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The Wildcat Sanctuary (TWS) is a 501c3 non-profit, rescue facility located in Sandstone, MN and home to lions, tigers, cougars and other big cats.TWS provides a natural sanctuary to wild cats in need and inspires change to end the captive wildlife crisis. TWS is funded solely on private donations. The Sanctuary is a rescue organization and not open to the public. Combining natural and spacious habitats with a life free of exhibition, TWS allows all residents to live wild at heart. TWS is committed to public education about the captive wildlife crisis in order to create a world where animal sanctuaries are no longer needed. As a true sanctuary, we do not buy, breed, sell or exhibit animals. The Wildcat Sanctuary is accredited by the American Sanctuary Association and the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries. Learn more at wildcatsanctuary.org.
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The Wildcat Sanctuary
February 2014UPROAR!
Raja, cougarPCML Photography
2 February 2014 WildcatSanctuary.org
Tammy Thies Founder & Executive Director
Julie HananContributor
Carissa L. WinterGraphic Designer
Photography by TWS staff and Pamela Lammersen of PCML Photography
Mission: Provide natural sanctuary to wild cats in need and inspire change to end the captive wildlife crisis.
Vision: Help create a world where wild animal sanctuaries are no longer needed.
The Wildcat Sanctuary is accredited by the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries and the American Sanctuary Association. TWS is also a member of the American Association of Zookeepers and licensed by the USDA.
The Wildcat SanctuaryPO Box 314 • Sandstone, MN 55072
320-245-6871
Follow us on:
Board of DirectorsPeggy CallahanCarol GriglioneDawn Isackson
Heather MacLeodGail PlewackiSue Schmitt
Copyright © The Wildcat Sanctuary. All Rights Reserved.
UPROAR!The Wildcat Sanctuary
February 2014 | Issue 2 From the FounderDonoma, cougar
As always, I thank each and every one of you for your incredible generosity. It is simply impossible to explain to you the importance of your role in providing forever homes to wild cats in need. When I first founded The Wildcat Sanctuary, I could never have imagined that there were so many people who would open their
hearts to help these precious animals that have too often suffered neglect and even abuse before coming to a place where they experience spacious natural habitats, quality care and the security of a permanent home. This is possible only because of the very special people who donate to The Wildcat Sanctuary.
The Wildcat Sanctuary is in the midst of an important transition that will ensure its sustainability and the ongoing care of more than one hundred wild cats. I am excited to be able to tell you that, in November, the current Board of Directors asked me to again take on the role of Executive Director of The Wildcat Sanctuary. With the support of a capable board, a recommitment to our values and mission, and the dedication of you, our donors, The Wildcat Sanctuary is growing stronger and better by the day.
The care of the cats remains our priority. We have some new staff and the assistance of professionals from other successful sanctuaries as we go through a significant reorganization. While we have always strived to be the best at what we do, and we are recognized across the country for our animal care, safety protocols and our stable finances, we know we can improve. And that is exactly what we’re doing now.
Expect to hear more about the cats you support and how they’re doing. We plan to return to the practice of communicating more frequently and personally with our donors. We’re overhauling our volunteer program with a goal of recruiting people with needed skills to enhance our work. And we’re going to look for ways to become even more cost-effective in what we do.
Please enjoy the success stories and photos in this issue of Uproar. I love sharing all the amazing things we do together for the animals. Yet, I want to stress how easily we can lose sight of the significant costs that are hidden behind our stories of success. The good work we do, and the amazing changes that come to the animals is entirely dependent on the occurrences, and reoccurrences, of your donations. So please think of the animals often…your commitment to them makes our work possible.
Thank you,
Tammy ThiesFounder & Executive Director
A time of change…
February 2014 3UPROAR!
From the Founder
4 February 2014 WildcatSanctuary.org
A decade ago, Eileen and Carl Adamec received a very special Valentine’s Day card. It was a card that would change their lives and open their
hearts to a whole new circle of friends.Their friend sent them a Valentine’s Day card from
The Wildcat Sanctuary. Their friend probably had no idea how much that card would mean to so many!
Realizing that the cats needed to be in the wild, but really had no “wild” to go to, moved Eileen and Carl. They understood why the Sanctuary was so important, what a huge need there was for it. This Valentine’s Day would always have special meaning to them. They had made a true love connection, falling in love with the Sanctuary, and they decided to share this love by sponsoring several cats.
