June 14 2017

Big Cat Updates

Sassy Cougar has gone back outside to her her home enclosures.

Baby cakes is doing well.

Big Cat Fact – Caracal

The name Caracal is derived from a Turkish word “karakulak” meaning “black ear.”

The Caracal is capable of leaping into the air and knocking down 10-12 birds at one time!

Often referred to as the desert lynx, the Caracal does not actually possess the same physical attributes of members of the lynx family, such as the characteristic ruff of hair around the face. Instead, it has a short, dense coat, usually a uniform tawny-brown to brick-red, and black (melanistic) individuals have been recorded. As the name implies, the backs of the ears are black and topped with long black tufts about 1.75 inches long. This tuft is the characteristic that Caracals do share with the members of the lynx family. It is the largest member of Africa’s small cats, and it’s most formidable. Males can weigh as much as 40 pounds, and females as much as 35. They stand between 16-20 inches at the shoulder, and are 35-39 inches long.

Caracals live in the drier savannah and woodland regions of sub-Saharan Africa, and prefer the more scrubby, arid habitats. They will also inhabit evergreen and montane forests, but are not found in tropical rain forests.

In the wild Caracals are solitary animals, and social interactions are limited to periods of mating, except for mothers with kittens.

BigCatRescue.biz

Bag – Big Cat Rescue Logo Tote:  Support your favorite cats at Big Cat Rescue while at the beach this summer!!  This is a great bag for day trips.  Black and orange tote with Big Cat Rescue logo. Zipper closure and large pouch pocket on the outside.  Bag is 13″ high by 18″ wide by 5″ deep.

Facebook Live Video Replays

We check in on TJ and Gabrielle Tigers, then see Cyrus and Chaos Caracal, before heading over to check on Sassy Cougar, who just got moved home, and then a LOOOOONG walk across the sanctuary to see Babycakes the Genet who is also back home after spending a while in the hospital. The new cats tested positive for Feline Coronavirus. Find out more about how that happens when cats share a litterbox with infected cats (like these guys apparently did at the cattery where they had been used) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Feline_coronavirus

Watch our big cats LIVE any time at BigCatCams.com

Learn more about our Bobcat Rehab and Release program at BigCatRescue.org/bobcat-rehab/

Keeper Corner

Shifting Mac Cougar to FunCation

So you have a face to put with Mac’s favorite keeper, this is Matt.

Keeper Matt:  Trying to shift Mac from his normal enclosure to the Funcation vacation enclosure. To get him there I have to coax him through a series of tunnels. At his age, it’s walk 20 feet, rest 20 minutes.

Keeper Anissa:  He was like,  that was hard work, time for a drink, where’s my food…

Keeper Matt:  I was trying to use food to lure him along, but he would have none of it. But, after he had some water he sat there waiting for some meat.

Keeper Afton:   I could only shift him 1 section yesterday before he caught on. Baby steps lol

Keeper Matt:  He wasn’t as stressed out as last time he went on vacation. Once he left Cheetaro’s enclosure, Mac’s pace picked up. I think he remembered what was waiting for him.

Keeper Lynda:  Yay Mac! You did it. Congrats to both of you.

Keeper Bonnie:  You know what, Matt? You the only one who could do it!!!!

Keeper Matt:  It took two hours to get to FunCation.  Once he got through the tunnels and into Funcation he took off at a full sprint…well sort of. (see a 1 minute video below)

Keeper Diana:  I’m sure he is so happy to be in ‘funcation” now. A bigger selection of places to catch a good snooze. 😉

Keeper Desmond:  The long walk made him thirsty. He loves the big den in the Funcation Enclosure.

Carole:  Ditto what Keeper Bonnie said.

Another:  Wait…confused… at his age or your age?

Keeper Matt:  Might as well be both. He and I have arthritis, spondylosis and a slight weight problem. Thankfully, I do not pee in my den box…

LaWanna:  MATT, MATT!!  I want your pictures and your video for Big Cat Updates.  Please, please, can I have them?

Keeper Matt:  Sure, I just got home from work.  Give me a few minutes and I’ll get them for you.

A few minutes later, Matt delivered!!!!!!  Thanks, Matt!!

Here is a one minute video of “Mac Sprinting” after he finally reached the FunCation enclosure.

Matt’s Video Description:  Yes, this is running for Mac. He is almost 21 years old and has some seriously arthritic joints.  It took me two hours to coax Mac through a series of tunnels so he could go into the giant Funcation enclosure. He is a very nervous cat, especially when his trip includes going through a leopard’s enclosure. He was was definitely happy to get there, and was a little thirsty, too.

