Happy Mother’s Day

Celebrate Your Mother with one of these Wildly Unique Gifts

If you are like me, you have given your mother a lot of really useless gifts over the years, like that necklace you made out of macaroni, the clay cat statue from 3rd grade, and all of the sappy signs and dust collectors her shelves can hold.  This year, how about giving her something really terrific that helps the big cats too?

Roar Reserve wines are the purr-fect way to show mom you care.

The Roar Reserve wines available include – Cabernet Sauvignon featuring Shere Khan the tiger, Merlot featuring Armani the leopard, Pinot Noir featuring Saber the black leopard, Chardonnay featuring Joseph the lion, Malbec featuring Precious the bobcat and Sauvignon Blanc featuring Enya the cougar are imported from LaFortuna Vineyards in Lontue Valley, Chile. These vegan friendly wines are produced using certified organic grapes by a fair trade certified vineyard.

Want something even more unique? How about funding an enclosure expansion for Nikita the lioness in her honor?

You contribution will help fund the construction of a 3,750 square foot enclosure expansion for Nikita the lioness that will double the size of her current home.  This vast new space will give this beautiful girl lots of room to romp. The cost of the new expansion will be $19,000!

For $20 you will receive this gorgeous portrait of Nikita.  The bottom of the photo reads; I helped fund a 3,500 sq. ft. enclosure addition for Nikita the lioness.

For $30 you will receive the Nikita portrait and an adorable plush lioness toy.

For $50 you will receive the Nikita portrait, plush lioness toy, and a Lion Supporter Sponsorship Kit with a Certificate of Adoption for Nikita the lioness.

Special Offer: The first 25 contributors of $500 or more will be invited along with one guest to attend the grand opening of the enclosure addition so you can watch as Nikita enjoys her expansion for the very first time.

Click HERE to help fund the Enclosure Expansion for Nikita!

If you would like to fund this project, but would prefer not to receive a gift set click HERE to make a donation.

Geoffroy Cat Dental Surgery

If you love our videos, please subscribe in iTunes to get them send straight to your device.  A 5 star rating helps others find out about the plight of big cats too.  Rate and Subscribe 

Big Donations for the Big Cat Clinic!

Thanks to the very generous support some wonderful friends in the healthcare industry as well as a Big Cat Rescue volunteer, our onsite Big Cat Hospital is now better equipped than ever to tend to the medical needs of the magnificent animals that call Big Cat Rescue home.

Employees at St. Anthony’s and St. Joseph’s Baycare hospitals recently heeded the call for medical equipment and literally leaped into action! Dean Waters at specialty healthcare supplier Tri-Anim and our friends Dave Wagner, Brigitte Ordonez, Brian Craig and Robyn Anderson helped provide a cordless/rechargeable set of electric clippers and 50 replacement blades as well as a Nonin 2500A Pulse Oximeter with lingual clips. The pulse oximeter is used to closely monitor a cat’s heart rate and blood oxygen level while under sedation.

Our very own Senior Partner volunteer Pam Rodriguez generously funded the purchase of a Cardell BP Vet Specific Blood Pressure Monitor.

Also leaping into action in support of the cats was Mr. Stanley G. Tangalakis, Chairman, CEO of Mercury Medical in Clearwater, Florida and Product  Specialists Dave Mieras and Steve Tyson. Their very generous donation of a Datascope Passport 2 Multi-parameter monitor and a Colin Blood Pressure and Pulse Oximeter will enable the sanctuary to provide the highest level of care for the big cats both in the Big Cat Hospital as well as in the field.

Everyone at Big Cat Rescue (especially the cats!) would like to extend a HUGE ROAR of gratitude in recognition of the generous support of these individuals and organizations! If you would like to make a contribution towards the veterinary care for the big cats click HERE.

Rufus the Baby Bobcat Succumbs to Seizures

Fondly Known as The Rufus Bounce

Last December, Rufus was found injured and in a comatose state on the side of the road and taken to the Carolina Wildlife Center in South Carolina.  The two month old bobcat had broken jaw that was repaired, however, once he awoke his caregivers discovered he was blind.  In the weeks following his rescue Rufus also battled seizures.  Knowing that he would not be a candidate for release the center contacted Big Cat Rescue to find a permanent home for the kitten.

Upon his arrival Rufus was seen by a variety of specialists to determine the cause and the severity of his blindness and brain damage.  Thanks to the gracious generosity of our supporters Rufus had and MRI that helped narrow down the possibilities for which a supportive treatment plan was put into place.  While his blindness was irreversible, medications and supplements were given to Rufus to help ease his seizure activity.

Unfortunately his brain damage that was the cause of the seizures could not be healed completely and on April 26th Rufus had a massive seizure and died suddenly. Every attempt was made to resuscitate him, but sadly they were unsuccessful.

Rufus will be missed dearly by everyone who got to know him. He was a special little kitten who touched many of our hearts. One of the Skip-A-Holics, the group who helped keep watch over him night and day, sent us this screen shot of him playing during his last days with us. It reminds us of the happy moments with him. His bravery and enthusiastic disposition were inspirational.

We would like to thank everyone who helped us provide a great home to Rufus during his short time with us.

You can read his Keepers memorials to Rufus here:https://sites.google.com/site/bigcattributes/home/rufus-bobcat

The Mane Event

Join us for a very special event this month to support the big cats.

Tiger Parts Openly Traded on eBay and Craig’s List

Tiger pelts and tiger bones were being offered for sale on eBay in the U.S. and the U.K. in April and May of 2012.

Big Cat Rescue filed complaints with eBay and the USFWS but these kinds of illegal tiger products are openly traded online. Unfortunately government agencies are overwhelmed and sometimes unable to regulate the trade in endangered species and that is why it is so important to ban the private possession of big cats.  See the proof:  http://bigcatrescue.org/2012/tiger-skin-and-tiger-bones-openly-traded-on-ebay-in-2012

eBay and Craig’s List are great about removing such items once they are aware.  If the open trade in tiger parts just makes you see RED, there is something you can do about it.  Send one of our easy email letters to your Representative in Congress here:  http://capwiz.com/bigcatrescue/issues/alert/?alertid=61054081  This bill would end the private trade in big cats.

Big Cat Rescuers Go Ape

A group of Big Cat Rescuers recently enjoyed a special visit to the Center for Great Apes in Wauchula, FL. Howard Baskin wrote, “We were particularly impressed with how massive and expensive the enclosures have to be and the safety precautions that are required in dealing with very intelligent animals with imposable thumbs, who can check to see if locks are really locked!  One striking example of their intelligence was an ape named Noelle who had been taught to sign.  From a distance of over 20 feet she first noticed the tour guide Patty was wearing lipstick and signed her comment.  Then she noticed a small scratch on Patty’s arm and asked in sign language if Patty was hurt.  It is a wonderfully maintained facility where the love of the animals is abundantly apparent when you meet the staff and volunteers and observe the excellent care.  It was a great experience for our staff and interns and we encourage others to visit.”