The Sanctuary became a place of peace for the animals, and the Adamec’s. Knowing the animals rescued would never have to go back to the horrors they once knew, that they would each have their special needs met, these were the things most important to them.
If you ask Eileen and Carl what is the greatest gift they’ve received, they say it has been “to see our donations put toward making these formerly abused animals as whole as they can be for the rest of their lives.” They continue to inspire others with their message, “we would tell anyone who is thinking of giving to the Sanctuary to go ahead – you’ll never regret it!”
Luckily for a little orphaned cougar cub, Carl and Eileen won the “Name
the Next Rescue” opportunity at the Sanctuary’s Jungle Boogie fundraiser
in 2009. That meant that sweetheart #3 would come into their lives.
They named him “Carlo” and they opened their hearts again to this cub,
who had been orphaned in the wild, along with his two siblings, after his
mother had been shot by a hunter.
The Differencea Simple Card
can Make
UPROAR! February 2014 5
Order your
Wild Valentinefor a loved one at
WildcatSanctuary.org
Morocco, serval
WildcatSanctuary.org6 February 2014
I can remember the first day Asha arrived at The Wildcat Sanctuary. It was a cold and snowy winter day. She was in a large metal crate being lifted from
a truck with a skid steer. Both the crate and the skid steer were rocking from her shifting side to side. Even through the crate, you could sense the sheer power of her. She was such a strong girl. She has been a strong girl every day since joining our sanctuary in 2006. That is until recently.
Even at 17, Asha has been an active lioness. Mealtime is her favorite time. So, when she wasn’t as interested in her meal one day, we knew something was wrong. Seeing one of our strongest cats fall weak is very emotional for each of us, but we know we have an important job to do. And, with wild animals, it often must be done quickly.
Taking a 400-pound lioness to the vet isn’t an easy task, but your support ensures big cats like Asha always receive the best of care.
Asha,The Lioness,UndergoesSurgery
Shanti Deva and Asha, lions
February 2014 7UPROAR!
Dr. Blake and Dr. Lee sedated and examined Asha at the Sanctuary. She was given pain meds, fluids and supportive care at The Wildcat Sanctuary so she would be stronger for her trip the next day to the University of Minnesota’s large animal hospital for diagnostics. The University’s expert team performed ultrasounds and it was determined surgery was needed. Asha had a baseball size benign cyst on her liver and a blockage in her lower intestine due to slow motility. The pathology showed that the split serosa (outer layer of the colon) was a chronic, not acute, lesion. Surgery took several hours and then she was on her way back to The Wildcat Sanctuary for recovery.
Asha received around-the-clock monitoring and care by her keepers. She was on medication and a special diet for several weeks. Two weeks after her surgery, she was introduced back into her pride with Shanti Deva and Aslan. The reunion and recovery was just as emotional for us as her illness. Seeing the pride accept her back and immediately begin grooming her was heartwarming.
Asha’s keeper Kathryn said, “Tears came to my eyes when I saw Asha walk-up and nuzzle Aslan. And hearing the pride roar together for the first time again was a great moment.”
Happy endings and specialty care for our residents is made possible because of your generosity. This was a very serious surgery for a cat of Asha’s age and size. We feel blessed that Asha will have even more days here at the Sanctuary.
Asha and Aslan, lions
WildcatSanctuary.org8 February 2014
Lilly, Bengal tiger
For cats at The Wildcat Sanctuary, change is something each has experienced throughout their lives. From being purchased as a pet to
now living their days at a natural sanctuary. We do our best to make change as positive as possible. But no one can offer positive change better than mother nature and its gift of the change of seasons here in Minnesota.
Each of us looks forward to seasonal changes in our own special way. Whether it’s being with family during the winter holidays, or looking forward to summer vacations, or roasting marshmallows over autumn bonfires, or picnics in the park during springtime.
For the cats, it’s really no different. They have a favorite season, just as we do. Whether it be the hot days of summer, the moist days of spring, the snowy days of winter, or the crisp cool days of autumn, for each species and each cat, the seasons offer all sorts of opportunities for something new and exciting!
It’s fun to watch the cats change, especially the way they play and adapt. The servals anticipate and celebrate
the hot summer days. Basking in the sun’s rays, we know they must be dreaming of African savannahs their cousins enjoy in the wild.
