Sioux and Lakota

Lakota

Male bobcat
DOB approx 3/1/13
Rescued: 3/23/17

Died 4/6/2026

Moved to Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge November 30, 2023

Lakota is a male bobcat who was born in 2013 and sent to the Mobile Zoo in Alabama along with another bobcat named Sioux.  Some say they were taken from the wild, and that they are siblings, but no one seems to know for sure.  What we do know is that the zoo owner, John Hightower, was arrested on 28 counts of animal cruelty. The Mobile County Animal Control seized the starving, neglected animals to send them to proper sanctuaries.

At its peak the Mobile Zoo housed more than 75 animals. In addition to lions and tigers there were bears, monkeys and birds.  USDA had repeatedly cited the zoo for rotten food in broken down freezers and rotted meat in the enclosures with the lions and tigers.  We don’t know where all the other animals ended up, but thankfully the cages are all empty now.  We know a serval was supposed to be rescued, along with Sioux and Lakota, but Hightower allegedly transferred the cat across state lines to a friend to hide him.

When Lakota arrived in 2017 he was grossly underweight and fearful of people.  Lakota loves to eat and has discovered that enrichment can be a LOT of fun; especially if it includes his favorite spices.

When injured or orphaned native Florida bobcats come to us we rehab them for release back to the wild. But if they are not known to be Florida bobcats, or they have become too acclimated to people, we cannot release them. Because Lakota’s heritage is unknown and he spent his first 4 years in a zoo surrounded by people he is not a candidate for release.

Lakota Gets ‘Fixed’ 3/27/2017

In their previous home Lakota and Sioux lived together.  We’d like to reunite them, however, since we do not do any breeding here at Big Cat Rescue we cannot allow them together until they have been fixed.  One of our amazing volunteer vets came in today to neuter Lakota and spay Sioux so they can be reunited.  Until they both are fully recovered they will live as neighbors.  After they both recover from their surgeries we will give them the choice whether they want to live together or not.  If they do choose to live together we will make sure they have ample space and multiple dens so if they have days they want to be alone they will have enough space to have some time alone.

Keeper Notes for their first week at BCR  March 2017

When they were first put in their enclosure upon arrival at Big Cat Rescue, Sioux was the first one out to explore and mark her new home.  Lakota was more cautious and preferred to stay in hiding in the carrier for a while.

Lakota was missing a lot of fur when he was rescued, but it’s probably just a flea infestation. The vets will find out soon if that is the case.   In fact, the vets will do a skin scraping to check for mange, ringworm, etc.  All of our cats are treated monthly to prevent fleas, but most places don’t help the cats that way because it is pretty expensive to do every month. We feel it is an important part of their care.

By his second day here he had climbed the trees to the very top, all the way to the roof.  He stayed up there looking down on the keepers and the tour.   He has marked everything and found all the good hiding spots.

Lakota’s Eulogy — A Life of Resilience and Grace

Lakota’s story is one of quiet strength and enduring spirit. Born on March 1, 2013, this beautiful male bobcat spent much of his life overcoming challenges that no wild cat should face. Rescued in 2017 from the Mobile Zoo in Alabama—a facility known for neglect and cruelty—Lakota arrived underweight and uncertain. But with patient care and gentle trust-building, he found his footing, revealing a personality as striking as his spotted coat.

In 2023, Lakota and his longtime companion, Sioux, joined 31 other wild cats who were entrusted to Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge. For Lakota, this was a new beginning—a place of safety, consistency, and love. Although his time there was short, he made a lasting impression on everyone he met. His caregivers recall his sassy attitude, his unmistakable food motivation, and his fondness for lounging in quiet observation near Sioux, content to watch the world from his favorite perch.

Lakota’s final months brought a difficult diagnosis: squamous cell carcinoma with bone necrosis. Guided by compassion and expert veterinary care, the team made the painful but merciful decision to ease his suffering on April 6, 2026. While his passing leaves a deep ache in the hearts of those who loved him, his memory shines bright as a testament to resilience and the healing power of sanctuary.

Lakota’s journey reminds us why refuge matters—for every wild soul who deserves safety, respect, and dignity. His grace and spirit will forever echo through the lives he touched and through Sioux, his loyal companion who continues to represent their shared story of survival and love.

Thank you, Lakota, for allowing us to be part of your journey. You will always be remembered with affection and gratitude.

Memorial gifts in Lakota’s honor support the care and enrichment of more than 125 rescued animals at Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge, including Sioux. You can also receive a free 8x10 printable photo to remember him by using this form.

Lakota Bobcat

Lakota and Sioux were rescued from a zoo in Alabama.

Sioux Bobcat