Did you know tigers talk?

Learn what a tiger “chuff” means in this cute video.

More Mother’s Day Cards, eCards and Games

http://bigcatfun.com/mothers_day.html

Thank you from everyone at Big Cat Rescue!

Celebrate Earth Day in a Wild Way

Pharaoh turns 13 this Earth Day!

April 22nd is Pharaoh the serval’s 13th birthday as well as Earth Day!  Celebrate this Earth Day in a wild way by purchasing our environmentally friendly Tiger Grocery Tote or a BCR Stainless Steel Water Bottle in our Online Gift Shop.

Or perhaps you would like to send Pharaoh, or one of our other feline friends with a birthday this month, a tasty gift of a turkey, chicken, or a hen dinner.  Celebrating birthdays this month are; Bongo the serval – 21, China Doll the tiger – 18, Breezy the bobcat – 16, Cleo-catra the bobcat – 16, Santino the serval – 14, Zouletta the serval – 14, Zimba the serval – 14, Doodles the serval – 13, Pharaoh – 13!

Gift shop purchases and donations fund the care of the cats here at Big Cat Rescue and are a great way to spread the word about the sanctuaries mission; Caring for Cats and Ending the Trade

Blind Bobcat Update: Rufus and Tommie

Rufus gets an MRI to determine the cause of his seizures

Last month we brought you the story of two blind bobcats Rufus and Tommie.  Rufus, a 2-month-old male bobcat, found on the side of the road presumably after he had been hit by a car in South Carolina and Tommie, a 3-month-old female, found wandering in search of food at a mine an hour north of Big Cat Rescue.

Rufus, now 6 months old, gave us quite a scare about a month ago when he had a fairly severe seizure.  He was rushed to Ehrlich Animal Hospital where he was sedated and examined. Unsure of the exact cause for the episode, Dr Wynn consulted with a nearby specialist.  Rufus was then taken to Blue Pearl to be seen by Neurologist Dr. Kimura.

An MRI was scheduled for later that afternoon.  Big Cat Rescuers Jamie Veronica and Dr. Boorstein escorted Rufus to the facility where the MRI was to be performed.  Nearly an hour after the procedure began and seconds before the first scan was completed a thunderstorm swept through the area and knocked out the power for several blocks.  A very long and stressful day ended in disappointment and Big Cat Rescuers took Rufus back to the sanctuary with no answers as to what had caused his seizure.

A few days later Rufus was once again escorted to a second MRI appointment.  This time the weather was great and five scans were taken of Rufus’s head.  The images showed that Rufus suffered from Hydrocephalus, otherwise known as water on the brain, a buildup of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) around the brain. CSF normally moves through the brain and the spinal cord, and is soaked into the bloodstream. Too much CSF puts puts pressure on the brain. This pushes the brain up against the skull and damages brain tissue. Hydrocephalus can be caused by a number of things including trauma, infection, or can be congenital.  Dr. Kimura prescribed a medication that will help decrease the amount of fluid and in turn will hopefully put an end to Rufus’ seizures.

Just a few weeks later Rufus is doing much better.  After his initial seizure, Rufus was having 3-5 minor seizures each day.  Since he has been on his new medication he has had a dramatic decrease in these episodes having only one daily and sometimes none at all.

Rufus’ medical bills have reached into the thousands and to help offset this cost to the sanctuary we asked for your support through the Rescue Rufus Fundraiser initiated in last month’s Ezine.  We are very happy to report that we have reached a grand total of $5,600!  We would like to send our sincerest thanks to all of the supporters who helped Rescue Rufus!

Tommie a female bobcat was rescued shortly after the arrival of Rufus.  She had been found wandering in search of food at a mine north of Big Cat Rescue.  She was emaciated and appeared to be blind.  Tommie, named after her rescuer Cemex Manager Tommie Deaner, was seen by Dr. Miller, a Board Certified Ophthalmologist. Her retinas had detached resulting in her blindness.  Her condition was most likely due to disease, but after a battery of blood tests still no answer has been found.  Tommie has tested negative for every known disease that could be the culprit, except for Lyme Disease.  Meanwhile she has been living in quarantine in our onsite Cat Hospital.  She has been on series of medications with the hopes of restoring her sight, none of which have been successful.  Otherwise Tommie is the picture of health.  She has doubled in weight since her arrival, her coat is sleek and glossy and her teeth are pearly white.  Unfortunately because she is blind and no treatment has worked she will not be a candidate for release back into the wild.  She will have a permanent home at the sanctuary.

Purr-fect Perches – Platforms for Cats Big and Small

Big Cat Rescue’s Enrichment Team has been hard at work constructing platforms and jungle gyms for several of our furry felines.

Angelica the bobcat was the lucky recipient of not one but two platforms in addition to two ramps that provide access to a tunnel connecting her enclosure to a neighboring one giving her twice the space.  She is loving her new addition complete with furniture!

Cody and Missouri the cougars received lounging platforms thanks not only to the Enrichment Team, but also to Senior Keeper Phyllis Middaugh who earmarked a grant awarded to her for winning BCR’s Volunteer Excellence Award.

Lisa Shaw, another winner of BCR’s Volunteer Excellence Award made sure that TJ the tiger got an extra large set of platforms set at two heights to provide him with optimum viewing angles of the lake and his neighbor Bella.

Spring Breakers turn Big Cat Rescuers

University of Missouri's "Alternative Spring Break" Group

The month of March is one of our busiest of the year due to Spring Break. This year we were lucky enough to be chosen by the University of Missouri’s “Alternative Spring Break” program. Alternative Spring Break is a program where 12 students choose a place to help out and make a difference, all while having fun!  In the past they have been involved with current issues like degradation of the environment, urban poverty, and helping the physically disabled.

Collectively, the Alternative Spring Breakers raised about $4000 to cover all their expenses involved with their trip and were here for four days from early morning until late afternoon every day.  They were such hard workers! Just when you’d think they would be ready to throw in the towel for the day, they’d turn to us with all smiles and say, “What’s next?” They helped in nearly every area of the sanctuary, from preparing diets, assisting with tours and even cage building. It was such a pleasure having them here and we can’t thank them enough!

Warned in 1983 – AZA Finally Calls for an End to the Practice of Breeding White Tigers and White Lions

In June 2011 the board of directors for the American Zoological Association (AZA) formalized their 2008 ban on the breeding of white tigers, white lions or king cheetahs by their member zoos. Their report said, “Breeding practices that increase the physical expression of single rare alleles (i.e., rare genetic traits) through intentional inbreeding, for example intentional breeding to achieve rare color-morphs such as white tigers, deer, and alligators, has been clearly linked with various abnormal, debilitating, and, at times, lethal, external and internal conditions and characteristics, which are outlined in this paper.” This change in policy came more than 12 years after Big Cat Rescue first released Dr. Laughlin’s expose here: http://bigcatrescue.org/abuse-issues/issues/white-tigers

Because of the inbreeding and resulting genetic defects the American Zoological Association barred member zoos from breeding white tigers, white lions and king cheetahs in a white paper adopted by the board of directors in July 2011.