But, that’s not necessarily the case with the cougars and tigers who’d much rather be enjoying a summer dip in their pools. How lucky are tigers like Titan and Lilly to have donors who’ve provided water features to help them “chill” on even the hottest days! Looking toward the other part of the Sanctuary in the summer, you’ll find the bobcats and lynx enjoying long naps under their trees or in their caves which provide a cool, shady place for them.
When the heat of summer starts to fade and the annual cascade of leaves start to fall, you can see the cats start to sense something’s in the air – literally. Just like a child, there’s something irresistible about a fresh pile of fall leaves to play in. Keepers roll carts full of pumpkins to the habitats and the cats couldn’t be more grateful for this extra special room service. Pumpkins provide hours of endless activity. Whether it’s ripping them to shreds and playing in the gooey mess or tossing them around
Changing Seasons, Changing Lives
February 2014 9UPROAR!
or hiding them in their special spots, what’s not to love about fall playtime? At the end of the day, many cats like lioness Shanti Deva or tigress Ekaterina snuggle in for a nap in their fire hose hammocks.
The days soon shorten, the air becomes crisp, and so many of the wild cats’ coats begin to thicken in anticipation of winter’s arrival. Nothing is more beautiful than seeing the fluffy winter coat of Kitty the lynx. For the staff, it’s a busy time of year too. Temperature-controlled buildings are continually monitored, fuel supplies are assured, snow removal tools and machinery are put in tip-top shape, heated water bowls are tested, provisions are stockpiled, the check list is long. It doesn’t matter if there’s 4” of snow or 4’ of snow, staff members must be prepared to care for the animals no matter what.
During the winter, with frost in the air, the cats’ dietary needs definitely increase. They take it for granted their food will always be there and, thanks to our successful fundraising drives and our fabulous supporters, it is. Tiger Zeus and the other cats nod off, quite content with nice full bellies. While keepers are shoveling and clearing paths and roadways, the cats snuggle up on perches in their warm, indoor habitats for long winter naps.
As a kid, you remember great winter days of snowball
Haley, bobcat
WildcatSanctuary.org10 February 2014
fights and building snowmen, don’t you? Well, it’s not much different if you’re a wild cat! Some of the funniest days are seeing bobcats swatting snowballs tossed into their habitats, or lynx climbing as high as they can to catch falling snowflakes, or tigers chomping off the heads of snowmen built in their habitats. Wild games of chase through deep snow can be exhausting and great exercise for those who live in groups.
But, then comes everyone’s favorite season – springtime! As Charles Dickens said, “Spring is the time of year when it is summer in the sun and winter in the shade.” It provides something for everyone here at the Sanctuary. The snow melts, the air gets lighter, flowers begin to blossom, rabbits hop by, and butterflies float through habitats on gentle breezes. Days are spent lounging in comfy hammocks or surveying the Sanctuary from high perches. More toys are brought out and scent-filled enrichment is delivered regularly. Spring is one of life’s greatest rewards!
As the seasons change, you – our donors and supporters – have helped us change so many lives. Because of you, the cats anticipate and celebrate each season here at the Sanctuary. Thank you for making each year the absolute best for every Sanctuary cat!
Andre, cougar
Lilly, Bengal tiger
Titan, Bengal tiger
February 2014 11UPROAR!
In winter, play with the snow; in summer, play with the sun. Do not wait for something to come; everything is already here. In autumn, play with the leaves, in spring, play with the flowers. In summer, don’t wait for the winter; in winter, don’t wait for the summer. Everything is already here, in this present time you live in!”