Note to Newcomers:  A little background info for you.  Matt is Mac’s favorite keeper.  Mac will usually do things for Matt that he won’t for anyone else.   Mac is old and pretty easy going but at this age we do anything we can to avoid stressing him.  Sometimes that means we have calling Matt at his real job to come out on his lunch break to get Mac to do something like shift to a different section of his enclosure etc.  LOL, Matt comes whenever Mac needs him.  Mac pees in his den, which is not something most cats do.  Keeper Matt is almost always the one who crawls in Mac’s den to drag out the peed on bedding, cleans the den, and puts in clean bedding.  Oh by the way, the leopard was NOT in the enclosure Mac had to go through to get to FunCation.  The leopard was locked out of that section so Mac could safely cross.

 People Often Ask:  “Do the cats know their keepers?” or “Do the cats have a favorite keeper?”

Answer:  Yes, they do.  Here is an older video of Mac expressing his views on WHO is his favorite keeper. By the way, Matt’s video title is meant as a joke.  He adores his wife, Jen, even though Mac does not and all the other cats like Jen.  Matt and Jen have volunteered here I think around 18 or 19 years, something like that.  They are both amazing!!!

You may have already seen this photo, but it deserves another posting.

Keeper Matt:  My baby!!

 Letter To Management

June 14, 2017

Dear Sir/Madam:

I am writing concerning the lack of security at our facility.  I am very concerned due to recent events.  A tour group came in May, and all KINDS of shenanigans went on.  One person in the group kept trying to get Zabu to climb into the back of a golf cart to take her home.  (The Secretary vehemently disavows any knowledge of this event.)  Another one kept calling Nikita “my girl” and making comments about leaving with her.  Some girl with pigtails was trying to become best friends with Priya, and another was sweet-talking TJ.  Even the staff was not safe!  A bunch of them surrounded Josh on his golf cart, but luckily he kept his foot on the gas and was able to get away quickly.

I heard that they were eventually captured and put into one of the empty cages on the property, only to escape later that day and scatter far and wide.

BUT – it appears they left behind a master spy. He is a genius at disguises, sometimes appearing as a squirrel, other times as a lizard, but most often as a big white bird (I heard them call him “Ernie”). He follows the Keepers around when they are distributing meds and/or snacks, and reports everything back to the group. I don’t know about the rest of the residents here at the sanctuary, but I don’t need my frolicking with my two new girlfriends broadcast to the whole world. I like to keep things like that on the down low, if you know what I mean. And this “bird” even tries to steal my supper! What’s up with that? To discourage him I lay in my den now and make the Keepers use the long stick to feed me. They may think I’m lazy, but I’m really just making sure he doesn’t get my food.

Perhaps this is really MI-6 Secret Agent Monty in disguise? Someone needs to look into this ASAP.

Sincerely,

Hoover Tiger
(Sent via Lori D., Secretary to the Cats)

 Big Cat Models

Big Cat Model Donna Pickering:  My TJ Paw Painting Pillow finally arrived! I’ve attached a pic. It’s so puffy it was difficult to take a selfie with my short little arms lol. Take care,  ? Love life & keep smilin’ 🙂

 Bobcat Rehab Center

Nova Bobcat is doing so well in our wild Bobcat Rehab Center that she will soon be able to go free. We are excitedly looking forward to her living wild and free as bobcats were meant to live in the wild.

Follow Nova Bobcat on her journey from rescue to release. Watch more at http://explore.org/live-cams/player/big-cat-rescue-bobcat-rehab-and-release

CatRescue.biz

FLASH SALE:  Mickey Cougar Word Art V-Neck T

Viewer Pix

Viewer Robin Frye:  Rare treat to have Nova where we can see her!

Can YOU find Nova?  Hint, blow the photos up.  She is looking in one photos and hissing in the other.

Viewer Beth Parent:  Tj being his cute little self ❤

Viewer Beth Parent:  Seth

 Viewer Videos From Explore.org/bigcatrescue

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

• Jamie Veronica:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsY6X3rUv8UlIUbrxNeu-Aw
• 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
• Janie M https://www.youtube.com/user/donutgirl100
• Jaime T: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsY_oF0NhXc5OS8CcTaUi2A/videos

  WANTED – Graphic Artists

Carole is looking for a graphic artist who really gets what we are all about and would would like to help us with some graphics for shirts.  If that is you or if you know someone like that, please have them email Carole at cat@bigcatrescue.org

 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