It is noteworthy that the first person to speak out against the displaying of white tigers was William Conway, director of the NY Zoological Association, which later became known as the Bronx zoo when he said, “White tigers are freaks. It’s not the role of a zoo to show two headed calves and white tigers.” He warned AZA in 1983 of the harm to the zoo’s credibility in catering to the public’s fascination with freaks, but went unheeded until 2008 when AZA issued a request to their members to stop breeding white tigers and then later in July 2011 when the AZA formally adopted that stance as policy. Conway was attacked by Ed Maruska of the Cincinnati Zoo and other zoos that were profiting by inbreeding tigers to get white coats, but in the end Conway’s belief was validated. Read the AZA Policy Against Breeding White Tigers, White Lions and King Cheetahs

Eye of the Hunter – Florida Panther

Eye of the Hunter 24" x 36"Lithograph Print

http://www.livedecoratively.com/fineart.html

The “Eye of the Hunter” is a symbolic painting designed to ignite the imagination with the question of who is truly hunting who? Look through his windows and see what his soul really has to say.

The Florida Panther was chosen because it represents the end of a species. They are very limited in numbers and fighting not only for their lives but their existence.

Karen Wilcox is dedicating 50% of her pre-print sales to be donated to the cats at Big Cat Rescue. Help us help Big Cat Rescue make the lives of these cats more comfortable, as well as create positive changes in legislation to protect these magnificent cats.

The “Eye of the Hunter” is a 24″ x 36″ lithograph print. Retail pricing is at $200, buying directly from the artist allows us to give you a pre-print discount of 50%.

For only $100 you can hang a symbol of aid in your home, support a local wildlife artist, and most importantly support Big Cat Rescue. “Everyone should benefit from art even the cats we all love. Help us support Big Cat Rescue.” – Karen Wilcox

Big Cat Vet Care Challenges Subdued

The Cat-a-comb in action

Providing veterinary care to more than 100 wild cats can be challenging so Big Cat Rescuers have to get creative.  Our Operant Conditioning program is crucial to providing such care in an efficient and effective manner.  Volunteers participate in this program in which the cats are given food rewards for doing simple tasks such as approaching the side of the enclosure, sitting or laying down, and even going into their food lockouts (a small cage attached to their enclosure that they are fed in) and allowing a door to be shut confining them in the lockout. The latter of these tasks has been extremely helpful to our veterinarians Dr. Wynn and Dr. Boorstein with their latest challenges of drawing blood and administering vaccinations.

Dr. Wynn was able to shut Bengali the tiger into his lockout and while he was happily accepting a constant supply of snacks from his keeper she was able to draw blood from his back leg without being noticed.  The bloodwork was sent to the lab for routine screening the results or which were great for a tiger his age (17).

To better facilitate routine vaccinations Dr. Boorstein constructed a device called the Cat-a-comb which is basically a comb made of 2×4’s that can be placed through the top of the lockout and pivoted to pin the cat to the side of the lockout.  Once pinned vaccinations and microchips can be given and flea treatment can be applied.  Big Cat Rescuers were surprised at how calm the cats were during this process and because of this the vet team is even able to perform a basic physical exam.  The Cat-a-comb has proven to be an extraordinary and stress free alternative to netting or sedating the cats for this routine veterinary care.  The only downside to the new contraption is its weight. Constructed of wood, the Cat-a-comb weighs nearly 70 lbs!  Thankfully Dr. Wynn has a friend who works with aluminum and has accepted our challenge of creating a lighter version of the device that will be just as strong.  We can’t wait until the new prototype arrives!

If you would like to help fund the veterinary care of the big cats by donating towards the purchase of vaccinations, medications, or flea treatments consider making a Veterinary Care Donation.

Big Cat Rescuer Dr. B Participates in ACT Spay Day

Dr. Boorstein helps with spaying 70+ cats

Big Cat Rescue is proud to support local spay and neuter clinics with our Spay and Play Program.  This program rewards individuals that have their pet spayed or neutered with a free tour pass to visit the sanctuary.  So it was a natural fit to sponsor recent grad Dr. Boorstein to participate in A.C.T.’s monthly Spay Day in April. More than 70 cats were spayed on Easter Sunday thanks to the event.

Click HERE for information about A.C.T.’s Spay Days and Nueter-a-thons http://www.actampa.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=cms.home

Click here for Spay and Play de-tails http://bigcatrescue.org/2011/spay-and-play

Big Cat Easter

Check out the hopping good time the big cats had with their Easter treats!

Big Cat Rescue – There’s an app for that!

We were very excited when we announced the Big Cat app for Apple in April 2011 and now we are even more pleased to announce the newly available Big Cat app for Droid!

A roaring round of applause goes out to Jim Kirkpatrick for developing the original Apple version of the Big Cat app as well as to Jim Junco for developing the Android version (at no cost to the sanctuary).

The Big Cat app puts more than 100 of our big cats in your pocket!

Stunning photos of lions, tigers, leopards, bobcats, servals and more exotic cat species than you probably even knew existed! You can use the images as wallpaper for your phone, email the images to your friends or read fun facts about each cat and learn their individual stories of how they were rescued.

Droid: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.miCharity.jimini
iPhone: http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/big-cat-app/id426593622?mt=8

Saving Big Cats by Changing Laws and Minds

Last month we told you about the Big Cats and Public Safety Protection Act (HR 4122) which is the most important piece of legislation to ever be introduced to protect lions, tigers and other exotic wild cats from being kept as pets and in miserable roadside zoos.  You always find out about the important big cat news first because you are one of our most valued supporters, but we have to get the message out to others too.

So, Carole Baskin presented to the Massachusetts School of Law during their annual Animal Law Day on April 7 to about 100 attendees and then tabled the rest of the day to about 600 guests.  The presentation was on the Timeline of the Big Cat Crisis in America and what Big Cat Rescue has been doing to end the suffering and abuse of big cats, through our legislative and educational efforts.  The slide show was well received and three people actually came up to the podium in tears because they could not believe the horrible conditions that most big cats in private hands suffer.  This Power Point will soon be turned into a video so that it can be shared more broadly.

Because the Big Cats and Public Safety Protection Act is the key bill to ending back yard breeding and the resulting over crowding and neglect, Big Cat Rescue has decided to be the Diamond Level sponsor of the Taking Action for Animals Conference in D.C. this July 27-30.  We will be presenting in the training sessions of the conference on Volunteering, Fatal Attractions: Ending the Private Possession of Captive Wildlife and Winning Single Issue Campaigns.  This is THE conference to attend if you want to be surrounded by people who love and protect animals and to learn how you can be the most effective voice for animals.  We hope to see you there!