—Mehmet Murat ildan
Aslan and Asha, lions
WildcatSanctuary.org
In honor of Radar Marilyn Krizansky
In honor ofAnna and BelleBonnie Goldsmith
For the cats (& dogs) and the awesome staff, intern, and volunteer team that is The Wildcat SanctuaryChristine Dietsche
In honor of ZamboniChristopher M. Brown
In honor ofStefan PambuccianCorina Pambuccian
In honor ofDavid R.E. Aladjem on his birthdayElizabeth Grayden
Thank you for taking in the Catskill Game Farm CatsJoan Lyon
In honor ofSophie Albright Joel Albright
In honor ofDiablo Guapo Julio Guapo the black house cat and Margaret Thorpe
In honor ofJulie Hanan for her passionate advocate work for animals Billy Belt
In honor ofPaul Draheim DVM for his care of small cats
In honor of my new granddaughter, Mia RoseRenee LeClaire
In honor ofAuntie Gennie ChrissMolly Kelly
In honor of Vicky Hockman and her passion for this causeTerri Byerly
In honor ofSherry and Jerry LecyTami Tripp
In honor ofPaula Nelson’s birthdayRosalind Annen
In honor ofBarbara LundsgaardElizabeth Sellars
In honor ofBecky LugerChris Luger
In honor ofTerri Vanlandingham Uglem Tiffany Susens
In honor of the 911 Public Safety Dispatchers at Lake Mead Interagency Communication CenterL. Tuttle
In honor ofJo Martinson and her dedication to wild animals everywhere Christopher White
In honor ofJustin SingletonJanet Schmidt
In honor ofRenee MorrisDavid Schrimpf
In honor of my son, Evan Thunell, and my friends Karen Bohaty, Barbara Felt, and Liz McDermott
In honor ofDr. Noemi PlantzArlene Carpenter
In honor of Kande Larson’s birthday Elizabeth Eide
In honor of Christine Dietsche and Eric NelsonChristine Sanguinet
In honor ofMichael & Christine Whittley EvansChristine Sanguinet
In honor of Pamela Sands Coleman Doug and Lois Coleman
In honor ofLily and Caitlin Judith Dugas
In honor of all my felines, past and presentVirginia Pansch
In honor of Daisy Joan Lewis
In honor ofAndrea UhlichJeanne Bous
In honor of Meme the TigerDeLores and Lloyd Hanson
In honor ofEileen SherrittJill Sherritt
In honor ofGrandma EveylinTerry and Jean Marie Nordlund
In honor ofErika & Charlie GilletJim Low
In honor ofGruber and OliveJan Swanson
In honor ofMillie JacobsonKristin Jacobson
In honor of Sheree Bochenek’s birthday
In honor ofDixie Skye
In honor ofSandy and DustyCarol Hazlett
In honor of Wilson and Barbara LundsgaardMette Lundsgaard
In honor of Sweetie the rescued catJane Bird
In honor of Gigi GlendinningJanet Lippincott
In honor of Rama CW Churchill
In honor of Stormy and SnowballJudy Saeler
In honor of Rosalind AnnenPaula Nelson
In honor of my cat, LeoRebecca Swanson
In honor of Arlia HoffmanHeidi Jones
In honor of Christopher Barton and Darin Rowles Lila Lea
In honor of Peggy ThomsonVincent Gimino
In honor of Karen BergPatricia Epting
In honor of Judy and Elizabeth Harrington Sharyn Bramscher
In honor of a beloved dog, GertrudeIlse Dietsche
In honor of my daughter, TuulaRachel Wallner
Congratulations to John Aretese and George LowJim LowIn honor Bojzi, my ChihuahuaBarbara Mayek
In honor ofToby and TabbySalvatore Leone
In honor ofChris ToplackMichelle Mann
In honor ofAbigail DulyJulie Daugherty
In honor ofPete DosherGordon Dosher
In honor ofDon Perault and his cat, TigerDawn Perault and Timothy Amstutz
In honor ofRoz Annen on her birthdayCarol Johnson
In honor ofBonni KautzMary Brennan
In honor of Christine Dietsche to commemorate her half century of making this world a better placeAlisa, Mike, Kirsten, and Hannah
In honor of the “wild cat” in our house, Sherman Wiig the tabbyThe Wiigs
In honor of Gary Fink’s Birthday We love you Dad/Grandpa! XOXO, Mathew, April and Isabella.
In honor ofEllen Richardson’s birthdayLiz Freeland
In honor ofCraig Miller’s 60th birthday Paul Moss
In honor ofEsther SalazarAudrey Denisyeva
In honor of Nightlight and Powder MehrAnje Mehr
In honor of My mom Delilah (Bialke) Lacy Brenda Lacy
In honor of TotoMichael Kriel
In honor ofSofia BilkadiKaren Svien
In honor of Chris Merton’s belated birthday Barbara Hansen
In honor ofGreg Lyon’s birthday Joan Lyon
Happy Birthday, Mom! Dr. Marguerite Kelly Keating
In honor ofKim Culbertson’s birthdayAudrey Beckstrom
In honor ofMarcella Clemons Rayanne Nelson
Happy 4th Birthday Andre!Randi Olson
Happy Birthday Jenni CharrierAnnette Scott
In Honor and In Memory
In Honor Of
Gifts through 12/12/2013
12 February 2014
February 2014 13UPROAR!
In honor of John Allen’s graduation from Hamline University
In honor of Jason Allen’s graduation from Saint Paul Central High SchoolMy mother, Sue HoldenAnne Girton
Happy Birthday Auntie Gennie!Love, Maeve and Frankie
In honor of Susan AltonThyra Nelson
In honor ofPat Seger’s BirthdayDiana Murphy
In honor of Todd and Linda HaugBrian and Cassandra Lasley
In honor of Roz Annen’s birthdayBarbara Sharpe
In honor of Rosalind Annen’s birthdayPaula Nelson
In honor of Linda and Todd Haug’s birthdayJoanne Haug
In honor of Grandpa Rey LyonsJacob Lyons
In honor ofZoe & NigKatherine McGough
In honor of Diablo Guapo! So handsome!Margaret Owen Thorpe
In honor ofBonni Kau Erica Christman
In honor ofKayla our catAndrew Stevenson
In honor of The Wildcat SanctuaryKathy Polhamus
For Bonni, an animal’s best friendMary Brennan
In honor of my cats, Mr. Muffin and PenzyLynn Krapf
In honor and in memory of the precious felines I’ve been so blessed to have in my lifeKim Meline
In honor ofJackie RustRenata Goepfrich
In honor ofCourtney BlakeyLara Richardson
In honor ofJane LemonPenny Fuller
In honor ofDawn IsacksonJennifer McCann
In Memory Of
In memory of TopazApril Hoskins
In memory ofAnn WilderJohn, Debee and Mike Shields
In memory ofMr. Chino, who was much loved by his dads, Jim and Jason
In memory ofPenny MarcinekKaren Manning
In loving memory of Chad BrockCandace Fugere
In memory of the littlest ones, whose paws leave such a huge imprint on our hearts, Dakarai, Jade, Issy, Rori, and Aztec. Loved you all for your uniqueness and the joy you gave us allChristine Dietsche
In memory of my cat, CheeseburgerDarlene DeSantis
In memory of my beautiful Princess Jasmine, who left me November 1, 2011. She is missed on a daily basis and loved dearly. Thank you The Wildcat Sanctuary for taking care of all cats big and smallDawn Isackson
In memory of all my furbabies, most recently Angel
In memory ofSophie and SierraJennifer Plombon
In memory of SarafinaJoan Eichelberg
In memory of our kitties, Samantha and MissyKatharine Horowitz
In loving memory of Joey, Tabitha, Olaf, Sam, Murphy, and ZoeKim Meline
In memory of Frannie KrielLinda Kriel
In memory of WoolieMarisa Hinnenkamp
In memory of Patricia PerrySusan Quist
In memory of Jim Maxwell and Aztec, hoping you have found each other once againSusan Timmerman
In memory ofmy cat Jambi Cathy Camper
In memory ofmy son Dana MillerMildred Miller
In memory ofKarl LampartElizabeth Bodaly
In memory ofTeresa EricksonDouglas and Sharon Thompson
In memory ofPat Barb and Bruce Johnson
In memory ofPat PerryJeryl Beaulieu-Driscoll and John Driscoll
In memory of Gidget, the deaf, runt baby that RAWRED and Jada the beautiful, sweet greyhoundAnnette LeDuc
In memory of Gwenn Chriss’ cat, LesaJames Rosenstiel
In memory ofLesa ChrissMolly Kelly
In memory of Phoebe, a beautiful Maine Coon, dearly loved by Jim and Lori SundermanNancy Nelson
In memory of Willowthewisp Sharon Buchanan
In memory of my sweet cat, FluffyJill Swenson
In memory ofmy sister, Chrissy, and my mother, Mary, taken too soonSofia Dober
In memory ofConnie BartelsWilliam Bartels
In memory of Ursula Odermatt’s motherRebecca Orttel
In memory ofJoe KelluesIlse Dietsche
In memory of Kinder Katherine Kalaydijan
In memory of Woolie Baby Bear
In memory ofNancy ParlinHer friends at The Wildcat Sanctuary
In memory ofNancy Parlinthe Department of German, Scandinavian and Dutch at the University of Minnesota
In memory ofNancy ParlinMike and Diane ProulxPete and Lana SchumacherJohn and Mary Severson, Janet Sandbo, and David David Parlin
In memory of Luke, Megan’s best friend Tammy Thies
In memory of my Beloved, Ailurophile Husband, Drake C. AutarchLefkothea Beletsi
In memory ofRocky KittyAlan Serlin
In memory of Annette LocketzSeville Operations
In memory ofRichard L. DobbelmannGlen Yakel
In memory of Patricia Perry Barbara Thies
In memory of LucyJoanne Haug
In memory of Gloria Strom, beloved Faculty Administrative Assistant at Hamline University School of LawMarilynne Roberts
In memory ofGordy TreffertMary Beth Kensek
In memory ofLila AldinFrom her friends at The Wildcat Sanctuary
In memory of Annette NovakFrom her friends at The Wildcat Sanctuary
In memory of my mother, LuellaLauri Enger
In memory of HalifaxKelly Hageman
In memory of HalifaxLefkothea Beletsi
In memory ofLevon, a beloved white domestic shorthairMarie Dick
FrannieLinda Kriel
14 February 2014 WildcatSanctuary.org
In memory ofRuth Scott, The Bunny LadySouthwest Wildlife Conservation Center
In loving memory of MikeyMichelle Friessen
In memory of MikeyKaren Pauls
In memory of Maelstrom Katarina de Bas Blanc Marilynne Roberts
In memory ofFinn, a wonderful canine companion, Marilynne Roberts
In memory of Charles and Kay ClausingMiriam Bisbing
In memory ofmy nephew, Eric’s 20th birthday. You will forever be in our heartsLisa Dawson
In memory ofa beautiful Bengal named SaffronVictoria Hawker
In memory ofthe Chloe Monster, a calico who was “in charge” for 19 yearsAudrey Beckstrom
In memory ofClaude BlenkushFrom his children
In memory ofmy two cats, Cessna and YazooHolden Froemke
For my two beautiful & dearly missed Siamese kitty cats, Azure & TabooLaura Eisenberg
For SomerseCorina Pambuccian
In memory of SassyDonald Ludewig
For WoolieMarisa Hinnenkamp
In memory of Lorna and Ken WienerGeri Wilson
Dedicated in Memory of David Vincent MuehlstedtJulie Muehlstedt
In memory of Michelle Marie SimoneauJacquelyn Campbell
In memory of MacDougall and TeddycatMichael McClellan
Dedicated to Spencer and HunterBonni Kautz
In memory of “Hutch” Lynn ParishAnn Meisch
In memory of Matt O’HaraAnn Meisch
Losing a resident is the most difficult thing we have to deal with working at a Sanctuary. It even becomes more difficult when changes are occurring in the organization and we are always needing to focus on the future for sustainability.
But sometimes, we just need to stop and take the time to grieve.
In Memory continued
Above: Though Makisha was an older bobcat, she was so young at heart. Our hearts are comforted
knowing she’s now playing like the kitten spirit we always knew her to be.
Right: Though Kita’s spirit was strong, her body
began to fail her. It was so hard to say goodbye, but
we know her strong spirit has finally been set free.
February 2014 15UPROAR!
I’ve been a wild cat keeper for many, many years and my favorite big cats are, without a
doubt, leopards. I love their elusive ways of hiding in plain sight. They’re such powerful predators. Even in captivity, these are qualities you can’t help but admire.
When I arrived at The Wildcat Sanctuary and heard Scarlet the clouded leopard’s story, I was immediately interested in helping care for her. She is reclusive and, like most cats, she’s nocturnal and more active at night. We’re able to observe a lot of her behavior thanks to the night cameras we have installed at her habitat.
In the beginning, it seemed that, if you’re inside, Scarlet would be outside and if you’re outside, she’d be inside. At first, I didn’t see much of her, though I’d observe evidence of eaten meals and scat. Then, our relationship progressed. When I would enter the building, I started seeing a tail or ears as she caught sight of me. She slowly started leaving less quickly and would stare at me for a minute before leaving. She responded well to soft spoken encouragement to stay. Coming to spend time with her and giving her treats at the end of the day proved to have the most impact. I’m sure most who have cats can relate to how patience, persistence,
and rewards really do pay off when you’re building a relationship.
I was thrilled when Scarlet began staying for treats and even started staying to eat each piece from the tongs. After treats, she started hanging out and vocalizing, even playing on her log or with enrichment. I was so proud of her!
One afternoon, Tammy mentioned it would be nice to get pictures of Scarlet so everyone could enjoy her progress. Scarlet was excited and vocal when I showed up.
