is running, jumping, stalking, As of right now, our situation is this: same steps and practices of raising Simon, and doing all the normal bobcat things. I Simon, the eldest, is quite contented with when suddenly everything went wrong. I would not give up on her when she was his companion Izabella. They are not a was unaware that Izabella was experienc- down, but I have to say that the Lord mating pair, as they came from the same ing a calcium deficiency. It happened so answered my prayers for her. Yes, I gene pool on their father’s side. Anyway, fast. One night, we were playing with her prayed for a bobcat. After all, she is one Simon was neutered long before a second and suddenly she was dragging her back of God’s creatures. bobcat was even considered. In hindsight, legs behind her and defecating uncontrol- After a slow introduction process, Izzy I wish I had not had him neutered; I lably. She could not get up onto her back is now in the outdoor enclosure with believed at the time that Simon would be feet. She could not be handled and would Simon. They are very happy together. At the only bobcat in our home and had not be comforted. We managed to get her the beginning of Izzy's introduction to hoped that it would possibly prevent the to the pet taxi, and bright and early the Simon, he seemed more irritated with me territorial spraying of our home as well. I next morning we made a mad dash to the than with Izzy. It was a very sad time for was wrong on both accounts. At about the veterinarian (which, by the way, is a two- me, because he seemed to be rejecting me. age of two years, Simon began to spray hour drive). It was as if he felt he had been betrayed. anyway and everywhere. We began treating Izzy for the calcium His mom had a new baby. After he got So began the con- used to having Izzy struction of the out- around and was quite side confinement contented with her, he area. My husband acted as if he did not began work on the need my attention any- largest, most elabo- more. Sometimes, rate cage he had ever though, Simon and I built. When it was have our moments of finally completed, reconnection; then he ours was a bittersweet goes back to Izabella, departure of Simon who still enjoys getting from the inside of our to come into the house home to the outside on occasion to nap on cage. At first, I mom’s bed. brought him back in Both Simon and the house practically Izabella will always be every day and contin- my babies. Each of ued this practice for a them in their own spe- while, but it soon cial way has made a became apparent that lasting impression on Simon was not too this family and occu- happy with the rou- pies a very special tine. He was content place in my heart. to be outside and bringing him inside Little Izabella walks right up to Simon, who is a year her senior. only seemed to make

14 Feline Conservation Federation Volume 57, Issue 4 • July/August 2013 News of Over 10 South China Tigers in Africa Under Rewilding Unknown

Reported by Nan Xianghong “On July 21st of last year, I found Southern Metropolis Daily that he was closing down Save China’s Tigers UK, and, together Recently, the well-known with my colleagues of SCT Aus- “Tiger Woman,” Li Quan, who tralia, we questioned the actions. has been saving rare South China On August 8th, I received a legal tigers, revealed to a Southern letter saying that I had been Metropolis journalist that she had removed by ‘board of directors’ of not received any news about Save China's Tigers.” Laohu Valley Reserve in Africa Chinese Tigers South African for nearly a year. She did not Trust and the UK charity signed know whether the tigers were South China tigers rewilding pro- healthy, safe, or if there are any ject with China’s State Forestry newborn tiger cubs or not. Administration in the year of Li Quan said she found out Huwaa, about six months old, playfully grabs the 2002. On August 18th, just three from the official website of Save hindquarters of young adult King Henry. They are days after filing for divorce, she China's Tigers on September 29th, two of the many tigers born at the South African was ousted from this board of that the South China tiger Laohu Valley Reserve. directors of the trust as well. “Princess” gave birth to a cub on Li Quan said that her husband September 16th. The next time she heard been stopped. seized all her 13 years’ worth of docu- any news was when the tiger cub went The missing tiger cub was the first off- ments and materials after her divorce peti- missing several weeks after birth and the spring of South China tigers born and tion was filed, and he also closed all the reason was unknown. Since then, there raised in the natural environment in channels that she could use to get infor- were no updates on the website of Save Africa, namely the third generation of mation about tigers. China's Tigers, which had been used for tigers in Africa. The birth of the third The Public Lost Connections with South communicating with the public, and the generation was iconic in the history of China Tigers weekly diaries and photos of the South wild animal rewilding. The UK charity also stopped issuing China tigers in South Africa have also “I wrote to Heinrich Funk, manager of news on the South China tigers in South Laohu Valley Reserve in Africa, and his Africa. answer was that he had been informed Steve Prassas, a lawyer who executed that he couldn’t tell me anything about the the will of his client, Ms. Jenifer Bone, to Chinese tigers and Laohu Valley Reserve, donate $100,000 Australian dollars to big or he would be fired by my husband’s cat conservation in 2008, had visited company, Conservation Finance Interna- Laohu Valley Reserve in South Africa, tional,” said Li Quan. and named a newborn tiger JenB. He was Marriage Hitting rocks and Quan Was so moved that he become a volunteer of Removed by “Save China’s Tigers UK” Save China’s Tigers was registered by Li Quan in England, Hong Kong, Aus- tralia, and Mainland China, respectively in the years of 2000, 2003, and 2011. When the UK Foundation was registered, her husband Stuart Bray was made a member and chairman of the board of directors by her. The initial funding for the charity came from the couple and donations from friends. Li Quan admitted that she Li Quan gets close to one of the Head shot of Madonna, a proven breeder and and her husband Stuart Bray successful mother who has raised litters inside tiger cubs born at Laohu Valley are in a divorce proceeding. Reserve. her territory.

15 Feline Conservation Federation Volume 57, Issue 4 • July/August 2013 an agreement with the Chinese State Forestry Administration on the rewilding of South China tigers in Africa for reintroduc- tion in 2002. Li Quan’s husband invested in 17 defunct farms, and the charity established facilities at Laohu Valley for the Henry and Huwaa watch some of Cathay’s rewilding of cubs living on the other side of their enclo- CoCo is an adult male tiger who has been suc- South China sure. cessfully rewilded and lives with his brother tigers as well as a tative of Save China's Tigers UK and JenB. The pair regularly hunts blesbok in their breeding center through fenced-in territory. coordinator of the Chinese project.” deploying public donations. The letter also pointed out that, as one saving the South China tigers. He and Li Five South China tigers were sent to of three parties to the agreement and Quan registered Save China's Tigers Aus- Laohu Valley in South Africa successive- owner of the Chinese tigers, the China tralia and became he chairman of the ly. They not only learned to hunt in the party hoped that Stuart Bray provides board of directors of the Australia charity. wild, but also successfully bred. Fifteen accounts of the charity’s donations and Steve Prassas confirmed to this journal- South China tigers were born in Africa, those raised in the name of the tiger pro- ist that the Australian charity had kept and 11 survived. ject, as well as their usage. contact with Li Quan and Laohu Valley Lu Jun, Chinese representative of the Seven international wildlife biologists, Reserve since 2008, receiving weekly and South African rewilding project from the including Dr. Peter Crawshaw, signed a monthly reports, but no news was forth- State Forestry Administration of China, joint letter to four government officials, coming about this project since August of had written to Stuart Bray, hoping that he including Director General Zhang Xiwu, last year. could deal with the problem calmly and in charge of Wildlife Protection and Another director of Save China's Tigers allow Li Quan to return to the UK charity, Nature Reserve Management Department Australia, Chris Stomo, was also con- because “Li Quan had been the represen- of China’s State Forestry cerned about the Laohu Val- Administration, to express ley Reserve. In the email their concerns: “It is impor- reply to the inquiry from this tant not to lose the achieve- journalist, he said it is very Books - Feeding Supplies - Gifts ments obtained in these ten difficult to get any news years, especially for such an now. “Stuart mixes charity important subspecies as the matters with his personal South China tiger.” issues. In my opinion, he is www.wxicof.com This reporter contacted hiding information on pur- relevant departments of the pose.” Chris Stomo thought State Forestry Administra- that the tiger rewilding pro- tion for information by tele- ject is at a critical stage and phone and message, but this situation will adversely We Carry New In-Print & Hard-to-Find Out-Of-Print Books received no answer. affect the effort that he and “The South China tigers his colleagues have devoted √ Raising In Captivity √ In The Wild are national treasures of for many years. √ √ China. They should not be Email by this journalist to Husbandry Management used as a bargaining chip as Heinrich Funk, who was in √ Identification Guides √ Reference Books Stuart Bray did in the charge of the rewilding pro- √ √ divorce with Ms. Li Quan,” ject in South Africa, inquir- Encyclopedias Veterinary Manuals Mark Szotek, who once ing on the health condition worked for CFI, said to this of tigers and operation of the reporter in an email. project, received no reply. 914 Riske Lane Coreen Eaton 15 South China Tiger Cubs Wentzville, MO 63385 Born and 11 Survived 636-828-5100 The UK charity reached

16 Feline Conservation Federation Volume 57, Issue 4 • July/August 2013 Finally Getting Into Cats! By Courtney Frenchak

Hello, everyone. My name is Courtney Frenchak, and my husband, Michael, and I operate Frenchak Farms, a small exotic wildlife park in Madisonville, Texas, which we started over four years ago. We mostly exhibit to children from the local schools and scout groups. During exhibits, we try to incorporate a few hands-on shows where children are allowed to feel and pet a few of the animals, including the 16-week-old lynx, binturong, tortoises, and coatimundi. In addition, we are trying to give visitors a good look at how awesome exotic felines can be instead of the typical stereotype. To us, having guests see the real side of exotics is the most important part of the job we do. We took the plunge into exotics with the purchase of a spotted hyena we named Three month old Siberian lynx cub was given the name Kitty Pat, after Giggles. We decided to look into becom- Courtney’s daughter mispronounced kitty cat. As the saying goes, it ing licensed as exhibitors. After research- wasn’t long before one cat led to another. ing and talking to fellow zoos and tried to think of animals that were unique Geoffroy’s, caracals, and even a cougar, exhibitors in and out of state, we definite- and would be the best for exhibits. We was more incredible than I can even ly had some thinking to do. Most had mostly stuck with smaller mammals, but explain. After visiting with Lynn and her good things to say, but many had warn- as the years passed we wanted to expand husband Bart, we headed home with Kitty ings and concerns for new people coming to larger animals and felines were at the Pat, which was what we decided to name into the world of exhibiting exotics. We top of the list. him after our daughter couldn’t correctly contacted the regional USDA office and This past July, we finally decided to get say “kitty cat.” The first few days were spoke with someone about what needed to our first exotic feline, a lynx. My hus- nerve wracking, with us wanting to make be done and what applications we need to band Michael had been wanting to get a sure he was eating and drinking water on fill out. We received our paperwork, Eurasian lynx for a couple of years and a regular basis. It seems like every time filled it out, and sent it in. A few weeks fate stepped in when he was doing one of we get a new critter we go through this went by before we were contacted by the his late night searches of exotic animals constant worry. After a week passed, inspector for our area. During the first and saw that one just happened to be everything settled down and we got into inspection I was certainly nervous. When available. He contacted Lynn Culver and, the swing of things. We wanted him to be he arrived, he spoke with us about how a few days later, we were on our way to as friendly as possible, so we would moni- difficult the permits were to obtain for any pick up our new baby lynx. I was always tor him while playing with our 22-month- dangerous exotics. It was our understand- a bit skeptical because of the stories the old daughter, who fell head over heels in ing that they would not be just “handing media publish about owners being love with him. He has quickly learned out” this permit to anyone. Thankfully, attacked. We have had several different right from wrong and does awesome when our inspector was great and was able to exotics over the years, including a spotted we bring him around new people or take point us in the right direction of what need hyena, spider monkeys, and binturong, but him to places for positive exotic feline to be done to get licensed. He explained this would be the first feline. Excited to awareness. He is happy and purrs as long that we would need to write up our experi- get there after a seven hour drive from as you are petting him. In our small town, ences with dangerous exotics and what the Texas, we were amazed to getting up close he is quite the hit and he hasn't met any- diet would consist of and also what exact- and personal with all the different species one who didn't think he was absolutely ly we would be using our license for. of felines at NOAH. We couldn’t contain amazing. After completing all the paperwork, we our excitement as we met our lynx for the After having Kitty Pat for a few weeks, mailed it in and patiently waited for what first time. Walking around the facility, we we started looking into getting other they said could be up to nine months learned how to properly care for and pro- felines. We had an interest in Geoffroy's, before we were approved or denied. vide the best habitat for our nine week old servals, and maybe a caracal. So, one day Thankfully, we had passed our inspection lynx. We even got the opportunity to pet a browsing on Facebook, I came across a and gained our approval and license in few of the friendly cats as we went by. status Joe Schreibvogel had written about about a month. From there, we really Seeing different species of lynx, servals, needing some help placing animals he had

17 Feline Conservation Federation Volume 57, Issue 4 • July/August 2013 be the big issue, as he only went by before the stitches fell out. You weighed 23 pounds. He also could see the difference already and, as seems to have difficulty focus- another week went by, it was almost nor- ing in on an object and his mal. I began talking with Jane Baker on hearing doesn't seem to be nor- Facebook about them, as she seemed to be mal either. We wanted to very knowledgeable about leopard cats. make sure he was getting the She educated me on how important chick- best nutrition possible, so we en necks were for their diet and how cer- immediately started with tain types of wood could be toxic if chicken necks as the basis to ingested. I told her my plans for the his diet, and we give him fish, enclosure and she guided me in the right beef, and shrimp for the iron to direction on what was necessary for them address his anemia. After a to live a long, happy life. We constructed few weeks of him being in his an enclosure for them that was 10x10x8. I outdoor enclosure, we got to added a tree in the center and crisscrossed Lyncoln Canada lynx arrives at his new home see his personality really come branches in every direction. I also made at the Frenchak’s Farm. out. In designing his habitat, them what I call a log cabin to hide and taken in from various locations. I mes- we included three large trees, sleep in. I also built them a few shelves saged him and he explained that he had a multi-leveled shelves, stumps, logs, and a out of small logs cut in half. We moved few animals we were interested in, includ- claw scratching post for his enrichment. them out into the new enclosure and ing a serval, Canada lynx, and two Asian We are looking into expanding his enclo- expected them to start exploring right leopard cats. Having done my research on sure and possibly adding a companion to away. Well, that didn't happen; they hid servals and lynx already, I didn't know ensure a happy, long life. Sometimes, I for days. As time has passed, they have what to expect from the leopard cats. get lost in time scratching his ears and he started to show a little interest in us and After talking to a few people, I got a good seems to have an appreciation for us since will come out and greet us instead of run- understanding of the personalities of this coming here. He's a dream to have! I ning to hide. I tried to hand feed them species of cat. think he knows how much we have fallen their first piece of chicken neck every day Michael drove out that night and in love with him already. to help them get used to us. I felt this was arrived at the GW Zoo at 9:00am. After When we got the leopard cats sedated a big step forward from how nervous and picking up the animals and getting brief and out of the kennels, we looked them scared they were upon arriving. I believe background stories on them, he headed over to see what needed to be done with they feel a sense of relief and happiness home. When he arrived home, I was ner- them. Joe had explained that they unfor- here with us. vous, but excited to see all the new crit- tunately came out of a garage in Houston, The last was the serval, ohhhh, the ser- ters. We unloaded all the animals and with several others. I was amazed at how val; they have a lot of sass packed into began to assess what needed to be done to beautiful their fur was. Dr. Sullivan, with that little body! The whole time we were make them happy here in their new home. the Madisonville Veterinarian Hospital, at the vet, she just hissed and growled and First thing the next day, we took them to looked over the our vet to get a health check and all the cats one at a time necessary vaccinations. The lynx, we and both seemed to were told by Joe, had a weight issue, and be in fairly good when we got him sedated and out onto the condition and table we could definitely see that. Lyn- weight was no coln, which is what we named him, came issue for these little from an area where they had been doing a girls. Although, lot of “fracking,” which is a process one of the girls, the where wells are drilled deep into the vet discovered, had ground and fluids are injected that cause an ulcer on her eye the shale layer of rock in the earth to that was going to crack, releasing methane and natural gas. need to be sutured These gases can sometimes get into the for a few weeks to water table and contaminate well water heal properly. She and have caused illness and even death to explained that there anything that comes into contact with was a chance that if them. The owner of these cats abandoned the eye wasn't her home and gave away her animals in sutured, she could hopes of saving their lives, because the lose it. Doing what fracking operation had caused the death of was best for her, we went ahead and some already. Lyncoln, unfortunately, has Lyncoln got a complete physical examination by the had it stitched up. issues from this. As the examination went veterinarian to assess his health issues and formulate About three weeks on, we could tell his weight was going to a plan of action. 18 Feline Conservation Federation Volume 57, Issue 4 • July/August 2013 hissed some more. After getting her sedated, we were able to get a good look at her. She didn't have issues like the others, but needed a good flea treatment, worming, and a round of vaccinations. We found that she was declawed on all four feet. Her teeth were in good shape, so we guessed her to still be fairly young. After searching and asking around for ideas, we decided a 20x20 enclosure would be decent to start with for her. Dealing with the fact that she might have a little difficulty climbing, we wanted to make sure she could walk up logs and get to any ledges or tree limbs. After her aggressiveness still hadn't settled any, I was reassured by Lynn that it was normal. She explained that the servals she had taken in as adults were the same way. In time, I believe the best option for her would be to get another serval for com- panionship, since I fear she will never have an attachment to us like the felines have. Even with all her sass, she seems to be a favorite among the visitors and does- n't seem to show fear when being admired. Guest always seem to enjoy the fairy tale happy ending story from animals coming out of bad situations and going to Hunter gives Kitty Pat a pat on the head. Kitty Pat is happy and purrs as live happy lives in stable environments. long as you are petting him, but his watchful parents don’t take any Almost a month has passed since we chances, and keep Kitty Pat leashed while they supervise the two kids. took in the animals from GW and two months since we got our first lynx from have to contribute, not only to our lives, NOAH. We have learned a but to others as well. I personally never lot and continue to become would have guessed this group we have more educated every day now could bring so much joy and happi- from others and our own ness. Most people love to raise them from experiences. We have defi- kittens, but I believe the ones you take in nitely come to love felines as adults can be the challenge with the and appreciate what they greatest rewards.

One of two female Asian leopard cats lounges on the grass in Lyncoln lynx appreciates some head scratches. her new enclosure.

19 Little Buddy the serval is the new light rapher Liz Hatton’s life. Debi Willoughby captures her Geoffroy’s cat, Spirit, in this stunning head shot. Your Best Shots

Tyler Thomas and his ocelot Magic Steve and Donna Cochran’s cougar Sadie is kicking share a moment together. Photo by afternoon nap. Photo shot by their granddaughter L Amylynn Moon-Sick. MoonSick Photography. t in photog- IMOS bobcat enjoys a good brushing “Look at me, I can do a head from his owner Doug Kildsig. stand,” says Kiwi Geoffroy’s cat. Photo by Jennifer Kasserman.

Indian the tiger is one of three cubs taken in by Saint the cougar is full of energy at Bear Creek g back for an Tigers for Tomorrow from Feline Center. Photographer Paul Winterman Lindey. a failed zoo in Wisconsin. freezes his graceful motion in this shot. Photo by Susan Steffens. Feline Conservation Federation Volume 57, Issue 4 • July/August 2013 Help Wanted - More USDA Licensees Wanted By Leah & Bobby Aufill

Job Description: Must own exotic animals with a desire to do public display or breeding. Successful Candidates Must Have: •The patience of Job. •Good communication skills: verbal and written. Grant writing experience is helpful but not required. •Willing to work hard, going above and beyond your pay grade. Successful candidate may not get reimbursed by Obama. •Ability to network with others to build from their wisdom. Successful candidate will not get paid to recreate the wheel.

My husband Bobby owned exotic cats for 20 years in the 60s and 70s, before there were laws and vaccinations. After retiring, he wanted to give back to them, which started us on this journey. We have been FCF members since 2004, when we acquired a puma cub, and are avid fans of the FCF and Lynn Culver for all the help Pumarama habitats are twenty feet tall and the height is accessed by cat- we have received as exotic cat owners. walks that connect platforms and hangouts for the resident pumas. We believe the FCF is there to help people be successful owners of exotic cats – from the wild populations. For success in the humans causing the cat’s habitat loss. The pet owners to breeders to educators, etc. wild, we believe humans need to have a FCF helped us move from pet owners to In addition, we like that the FCF supports direct connection with the exotic cats; professional exotic owners out of necessi- research, propagation, and conservation of after all, most losses in the wild are due to ty. We currently have two pumas and two lynxes, a bobcat, and a Canadian lynx. Our state is in transition, being one of only a few not having laws for exotic cat ownership unless they are native to the state, i.e. puma and bobcat. In addition, we are experiencing an increase in the wild population of pumas and, since 2004, the officials have gone from denying they exist to saying maybe a few are in the panhandle, too. They are limited on what they can say or do; therefore, we believe it is necessary for someone to answer the questions and curiosity of the public. Our goal is to help people to understand the native population and their importance as a primary predator, instead of wanting to shoot them all out of fear. We have accomplished this as professional educators (no USDA license) by taking our talks to the classroom and feeding the curiosity of the children. We are not interested in taking kittens for touching, and they are eager to learn. We have successfully done this for years, using large photos, trivia questions, and sincere enthusiasm. Our audiences have included local Boy Scouts, Elvis is caught in midair jumping to one of the loafing platforms. 4-H, schools, etc.

22 Feline Conservation Federation Volume 57, Issue 4 • July/August 2013 mals. •Contingency Plans – Divided in sections explaining procedures for: all natural disasters in Oklahoma, animal medical emergency, animal escape, owner sick- ness/death (long term or short term), etc. •Acquisition – list of animal acquired, showing alive and deceased. •PVC – form provided by USDA for vet to complete. Individual sections for each cat, showing care since acquisition. Includes: treatments, medications, diagno- sis, etc. The front of the puma building with puma towers visible behind. The •USDA – Copies of correspondence. puma building has a walk-in cooler/freezer attached on the left. This is Lastly, Dr. Tygart was given a tour of great space for storage and defrosting all meat. the outdoor facilities, examining the We have opened our puma home to the visitors the importance of all cats in the perimeter fence and outside cat rooms. Oklahoma Department of Wildlife when wild. This is our USDA story. The outside puma rooms are 30x60x20 ft. they have confiscated ones who need a Our journey of acquiring a home for the rest of their lives. Others USDA license began with have come along or will come as the years applying for FCF accredita- tick by. tion. While our FCF applica- While all this can be done without a tion got caught up in politics USDA license, we are ready to expand. and still is awaiting approval, To have visitors and collect writing down details to answer donations/fees, we must have a license. questions for it was great Again, this is not for touching the pumas; preparation for the USDA it is for having ambassador cats to show license. their beauty and grace and impress on the 11 Oct 2012 – Sent application to USDA. They confirmed receipt of our application and a notice that Dr. Nancy Ellifrit would be calling us for a prelicense inspection. After not hearing from them for months, we called their office to find out she was retiring and Bobby shows off the puma watering bowls maybe they could find inside their block building. The pumas drink someone else to do the from actual working porcelain toilets, which inspection. are easy to refresh with clean water just by 28 Jan 2013 – After pushing the lever. weeks of writing, planning and scheduling this is the big tall and 40x50x20 ft. tall. The perimeter day of inspection. We met with Dr. fence is five feet away from the enclosure Michael Tygart. He was given a tour walls. Our facility was designed to be a of the Puma Building and shown the habitat for the pumas, not just a cage and Cat Book. Our Cat Book is divided is very impressive. according topic: During his visit he pointed out two defi- •Feline Resume –List of personal ciencies, which were reasonable, and dis- exotic cat experience including cur- cussed that a second inspection needed to rent licenses, organizations, cats be scheduled after these deficiencies were owned, meetings/conferences attend- corrected. He made it clear that it would ed, continuing education acquired, be a completely new inspection. A perimeter fence is five foot away and etc. Mid Feb 2013 – That was not the end of surrounds the entire Puma Outdoor area. •Daily Care – Written so that a visit number one. After a few weeks, we This width is great for mowing and also volunteer or emergency substitute received written communication asking serves as a dog run for additional securi- caretaker could feed any of the ani- for clarification on several points. His ty. boss, Dr. Sabalas, had concerns that need-

23 Feline Conservation Federation Volume 57, Issue 4 • July/August 2013

Thunder looks like he is laughing at the photogra- Two puma outdoor habitats are built around live trees pher. Wonder what the joke was... which are trimmed annually during dormancy. Towers (with red roofs) have platforms every five feet, allowing ed to be addressed. Therefore, the official questions were the pumas easy access to the catwalk. The catwalk is inspection date was moved from January asked. This built across the top of the cage and is 20 feet above 28 to February 14. In the meantime, we response and ground for activity or napping areas. also corrected the two deficiencies found copies of during the January inspection. requested materials from the Cat Book with concerns he and Dr. Sabalas had Early Mar 2013 – Dr. Sabalas was basi- were sent to Dr. Tygart. about our facility in regard to the article cally asking us to restate things already Mid May 2013 –This was not the end and he now needed to add the house cats said verbally during our inspection or of visit number one. The 90 day limit was (Canadian lynx and bobcat) to the inspect- written in the Cat Book. We organized nearing and we had not heard from Dr. ed area. He gave some helpful advice and the response according to the sequence the Tygart. We sent an email asking about referred us to the USDA blue book. We our status. In return, he called us confirmed that we wanted to keep the with more questions from Dr. scheduled appointment for the second Sabalas and asked for a veterinary inspection. signature on our diet plan. We 26 Aug 2013 – Day of second inspec- asked our veterinarian to write a tion. Since multiple concerns had been letter about our diet plan, giving expressed by the USDA about our feeding her copies of our Daily Care from plan, we scheduled to have our veterinari- the Cat Book and the answers from an there for the inspection. We had writ- the March 2013 questions. It took ten down the inspection time for 10 am time to organize getting a letter and Dr. Tygart had written down 11 am. from the veterinarian. It kept get- After that little stressful moment passed, ting lost in cyberspace. Dr. Tygart we moved on to other things. called to check on our response. We started again in the puma building, We finished organizing the touring the walk-in cooler/freezer, looking response according to the sequence at the Cat Book and taking some pictures. the questions were asked and sent Dr. Tygart visited with our vet, Dr. Ketz these in with the veterinarian’s let- from the Oklahoma State University ter. Avian, Exotic, and Zoo Medicine Depart- Early Aug 2013 – Dr. Tygart ment and an AZA zoo inspector, asking called to schedule the second her questions about our diet plan, care, inspection. Our schedules do not and how comfortable she was with our match up quickly, so it was set for system. He commented that our Cat Book late August. and had more documents than was asked 18 Aug 2013 – An article writ- for. We explained to him that writing the ten about our sanctuary was pub- contingency plan had come in handy this lished on front the page of the Sun- year. We had three consecutive days of Trees inside the puma habitat provide day Oklahoman. tornado warnings and writing the plan plenty of shade and Elvis likes to climb 19 Aug 2013 – Dr. Tygart called helped us implement it. While it was hard them too.

24 Feline Conservation Federation Volume 57, Issue 4 • July/August 2013 work “herding cats,” it was good practice. He said most people give them a hard time for asking a facility to have a plan in writing. Next we stepped outside to tour the outdoor facilities, looking at the perimeter fence and outdoor puma rooms. He took pictures and asked Dr. Ketz about the safety of having fencing with 4x4 openings for the cat cage. We had good discussions about safety of volunteers, visitors, and caregivers. Next he came inside our home to inspect the lynxes. He spent time reviewing his thoughts and notes with us. He said he would call us with a response later that day or the next morning. 27 Aug 2013 –He called to tell us that Dr. Sabalas was not happy with the safety of the puma’s in regard to their fence having 4x4 openings. Dr. Tygart discussed that we may need to add a layer over the existing panels as a way to prevent harm to the pumas when they reach thru their Work area includes a stainless steel table for easy sanitation before and fence. In the meantime, he said Dr. after food preparation. Additional space on table is used for storage of Sabalas was going to meet with the USDA emergency preparedness items (weather radio and lantern). big cat expert Laurie Gauge and others and get back to Dr. Tygart. Dr. Tygart would be written up. I told him that I State University, adopt recues as space would then call us with the results. We understood and thanked him sincerely for becomes available, work on legislation in called our veterinarian to update her on his hard work. In my view, he is caught Oklahoma to protect private owners, their this news. Her response in regard to between Dr. Sabalas, us, and the bureau- cats, and the public, and support the FCF adding a layer of fencing was that the cracy. as it strengthens and fills an important role pumas could also hurt themselves on a Our next step is to finish paperwork for exotic cats. By breaking the mold, we second layer. It may add problems while with the USDA office by paying the fee believe we are filling the needs of the cats preventing one. We are caught in the mid- and getting our license in hand. Since we and our community. Saint Francis is the dle of these experts and expected this to are financially limited, we will start with patron saint of animals and we honor him take several more months to get figured having visitors by appointment, using sig- with our sanctuary, Pumarama San Fran- out. However, to our surprise, Dr. Tygart nage, brochures, and a personal guided cisco. called back the same day to tell us that we tour. It is an interesting habitat and fellow were approved for a USDA license with FCF members and volunteers who have the request that we overlay the fence pan- been here are com- els. I explained to him the OSU vet’s pletely amazed. response. So he said we could leave it as We will continue to is, but if we are inspected and a puma is work with students hurt from reaching thru the fence, we from Oklahoma

Bales of hay are used for enrichment. Pumas use them for rubbing their face on and sharpening their claws.

25 Feline Conservation Federation Volume 57, Issue 4 • July/August 2013 Cougar Attacks: Encounters of the Worst Kind by Kathy Etling Review by Kane Molavi experience fear. Although, according to the author, fear is not the “Cougar Attacks: Encounters of the only reason for attacks, as shown Worst Kind” written by Kathy Etling is in the reports of cats completely mainly a collection of records of attacks unafraid, making no attempt to documented by the game and wildlife “sneak up” on a potential victim. agencies of various states and the Canadi- One thing quite a few of the an providence of British Columbia. The attacks involved was completely author has provided individual descrip- uninformed individuals, who were tions of each incident regarding unexpect- absolutely not expecting any kind ed/unintended confrontations made of a confrontation with a large between wild cougars and visitors of the predatory animal. Many of these great outdoors. In reading this book, keep people were small children, who in mind cougar behaviors described were had virtually no knowledge of how displayed specifically by cougars that to react appropriately so it should were absolutely never raised with and not be surprising that their socialized among human beings. This is responses to the situation end up precisely why the aggression of the cats portraying them as prey. As should come as no surprise. The majority explained in the book, people can of attacks were committed against those and often do get seriously injured invading the cougar’s territory, such as even if they are fortunate enough campers, hikers, and/or mountain bikers. to survive, but regardless of Another important point as reported by whether a person survives an wildlife officers and the author is that attack or not, the cougars are hunt- attacks were committed either by males ed down and killed, which is ulti- defending their territories, mothers mately a defeat for both parties I believe that a cougar living under the defending or intending to feed their kit- involved. care of human beings, either as pet or tens, or individual cougars who ambassador seems to have a were starving, having been much better life. One example identified as such by excep- of this is the fact that in captivi- tionally low body weights and ty cougars never experience malnourished/skinny appear- starvation and they have the ances after they were hunted opportunity to be acquainted down and killed. with humans, a species that can It is clear that wild cougars entertain and stimulate the intel- starve. They cannot just simply lect of these great cats. As we eat whenever they become all should know, this situation is hungry. They must search for normally beneficial for both the food and, even if they find it, cats as well as for us. they must then kill it before While this book, in my opin- they can eat. As many others ͞FRESH + OASIS is the 'Missing Link' to a Healthy ion, is certainly not one that who have written books about Complete Diet & Optimal Performance͟ should be noted for any type of cougars, Etling also states that entertainment value, it did con- when cougars hunt, it will Add Oasis premix to fresh meat & the result is a scientifically tain various bits of information require as many as three balanced and complete real food diet ʹ no guess work. Oasis is that could contribute toward attempts before they make a professionally formulated by Dr. Gary Pusillo, and for over 20 possibly debunking several successful capture of prey. years, has been the #1 selling vitamin & mineral premix for exotic types of claims that make They will leap onto the back of cougars out to be nothing but cats, trusted by the world's top breeders, private zoos and their intended meal and admin- vicious, evil killing machines. ister the killing bite at the neck sanctuaries. Now Oasis is available under the Complete Natural The author provides advice that of a victim. Nutrition brand along with other exceptional nutritional tools like can help people who live along- Cougars living independent- Primal Cal, Rapid Rehab & Crisis Care. side or travel into the territory ly in the wild are, of course, of this magnificent predator by not socialized among human www.CompleteNaturalNutrition.com / 866-807-7335 reducing their risk of interac- beings. And this becomes a tion. problem when they run into hikers; they may or may not

26 27 Feline Conservation Federation Volume 57, Issue 4 • July/August 2013 Small Cat Alliance Presentation By Chris A. T. Tromborg, Ph.D. funded conservation research is being sup- ards, and cheetahs. Within a few years, ported in over 30 countries around the for the same species, the funding level had On Saturday, August 17, 2013, in the world. As of 2013, over $30,000,000 has risen to over $3,000,000. In 2009, the small town of Monte Sereno, California been raised for community-based, scien- Species Conservation Fund was estab- (just south of the San Francisco Bay tifically-driven wildlife conservation. The lished with an endowment of over Area), The Wildlife Conservation Net- WCN holds an annual event, the Wildlife $30,000,000 by the crown prince of Abu work sponsored a presentation by Dr. Jim Conservation Expo, at the University of Dhabi. The first small cat conservation Sanderson and The Wildcat Conservation California Mission Bay Center in San project that Jim requested funding for was and Education Fund to offer a presentation Francisco, where scores of wildlife con- supported at an initial level of $20,000. on the plights of free-living small wild servation organizations converge to dis- As of this year, over 99.2% of all funding cats and the probability of their future play their missions, communicate with is directed toward research on the conser- existence in captivity under current AZA- like-minded conservationists, and to hear vation of large and medium sized cats. sanctioned management strategies. There presentations from important scientists Only 0.78% is dedicated to the conserva- was also a discussion of the vagaries of about their efforts in the field. The FCF tion of small cats. This should interest raising funds for small cat conservation in has been present at the WCN Expo for everyone who remembers that FCF started a universe strongly biased toward the con- many years. This year, on October 12, I out as an organization called the Long servation of large cats. will host the FCF table and another for the Island Ocelot Club. As many of you know, Jim Sanderson Mountain Lion Foundation. Jim believes that conservation organiza- is a board member of the FCF and is our Jim Sanderson founded the Small Cat tions should diversify their funding of small cat specialist. A presentation of the Alliance in 2009, when he left a success- conservation research projects to stimulate Small Cat Alliance is held every year in ful career at the Los Alamos National the initiation of new research projects the same location and provides me with Laboratories as a gifted scientist working involving under-represented species, such the opportunity to compare notes with Jim in the symbolic world of mathematics to as small cats. He maintains that if indi- on the previous year's conservation suc- concentrate on one working in the very viduals are dissatisfied with this current cesses and failures. real world of conservation. Ultimately, he state of affairs, they should inaugurate The Wildlife Conservation Network has would focus his attention on the Andean their own research and then should seek been around since 2002, providing direct cat of South America. His interest would funding to support it. funding to conservation-oriented scientists gradually expand to include the conserva- Among the many problems with estab- who focus on community-based approach- tion of the over 20 species of small wild lishing and maintaining small cat research es to wildlife preservation. WCN has felids. and conservation programs is that there is some 14 primary projects, including the At this year's presentation, Jim concen- simply very little history to guide the Nissai Lion Project, the Snow Leopard trated his attention on the discrepancy development of these efforts. Everyone is Conservancy, Cheetah Conservation between the funding of conservation familiar with Project Tiger and similar Botswana, the Cheetah Conservation efforts directed towards large cats versus projects focusing on lions and cougars, Fund, and the Small Cat Alliance. WCN- those directed towards small cats. He but few are aware of research on the flat- noted, for headed cat or the Andean cat. Once example, research is begun, the research entity must that Pan- demonstrate reliability (staying power) to thera, the continue to receive support. Jim's projects feline con- have demonstrated their durability and servation importance, and he is slowly winning over organization the support of some funding agencies. founded by In captivity, the problems confronting jaguar con- small cats are equally daunting. The servationist small cats are obviously less charismatic Allen Rabi- than the large cats. Small cats, because of nowitz, their size, are typically more reclusive raised nearly than larger cats. They are not considered $700,000 in desirable species to maintain on display 2007 for by AZA facilities. Consequently, the conservation AZA is quietly “managing the captive projects populations of small cats into extinction.” involving The AZA will vociferously argue against tigers, lions, the buying or selling of these species by jaguars, any but AZA-accredited institutions, Chris Tromborg drove up to Monte Sereno, California, to lis- cougars, while doing nothing to enhance the likeli- ten to Jim Sanderson’s presentation and visit with him after- leopards, hood of their continued survival in either wards. snow leop- zoos or in nature. For all of his good

28 Feline Conservation Federation Volume 57, Issue 4 • July/August 2013 efforts, Jim was soundly upstaged by remaining population of bobcats in the what followed his presentation. world is in and around the San Fran- Rob and Barbara Dicely, of the Wild- cisco Bay Area, where bobcats and cat Education and Conservation Fund, their larger cousins, mountain lions, followed Jim with the presentation of are fully protected. three living wild cats. As with some The second cat that was introduced FCF facilities, Wildcat Education and was Chochi, an ocelot. Ocelots are the Conservation is nominally licensed as most heavily hunted and trapped of all an educational outreach organization. of the cats, again for their fur. Whit- When their cats are brought to school ney Houston possessed a custom assemblies, students are surprised to designed bedspread that probably discover that there are cats other than required the skins of nearly one hun- lions, tigers, and leopards. The effec- dred ocelots. I suspect that a single tiveness of presenting live animals to living ocelot is a better comforter. students, future voters who will soon be The third cat brought out to the responsible for making decisions that audience was the very diminutive will influence the future survival of Geoffroy's cat. These cats are difficult many cats, is remarkable. to use as educational ambassadors They first introduced Dakota, a two because of their shyness. As men- year old bobcat. Bobcats are the most tioned previously, it is this characteris- widely distributed species of lynx in tic shyness of small cats that has led to the world. From an evolutionary per- their being virtually eliminated as dis- spective, it is the most ancient, being play animals in AZA-accredited insti- phylogenetically and morphologically tutions. These small, spotted cats are closest to the common ancestor of the also exploited for their fur. It takes Canadian lynx, the European lynx, and over 30 cats to make a small fur coat. the Scottish wildcat. Although not It is a good thing that Whitney Hous- immediately in danger of extinction, ton did not know about these cats, the bobcat is under heavy hunting pres- The Dicely’s ocelot Chochi was one of the since there is no telling how many of sure from those wishing to supply the outreach felines shown to the audience dur- them must be killed to make a custom fashion industry with fur. The largest ing the afternoon presentation. bedspread.

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29 Feline Conservation Federation Volume 57, Issue 4 • July/August 2013 The ocelot and the Geoffroy's cat are nominally protected under the CITES convention. This does not prevent their furs from showing up in the show rooms of some very well-known furriers. The more numerous bobcat is not protected over most of its range, and there are even boun- ties on them in parts of the United States. It seems that in areas where these species are less understood, they are either more heavily exploited or even feared by humans. In South America, small spotted cats are believed to embody evil spirits. When they are spotted by the members of many indigenous tribes, they are stoned to death. Rob and Barbara, along with others, have taken it upon themselves to introduce these small cats to representa- tives of indigenous tribes so that their members can develop an appreciation for living small, spotted cats. Guarani, a spotted South American Geoffroy’s cat, is the smallest feline As those of you who live with cats species doing outreach. The audience was amazed to see a wild feline know, large or small, wild or domestic, that is smaller than a domestic cat. being with cats is a real challenge, but also very rewarding. It must be; in a few wealthy working for and with living wild is still more money to be made in ending short conversations with Jim and Rob, it cats. Unfortunately, it appears that there their lives than in preserving them. became clear that no one is getting

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30 Feline Conservation Federation Volume 57, Issue 4 • July/August 2013 A Brief, Incomplete Review of Wild Cat Conservation Funding, or is the Leopard a Small Cat? By Jim Sanderson, Ph.D.

Since receiving a grant of $15,000 at the annual meeting in June, I have strug- gled with trying to explain how important this contribution is to small wild cat conservation. To say the grant is very important is to sell it far short of reality. So how important is it? In October 2012, Cheetah Conservation Fund (CCF) sent out an appeal to raise $400,000 by the end of 2012. Today, 29 August 2013, I received an appeal from CCF requesting $176,000 by the end of August, just 2 days away! I stand in absolute awe and envy of these numbers. Since 2008, Small Wild Cat Conservation Foundation (SWCCF) has raised, one way or another, $481,000 in total, a measurable amount coming from the membership of Feline Conservation Federation. June’s In 2009, the Mohamed bin Zayed Lion $ 718,572 $15,000 donation will likely be 20% of Species Conservation Fund was born with Puma $ 140,000 the 2013 budget, if we have a bit of good a $30,000,000 endowment fund by His Snow Leopard $ 425,914 fortune between now and the end of the Highness General Sheikh Mohamed bin Tiger $ 712,514 year. This donation is the proverbial big Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Wildcat $ 10,000 fish in a small pond, not the daily budget Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander Other Species (Panthera) $ 205,406 of larger organizations. This fact sends us of the UAE Armed Forces. The fund sup- Total $3,571,874 back to 2007 where our story begins. ports the conservation of all living things, In 2007, Panthera set its huge paw print from the smallest fungi to blue whales. In Small cat funding from Panthera is in wild cat conservation. Since Panthera 2009, wild cat conservation funding included with a leopard project in the is a registered 501(c)3 charity (just as totaled $163,772. My proposal for the “Other” species category. Higher resolu- SWCCF is), I went to Panthera’s website Andean cat received what has turned out tion is not possible. Let us assume small and looked at the raw tax returns. In to be the largest grant SWCCF has ever cats received half of the funding in 2007, Panthera, captained by Alan Rabi- received. The following projects received “Other” species. nowitz, contributed $660,519 to four big funding: In 2010, National Geographic created cat projects. the Big Cat Fund and awarded $200,000 Andean cat $ 22,000 to various lion conservation projects. Jaguar $ 44,870 Asiatic Golden Cat $ 10,000 MbZSCF awarded the following: Lion $ 83,898 Cheetah $ 24,991 Snow Leopard $ 12,500 Jaguar $ 41,781 MbZSCF awards: Tiger $519,251 Lion $ 15,000 Andean cat $ 4,375 Total $660,519 Snow Leopard $ 25,000 Cheetah $ 30,000 Tiger $ 25,000 Jaguar $ 5,000 This is very impressive funding, but the Total $163,772 Leopard $ 25,000 flood gate had been barely cracked open. Lion $ 20,000 In 2008, Panthera ramped up to speed, It was not only Panthera’s creation of Snow Leopard $ 4,594 quickly funding $3,029,113 in support of the Small Cat Action Fund that provided a Sunda Clouded Leopard $ 21,678 six big cat species. vehicle for funding small cat projects. Tiger $ 10,000 Panthera, Summerlee Foundation (Scot- Total $140,647 Cheetah $ 3,396 tish wild cat and puma), and MbZSCF Jaguar $ 893,037 provided the following for wild cat con- But it was Panthera that again led the Lion $ 654,679 servation: conservation initiative. In 2010, fully Puma $ 50,000 Andean Cat $ 22,000 $4,841,843 was invested in wild cat con- Snow Leopard $ 240,610 Asiatic Golden Cat $ 10,000 servation, shares invested in jaguar, tiger, Tiger $1,187,391 Cheetah $ 6,443 lion, and cheetah conservation, followed Total $3,029,113 Jaguar $1,296,034 by snow leopard and puma.

31 Feline Conservation Federation Volume 57, Issue 4 • July/August 2013 Andean cat $ 4,375 From 2009-2012, $21,557,944 has been $168,300 or less than 1% (actually 0.78%) Cheetah $ 30,000 invested in wild cat conservation from of the funding. Jaguar $1,699,936 Mohamed bin Zayed Species Conserva- Note that SWCCF invested more than Leopard $ 25,000 tion Fund, National Geographic, Panthera, this in small wild cat conservation pro- Lion $1,049,451 and the Summerlee Foundation. jects. Many other foundations also con- Puma $ 45,000 tributed to both big and small wild cat Snow leopard $ 591,111 The Big Cats: conservation projects. We should, howev- Sunda Clouded Leopard $ 21,678 Cheetah $ 445,869 er, assume the big cats received $99 for Tiger $1,127,558 Jaguar $ 7,541,102 every $100 invested in wild cat conserva- Other Species (Panthera) $ 246,734 Leopard $ 55,000 tion. Total $4,841,843 Lion $ 3,707,641 Returning to the original question: How Puma $ 355,000 important is the $15,000 donation from The leopard seems to be the odd big- Snow Leopard $ 2,482,304 FCF? It is measurably important in global cat-out and received a good portion of Tiger $ 9,972,505 terms. This donation ranks in SWCCF’s MbZSCF wild cat funding. Other Species (Panthera) $ 830,223 Top 10 and would be close to 9% in the In 2011, things changed for small cats. Total $21,389,644 above figures. National geographic bumped their funding But let me end with a plug for leopards. to $325,150 for big cats. MbZSCF also Small Cats: All FCF members know how intelligent supported big cats. Andean cat $ 30,375 leopards are (in contrast to some of the Asiatic golden cat $ 10,000 big cats getting all the funding). By going MbZSCF awards: Sunda Clouded Leopard $ 21,678 through this exercise, I have gained a deep Cheetah $20,000 Wildcat $ 14,000 empathy for leopards, who seem to have Leopard $20,000 Other Species (half-Panthera) $ 96,246 no champion. Is there a Leopard Conser- Snow Leopard $ 11,000 Total $168,300 vation Fund? One would think with so Tiger $ 46,000 many leopard subspecies being IUCN Red Total $ 97,000 A single pie chart summarizes this List endangered that there would be. Cer- information: tainly there is a need for an umbrella fund Panthera did the heavy lifting. For all Seven species of big cats received with subspecies funds. Count me interest- of 2011, we saw more than $5,000,000 go 99.22% or more than $21,000,000. Thirty ed. into wild cat conservation projects, mostly (30) species of small cats received for big cats. Small cats and Panthera’s ongoing leopard project in South Africa BE PROUD & WEAR AN FCF LOGO T-SHIRT! are lumped together, preventing higher resolution. Panthera, however, likely pro- New FCF logo t-shirts are here! These beautiful color print- vided more funding for small cats than small cats have ever received in the past. ed shirts feature the FCF logo on the Cheetah $ 257,380 front and the paw Jaguar $1,875,551 prints and message Leopard $ 20,000 “What will you leave Lion $1,083,230 behind?” on the Puma $ 100,000 back. Shirt colors Snow Leopard $ 586,643 Tiger $ 940,823 are sports grey, yel- Other species (Panthera) $ 277,838 low haze, and peb- Total $5,141,465 ble. Shirts sizes are small, medium, In 2012, the last year for which we have large, extra-large, data, the summary was as follows: and double extra- Andean Cat $ 4,000 large. Shirts are Cheetah $ 123,659 $20, and shipping to Jaguar $1,731,674 U.S. addresses is Leopard $ 10,000 only $5.00. Use the Lion $ 117,811 Membership Puma $ 20,000 form/Product order Snow Leopard $ 24,526 form included in Tiger $1,484,968 Other Species (Panthera) $ 192,492 this Journal issue to Total $4,313,130 buy yours today!

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©2013 PMI Nutrition International. All Rights Reserved. Feline Conservation Federation Volume 57, Issue 4 • July/August 2013 FCF Marketing Committee Invites You to Join the Effort to Increase FCF Awareness By Lauren Bean the e-mail list etc, please contact me at [email protected]. Hello to all! I am writing to update I will be making an effort to con- everyone on our education committee, tact school teachers (specifically specifically our Marketing department. those involved in the sciences and The four of us just recently had a confer- agriculture departments) and other ence call that turned out to be very pro- youth related organizations in an ductive and was definitely a positive com- effort to get more kids receiving our munication tool that we will be using in youth newsletter. the future from now on. It provided a Some of my other goals include great way for us all to brainstorm and get providing our website with files of on the same page with the many directions materials for members to use for we want to go with our committee. As a advertising at their facilities (especial- result, these next few newsletters will ly those open to the public) but also at have updates from each of our depart- other venues such as vet offices, ments within the committee explaining schools, libraries, and any other our goals, current projects, and what we places you might think of. need help with etc. We would really We want to get more FCF members appreciate the memberships’ participation and spread the word of what all we in our efforts! There are many ways you are about. We will be posting on our can be involved in helping us and a good Facebook page and providing incentives make great Christmas gifts, Birthday gifts number of opportunities take hardly any for people to “like” our page and become etc. but those purchases raise money for of your time or much effort. involved with FCF. (So if you have a FCF so that we can continue with our mis- Marketing Goals: Facebook and have not “liked” the ‘Feline sion. So you know that your money goes Help our membership become aware of Conservation Federation’ page PLEASE towards a good cause. our goals and what we are trying to DO SO.) Soon I will be sending out an e-mail for accomplish, so that way members can We will also be more heavily advertis- people to start sending in photos so that I have a more active role in our committee ing our FCF products that are for sale on can create a 2015 calendar of exotic cats, and the many directions it takes. our website and can be purchased directly photographed by FCF members. There are a few forms of communica- through FCF. Not only do these items To reiterate my main points throughout tion that we will be using to this article: reach everyone and I ask that Please keep your eyes and ears you please read our newsletter open for Education Committee articles, e-mails etc and stay up updates! to date with our progress. We DonationsDonations Send us your opinions and ideas! want your ideas and opinions! The FCF Board of Directors thanks the following indi- “Like” FCF’s Facebook page, if Even if you don’t have the time viduals and corporations who have made donations to FCF to directly help us with the pro- you haven’t already! projects since the last published Journal, providing addi- jects and meeting goals, we still If you (or your kids) are not believe our members’ opinions tional funding for educational materials for members and receiving the online newsletters and ideas are important! We legislators, supporting conservation, and improving captive via e-mail, please contact me at need your input, feedback and feline welfare. [email protected] so we participation! can change that! We appreciate each donation, no matter the amount, rec- As we begin advertising more Some of the ways we will be ognizing that it is the many small gifts that, when com- promoting our ideas and pro- heavily, please help us spread jects are through e-mails to the bined, add up and make a difference in the effectiveness of the word and bring in more general membership, please the FCF. We encourage everyone to follow this example members! read and whenever necessary and donate funds for projects that interest you. If you, or anybody you know, respond to those! Other forms is able to directly help out by of communication will be FCF’s General Fund: becoming a member of the Edu- Facebook page, our bimonthly Nikhil Ayyar cation committee and helping us accomplish our goals, contact newsletter (hardcopy), the youth Davis Tinsley newsletter (e-mailed) as well as me at [email protected]. our adult newsletter (e-mailed). The FCF appreciates your generosity & Thank you and I wish everyone a great fall season! If you were not aware of the e- continued support. mailed newsletter’s, are not on

34 Feline Conservation Federation Volume 57, Issue 4 • July/August 2013 Why is Palm Oil so Bad? By Tina Bayer

Palm oil is a type of vegetable oil derived from the palm fruit grown on the African oil palm tree. These trees easily flourish wherever heat and rainfall are abundant. According to Treehugger.com, “88% of the world's palm oil is produced in Indonesia and Malaysia.” Pulling out my world atlas this encompasses not only Malaysia, but Sumatra, Borneo, Java, Bali, and other Greater Sunda Islands not really known. Palm oil is an extremely popular vegetable oil loved by manufacturers because the cheap and easy production can increase the companies’ profits quicker and larger than other oils. This is achieved at the expense of the plant and animal world. Palm oil is disguised by many names and used in everyday products like baked goods, confections, cos- metics, body products, and cleaning The orangutan is the most publicized ous to count. The outright killing isn't the agents. It is surprising when it is discov- species being decimated by the palm oil only torture method; the roads constructed ered how many products used in our industry. The slash and burn deforestation for plantation workers also provide easy homes contain this tainted product. method outright kills animals too numer- exposure to wildlife and facilitates access

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35 Feline Conservation Federation Volume 57, Issue 4 • July/August 2013 by poachers and animal smugglers. and at the point of death. The first pic- Plantations also pollute the soil and The cat species affected by the palm oil tures weren't obtained until a trapped cat water with pesticides and untreated palm industry are: the tiger, clouded leopard, in 1998 provided the first live pho- oil mill effluent, cause soil erosion and fishing cat, flat-headed cat, bay cat, mar- tographs. Twenty years of world recogni- increased sedimentation in rivers, and bled cat, and leopard cat. Starting with tion is not a suitable time frame for the cause air pollution due to forest fires. the tiger, certain subspecies are or have world to get to know this rare cat, and The demand for palm oil is forecast to been affected by the palm oil plantations, having it decimated before it is even fully double by 2020. To achieve that produc- including the Sumatran, Malayan, and known and understood is a true biological tion increase, 1,160 new square miles will Indo-Chinese species. crime. have to be planted every year for 20 years. The clouded leopard and newly discov- The next cat, which Jim Sanderson Indonesia has 26,300 square miles more ered Sunda clouded leopard, of Borneo describes as “in the most trouble,” is the forest land officially allocated for new oil and Sumatra, are the next largest cats fac- flat-headed cat. This small cat shares palm plantations; Malaysia has almost ing the threat of decimation. The clouded water habitats and hunting behavior with 3,000 square miles more. The expected leopard has a wider distribution than some the fishing cat. thousands of square miles of new planti- other cats listed, but is still facing the The last cat affected is the leopard cat. ngs on the islands of Sumatra and Borneo same decline, especially residents of The leopard cat has a much larger distrib- could kill off the remaining orangutans, Malaysia, Sumatra, and Borneo. In Suma- ution than all the other cat species, but, in rhinos, and tigers. tra, estimates vary, but some experts esti- a strange way, research shows it seems to All plant and animal species are impor- mate 65-80% of lowland forest is gone benefit from the palm oil plantations. tant to an ecosystem. The removal of and maybe 15% of mountain forest is Only the leopard cat was found to inhabit even one species causes a chain reaction gone. The clouded leopards still occur, palm oil plantations, easily being of checked and unchecked predator and but only in a few discontinuous areas. observed hunting rodents at night. The prey relations. Cats being predators keep The fishing cat faces habitat loss in other cat species that shun the plantations the herbivores and rodent vermin popula- some areas due to palm oil. The danger to were found to avoid even migrating tions in check. With rodents being a dis- fishing cats is that this species does not through them. Maybe the other species’ ease incubator, cats are doing us a favor in adapt well to cultivated habitats. disappearance is allowing the leopard cat the form of pest control. The removal of The marbled cat has a wider distribu- to benefit? predators also causes/forces other species tion over Asia, but also includes peninsu- Oil palm plantations, along with log- to live at higher population densities than lar Malaysia, Sumatra, and Borneo, the ging, fires, and other factors, destroy rain- optimal; this changes social structure, most negatively affected areas. Because forest habitat, hinder migration patterns, behavior, health, and disease. Those her- of human disturbance and habitat destruc- and block travel corridors. Roads and bivores and scavengers run rampant, caus- tion, the marbled cat has declined and plantations fragment the rainforest, facili- ing more biological decimation. Cats help become very rare in much of its range. tate encroaching settlements, and make maintain biodiversity and ecological bal- This reclusive forest dweller is believed animals accessible to illegal hunting and ance. Awareness of the palm oil industry by scientists to be intolerant of human dis- poaching. If they enter plantations while and its decimating effect on biodiversity is turbance, abandoning a forest that is even searching for food outside the rainforest, a step in halting what is now referred to as only moderately disturbed. animals may be killed by workers. They the Sixth Mass Extinction, the greatest The bay cat is the least known felid are also at risk when plantation companies loss of biodiversity the world has experi- species and, with it only inhabiting Bor- set forest fires to clear land for oil palm; enced in the last 65 million years. Say neo, faces serious jeopardy. The first live some fires burn out of control, demolish- NO to palm oil! bay cat only surfaced in 1992, emaciated ing much larger areas than anticipated.

Palm Oil Will Try to Sneak into Our Calcium stearate Cetyl alcohol Lives in Many Different Names... Calcium stearoyl lactylate (482/E482) Cetyl ethylhexanoate Capric triglyceride Cetyl hydroxyethylcellulose Acetic and fatty acid esters of glycerol Caprylic acid Cetyl lactate (472a/E472a) Caprylic triglyceride Cetyl octanoate Aluminium stearate Caprylic/capric triglyceride Cetyl palmitate Aluminium, calcium, sodium, magnesium Caprylic/capric/stearic triglyceride Cetyl ricinoleate salts of fatty acids (470/E470a; E470b) Capryloyl glycine Citric and fatty acid esters of glycerol Ammonium laureth sulphate Caprylyl glycol (472c/E472c) Ammonium lauryl sulphate Ceteareth (2-100) Cocoa butter equivalent (CBE) Arachamide mea Cetearyl alcohol Cocoa butter substitute (CBS) Ascorbyl palmitate Cetearyl ethylhexanote Decyl oleate Ascorbyl palmitate (304) Cetearyl glucoside Diacetyltartaric and fatty acid esters of Azelaic acid Cetearyl isononanoate glycerol (472e/E472e) Butyl stearate Ceteth-20 Dilinoleic acid Calcium lactylate Ceteth-24 Disodium laureth sulfosuccinate Calcium oleyl lactylate Cetyl acetate (continued on next page...)

36 Feline Conservation Federation Volume 57, Issue 4 • July/August 2013

Disodium lauryl sulfosuccinate SLS Elaeis guineensis oil Octyl palmitate Sodium cetearyl sulphate Emulsifier 422, 430-36, 470-8, 481-483, Octyl stearate Sodium Dodecyl Sulphate (SDS or NaDS) 493-5 Octyldodecyl myristate Sodium Isostearoyl Lactylaye Epoxidized palm oil (uv cured coatings) Octyldodecyl stearoyl stearate Sodium lactylate; sodium oleyl lactylate; Ethyl lauroyl arginate (243) Oleamide MIPA sodium stearoyl lactylate (481/E481) Ethylene glycol monostearate Oleic acid Sodium laurate Ethylhexyl hydroxystearate Oleyl betaine Sodium laurel Ethylhexyl palmitate Palm fruit oil Sodium laureth sulfate Ethylhexyl stearate Palm kernel oil Sodium laureth sulphate Ethylhexylglycerin Palm oil Sodium laureth-13 carboxylate Fatty alcohol sulphates Palm olein Sodium lauroyl lactylate Glycerin Palm stearine Sodium lauryl Glycerin or glycerol (442) Palmate Sodium lauryl ether sulphate Glyceryl distearate Palmitate Sodium lauryl sulfate Glyceryl laurate Palmitic acid Sodium lauryl sulfoacetate Glyceryl monostearate Palmitoyl oxostearamide Sodium lauryl sulphate Glyceryl myristate Palmitoyl tetrapeptide-3 Sodium palm kernelate Glyceryl oleate PEG-100 stearate Sodium palmate Glyceryl polymethacrylate PEG-15 stearyl ether Sodium palmitate Glyceryl stearate PEG-150 distearate Sodium stearate Glyceryl stearate SE PEG-2 oleamine Sodium stearoyl lactylate Glycol distearate PEG-20 stearate Sorbitan isotearate Glycol stearate PEG-4 laurate Sorbitan laurate Hexadecylic PEG-40 stearate Sorbitan monostearate (491) Hexyl laurate PEG-8 distearate Sorbitan oleate Hexyldecanol PEG-8 stearate Sorbitan palmitate Hydrogenated palm glycerides PEG-80 sorbitan laurate Sorbitan sesquioleate Isopropyl isostearate Pentaerythrityl tetraisostearate Sorbitan trioleate Isopropyl palmitate Peptide complex Sorbitan tristearate Isopropyl titanium triisostearate Polyethylene (40) stearate (431) Sorbitan tristearate (492) Isostearamide DEA Polyglycerol esters of fatty acids Stearalkonium chloride Isostearate DEA (475/E475) Stearalkonium hectorite Isostearic acid Polyglycerol esters of interesterified rici- Stearamide MEA Isostearyl alcohol noleic acid (476/E476) Stearamidopropyl dimethylamine Lactic and fatty acid easters of glycerol Polyglycerol-2 oleyl ether Steareth-10 (472b/E472b) Polyglyceryl-3 dilisostearate Steareth-2 Lauramide DEA Polyglyceryl-4 isostearate Steareth-20 Lauramide MEA Polyglyceryl-4 oleyl ether Steareth-21 Lauramine oxide Polysorbate 60 or polyoxyethylene (20) Stearic acid (vegetable oil) Laureth sorbitan monostearate (435/E435) Stearic acid or fatty acid (570) Lauric acid Polysorbate 65 or polyoxyethylene (20) Stearoyl sarcosine Lauroyl sarcosine sorbitan tristearate (436/E436) Stearyl alcohol Lauryl betaine Polysorbate 80 or polyoxyethylene (20) Stearyl dimethicone Lauryl lactate sorbitan monoolate (433/E433) Stearyl heptanoate Lauryl pyrrolidone Polysorbate-20 Sucrose stearate Linoleic acid Polysorbate-40 Sucroseesters of fatty acids (473/E473) Magnesium myristate Polysorbate-80 Taxanomic Magnesium stearate Polysorbate-85 TEA-lauryl sulphate Mixed tartaric, acetic and fatty acid esters Potassium stearate TEA-stearate of glycerol (472f/E472f) PPG-15 stearate ether Tocopheryl linoleate Mono-and- di-glycerides of fatty acids Propylene glycol esters of fatty acids Triacetin (471/E471) (477/E477) Triacetin (1518) Myristate Propylene glycol laurate Tribehenin Myristic acid Propylene glycol stearate Tricaprylin Myristic Cetrimonium Chloride Acid Retinyl palmitate Tristearin Myristoyl Saponified elaeis guineensis Vegetable glycerin Myristyl alcohol Sleareth Vegetable Oil Myristyl myristate SLES Zinc stearate

37 Feline Conservation Federation Volume 57, Issue 4 • July/August 2013 Cleaning Palm Oil Out of Our Lives

By Liz Hatton decided to give “poo free” a 30 day trail oil is a wonderful solution. No overpower- and figured I could always search for ing odor to it and is settles into the skin I stumbled upon the “poo free move- products without palm oil if it didn’t well leaving it soft, not greasy. ment” by accident. I had thought for some work. It has been about a year and I can If you take a look at the list of many time I was doing a great job keeping my honestly say I feel no reason to. No one names palm oil is hidden under in this home palm oil free simply by not purchas- knows I don’t shampoo unless I tell them. journal you should have a great head start ing anything with the words “palm oil” in In fact I believe my hair is in better condi- to truly ridding your home of the product. the label. Then I found “the list.” Approx- tion than it has ever been. In addition to If you find products you “just can’t do imately a hundred names of substances avoiding palm oil, going poo free has without” that contain palm oil, at the very derived from palm oil. One of which, reduced the amount of plastic containers least call the manufacturer and let them sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) seems to be in we need to throw away and saved a con- know you are displeased with their use of just about every commercial shampoo, siderable amount of money that we once palm oil. It can be difficult to change core soap, lotion and cleaning product on the spent on hair care products. beliefs about “being clean” or what con- market. I figured there must be someone Soap and lotions are products also diffi- stitutes a cleansing product. I challenge out there making palm oil free products cult to find without any form of palm oil. you, my fellow FCF members to chal- and while I was able to find a few I found Many of the “natural” soaps contain palm lenge yourselves for thirty days poo free. something I liked far better. Not using oil as well. When you consider the skin is If you don’t like it you can always go shampoo at all. your largest organ you start to rethink back. You may however, like I, find your- Advocates of the poo free movement what you “should” be putting on it. Again, self astonished that you’ve had the wool will tell you it is unnatural to shampoo the simplest solution is water. A mixture pulled over your eyes for years and have your hair. That’s not to say you shouldn’t of either honey and sea salt, or coconut oil been harming yourself and the environ- clean your hair but we seem to be caught with sea salt will not only clean your skin ment simply because marketers are clever in a perpetual trap that is neither good for (anti-bacterial/anti-microbial) but will and have socially shamed you into giving our hair nor the environment. The scalp leave skin so soft you’ll feel like you’ve them money for products you don’t need. secretes an oil called sebum, which pro- had a spa treatment. If your skin still tects the scalp and naturally conditions needs a little extra moisture, grape seed hair. It also helps deflect dirt. Chemical shampoos strip the hair and scalp of this natural oil, leaving most with a need for conditioner, which attracts dirt and causes the need for more frequent washing. It’s a marketer’s dream, products that cause a need for more products. Unfortunately you are not only stripping your hair, you are letting the chemicals into your body through your scalp. There are many ways to be “poo free.” Once you deprogram what has been force fed to you as “normal” by commercials and do a little critical thinking, you’re in a position to find the one that is best for you. Some people have it down to simply using water. If you still need to use “something,” apple cider vinegar is very low cost and effective. One capful of ACV per cup of water is recommended. It will clean the scalp and leave the hair with a nice shine. If the hair is still a little rough either honey or a little (VERY LIT- TLE) coconut oil make a great natural conditioner. There may be a transition period where hair seems oily. This is only because your scalp is accustomed to over- producing sebum to make up for what you Liz Hatton’s hair looks shiny and healthy and her serval, Buddy, likes strip away. It can resolve right away but the fresh clean smell too. usually takes no more than 30 days. I had

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1515 2020 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: Clouded leopard lounges in a tree in his habitat at the Nashville Zoo. FCF members spent the day at this facility in June, as part of the annual Convention events. Nashville Zoo is renowned for its breeding success of this July/August 2013 Volume 57, Issue 4 leopard species and owes its success to hand-rearing techniques that greatly reduce the stress levels in this species. It’s ironic that the USDA published a petition written by ill-informed animal rights organizations asking the agency to prohibit hand-rearing, under the false premise that hands-on husbandry is a form of animal abuse. Photo by Lynn Culver.

Back Cover: Kapi’yva Exotics’ Zayne's Destiny of Kharistan and Kaanna Bali of Kharistan were purchased by CJ Epperson when they were about eight weeks old. These Chinese subspecies of leopard cat (Prionailurus bengalensis chinensis) are some of the most beautifully marked varieties. CJ says they are extremely bonded to each other. Kaanna has the best temperament; she can pick her up anytime. Zayne will let CJ pet him, but rarely pick him up. Photo by CJ Epperson.