Hey Scott - This summer, my daughter attended summer camp at BCR.  She came home one day to tell me about this amazing man who dedicated his life to the cats and even was in the military.  She talked of his dedication and what a contribution he made.  She was truly in awe.  It touched me.  Making a decision as to where I would volunteer my time was a no brainer.  Two months later, I started volunteering and was in awe myself.  Your dedication is so inspiring it can not be put into words.  I wish you all the best and I hope I can point at the the TV all the time and say that I know that guy!

Scott, I've said it many times to you over the past few years, and I'll always say it. Thank you. I remember the first time I met you; it was at my interview and I remember you and Brian at the very end of the table. You asked me question after question as to why I wanted to volunteer, and because I was so nervous the only thing I could blurt out was " I LIKE KITTIES!!" I was so mortified with that answer because that was my first impression for you. None the less, you still talked to me, the odd one. I followed your every move since then because I wanted to learn everything I could. Over the 3 years, you have picked on me like an older brother, and you have given me so much support. You know how different I am, and yet you never once looked at me differently. When I started to volunteer, Auroara was my whole world and you were the only one then who really understood what she truly meant to me. I was a red shirt going around bragging about her and no one took me seriously. All that you did for me when she left is something I can not thank you enough for. What you have taught me will always stick with me, and I couldn't be more grateful for everything you have done for this Sanctuary. You have truly cared for these cats more than anyone. When you are by Nikita or Cameron, doesn't matter what cat, when you are near an animal you express your concern, your love, your passion to them. It shows so clearly. These cats have depended on you over the years to speak for them, and you have gone above and beyond. Now, more than ever, other animals need your help. What you do for animals is something I can't put into words. You are a true hero, Scott. We've all followed you over the years, and we all support you. We want nothing but the absolute best for you. Your knowledge and passion will carry you so far. Good luck Scott. 

I''ve said it before and I'll say it again....it was a Tigress named NINI that brought me to BCR, and it was a human named Scott who kept me here.  He's taught me a universe of animal knowledge, with patience and understanding and for that he became one of the most influential people in my life. I am Honored to be counted among his many friends.

We initially met on Saturday 29th December 2001, when I came over for my very first visit. It was supposed to be the trip of a lifetime, my choice for my 40th birthday. Little did I know then, that I would fly the big pond another ten times, just to be part of the BCR family. You were our guide for much of that first day tour – I remember you throwing a chick into Pisces’ pool so we could watch him dive in to get it. I couldn’t wait to see the Sand Cats – they had been my reason for coming over. I was fascinated by these little creatures and you took us all the way up to see them, in Outback, when it looked very different to how it is today. Way back then, you were a wonderful speaker, entertaining and informing your audience and this ability has gotten better and better over the last eight years – now you are a real professional. I loved seeing all the cats, but I stopped dead in my tracks when we reached Hercules. He was the most beautiful cat I ever laid eyes on, it seemed like he could talk to me through his eyes and a long love story began between me and a cat that walked like a clown.

 

I have watched everything grow and develop, I almost feel like the historian at times because I wrote everything down and now we have a documented history of how things have changed, who has passed and who has arrived. After each visit, I would sit down and write the article, and now, all the articles together really are a book. Feel proud of how much you have acheived and what you have done for those around you – both animal and human.

 

Over the years, I have shared your good times and your bad times, someone far away but always ready to be at hand if you needed me. You are always there for me, if I need you when things go wrong. You are such an inspiration to those who are lucky enough to meet you or see you on screen – always thinking of others, caring for those around you. No one was more proud than me, when you were named ‘Hero of the Year’ and no one deserved it more than you did.

 

Now its time for you to spread the word further, much further - so get on and start working in front of worldwide cameras to tell millions of the plights of wildlife on this earth. No one can do it better, with more compassion – its time for you to become the next  David Attenborough. You can do it!

 

Thank you for allowing me to share your world. You really are one of the best, an inspiration to us all, my hero and most of all, my friend.

All my love

Scott; Over the years, he has helped me continuously with my own "rescue work". With supplies for dogs to reptiles, he's made all their lives more comfortable. He's also given his "ok" to release countless reptiles and birds. "Beepers" the black swan Marylou and I tried to introduce to our "mutes', had to be stressful for him-yet he "ok'd it, on my request. The geese, I'm sure, weren't much better. Scott took time to come to my home and move a huge staghorn fern. He's given me plants to enhance my property. Scott has that rare quality to look beyond your appearance and know what you were really about. He never made you feel you were "beneath" him. I'm sure he'll excel in any form of animal care and impress everyone who deals with him. I hope, one day, he will consider returning to BCR. He was instrumental in what we have become. THANK YOU, SCOTT.

I remember a Big Cat Rescue podcast that featured Scott walking around in a wooded area that had been bulldozed for a new development.  Scott was talking about a bobcat that may have roamed through and lived in that area once but was most likely now permanently displaced from its home.  I remember him saying, "This is just really sad." I was really moved by that video and I grew to appreciate more and more Scott's gift for getting his message across on camera, even if he is given only a short time to speak.  Another time, I was giving a tour when Scott and some others had just finished constructing the cage demonstration just behind the gift shop.  He called my group over and explained to them that such small cages are where so many magnificent creatures will be doomed to live out their whole lives, and once again, I was moved not only by his words but also by his tenacity in presenting them.  Scott has an uncanny way of throwing his heart and soul into his message, and I am thrilled that he will have more opportunities to keep using that gift.  Thanks Scott, for saying what needs to be said, and keep on talking!

In the early days people would sometimes ask if the cages our tigers lived in were big enough.  I would explain about how the big yards some zoos have are only utilized by the cats during zoo hours and how often many cats were also stockpiled in night houses, so that they only got one or two days outside at all.  On one of Scott's private tours, I heard him answer that question by stating simply, "They don't belong in cages..." and then going on to explain how they can need as much as 400 sq miles of territory in the wild.  This elegant answer did so much more for the cause of the cats that I use it in all of my tours and speaking engagements and responses to the media.  Thanks Scott!