Feb 28 2017

Big Cat Updates

Moses is doing well.  He is back outside and occasionally walks with a limp, but not always.  Catch a look at him near the end of Afton's walkabout video.

Wyeth & Nova are certainly enjoying being outside in the new rehab center.

Has everyone voted at VoteCats.com?  Have you had chance to ask a friend to vote as well?  Even though our voting window closes on March 11th, some of the other tournaments' voting will continue after that so it is important we have enough votes before March 11th to ensure a win for the cats.  We need YOUR help for that to happen.

 Facebook Live Video Replays

VIDEO:  On the way to lobby for the new bill -->> BigCatAct.com

VIDEO: D.C. Meeting with Sarah From the HSLF to discuss strategy for passage of BigCatAct.com

VIDEO: Big Cats on the Move

VIDEO: Coming to you live from the D.C. Subway on our way to our lobbyist for the BigCatAct.com

VIDEO: Take a walkabout with Afton!!

 Big Cat Gift Shop

TJ PAW Painting Mug

TJ Paw Painting mug features an original paw painting created by TJ the tiger as well as a beautiful profile photo of him. This sturdy white, glossy ceramic mug is an essential to your cupboard. This brawny version of ceramic mugs shows it’s true colors with quality assurance to withstand heat in the microwave and put it through the dishwasher as many times as you like, the quality will not be altered. Dishwasher and microwave safe.

 Another Victory for Cats

Animal Legal Defense Fund Wins Major Free Speech Victory as Judge Dismisses Baseless Defamation Suit Aimed at Silencing Critics of Inhumane Tiger Exhibit

A judge has dismissed the baseless defamation suit aimed at silencing the Animal Legal Defense Fund’s criticism of the inhumane tiger exhibit at Houston’s Downtown Aquarium. The judge also awarded over $170,000 in attorneys’ fees and $450,000 in sanctions against Landry’s in order to discourage the filing of future suits designed to suppress free speech. Ultimately, our primary concern is the tigers’ well-being, so we intend to move forward with a lawsuit under the Endangered Species Act. Read more about what happened.

 Keeper Corner

Keeper Candy C.

Note To Viewers:  We always keep the tours quiet and calm so as not to disturb the cats.  We do not holler to get cats' attention or anything like that.  The ONLY EXCEPTION to this is for Zeus Tiger.  He is very old and does not see well.  Even when keepers take him his evening meds they have to make noise for him to find them.  We called it "Zeus' Meds Party."  Please, note ALL other cats we do not holler and make noise to get their attention, JUST ZEUS.

Here is an email from Keeper Candy C.

Yesterday afternoon, two Adult tour groups passed Zeus the tiger's enclosure just as he was about to get eye drops. Zeus came to the sanctuary with poor vision. Over the years, eye specialists have monitored his eyes. Their present recommendation is to put eye drops into his eye twice a day to slow his loss of vision. How do you get eye drops into a tiger's eye?

Two keepers were tasked with this challenge. They needed to coax Zeus too walk under a low tunnel, entice him to look up by putting a piece of meat overhead, and squirt in the drops as he looked up. Our tour groups had the opportunity to witness this event.

Zeus was sleeping soundly in his den and didn't show any interest when the keepers called to him. Then the keepers called to our two tour groups and explained that Zeus liked an audience. They requested that we all call to Zeus to get him to get up and come out.

Audience participation to make noise is very unusual at BCR because we don't want to disturb/scare any cats. We cheerfully complied and started calling "Zeus.....Zeus.....Zeus". Amazingly, Zeus gradually got his 21 year old self up and strolled to his pool where he started drinking water. The keepers patiently explained that before Zeus comes over for his eye drops, he always has to get a drink of water and go to the bathroom. Nothing happens quickly with Zeus, but they love him and allow him to take his time.

Zeus finally walked over to the keepers and into the tunnel. A keeper had a second to squirt in eye drops as Zeus looked up for the meat, never stopping in his tracks. As Zeus walked on and out of the tunnel, the keeper knew that was the end of the eye drop opportunity. Cats have a mind of their own and our keepers are slaves to their wishes. Meanwhile, our tours enjoyed having seen a unique event and participated in it as well.

You never know what you'll see during a tour at BCR and I don't want to get anyone's hopes up. I've given numerous tours and back them up. Chanting for Zeus and having him oblige was the first and may be the only time, but it sure was cool.

Be well,
Candy

Keeper Afton

Check out that camouflage!! Jade almost blends in with the leaves. ~Keeper Afton

Yesterday:  Servie serval is in for an exam. Although her eyes are open, she is fully sedated.

GOOD MORNING FROM ARES COUGAR!!

This is an old photo, but it is one of my favorites. I love the tiger silhouette in the tunnel!

 Viewer Videos From Explore.org/bigcatrescue

There are some GREAT videos recorded by viewers at explore.org/bigcatrescue that you will really enjoy watching.

VIDEO:  Seth and Peg the keg dancing in Tiger Lake

VIDEO: Kittens playing with toys before Intern Mommy puts them away

Here is a list of YouTube channels that feature videos of the cats here:

• Susann  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUFOZiTvzKRvj-oVbzdByvg
• Ruxandra https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvCsjKptd1gM9BhfDkGQGNg
• Donna P:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcFbhMc8Sqr-8MreWuYr4Bg
• Shawna https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfl9S-vDPJIgjl8QpM6Aypw
• Cathy S https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6ynHBFLKj0BVnK5jo2gTnw
• A Heart For Nikita https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSxAXUTh29XWQw35acpU1Ag
  

 Big Cat Wallpaper Test 2

After posting the phone and tablet wallpapers yesterday I am finding that there are many different sizes required.

It would take too much time to create that many different sizes so I am trying to find a size that will work for everyone.

These first two should be wide enough for all phones and tablets and leave enough room on the sides for the devices that need the taller narrow wallpapers to cut off the sides and still show the whole cat.

Click on the photo for it to open the full size and save that larger size to your device.

Apolo, Siberian Liynx

Let me know if this is better.

Here is a leopard wallpaper for your tablets and computers.

If you want one or all of these low-res wallpapers email lawanna.mitchell@bigcatrescue.org and I'll reply with the photo(s) attached.

 Quick Links

As per viewer suggestions, Quick Links now has it's very own page http://bigcatrescue.org/quick-links/

Bookmarking it will help you find things quickly.  That will come in handy for:

• Helping us answer questions on social media
• Finding answers to some of Carole's Facebook Live questions