She posed on her den, then ran over to pose on her log. I was so happy with the pictures. Now, everyone would get to see Scarlet as I had. She was comfortable and, most of all, she was trusting.
It’s always an amazing feeling to be lucky enough to work with these great animals. They give us so much more than we could ever give back to them.
— Kathryn
Update on Scarletthe Clouded Leopard
Cedar, bobcat
WildcatSanctuary.org16 February 2014
February 2014 17UPROAR!
Because of you, there will be a lot of exciting things happening in 2014 to support our important mission.
• The Small Cat Track building was given a temporary fix for the winter. In the spring, the building and habitats will be completely renovated. It will include excavating the area, rebuilding the habitats and constructing new indoor rooms for the servals.
• Safety and security have always been a priority at the Sanctuary. We will be completing the install of 18 high definition cameras that will keep the sanctuary safe and secure but also help us observe the animals in our care. This will be a huge advantage, especially for our shy residents.
• The old lion enclosure will be updated and divided into two spaces to make larger habitats for cougars and lynx.
• New habitats with roofs in Feline Meadows will be constructed for small cats like bobcats.
• Scarlet the clouded leopard will receive an upgraded area.
Your donations at work
Fundraiser is a wild success!
Because of your generosity, Jungle Boogie and Give to the Max Day made many big cat dreams come true.
Jungle Boogie 2013 A-cat-emy Awards was a four-star red carpet event. Over 150 people attended this annual event. The evening had its own feature film with the cats winning awards for best love scene, best score and more. The best supporting role went to our donors & supporters!
The Fred Astaire Dancers of Minnesota put on a show for everyone, as guests enjoyed their dinner. The evening was emceed by Sid Korpi. The Mahley Family Foundation received special recognition as our Lion Pride Award
recipients. Auctioneer Karen Sorbo made the Live Auction/Fund-a-Need portion of the evening fun and it showcased the generosity of our donors in support of The Wildcat Sanctuary and in ending the Captive Wildlife Crisis.
During Give to the Max Day, your support helped us rank 10th on the greater Minnesota and the Medium
Nonprofit leaderboards. Over 300 donors gave to the cats on Minnesota’s biggest giving day of the year.
A special thank you to our donors Dan & Sue Schmitt, Joe & Shirley Wolf and Lisa Coldor Stinson who provided matching grants!
Over $115,000 raised
WildcatSanctuary.org18 February 2014
Together, all of us are helping to createa world of No More Wild Pets.
Carlo, cougar Titan and Lilly, tigers
Diablo Guapo, jaguar O’Malley, serval
Sierra, Tiger Aslan, Lion
February 2014 19UPROAR!
On the last weekend of October, Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS) and the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) cohosted a Big Cat Sanctuary Workshop in Durham, NC. Twenty-one big cat sanctuaries from 15 different states attended this historic workshop. The objective was to
bring sanctuaries together, collaborate, share best practices and help others excel. The Wildcat Sanctuary’s founder, Tammy Thies, was one of many presenters.
The workshop included guest speakers, new approaches for sustainability and growth, brainstorming enrichment methods, sanctuary governance, creating effective communication through various media, fundraising approaches and more. Even during the workshop, organizations networked to rescue and place 2 tigers and 2 lions in need of homes.The Wildcat Sanctuary is so proud to be part of such a committed industry.
We could not do our important work without the collaboration and support from so many other sanctuaries. We are especially grateful to the following sanctuaries and staff who have provided guidance, on-site support and more to The Wildcat Sanctuary during our restructure.
Working Together
Shazam, leopard
NONPROFIT ORGUS POSTAGE PAID
TWIN CITIES MNPERMIT 30308PO Box 314 • Sandstone MN • 55072
WILD VALENTINESend your loved ones a 4-color valentine featuring some of The Wildcat Sanctuary cats - $25.
SPONSOR-A-WILD-ONESponsor a cat of your choice for yourself or a loved one. As a sponsor parent, you will receive their personal story, photos and updates throughout the year.
IN HONOR AND MEMORYGifts of $25 or more can be made in honor or memory of a loved one or pet and will appear in UPROAR!
LEAVE A LEGACYA planned gift is a way to leave a legacy of support for The Wildcat Sanctuary that endures even after your lifetime. There are numerous different types of gifts, each with unique features and tax benefits.
WAYS YOU CAN HELP
Details of all our programs can be found at
WildcatSanctuary.org
email: [email protected]: 320-245-6871
Felicity, bobcat