Meanwhile, lick the link to find out more and send a letter on the most important bill to protect big cats ever: http://capwiz.com/bigcatrescue/issues/alert/?alertid=61054081  And if you really want to make a HUGE impact, please make a quick call too!

If you received this AdvoCat Newsletter via email and the links aren’t working, you can visit the page online here: http://bigcatrescue.org/2012/advocat-2012-04

Two Blind Bobcats Rescued

Rufus cuddles with his Snuggle Kittie, a stuffed animal with a heartbeat donated to the Cat Hospital.

Not one, but two, blind bobcats have made their way to Big Cat Rescue this Spring.

On December 5th, Rufus, a 2 month old male bobcat kitten, was found on the side of a South Carolina road after he had been hit by a car.  His jaw was broken and he was comatose. He was taken to Carolina Wildlife Care in Columbia South Carolina where he was treated for his injuries.  His jaw was set and wired in place and he was tube fed once he awoke from the coma.  After several weeks of recuperating, it became apparent to his care givers that something else was wrong with the five pound kitten.

His eyes seemed fine, but he would run into things and could not even find his food when it was right in front of him.  Rufus was seen by eye specialists who determined the bobcat kitten had permanent brain damage as a result of the impact on his head.  Although his eyes did work properly, his pupils dilate and contract, his brain does not receive the information his eyes receive and therefore he is essentially blind. This was not good news.

A blind bobcat would not be able to survive in the wild and so Carolina Wildlife Care sought a permanent home for Rufus.Big Cat Rescue answered the call and took in the now 5 month old bobcat.  Rufus has been living in the onsite Cat Hospital since his arrival where he is closely monitored by staff and the veterinarian.  His jaw has healed and he eats well on his own, with a little help finding his dinner plate.  Because Rufus is blind it has been quite challenging for his keepers to care for him.  His sense of smell is not that great, so his keepers have to put his face right next to his plate so he can find his food.

Precautions also have to be taken to make sure that nothing in his room is against the wall.  Not only is he is blind he is also a bit slow to process situations, if he were to get stuck between two things that are against the wall he has no idea how to turn around and will just sit there with his nose against the wall until someone turns him around. It has been a few weeks now since Rufus’ arrival and he is getting around much better.  All of the items on the floor in his room are kept in the same place so he can memorize their locations and avoid running into them.  His next challenge is exploring the great out doors.  His keepers take him to an outdoor enclosure for supervised playtime each day.  Eventually he will remain outside full-time, but first he must learn the new area.  While he does this Rescuers are nearby to assist him should he need it.  Tune in on Ustream to watch Rufus in the Cat Hospital.  http://www.ustream.tv/channel/bigcathospital

Rescuer Tommie Deaner - Cemex Aggregate Manager

Just a few weeks after the arrival of Rufus, Rescuers received a call from a mine located an hour north of the sanctuary.  Cemex Manager Tommie Deaner had spotted a young bobcat on the grounds that appeared emaciated as well as blind.  He was able to approach the kitten; within just a foot or two and the bobcat did not seem to be able to see him.  He would toss fish on the ground next to the cat who quickly gobbled up the treats.  He knew that something needed to be done for this little bobcat and so he started to make some calls.

Big Cat Rescuers hit the road with humane traps, nets, blankets, and a carrier.  Planning on setting traps near where the bobcat was last spotted Rescuers were surprised when they arrived to find that Tommie had captured the bobcat.  Just after calling Big Cat Rescue he spotted the cat wandering near the main office.  He took some food over to her and while the kitten chowed down on the free meal he slipped a large cardboard box over her and then weighed it down with some pipes.

Starving and too weak to attempt escape the kitten stayed in the box and finished her meal. Once Rescuers arrived on the scene the bobcat was transferred into a carrier and was on her way back to the sanctuary. The 6.5 pound female kitten was certainly starving and did appear to be blind.  She is approximately 6-7 months old. Dr. Miller, a Board Certified Ophthalmologist, examined the kitten and determined that both her retinas were detached and had floated to the front of the eye blocking any light from entering the eye therefore making the bobcat blind.  This is most likely caused by an infectious disease.

Blood was collected and sent away for testing; the results of which are still pending.  Once the results are back a course of treatment will be prescribed by Dr. Miller and BCR’s primary vet Dr. Wynn. In the meantime the little girl is being kept in quarantine in the Cat Hospital.  She is being fed twice a day and has gained 3 pounds since her arrival just over a week ago.  Following our protocol, she will be treated as a rehab bobcat unless she is diagnosed with a condition that would make her non-suitable for release.  If she recovers her eyesight fully, and has no other life threatening condition, she will be returned to the wild.

News of the rescue of these two bobcat kittens spread like wildfire across the United States appearing on Fox and NBC news programs in most major cities.  We asked the public to help us choose a name for the female bobcat and received hundreds of suggestions.  The most popular name by far was that of her rescuer.  So in honor of her brave rescuer her name is now Tommie.

You can help fund our Bobcat Rehabilitation Program by making a donation HERE

Rescue Rufus

Your support helps us to rescue and give cats like Rufus the best life possible.

For $15 you will receive this handsome portrait of Rufus.  The bottom of the photo reads; I helped rescue Rufus the bobcat.

For $20 you will receive the Rufus portrait and an adorable plush bobcat toy.

For $40 you will receive the Rufus portrait, plush bobcat toy, and a bobcat sponsorship kit with a Certificate of Adoption for Rufus the bobcat.

Click HERE to Rescue Rufus!

Please consider purchasing one of the above gift sets or making a contribution in any amount to help fund Rufus’ care as well as the care of more than 100 big cats that call Big Cat Rescue home.  YOU alone can MAKE A DIFFERENCE in their lives, YOU are their HERO.

BCR Bobcat Rehab Program Featured in National Geographic Kids Magazine

Check out the March issue of National Geographic Kids Magazine for a two-page spread featuring Hope the bobcat.  Hope was found on the side of the road in May of 2008 just a few miles from the sanctuary.  The orphaned kitten was just a few weeks old.

Big Cat Rescuers enlisted the help of a domestic cat family to help rear the young bobcat.  One year later Hope was set free, back into the wild where she belonged. Read her amazing tale in this inspiring issue.  National Geographic Kids Magazine is available in a variety bookstores, newsstands and grocery stores.

Snow Leopard Collar Update

Big Cat Rescue sponsors a GPS tracking collar on a Snow Leopard that is being tracked by the Snow Leopard Trust Research Team.  Exclusive updates from the field are only visible to paid members of Big Cat Rescue’s Snow Leopard Guardian Alliance.

These updates are usually restricted to $5,000 donors, but our relationship with the Snow Leopard Trust has made it possible for us to share these with you with a minimum $5.00 donation.  Help us sponsor wild snow leopards by donating and getting access to these updates by clicking HERE

Dental Work on Geoffroy Cats to Tigers

Dr. Peak performs Andre's root canal.

