2010 Summer Big Cat Times

The Big CaT Times - sPRiNg 2010 - www.BigCaTResCue.oRg - waTCh us aT hTTP://www.youTuBe.Com/useR/BigCaTResCue 1

SUMMER 2010 iSSUE

2010 Fur Ball page 3

Snow Leopard Lithotripsy page 12

Summer Camp page 5

Big Cat Credit Card page 6

Big Cat Photos by Jamie Veronica unless otherwise noted.

NONPROFIT ORG.U.S. POSTAGE PAID

TAMPA, FLA.PERMIT NO. 3084

Big Cat Rescue12802 Easy StreetTampa, FL 33625:Change Service Requested

A hunter in Alabama proudly plopped three newborn bobcat kittens down on the counter of an animal clinic and asked the veterinary assistant to raise them up for him so he could give them to his kids as pets.

The vet tech was stunned, but quickly composed herself to tell the man she would do it for him so as to rescue the babies from such an awful fate. She immediately began scouring the Internet for an expert in rehab and release. When she called Big Cat Rescue it was agreed that the kittens would come to Florida, be raised for re-release back to the wild and the paperwork began.

It took three days to secure the Florida import permit and time was of the essence. The only kitten formula available to the clinic was one that often causes serious dehydration in bobcat kittens. The second more critical factor was that their eyes would be opening any day and if they were to ever live free it was imperative that they not bond to humans. They never make good pets, but the bonding that takes place during the nursing stage could make them fearless of people and that would get them into trouble as adults.

While Big Cat Rescue President, and resident Rehabber, Jamie Veronica, and Big Cat Rescuer Victor Alonso hit the road to begin a 24 hour road trip to rescue the baby bobcats,

ORphaned BOBCat tRiO ReSCued fROm alaBama

Bobcat Kittens Get a Second Chance at Freedom

Big Cat Rescue put out a call to all of the Tampa animal based charities and on all of their social networks that we needed a nursing mother cat who had kittens of her own. Jack Talman of FosteringIsCool.com found a mother cat but her kittens were too old and she was going into heat so there was concern that she may not have milk nor interest for new babies.

Big Cat Rescuer, Merrill Kramer, called on Rick Chaboudy, CEO of Suncoast

THE BiG CAT TiMES

2 The Big CaT Times - sPRiNg 2010 - [email protected] - 813.920.4130 - Follow us aT hTTP://TwiTTeR.Com/BigCaTResCue

HELP US FEED THE BOBCAT KITTENS BY TEXTING THE WORD “TIGER” TO 20222A one-time charge of $5 will be added to your mobile phone bill. S t a n d a r d messaging rates and additional fees may apply. All charges are billed by and payable to your mobile service provider. Full disclosure at:

http://commons.m/t US Subscribers onlyMobile Giving Foundation

Animal League in Palm Harbor, FL and he said he thought he had a good candidate. Her name was Bobbi because of her half tail and she had given birth to six kittens

of her own and then adopted two more. He found foster parents for all but two of the kittens and brought Bobbi and her brood over to see what she thought of diversifying her family.

Introductions like these can be very scary because the mother cat can be overly protective of her own kittens and

fatally strike out at the newcomers. President Jamie Veronica has had a considerable amount of experience in this area though and had taken every precaution to make sure it went as well as it possibly could. Bobbi turned out to be a dream come true for the three orphaned bobcats though. She immediately pulled them in close to nurse and began to bathe them. The little bobcat babies were so startled that they hissed at her!

She ignored their resistance and just kept on loving on them. Once they figured out that this strange smelling “bobcat” mom had milk to offer, they were in love too.

The kittens are estimated to have been born around April 15th. They will continue to nurse until they are six to eight weeks old, after which they will begin weaning on to a prepared meat and whole prey

diet. They may stay with their new adopted mom for up to three months. At this time they will be separated and the kittens will begin their rehabilitation that will take up to one year.

Check out our website and our Facebook fan page for tons of photos and videos. You can also tune in to watch the kittens daily on a live web cam at:

http://www.ustream.tv/channel/bobcatkittencam

PAVE THE WAY AND HONOR SOMEONE SPECIAL IN YOUR LIFE

The project to pave the walkways around our Trading Post with rich looking engraved bricks is under way and makes a great gift for the purr-son in your life who has everything. It is also a purrr-fect way to create a permanent

memorial for a family member or beloved pet who has passed on, or just something to do for yourself. The laser engraving actually changes the brick color to create the letters deep into the brick and will never wear off. There are two sizes, 4x8 for a donation of $100 and 8x8 for a donation of $200. What a great way to support the cats and create a memory for yourself of someone else.

You can order on page 10, or online at:http://www.bigcatrescue.biz/servlet/the-786/

Pave-the-Way-with/Detail

Chat Big Cats Online at www.ChatBigCats.com

People who love animals love to share their photos and stories. Now Big Cat Rescue has a Chat Big Cats community. U n l i m i t e d storage space for your photos, videos and

music. Post your own blogs, or join in our forums and contests.

Keep up to date with everything at Big Cat Rescue by watching our weekly pod-cats. Visit our YouTube channel for a wild time!

BigCatTV.com

GRR-REAT ECARDSSend wild Ecards and help the big cats at the same time by spreading the word! Visit www.BigCatFun.com for unlimited free Ecard as well as tons of big cat games & puzzles, screensavers & wallpapers, printable bookmarks, valentines, & trading cards. This site is jam packed with wild fun and it is all free! There is always lots of new stuff to check out so visit often!

www.BigCatFun.com

1198 Members

and Counting


BiG CAtS SAViNG SeABirdS

Big Cat Rescue is helping to support the relief efforts gearing up in anticipation of the Gulf Coast oil spill catastrophe. The Save Our Seabirds Oiled Wildlife Response Team in Sarasota and other organizations are in critical need of supplies to aid the oiled wildlife that will begin to arrive shortly from the Gulf oil spill area. Supplies Needed: clean towels, sheets, long, outdoor extension cords, older style heating pads (no automatic shut-off), Dawn Detergent-Original Scent, Scotch Brite Heavy Duty Scour Pads, Clip Boards and Used pet crates and carriers. Donations are being accepted at Big Cat Rescue. Contact: Jeff Kremer at 813-373-9033 [email protected]

A SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR WALL DONORS& A PLEA FOR HELP TO BUILD THE NEXT SECTION

Last issue we reported having completed the second section of the perimeter wall needed to protect the cats. Those of you who have followed the progress of this project know that a few years ago local youths shot paintballs through the chain link fence at two of the leopards. Thankfully it was only paintballs. Then, late last year, the northwest 660 feet of chain link started falling over leaving the cats exposed.

In the diagram you can see the portions of wall completed in yellow. We have 1980 feet of chain link fence the same age as the portion that fell and is likely to fail soon. It is pink in the diagram. Almost 500 donors have funded a total of 2394 feet, including a very generous donation of 125 feet in April from the Reitzel Foundation. We have completed 1653 feet to date. We currently have funding left in the reserve from past donations for about half of the 1980 feet we need to replace, hopefully this year. We need donors for the remaining 1200 feet of the pink section.

Wall donor names, or an inscription of your choice up to 35 letters if you wish to make it a gift or memorial donation, will be listed on a large permanent sign at the sanctuary. They are currently displayed in the tour waiting area. If costs come in below what we estimate, any donations not needed for the wall will be applied to other capital projects.

Our sincerest thanks to almost 500 supporters listed here who have contributed so far! Your name may appear more than once if you donated multiple times. Tracking the wall donors has been a manual process that began before our current donor software was purchased so there may be some errors. Also, donations received after March 31 may not have made the list yet. If you do not find your name, or it is not listed properly, we appreciate your help in correcting the list by emailing Chelsea at [email protected] or calling 813-426-5948, and we very much appreciate your understanding.

To join those listed here and help us complete this critical project, you can donate on the Order Form in this issue or online or by phone at:

http:/tiny.cc/P80Bj or by calling Jeff Kremer at 813-373-9033

Donated Two or More Feet of Wall:

2006 Fur Ball Proceeds - 650Debra & Harry

Stonecipher- 250The Reitzel Foundation - 225

Cyrus & JoanneSpurlino - 100

Little Family Foundation - 94Audrey Karr - 63

Eleanor Millan - 50Kenneth & Mary Heilman - 34Allen & Angela Hargest - 32Pam and Larry Trissel - 15

Mary Ellen Foley - 13Karla Hayes - 13

Gary Keesling - 13Catherine Monroe - 13

Oris (Big O) Voigtman - 13Sue Gotta - 12

Friends of Stan & Sally Geda - 10

Mr. & Mrs. Bill Maytum - 10Jonathan Woodard & Mie

Nakamura - 10Harry & Judith Newman - 10

Jay O'Conner - 10Andrea Reed - 10

Christine Sheen - 10Judy Watts - 10

Susan Wilcox - 10Elizabeth & John Zarzycki - 10

Claire Mooers - 9Roy & Maryann Van Brunt - 8

John Williams - 8Don & Evelyn Bartram - 7

Beth Ann & Rich Bluder - 7Deborah Catanzaro - 7

Diane & John Blackmon - 6Catherine Byrd - 6

Citrus Auxiliary 3992 - 6Vicki Glasgow - 6

Renete Greenfield - 6Michael Krieger - 6

Roland M. Lajoie, MD - 6Melanie Rak - 6

Deborah Wlaz - 6Tim and Gail Anderson - 5

Don Thompson & Meg Andronaco - 5

Kenneth Backus - 5Jordan Berlin - 5Tom Bowen - 5

Ryan Walker Buchanon - 5Ernest Cika - 5

April Durham - 5The Goldblatt Family - 5

Shannon Huskins - 5Sherry Levisque - 5Claire Mooers - 5Laurie Nourse - 5

Kathy & Lillian Osting - 5Andrea & Steve Paraggio - 5

Derek Scott - 5Clay R. Smith, Jr. - 5

Larry Thomas - 5Pamela & Lawrence

Trissel - 5Anonymous - 5Alan Wilde - 5

Maureen Zilles - 5Anonymous - 4

Nancy Giacalone - 4Jean Hall - 4Teri Powell - 4

Sharon Smith - 4Patricia Stanton - 4

James & Pamela Whatley - 4Susan Abbate - 3

Jeff Baker - 3Kathy Beck - 3

Connelly's Auto - 3Darlene Jo Ferrantino - 3Fred & Aleta Fisher - 3

Lisa Forsyth - 3Enid Galliers - 3

Eileen & Richard Haneiko - 3Mary M. Heilman - 3

Patricia Miller - 3

Erin Newman - 3Thomas Rahn - 3Judy Stimson - 3

Danielle Nicole Adkins - 2Dr. & Mrs. M.L. Akins - 2Tony & Michele Arnold - 2

Rita G. Ashton - 2Jean Austin - 2

Marilu and Bob Baker - 2Bob & MaryAnne Beans - 2

Karen Becker & Dennis Freigang - 2

Will & Pilar Benassi - 2David & Tammy Boston - 2

Dolores Bowen - 2Don & Ebe Bower - 2

Gary Brown - 2Diane Bryan - 2Pat Carney - 2

Cale & Margo Carvell - 2James Collis - 2Sue Crager - 2

Bonnie-Jean Creais - 2Teresa Daleske - 2

Linda de Bottari - 2Judy & Peter Dietrich - 2

Michelle Diss - 2Glenn Edmonds - 2

Leslie Egarton Hoge - 2Georgia A. Eller - 2

Edward Ellis - 2Nancy Giacalone - 2

Kerry Gilbert - 2Susan Gotta - 2

Darla Haines - 2Frank Halliwell - 2

Michael & Kristin Harris - 2Jacob Harshman - 2

Tim & Diana Hart - 2L. Kathleen Hickman - 2

Mark & Michelle Hocraffer - 2

Leslie Hoge - 2Diana Inserra - 2John Kilgore - 2

Gerald & Joann Lembke - 2John & Michelle Lewis - 2

Maurlin Lowks - 2Ed MacKenty - 2

Diana Maenhout & Leland Walmsley - 2

Michele Marziano - 2Melissa & Dan McCance - 2

Mary McLain - 2Joan Phillips & Sheldon Metz - 2

Richard L. Miller - 2Marianne Misof - 2Erin Newman - 2Lessli Nielsen - 2

Patricia Pacheco - 2Edith Parker - 2

John T. Perkins - 2Susanne Perla - 2

Brian Prout - 2Brenda Purdy - 2Judith Ramirez - 2Lisa Rutherford - 2Alan An Sagshin - 2

Philip Scala - 2Lori Sechio - 2

Thomas Stephens - 2Laurie Tepper - 2

Carolyn Thompson - 2Susan Tremmer - 2

Bruce & Karen Trott - 2Tony Va Redden - 2

Roy & Maryann Van Brunt - 8

Jenna Waites - 2Patricia Waugh - 2

Ann & Kent Weaver - 2P & J Webb - 2Evelyn West - 2Alan Wilde - 2

Lon & Pat Wojtowicz - 2Brian & Heather

Woolridge - 2Nancy Zito - 2

Donated One Foot of Wall:Jay & J Aalberg, Michele Adelson, June Allen, Marcus Aman & Carl Engelice, Christy and Brant Anderson, Mary Monnet & Mike Anderson, Anonymous, APD Auto Parts, Debra Arguijo, Suzanne Arps, Suzanne Arps, Alexandra Arvai, Jean Austin, Jeff Baker, Baldman Academy, Scott Balthazard, Bonnie Bergerman, Charlotte Berman, Cyd Berman, Donald Bertram, Kyra Brown & Ryan Blanco David & Kim Blasco, Mary Blizzard, Cindy Blue, Paul Do Bogar, Gloria Bogs, Wayne & Terese Borden, Lisa Boucher, Michelle Bourdeau, Lisa Bowen, Bowman Academy, Shirley Boyce, Jack & Jane Boyd, Tim Boyle, Joan Brandenburgh, Rene Ca Braselton, Fran Buhman, Angela Bunker, Annette Burcham, Sharon & Jason Bush, Daphne Butters, Randy & Judy Byra, Lou Callier, Ashley Caputo, Catherine Chou & Joseph Carannante, Stanley Carmody, Carrollwood Cats, Doris & Luca Casiraghi, Vera Cater, Ellen Cecil, Charlotte Centilli, Maria Cingranelli, Sheila Clouse, Susan Coleman, Michael Conley, Teri Cooper, Katasha Cornwell, Charles & Donna Couzelli, Miranda Crossley, Julie Couse, Fran Curry, Brian Czarnik, Melissa Daley, William Decot, Cathy DeFelice, Linda Delapenha, Michael Demilia, Doris Dorfman, Vernon Drehmer, Barbara L. Edson-Jones, Edward Ellis, Carl Engelke, Paula Eriksen, Escape Velocity Enterprises, Dolores Evensen, Tom Farner, Maryann Faust, Feinstein Family, Tracey & Derek Ferre, Larry Fimbel, Janet Fimbel, Sue Fitzpatrick, Fix and Feed Feline Feral Inc., Susan M Flynn, Alan E. Fraser, Jo Ann & Jon Frogue, Tim & Jo Ann Frogue, Evelyn Galus, Jay, Susan & Jacob Gibson, Victoria Gonzalez, Gail Kimball Goss, Richad Gray, Patricia Green, David & Mary Greer, Chase Sabatino & Avery Gross, Jen Grover, Dennis Gunsteen, Sally Gunsteen, Marianne Hall, Heather Hall, Brooke Harris, Kim Hart, David Harvey, Betty Hay, Shelly Heatherly, Mary & Ken Heilman, Hendricks, Fred & Pamela Hentschel, Kris Hintz, Henry & Dorothy Hirose, M. Diane Hodson, Marlene Hoffer, Maureen & Jeremiah Hoffman, Maureen Hoffman, Leslie Hoge, Renee Hondorf, Mary Horne, Sarah Hsieh, Wilfred H. Hupp, John Isler, Diana Tardif & Tim Jablonski, Robin Jackson-Bogner, Art Jacob, Kathleen Charles & Ezekial Jacoby, Barbara & Ken Jones, Ken & Bobbie Jones, Jennifer Jones, Russell and Joan Jordan, Chris Jordan, Gregg M. Jorissen, Louise Kanaan, Ed & Colleen Kasperek, Ferne E. Knauss, David Kolseth, Delphin Kosfeld, Todd, Shell, & Lauren Kowalske, Martha Kowalski, George Kozieradzki, Ann Kubera, Jackie Lakins, Lynn & Stuart Lang, Laura Lassiter, Susan Lauder, Nancy Leclerc, Leon Lieberman, Tim, Cherie & Natalie Lobach, Mary Loher, Mark & Brenda Lorenz, Joan Lynch, Mary K. MacLean, The Macmillans, Susan Marcus, Al & Jane Marello, Michele Marziano, Trudy Maslin, Linda Mattos-Lind, Donna McClellan, L P McDonald, James & Grace McKeever, Elsie McMahon, Mary Melcer, Alexandra, F. Merton, Ron Mikat, Lisa Miller, Patricia Miller, Angela Molina, Brenda Morel, Karen Jo Muschiette, Lisa Muscillo, Lessli Nielsen, Patricia O’Brien, Jon M. Ohman, Trisha Leigh Oliver, Carol Olson, Gene &, Charlene Orlando, Cathy J. McLean &, Kathy Orosz, Janet Owen, Jane Pappone, Linda Paulen, W. Fred Peacock, Kimberly Penn, Natacha Peperstraete, Joe & Donna Perryman, Margurite Peterman, John, Barbara & Rachel Peters, Loretta Pickford, Judith Plyler, Nicole & Ethan Polsky, Chris Poole, Barbara Pope, John & Rebecca Prawlocki , Heather Purl, Janet Qualls, Speir & Pat Ramsey, Sheri Ranson, Diana Rao, Lisa Rawls, Wendy Reid, Rita Reimer, Richard Rice, Ellen Richter, Clarissa Roach, Maureen Roberts, Michelle & John Rohan-Weaver, Leeya Rollins, Rebecca Ronicsan, Elissa Rudolph, Jessica Ryle, Brenda Samide, Renee Savino-Hondorf, Jeanette Schinelli, Lesli Schuch, Shayne Schuetzner, June Scrorpa, Sharon Seefeld, Kathy Segall, Dan Segall, Alexia and Randy Sherman, Stanley Sienkiewilz, Heather Siminski, Walter & Lenora Siverson, Charles & Rose Sklarski, Kathleen Slaven, Sylvia Smith, Wendy Smith, Diane Smith, Tori Smith, Sylvia Smith, Ann Z. Sofia, Nancy Solek, Tanya Solis, Janet Rae Sorensen, Cory & Libby Spino, Donald and Loretta Stafstrom, Elizabeth Stannard, Frank & Gail Stegner, Mary M. Stephens, Sherri Stinson, Joe Street, Sweet Art Gallery, Diana Tardif, Paul An Termann, The Macmillans, Kim Themis, Lauren X. Topelsohn, Marlene Torres, Maria Toth, Chrissy Toth, Larry Ackley & Sherry Trundy, Nana Bo Turner, Diane & John Uhle, David & Anastasia Underwood, Alma Valencia, Sarah Van Coops-Bush, Susan Vila, G Vinas, Lodewijk Voege, Carol Walker, Terry Welker, Steve & Samantha, Walker, Jerry and Barbara Ward, Calvin Ward, Courtney & Dan Waterbury, Christopher D. Watkins, Terry Welker, Mary Welsh, Diane White, Ron & Gail Whitfield, Cynthia Whittleton, Kelly Wicks, Nikki Willett, Sidney Judge Wright, Kathy Yonce, Jean Zegadlo, & Christine ZingaroArtemis the cougar as a cub


dON’t MiSS OUt, JUSt A FeW “SPOtS” Are StiLL OPeN, SiGN UP tOdAY!There are just a few camp spaces still available for kids ages 8-15 in our Cool Cat Summer Camp and teens ages 16-18 in our Young Adult expedition.

Discover our great outdoors with over 100 big cats of every size, color and personality. While participating in educational activities campers delight in meeting lions, tigers, leopards and other felines while enjoying outdoor exploration on the 45-acre campus at Big Cat Rescue. Interactive learning opportunities include diet preparation, scavenger hunts and keeper demonstrations of feedings and behavioral training with the cats.

Comments from previous parents of campers say it all: “The first day of camp she talked all night not just about the fun she had, but about what she learned” and “My child loved it more than I ever thought he would!” Young adults report: “I have grown to love the outdoors and now want to be a Conservation Activist and major in Environmental Sciences at University of Central Florida…I would use the knowledge gained to its full capacity and put it towards my efforts in saving our planet!”

This unique opportunity comes around just once a year for children and teens to enjoy behind the scenes activities, having fun and learning at the same time. Don’t miss out! For session dates and prices, to register, or for more information contact Beth Kamhi at: [email protected] or 813-323-3265Above: Senior Keeper Marie Schoubert demonstrates Operant Conditioning with Bengali the tiger for the 2009 Summer Campers.

THE KITTY KORNER - KIDS 4 KATS, GAMES, CONTESTS, CAMPS, AND MORE!KIDS 4 KATSCypress Woods Elementary

School age supporters of Big Cat Rescue are a never ending source of inspiration. Take for example our recent visitors from Cypress Woods Elementary School, Palm Harbor, Fl. This group of 56 students, teachers, and parents came for a tour under the guidance of science teacher Mr. Jason Jessie on April 15th. The kids raised money to fund the trip by selling bracelets with assistance from many parents, Mrs Koufagozos’ VE classroom and Mrs. Grifone. The students raised more than enough funds and donated and extra $500 to become Big Cat Warrior Sponsors. Their entire contribution exceeded $1,000! Mr. Jessie reported that “We have done it every year, but due to our charitable gift, this was the most rewarding so far.” It is a wonderful day when we can serve both aspects of our dual mission at once. The support of Cypress Woods Elementary helps us in “caring for cats”, and the awareness our young visitors gain about wildlife issues makes all the difference in “ending the trade”. Thank You to all of our supporters at Cypress Woods Elementary School!

Audrey from Austin, TX

Education is the process of one candle lighting many near and far. This nine year old in Austin, Texas initiated a school wide project to help “Save the Tigers” with Big Cat Rescue as her chosen charity. According to her mother Maribeth, “This is for no other reason than the extreme passion of a child who watches every tiger video on your web site. She has become quite educated about the Tigers both wild and in captivity.”

Breawna from Panama City, FLAnother nine year old with a passion is literally spreading the message throughout northern Florida. Breawna’s

efforts to share Big Cat Rescue’s mission inspired a college student who helped her script an amazing Public Service Announcement which is now being aired on 6 Clear Channel radio stations in northern Florida! Her parents Kathy and Charles are supporting her efforts with an extra special surprise. The family will take a trip to Tampa for a week this summer so Breawna can attend Big Cat Camp. We look forward to having our young supporter with us for an in depth experience of the cats and the cause!

Coloring Contest: 3 Top Winners will win a tour for 4 at Big Cat Rescue. 10 Runner Up Winners will win a glossy 8x10 color photo of one of the big cats!

Name: ___________________________________ Age: ____Address: ___________________City: _______________St:_____ Zip: ________

Crystal from Lunenburg, VT

Two years ago our Education Director’s granddaughter visited Big Cat Rescue on a vacation to Florida. Crystal, now 12 years old, wrote to ask; “I am doing my presentation on BCR!!! I am very excited! Could you email me some cool facts about Big Cat Rescue? I am baking LOTS of cookies for the bake sale! I really wish that you could come and watch my presentation! I am going to do this EVERY year!” There is nothing like the enthusiasm of a child to change the world! Thanks for sharing our mission!


SAD FAREWELL TO FOUR TIGERSBig Cat Rescue was founded 17 years ago and 74 of our sanctuary residents are now over the age of 15 (90+ in cat years). It is with great sadness that we must say goodbye to these four wonderful tigers. The decision to euthanize a cat does not come easy. However, in the case of three of these tigers, it was the most humane action that could be taken.

INDIA arrived at Big Cat Rescue on December 10th, 2004. Though she was supposed to arrive with her fellow performing tigers King, and Nala, her arrival was delayed. Since the replacement “crew” of

tigers arrived short a few members. Apparently, she didn’t care for the idea of everyone else getting to retire while she still had to work. Consequently, she arrived 11 days later to join them. Life has got to be so different for a tiger who spent 8 years on the road constantly performing for humans rather than enjoying the simple joys life has to offer. We did our best to make up for lost time and enriched India’s life every way possible. Towards the end India suffered from severe arthritis and was not responding to pain medications. Because there was no treatment that could reverse her condition, her vet determined that her quality of life was so poor, based upon her level of pain, that euthanasia was the only option.

NALA, India’s sister, was perhaps the perfect tiger. She was beautifully proportioned and, though petite, she was everything you would expect a tiger to be. On November 29, 2004, she was officially retired from her years of performing. At only nine years old, Nala was the youngest in the group of retirees. Just a few weeks after the passing of her sister, Nala, now 15, died suddenly and without warning. Necropsy results indicate that she may have aspirated, but there could have been some underlying problem that was the cause.

KING performed in the circus for 14 years. On November 29, 2004, he retired to Big Cat Rescue. Upon his arrival, King just couldn’t wait to check out everything in his new home. He flopped down into the pool for a quick cooling off before racing over to check out his mountain cave den. He swatted the ball about a bit and then went around chuffing at all of the Big Cat Rescuers as if to give his overwhelming approval. King enjoyed every last day of his retirement and during that time he touched the lives of many. Recently King suffered a seizure, which was later determined to be caused by meningitis. All of his teeth were infected and it would have meant that they would all have to be pulled, but the real issue was the cause of the infection. Samples of his bones were sent for testing, but meanwhile he had no chance of getting better and his vet chose to put him to sleep.

SNORKEL was used by a group that charged the public to have their photos taken with him as a cub. At six months of age he exceeded the 45-pound weight limit determined by the law and became a useless prop to the facility. He was given to a small, family-operated circus before retiring to Big Cat Rescue. He was one of the happiest tigers we have ever rescued. Due to his age and malnutrition as a cub, Snorkel’s stunted body could not keep up with his bubbly spirit. His mobility suffered tremendously in his final days and there was nothing that could be done for him. The decision to euthanize him was a difficult one, but it was the right thing to do in his situation.

To sponsor a Forever Remembered plaque in honor of one of these great cats go online to: http://www.bigcatrescue.biz/servlet/the-788/Forever-Remembered/Detail

1996 - 2010

1990 - 2010

1995 - 2010

1996 - 2010

iNdiA

KiNG

NALA

SNOrKeL

BiG CAt reSCUe CAPitAL ONe Credit CArdS

You can give more without spending more by turning your everyday spending into meaningful donations with a customized Big Cat Rescue Capital One® credit card. Share your passion and donate to Big Cat Rescue with your everyday purchases. We’ve partnered with Capital One® Card Lab Connect to bring you our newest fundraising program, which helps us earn money doing what you do every day! Just carry one of our custom credit cards (it comes with no annual fee), and 1% of purchases made with the card will be donated to Big Cat Rescue. Not only will you be donating to the cats with each purchase you make, you’ll be helping to spread the word when people see your wildly unique card, designed specifically for Big Cat Rescue. Three custom cards are currently available featuring Cameron the lion, Cheetaro the leopard, and Shere Khan & China Doll the tigers! What a great way to share the cats’ stories every time you pull out your credit card. Sharing your passion and your support is easy and automatic. Apply today!

https://www.cardlabconnect.com/

Big Cat rescueCredit approval required. Terms and conditions apply. Offered by Capital

One Bank (USA)

BOBCAt reSCUed FrOM FOreCLOSUre

A woman in Hudson, FL has had a bobcat as a pet for the past 14 years and now is in foreclosure and cannot take Angelica, a female bobcat, with her when the bank repossesses her home. She broke down crying at the thought of losing her long time pet, but said if she knew then, what she knows now about exotic cats, she would never have gotten her.

She willingly signed a contract with Big Cat Rescue agreeing that she will never own another big cat. She had actually visited the sanctuary 10 years ago and said that when she ran out of options for keeping her pet with her she knew that Angelica would have the good life here and never have to worry about eviction.

Angelica, who had been living in a chain link cage with a concrete floor, enthusiastically explored every inch of her new spacious and natural Cat-a-tat. She strolled around stretching her legs and occasionally stopped, dropped, and rolled in the newly discovered substrate. She really likes leaves!


FRECKLES IS A STAR

Windfall Films, a production company based in the U.K., visited Big Cat Rescue to film Freckles the liger and interview staff for a documentary titled Inside Nature’s Giants. Pictured above: Presenter Simon Watt filming by Cameron the lion.

CHARLES RUTENBERG REALTY VISITS - Casino Night Raises $4000

In recent years, JoAnn and John Nestor and Charles Rutenberg Realty have held a golf tournament to benefit Big Cat Rescue and another nonprofit, Sailability. This year they decided to do something different. First, JoAnn treated the headquarters staff to a special evening with the cats. Wearing cat related clothes and accessories, they arrived one evening in a limousine. The cats were very

impressed! Then, a few weeks later, instead of the golf tournament they held a casino night fundraiser. Over 200 guests enjoyed fine food and drink and gambled the night away in a room full of hoots and howls as the lucky and unlucky let their emotions fly. A fantastic time was had by all, and the evening raised a wonderful $4000 for the cats. Our sincere thanks to JoAnn and John and many, many brokers who now make Charles Rutenberg Realty the largest brokerage operation in the State of Florida, along with many out of state offices. Pictured above: John Rurkowski, Barb Brownell, Tina Bayly, Melissa Rice, [TJ the Tiger],Pauline DeKeyser, Kristen Conover, JoAnn Nestor and Jo-Ann

SPECIAL VISITOR FROM PANTHERA

Big Cat Rescue was honored to have a special visit from Sahil Nijhawan. Sahil works for Panthera (www.panthera.org), a world famous big cat conservation organization. At Panthera, Sahil and his team devise new ways of studying big cats in the wild and their interaction with people. Their work directly leads to the conservation of big cats and their habitats all over the world. Sahil’s current work focuses primarily on jaguar conservation in Central and South America. In the past, Sahil has worked on lions, leopards and other large predators in Botswana, and tigers in India. More broadly he is interested in creative ways to use technology to resolve conflicts between people and big cats and to foster environmentally sustainable growth. Big Cat Rescuer Barbara Frank guided a special tour for Sahil

who thoroughly enjoyed his visit and shared “Meeting the cats was an emotional experience for me. It was difficult for me to hear stories of the inhumane and cruel ways some of these amazing animals were treated before they arrived at Big Cat Rescue. Although I love what the Big Cat Rescue does, I wish it did not have to exist. I wish people would choose to admire these magnificent animals in the rainforest’s of Asia and South America, and the savannas of Africa where they belong, not inside cages. Most big cats are on the brink of extinction. By some conservative estimates, tigers will be extinct in the wild by 2015. Big Cat Rescue is doing amazing work not only by rescuing abandoned cats but also for the species in the wild by spreading the message of c o n s e r v a t i o n . The future of our own species is delicately linked to the survival of the forests in which these magnificent predators live. It is upon us to save the cats so that our future generations have the opportunity to admire the tigers and lions in the wild like our ancestors and we have.” Pictured above: Sahil Nijhawan and Big Cat Rescuer Barbara Frank by Jumanji

THE PURR-FECT COUPLE

Congratulations to Michelle and Brandon Moritz! This purr-fect couple was married on the beach at Big Cat Rescue by Founder Carole Baskin. We wish them a purr-fectly happy life together! Here’s what they had to say about their Big Cat Wedding, “We want to thank everyone at Big Cat Rescue for the best wedding experience we could ask for. Barbara Frank, who was also our wedding planner and tour guide, provided so much interesting information about the big cats, that most of us were unaware of. We all

came away with an i n c r e a s e d sensitivity to the plight of the big cats, and thankful for the Big Cat Rescue to be there for these

magnificent animals. Everybody loved the setting, and because it is such a unique venue, our wedding really will be talked about and remembered forever. We are so glad we were able to get married at the Big Cat Rescue, and helping the cats really made it special! Thank you so much.

BIG CAT ADVOCAT HONORED

Big Cat Rescue honored University of Wisconsin law student Roxanne Rewolinski with an Advocacy Award for her efforts to halt the use of tigers in a magic act and the construction of a hotel lobby habitat at the Chula Vista Resort in Wisconsin Dells. As president of the law

school’s Student Animal Legal Defense Fund and a dedicated animal advocate, she was able to push for TV coverage that exposed the farm supplying the tigers is run by a convicted animal trafficker. She initiated a petition drive asking the resort to take animal welfare and public safety into consideration first. Roxy is also working on legislation to prohibit the private ownership of exotic animals, with a focus on big cats. Wisconsin is one of only 9 states that has no legislation whatsoever regulating the ownership of exotic animals. Working on a law that will change this is a primary goal of Roxy’s and Big Cat Rescue’s. It is our hope that Roxy, and all those she inspires, will change the fate for so many exotic animals in the future. We applaud her efforts.

BEAUTIFUL, WILD,& FREE MUSIC VIDEO

We are excited to announce the release of an extraordinary song by musical artist Terez and a music video created by Big Cat Rescue’s Media Producer Chris Poole, John Hartmann, Jody Gray of Pro Star Recording, Jeanna Ramsburg of Salon Volo, Beatrice Flournoy of Beach Beauty Mobile Day Spa, and of course Big Cat Rescue’s superstar feline residents!

Terez shares, “It is my hope that those who view this video get even a small taste of the power and majesty of these animals, feel the magic of Big Cat Rescue, are moved to take action to be part of the solution* for big cats and let this song and BCR’s feline ambassadors serve as a reminder ‘...just like them I see - we’re all beautiful, wild and free...”

“Beautiful, Wild and Free” is set to launch on June 7, 2010

*To be part of the Solution to help Big Cats live “Beautiful, Wild and Free”, viewers of the video will be able to click on a link to purchase a digital download of the song, “Beautiful, Wild and Free” for $1.99 or for a limited time, purchase a special “Big Cat Pack CD-Pre-Order” for $16 which includes: Two full-length CDs full of feel-good, empowering music, One FREE download of the song “Beautiful, Wild and Free”, and FREE shipping. 1/3 of all proceeds of will go to benefit Big Cat Rescue.

For more information, visit: http://www.bigcatrescue.org/bigcatmusic.php


Metal Magnets Choose Tiger, Cougar, Lioness, Lion, Snow Leopard, Black Leopard, Ocelot, Serval, or Bobcat

$5.14

wild gifts wild gifts wild gifts wild gifts wild gifts wild gifts wild gifts

toys & gAMEs toys & gAMEs toys & gAMEs toys & gAMEs toys & gAMEs

Themed Monopoly Board Games

Choose Animalopoly, Earthopoly, or Catopoly

$28.54

thE Big CAt trAding Post - shoPPing gUidEgifts that keep on giving. By purchasing the gifts on these pages not only will you be giving a truly unique gift, but the proceeds help us care for all of the big cats living at Big Cat rescue. order these gift items using the order form on page 10. s & h within the United states as well as tax has already been included in the price. you can also upgrade your shipping to Priority for just $3 for your entire order. for luxury cat themed gift items visit BigCatluxegifts.com

12” Luther Leopard $13.70 12” Trent Tiger $13.70 Soft & Cuddly 20” Snow Leopard Plush $25.00

Magnetic Clingers Choose Cougar, Lion, Lynx, or Tiger $8.42

Orange BCR Sports Bottle 18 oz. $8.35 White BCR Photo Wrap Mug $13.70

Cheetah Coffee, 8 oz., beans or ground $11.56 Shere Khan Shot Glass $7.82

Animal Print Logo Thermos $13.70

Bumper Sticker $5.21BCR Sticker $4.21

BCR Ribbon $8.35BCR Patch $5.28BCR Pin $5.28

Golf Club Cover $25.47

BCR Golf Ball $6.28

Mini Safari Plate Choose Giraffe, Cheetah, Leopard or Tiger $10.49 ea.

all four shown here

Tubby Wubby the Lion12” Plush Toy

$13.70

My Big Book of Wild Animals a Photo Book

$24.40

Snow Leopard Trust Handmade Felt Toy Mice.A purr-fect toy for your cat.

$7.35 ea.

Tiger Flip Book

As You Flip the Pages You

Will Get a 3 Dimensional Look Inside a Bengal Tiger

$21.80

Encyclopedia Sticker Book Over 600 Stickers $19.60

400 Reusable Animal Sticker Book $11.63

Palm Brush Animals - Fair Trade Item4” Kitty Ornaments Cats $10.56 each Lion or Tiger $ 11.63 each

Choose: Calico, Siamese, Black, Lion, Marmalade, or Tiger Lion Art Handmade in Zimbabwe by Artisans from Metal. Fair Trade Item.

Large 12” $40.25Small 8” $24.40

Gift Items with Metal BCR Logo

3.5x5” Frame with Lion Scene & Snow Globe

$16.91

4” Wild Piggy Banks Choose Orange Leopard Purple Tiger Pink Leopard or Green Tiger Each Comes with a

Cute Gift Box $13.70 each

12” Lion Sitting $26.54 12” Tiger $24.40

12” Lion Laying $26.54 3.5” Etched & Burned Gourd Trinket Bowls

Choose Tiger or Lion $15.91

BCR Camp Fire 16 oz. MugChoose White or Yellow

$13.70

BCR Stencil 15 oz. MugChoose Orange or Blue

$13.70

Photo Luggage Tags Choose Bobcat, Tiger, Sand Cat, Cougars, Snow Leopard, Lion, Cougar, or

White Tiger $4.50 each

Jungle Animals Magic Color Mini Book $8.42

Travel Around The World 10” travel case with world map, stickers, choose

tiger or lion flopsie $17.98


Extra Large Eco-Grocery Bag with Big Cat Rescue Recycle Logo on Front 13” Wide by 10” Deep by 15” Tall

Black with White Logo $13.70

Longsleeve Tiger Tee, Tiger on Front, Stripes on Both Sleeves and BCR on Back, Black S, M, L, XL & XXL $24.40

BACKFRONT

Haunting Eyes Tee, Black with BCR Logo on Sleeve, Bengal

or Siberian Tiger, Snow Leopard S, M, L, XL $24.402X or 3X $26.54

Visor, Logo, Adjustable, Khaki $15.84 Flex-Fit Cap, Logo Olive or Pink $24.40 Adjustable Cap, Logo, Navy $24.40 Baseball Cap, Logo, Black $17.98 (not shown)

Brown BCR Tiger Tee, Pink Image S, M, L, XL & XXL $19.05

Gray Life Guard Tee, Navy Image BCR on Back S, M, L, XL & XXL $21.19

Tan BCR RhinestoneScalloped Trim Ladies Fitted Tee

S, M, L & XL $24.40

Clothing & ACCEssoriEs Clothing & ACCEssoriEs Clothing & ACCEssoriEs

Big Cat Rescue Cadet CapEmbroidered Big Cat Rescue text

Choose Blue or Pink $20.18

Brown Bengal Tiger Kids Teeor Tan Lion Kids Tee

Big Cat Rescue on FrontXS, S, M & L $15.91

Orange/White Tiger Baby Creeper BCR on FrontXS, S, M & L $13.70

Paws Off Kids Tee Blue Big Cat Rescue on Front XS, S, M & L $16.91 BCR Logo Dog Bandana

Choose Blue, Black, or Maroon $6.28

Power Nap Lion Infant Tee Red Big Cat Rescue on Front

6 mo., 12 mo., 18 mo. $13.77

L is for Lion Toddler Tee Blue 2T, 3T, 4T $13.77

Big Cat Rescue on Front

Shorty Socks Choose Leopard or Tiger Medium $9.49

BCR Logo Waist Bag Green $16.98

White and Navy Junior TeeS, M, L, XL $19.05

Lavender BCR Rhinestone Ladies Tee S, M, L, XL $24.40 XXL $25.40

Jinja Jewelry Asst Colors Fair Trade

Paper Bead Jewelry Made In Africa

Bracelet $17.05Necklace $38.45

Cooling Neck Bandoo Leopard or Kitty Cat

$6.90

Big Cat Rescue Fidel CapEmbroidered with BCR & Running Cat

Choose Black or Khaki $20.12

Big Cat Rescue Watch Black Band with Tiger Photo

$28.75

Big Cat Rescue Ribbon/Tiger Tee Available in White or Blue

S, M, L, XL $19.05 2X $21.19

The Original Big Cat Rescue Tee, BrownS, M, L, XL $24.40

2X $26.54

Rhinestone Tiger Fitted Tee or Spaghetti Strap Fitted Tank.

Black. tee: S, M, L, XL & XXL $24.40 tank: S, M, L & XL

$21.19

BCR Logo Tee, Choose Blue, Gray, Purple, or Jade

S, M, L , XL $18.05

BCR Logo Socks Choose Brown w/ Tigers or White w/ Lions or Lion March Silhouette Sock

Medium $9.49

Snow Leopard Trust Handmade and Embroidered

Napkin Set $18.04


Order dAte: Description Qty. Size Price Each Total

4X4 ENGRAVED PAVER* $100.00 8x8 ENGRAVED PAVER* $200.00

FUR BALL TICKETS $150.00 SPONSOR 1 FOOT OF PERIMETER WALL* $100.00

* NOTE: Fill out blue shaded box at bottom of form Yes! I would like to make a donation towards the care of the cats $ I want to join the automatic giving program, charge my card each month $

Yes, I would priority shipping for an additional charge of $3.00 $ Yes, I would like a receipt for tax purposes Grand Total $

ATTENTION! NEW TOUR TIMESEFFECTIVE JULY 1ST, 2010!

(See current tour times at www.BigCatRescue.org)

KIdS TOURTour Times: Saturday & Sunday 9 AM

Children of all ages, and their parents can learn about the big cats on this guided tour of the sanctuary. This tour is given on a child’s educational level. Reservations not required. