Keeper Walkabout at Big Cat Rescue Feb 2009

Paws to Reflect

Sometimes, we’re lucky enough to catch one of those rare days when our lake level is low, the ground is wet, and our tigers have decided to go for a leisurely walk along the shore. It’s the perfect recipe for capturing a beautiful paw print impression. It’s not always easy but, when it happens, it’s so exciting to cast those big, powerful paw prints they’ve left behind. We have to quickly mix up a batch of plaster, cast it, and make sure the tiger is entertained safely in another locked off portion of their cat-a-tat while it sets up. Then, like archaeologists extracting a treasure, we have to carefully dig up that portion of dirt that contains the casting so that it won’t crack.

Recently, China Doll was happy to provide some of the most beautiful paw prints. We cast them, mounted them and turned them into one-of-a-kind pieces of art. We hope that they’ll be a lasting reminder of her happy days by the shore where she will often “paws to reflect.”

Each paw print is unique and may not be exactly as presented.

Story, photos and art work by Julie Hanan