From a 3-pound Geoffroy Cat to a 500-pound tiger, our dentists do it all.  Dr. Peak has donated his services and that of his assistants for many years and we just cannot thank him enough.  He has handled the bigger cats’ teeth as his equipment is more specially designed for big teeth.  If you need an expert, who just happens to love animals and be an awfully nice guy, then check out http://thepetdentist.com/

During an extensive root canal on four of Andre the tiger’s canines the very worst thing that could happen, did happen.  Andre the tiger died on the table.

Dr. Miller examines Andre's eyes for a research project.

Our primary vet, Dr. Liz Wynn, is always here to assist during dentals and it just so happened that Dr. Miller, our eye expert, was here to check on some of her patients and was in the room at that awful moment.  Dr. Boorstein, who was on the property, also rushed to the scene.  Dr. Wynn leaped up onto the operating table and began chest compressions while the other vets administered reversal agents to try and bring him back.

Later, after successfully reviving him, Dr. Miller said, “With that many vets in the room, nobody gets to go to the light.”

Only two of Andre’s canines were completed but temporary measures were made with his other two teeth and now that he is completely recovered we will be rescheduling the rest of his dental work with Dr. Peak very soon.

Dr. Wynn does plenty of dental work in pet practice, so when Nico the Geoffroy Cat had an abscess on her cheek she was taken to Ehrlich Animal Hospital. What made it very delicate work is the fact that Nico is the size of a domestic cat kitten and yet is 19 years old.  Nico is very old for a Geoffroy Cat, so it was pretty scary to think of her being sedated, but she did amazingly well.  Due to her advanced age Dr. Wynn wasn’t sure how well or quickly she would heal.  But just a few days later Nico was back to her old self and was ready to go back outside to her enclosure.  Nico’s abscess is healing nicely and she appears to be feeling much better.

If you would like to make a donation towards the veterinary care provided to the big cats click HERE

Sad Farewell to Two Beloved Tigers

Sometimes I write to deal with the pain. It can be cathartic to grieve through sharing some connection we’ve felt with others and so we write tributes, songs and poems while we are in a state that makes it impossible to speak the loved one’s name aloud.

Sometimes though, the heartache is just too suffocating even to find expression in the written word. This has been one of those times.

I personally believe that we are all one and all eternal and can usually cope with the loss of loved ones with that “knowing” providing comfort. Where it gets hard is in not having those one on one chats with them every day. Despite feeling their presence, there is a loss in knowing that we no longer share the same physical plane.

It’s been almost a week since Cookie and Modnic the tigers lost their battles with cancer, but there is no evidence of the throat clutching grief subsiding, so I decided to just weep it out and get this sad news posted to those outside our gates who don’t know yet. You can read more about these wonderful tigers and the tributes posted by her keepers at the links below.

https://sites.google.com/site/bigcattributes/home/cookie-tigress

https://sites.google.com/site/bigcattributes/home/modnic-tigress

What is comforting is knowing that you cared about these cats and many others that you might never meet.  It soothes my soul to know that you are working right along side us to rescue big cats from awful situations and more importantly that you are helping us end the trade in them entirely. - Carole Baskin, Founder of Big Cat Rescue

Most Important Big Cat Bill Ever

Our PR person commented that dealing with animal abusers is like the kids game Whack-a-Mole.  Before we can celebrate a victory of educating some fair or mall to send home a big cat breeder and exploiter, another one pops up.

Think how nice it would be if we didn’t have to call on all of you every couple of weeks to write some venue to explain to them that animal lovers do not want to see tigers bred for traveling acts and cub petting displays.

There is finally a federal bill that would virtually put an end to the abuse.

This bill called the Big Cats and Public Safety Protection Act HR 4122 is the most important piece of legislation to ever be introduced to protect lions, tigers and other exotic wild cats from being kept as pets and in miserable roadside zoos.  Click the link to find out more and send a letter.  http://capwiz.com/bigcatrescue/issues/alert/?alertid=61054081

Mirror, Mirror, On the Wall

By the time all of you AdvoCat readers see this video it will probably have crossed the 1,000,000 viewer count!  Please pass this on to your friends so that we can reach more people who want to help save the big cats.

Wild Thing, I think I love you…

It’s not too late to get your sweetheart the purr-fect gift.  Order by 10 PM tonight and get a Wild Thing Gift Set just in time for Valentine’s Day.  For $25 you will receive a Wild Thing Gift Set which includes a beautiful glossy color Big Cat Kissing Booth print and a cuddly soft big cat plush toy.

Didn’t order in time or worried this gift will not arrive by Valentine’s Day?  No need to fret.  You can order a digital version of the Big Cat Kissing Booth photo that you can download and print yourself for just $15.

Either option is a great way to share the love this Valentine’s Day with a unique gift that benefits the big cats. Click to order the WILD THING GIFT SET or the BIG CAT KISSING BOOTH DOWNLOAD

Valentine’s Enrichment

The big cats need love too!  Big Cat Rescuers enrich the lives of our resident felines on a daily basis, however, holidays call for the special treatment.  Each year volunteers, interns, and staff create unique enrichment toys to celebrate the holidays with the big cats throughout the year.  Check out these adorable photos of the big cats enjoying their Valentine’s enrichment.

Family of Advo-Cats, Go Above and Beyond

Adam Johnson contacted Big Cat Rescue when he found out about a tiger cub petting exhibit at the Northgate Mall in Cincinnati, Ohio in October 2011, the day after the Zanesville big cat massacre. In that tragedy 35 lions and tigers were shot to death after being purposely released by their owner who soon after committed suicide.

Adam and his three children, Kyra, Hayden, and Danielle were devastated about the cub exhibit and wanted to know what they could do to help. He had set up a petition on Change.org asking Macys, JC Penney’s and Sears to not allow cub exhibits — and that was before he had even spoken with Big Cat Rescuer Susan Bass! An undercover AdvoCat who cannot be named and Susan were planning a protest outside Northgate Mall for that Saturday so she asked Adam if he wanted to help protest. He and all three of his kids protested! Local TV stations covered the protest bringing even more attention to the cub petting issue. Kyra also spoke to her third grade class about the cub exhibit and about her experience protesting. Adam reports that the kids are praying every night for the cubs used in the exhibits as well as for the cats and volunteers at Big Cat Rescue.

As a thank you, we sent all three kids Big Cat Rescue T-shirts. This is a small token of our appreciation for a family of Advo-Cats who inspire us with their willingness to really speak out for the cats.

Fur-ocious Faucets for Food-Prep

We would like to sincerely thank T&S Brass and Jona Thomas for outfitting our food prep building with brand new faucets that are supremely functional.  A huge thank you to John Greschuk of HUGHES Supply as well for facilitating the donation.  These new faucets will make the daily food preparation and clean up a breeze for Big Cat Rescuers!

Largest Tiger at Big Cat Rescue Sedated & Sutured

It has long been rumored that Shere Khan, Big Cat Rescue’s largest tiger, weighed upwards of 800 lbs.  His weight had been estimated based on the known weights of several other tigers at the sanctuary, however, he had never been officially weighed.  Well after years of speculation we finally had the chance to find out for sure, but the circumstances were not the most desirable.  Shere Khan had a small cut his back foot that, although only a few inches long, required stitches.

Big Cat Rescuers sedated the massive tiger this week so that his cut could be sutured and a lump underneath his tongue, that had been spotted by his keepers, could be removed and sent to the lab for testing.  First Shere Khan was separated from his mate* China Doll and secured in a smaller section of his enclosure.  Then Dr. Wynn had to estimate his weight in order to draw up enough drugs to sedate the enormous feline.  Once he fell asleep a team of 8 staff members and volunteers hoisted him up onto two scales (one alone could not do the job).  Shere Khan weighed in at a staggering 700 lbs.!  Although he most likely weighs closer to 725-750 lbs.  (He was so large that his body did not fit completely on the scales and his paws were still making contact with the ground which would lower the reading.)

After being weighed Shere Khan was loaded into a transport cage and rolled into our on-site cat hospital.  His foot was cleaned and sutured, the mass on his tongue and another on his lower lip were removed and packaged to be sent to the lab, and he was given 3 bags of fluids.  The procedure went smoothly. Shere Khan spent the night in the hospital before returning to his enclosure.

Since Shere Khan had to stay indoors overnight, Big Cat Rescuers took advantage of the situation to move Shere Khan and China Doll into a neighboring 3-acre enclosure and to move that enclosure’s single inhabitant, another tiger, Nikita into their 1-acre enclosure.  The plan was simple enough.  With Shere Khan slumbering in the cat hospital, keepers would lure China Doll into another transport cage and then shift Nikita through a tunnel from his enclosure into theirs.  The tunnel would then be secured shut and China Doll could be released into her new home.  Well just after China Doll was loaded into the transport cage it began to down-poor and Nikita was less than willing to participate.  After some enthusiastic coaxing and a few meaty bribes he complied and shifted.  All worked out in the end, Nikita was checking out all of the different smells in his new place, China Doll playfully galloped around her wide open space, and soaked keepers watched with satisfaction.  The next morning the storm had passed and Shere Khan was reunited with China Doll.

Fur the Love of Art and Cats

Hoffman Porges Gallery in Ybor City, in cooperation with the Ybor Art Association, will host a one-night event to benefit Big Cat Rescue. “Fur the Love of Art and Cats” is sure to be a roaring good time featuring; art, a silent auction, entertainment, refreshments and a special door prize.

A “Wall of Cats” in the gallery will showcase the works of local artists who were invited to visit the sanctuary for inspiration. Their collective contributions are a wild variety of big cat-themed works in the form of photographs, oil and acrylic paintings, sculptures and mixed media works.  Each artist who is showcased on the “Wall of Cats” has generously offered to donate a minimum of 10% of the proceeds from the sale of their work to the big cats. In addition, 100% of the proceeds generated through the sale of artwork and other items donated by local businesses for the silent auction will benefit Big Cat Rescue.

The event takes place from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday at Hoffman Porges Gallery, 1907 E. Seventh Ave. in Ybor City. For information, call Samantha Churchill at (727) 455-2473  and check out this article online HERE

A Sad Farewell to a Fallen Friend

We had to say good bye to one of our dear friends, this month, a cougar named Hallelujah.  Hal, as staff and volunteers affectionately called him, was 18 years old and had given up the fight against his advancing kidney failure.  The tough decision was made to ease him over to the other side.  Surrounded by those who loved him Hal gently passed on and was freed forever from his life behind bars.  He will be missed dearly by all that knew him.

Hallelujah – “Hal” – lived almost his entire life at Big Cat Rescue.  He came to the sanctuary, at only 4 days old, from an auction where people dump unwanted animals.  From the day he arrived, he was always a very mischievous cougar.  One of his favorite things to do was to try to grab hold of a water hose so he could snatch it, quickly chomp it, and send streams of water shooting out in every direction.  Unlike most cougars, Hal liked the water and loved to chase water from the hose.

Hal became a very purr-sonable cougar as he grew.  Hal captured the heart of so many Keepers, as the years went by.  He was a smart cougar, figuring out just how to cock his head and stare into their eyes and talk with them so that he would always be assured of some really special, tasty treats.

Step Right Up for a Leopard Kiss Just 25 Cents

Check out this adorable video of Armani and Jade the leopards with their very own kissing booth.

Out with the Old in with the New

According to the National Christmas Tree Assosiation, Americans purchased a whopping 27 million Christmas trees in 2010 spending an average of $36 per tree for a grand total of $976 million! Where do all of those trees go once the holidays are over? A lot of places actually. Discarded Christmas trees are mulched for landscaping use, used whole on shorelines to prevent soil erosion, and even burned to produce electricity. Did you know that the big cats like Christmas trees? They more than like them, they love them! Each year local Christmas tree retailers call Big Cat Rescue to offer their unsold trees to the cats. These unwanted old trees gain new life as enrichment. This year we picked up enough trees from three retailers to give each cat at the sanctuary a tree. The cats react to these trees much like they do to catnip or spices, they rub, paw, scratch and even chew on these festive trees. The enriching effects of interacting with the trees provides our resident felines with a healthy dose of holiday cheer!

Your Grocery Money Can Save Big Cats

A couple months ago Big Cat Rescue started ordering some great products online, instead of many of the cleaning and grocery products that we buy every week at supermarkets.  The reason we chose to do so is because the products are eco-friendly, safe around pets, economical and we were really hoping that they worked.  If so there is a residual income that could help support the sanctuary and our people who chose to get involved.

Here are a few things we learned:

- The products are great and in every case so far have proven to be more effective than the alternatives.  Around the sanctuary, probably the most impressive have been the dish and floor cleaners who have proven to do a better job at degreasing than Dawn.  This has been great for washing down our cooler, food prep floors, the cat hospital and the food and clean up buckets.

- The products are concentrated which makes them cheap to ship and then they last a long time.  They really do work when diluted with water like their label suggests.

So far it has been an easy sell and easy money for the cats.  Because of the hectic holidays we haven’t had time to really share the products with others but with just 9 of our staff and volunteers signing up and 7 of their friends doing the same, Big Cat Rescue has already gotten commission checks for $801.95 !  That buys some cat food!

Find out how your grocery shopping can help save big cats and/or how you can make an extra income by helping others here:  http://bigcatrescue.org/household

Bobcat Tortured by State Official

If you love animals, you may not be able to stand watching this video, TRAPPED BOBCAT TORTURED, but someone has to speak out against this sort of twisted cruelty before one more bobcat ends up this way.

In the video created and posted by Tracy Truman, appointee to the Advisory Board to Manage Wildlife in Nevada, a bobcat, that has been trapped with a leg hold trap, is jerked around in front of a dog that is urged to attack the terrified and injured cat. As the chain is pulled back and forth it appears to be wrenching the bobcat’s arm out of his shoulder socket. Regardless, bobcat is forced to defend himself against the dog, who is barking wildly, but appears to be afraid to make contact. The man on the other end of the chain is apparently trying to lure the dog into attacking by pulling the bobcat around like a toy. When questioned, the hunter/trapper reportedly said he was not mistreating either animal, but that the purpose of having posted his video online is a “training video for other trappers to show them how to train their dogs…” When questions by the media, Commissioner Tom Collins said, in reference to dragging the bobcat to and fro, “it is no different than someone pulling on their dog’s leash.”

Action needs to be taken in defense of this helpless wildcat, action from individuals like you. Please take a few minutes today to visit CatLaws.com to send a letter on behalf of this bobcat to state officials asking for disciplinary action as well as improvements to policies that will protect wild animals, such as this bobcat, from being mercilessly tortured. Pre-written letters are available or you can write your own. It takes just a minute or two and is the only way to prevent this sort of cruelty from happening again. This bobcat and his wild brothers and sisters are counting on YOU.

Fundraising Campaign

Skipper’s Smokehouse Fun for All Ball a Wild Time and Roaring Success

We would like to sincerely thank the staff of Skipper’s Smokehouse and the bands who participated in the 1st Fun for All Ball. The event was a great success and a lot of fun too! Admission, raffle ticket and gift shop sales combined equaled $1,137

$785 was BCR’s 75% take of the door (just over 100 attendees), $206 in Raffle Ticket Sales, $146 in BCR Gift Shop Sales, for a grand total of $1137 raised for the cats!

Save Bobcats From Hunters

Let’s all walk the talk! NY is asking for public input on their planned expansion of bobcat hunting. Hunters have spoken up. Can you imagine if every animal lover did, too? Leghold trapping is one of the most inhumane forms of abuse. Won’t you answer the appeal of this bobcat and take a moment to email your thoughts by Feb. 16?

Please send an email TO: fwwildlf@gw.dec.state.ny.us SUBJECT: Bobcat Plan

Big Cat Genome Project

Big Cat Rescue was recently contacted by Brian Davis, a geneticist in the laboratory of Dr. William Murphy at Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine.  He said, “Our goal is to use existing genetic tools and recent advancements in large-scale genomic technology to characterize multiple aspects related to captive animal populations.  For instance, it is of great interest to us to accurately examine the genomes of tigers to develop easy-to-use assays to determine the subspecies of tiger, or the percentage of each subspecies contributing to a generic tiger’s genome.  With the recent events in Ohio, we are redoubling our efforts to develop these tools as efficiently and effectively as possible.”

He said they could use cheek swabs, hair bulbs, whisker pulls, blood draws and biopsy tissues. They are especially interested in tigers, ligers, other hybrids and any animals who have been inbred to produce white coats.

Our cats, both living and dead, can still help scientists save the endangered cats. We sent samples from Simba, Freckles and Zabu and Brian responded, “I want to let you know that Simba’s genome (along with Freckles and Zabu) has been extracted and banked. They are in cold storage at -80C and was wonderfully intact. We very much appreciate all your help with this tiger genome project. We can’t do the work we are doing without help from awesome contributors like you! Keep in mind, we are just starting with the tiger and will be doing similar work on all exotic felines in the future based on our methods development in the tiger.”

Thanks to the Tampa Bay Lightning staff!

On December 14th the Tampa Bay Lightning staff took a day out of their schedule to volunteer at Big Cat Rescue.  They were amazing!  25 staff members came in the morning, then another 25 in the afternoon.  They worked feverishly to taking down the old chain link fence around the 10 acres we bought a year ago and clearing foliage to prepare the property to be usable.  They took video of their work and of Bengali the tiger as well as Joseph and Sasha the lions, all of whom observed their efforts intently.  They also taped a short interview with Advisory Board Chairman Howard Baskin.  Then they played the video on the “Jumbotron” huge screens that are over the rink to a packed crowd at the Lightning vs. Flyers game, giving the sanctuary exposure to over 20,000 fans!   Thanks Lightning for caring about the cats!!

Can Big Cats Purr?

Do tigers, lions, leopards and other species of big cats purr like domestic cats?  We’re often asked this question so check out the video for answers.

Sorry we were so late with this issue of the AdvoCat.  The February AdvoCat will be ready for you soon and has a couple more great videos!

3 Connecting Tunnels, 2 Enclosure Additions, and a Leopard Jungle Gym

It has been a busy month for Big Cat Rescue.  As always, during the holidays, we receive many more visitors to the sanctuary, which is great because we are able to share the stories of the cats and inform the public how they can help put an end to the abuse of big cats in captivity!  Big Cat Rescuers have also been very busy enhancing the lives of the cats residing at the sanctuary.

A few of the most recent projects included an enclosure addition for Purr-sistance the ocelot and Windstar the bobcat.  Not only do they have lots of extra space, but we are now able to shift them easily from one side of their enclosure to the other making maintenance a breeze.

Pharaoh the serval, and Anasazi, Will, Bailey and Moses the bobcats all have new space to explore as well.  Their enclosures were connected with a series of tunnels so that they can each be shifted to the neighboring enclosure.  Shifting enclosures is quite enriching for the cats. Each enclosure offers a different view of the surroundings and provides the cat with a host of new and intriguing scents to discover.

Reno the leopard was the lucky recipient of a massive jungle gym designed and constructed by Big Cat Rescue’s Enrichment Committee.  He loves the complex series of platforms and catwalks and he certainly shows his appreciation by spending nearly all of his time lounging on the highest of the platforms.

These enclosure additions and platforms are thanks, not only to the dedicated volunteers who give of their free time to help with building, but to our generous supporters such as you!  Your donations make it possible for us to give every cat in our care the very best life possible in captivity.  So on behalf of the cats, Thank You!!

The Zanesville Massacre Could Happen Anywhere

At 5:30 a.m. on October 19, 2011, the phones at Big Cat Rescue began ringing with the news that Terry Thompson, a private owner and collector of exotic animals in Ohio, had released 56 of his lions, tigers, leopards, cougars, wolves and bears before committing suicide.

As the watching world soon learned that day, Thompson had purposely cut the doors off his animals’ cages so they could not be returned to them. And because the perimeter fence around his property was a mere four- foot high cattle fence, and it was getting dark, the authorities who arrived on the scene were forced to shoot and kill all but six of the dangerous wild animals.

This senseless tragedy unfolded in Zanesville, Ohio, but it could just as easily have been in Tampa or any other city in Florida.  Read More

Snow Leopard Guardian Alliance

In addition to providing a permanent home to more than 100 big cats and advocating on their behalf to promote legislation that will protect captive wild animals, Big Cat Rescue also provides aid for programs focused on conservation.  Our most recent project is the funding of a GPS tracking collar that will be monitored by researchers with the Snow Leopard Trust. Founded in 1981, the Snow Leopard Trust is the world’s leading authority on the study and protection of the endangered snow leopard. This collar will allow researchers to track a wild snow leopard in order to study its habits and territory needs.

We are excited to provide you with this teaser update on the field project from the Snow Leopard Trust researhers: A GPS tracking collar has been placed on one of the cubs of Khashaa, a female and mother snow leopard, within the study area. The cub, a male, is already pretty big at one and a half years old. We find this so exciting because it will help us begin to answer some of the unanswered questions about snow leopards, including information about dispersal patterns.

The Snow Leopard Trust is allowing us to share some of the great inside stories and tracking information that is only made available to those who sponsor the $5,000 Collar Project. If you would like to receive access to these updates and photos directly from the field you can join a limited number of individuals by becoming a member of Big Cat Rescue’s Snow Leopard Guardian Alliance.  Membership is $5 and as a member you will receive access to exclusive updates and photos for one year.  Membership is limited to the first 700 who sign up.  The membership fees collected will go directly towards funding the collar project.  The remaining $1,500 of the project has been funded by Big Cat Rescue in honor of our extraordinary team of staff and volunteers.

Sign up today and get full access to the first of many updates and photos to come. Check out photos of the newest contributor to snow leopard research, the 1.5 year old male snow leopard – Donate $5.00 to get your password here and then go to BigCatRescue.org/snowleopard

Gr-r-reat American Teach-In

A huge THANK YOU to all of our Big Cat Rescuers who attended the Great American Teach-In this year: Ann Berringer, Denny Mitchell, Honey Wayton, Jennifer Flatt, Kim Dever, Lynda Licht,  Merrill Kramer, and Sharyn Beach.  Our dedicated Big Cat Rescuers attended 20 schools and gave presentations that reached 1,684 students! Educating these children about our important mission and the issues facing big cats–it’s such an important job. If you would like to join our family of Big Cat Rescuers please visit our website to see how you can become a VOLUNTEER.

Serval Gets Second Opinion

Tonga the serval was not acting himself recently and his keepers noticed right away.  He was mildly lethargic and so an appointment was made for him to visit the vet. He was taken to Ehrlich Animal Hospital to see Big Cat Rescue’s veterinarian Dr. Wynn. She performed an examination on the 15-year-old serval including xrays and a blood test. There appeared to be nothing wrong with Tonga, so while he was sedated we took the opportunity to have him neutered.  He recovered in our onsite Cat Hospital before being returned to his enclosure.

Unfortunately several days later an abscess ruptured on his inner thigh.  He was lured into a transport cage and seen by Dr. Wynn a second time. The abscess could have been the result of a variety of things and its exact cause is unknown.  The wound was cleaned and Tonga spent an additional two weeks recovering in the cat hospital and was given a course of antibiotics.  While staying in doors and wearing an e-collar may not have been his first choice, Tonga certainly did not mind the frequent visits and treats from his keepers.  The wound healed completely and Tonga was once again taken back out to his enclosure.  You can help us provide excellent veterinary care by making a donation HERE. Tonga says thank you!

Sad Farewell to Feline Friends

We are very sad to announce the recent passing of two of our wonderful feline friends. 17-year-old Simba the tiger lost her battle with heart and kidney disease on Thanksgiving Day and 15-year-old Zoul the serval, rescued earlier this year from New York, also succumbed to heart disease.  Simba and Zoul will be missed dearly by everyone at Big Cat Rescue.  While we can take solace in knowing that we have provided them the best care during their time with us, it is never easy when we must say good bye to one or our dear friends.  We would like to thank you for making it possible for us to rescue Simba and Zoul and provide them with the best time of their life.

Just 23 Days Left to Make Your Year End Gift

Looking for a meaningful holiday gift?  Our Sponsor Kits, or honoring the name of a friend or family member on a Pave the Way brick or on our permanent sign recognizing donors to the Wall Fund, make a great present and are tax deductible. December 31st is fast approaching and the time to make a tax deductible contribution in this tax year is running out. Click HERE for de-tails.

Max Bobcat Rescue

Meet Max the bobcat and hear the story of his rescue. Check out this video.

Fun Fur All Ball at Skipper’s this Sunday

Join us for a benefit concert at Skipper’s Smoke House in Tampa on Sunday December 11th.  Enjoy musical entertainment from Juanjamon Band, Skull and Bone Band, The Human Condition, and Sunset Bridge while perusing the raffle and auction items, including original paintings created live during the show by local artists.  The Fun Fur All Ball is from 4-9 PM.  Tickets are a $10 minimum suggested donation.  Check out Skipper’s facebook page and Like them. Get the latest details about the event or RSVP on their Event page.

Charity Navigator gives Big Cat Rescue 4-Star Rating

Big Cat Rescue has a 4-Star Rating with Charity Navigator.  We are also pleased to announce that Big Cat Rescue has the highest overall score of any sanctuary.  Check it out HERE.

Ways for YOU to Win

1. $100 gift card from The Body Shop for you and $1,000 for the big cats!

Check out The Body Shop’s holiday giveaway contest for your chance to win a $100 Gift Card as well as $1,000 in products that will be donated to Big Cat Rescue.  Visit the contest page HERE and “shake” a festive snow globe for a chance to win. After you click to “shake” the globe you can help Big Cat Rescue win too by clicking the link at the bottom right of the globe graphic to Donate Shakes. Fill out the quick form with your email address and select either US or Canada resident. Click choose charity and from there select Big Cat Rescue.  After you are finished you can increase Big Cat Rescue’s odds of winning by sharing on Facebook and Twitter. Return daily from now until Christmas to try again! http://bigcatrescue.org/2011/shake-to-win

 2. Last Chance to Enter for a Chance to Win Bucs Tickets

You could win tickets to see the Buccaneers vs. the Cowboys on Saturday December 17th at 8:20 PM. Raffle tickets are 1 for $5 or for the best deal get 10 for $20 (only $2 each!).

3. Help JOSEPH spread the word & WIN a $20 gift certificate to use in our gift shop!

Spread the word about National Geographic’s Big Cat Week and you could win a $20 gift certificate to use in our online gift shop. All you need to do is sign up at the link HERE, then simply post your unique link that is generated on your facebook and twitter accounts.  If you get the most clicks on your link by midnight Pacific Time that day, you win! Contest runs daily from now until December 11th.

Free Holiday eCards and Games at BigCatFun.com

Visit our BigCatFun site for more than 1,000 Holiday eCards and nearly 100 Holiday Games.  New cards and games are added weekly.  So go on and have some fun at BigCatFun.com. It’s a roaring good time! http://www.bigcatfun.com/christmas.html

If you received this AdvoCat issue via email and cannot access the links, just paste this URL into your browser bar to see the issue online:

http://bigcatrescue.org/2011/advocat-news-2011-12-2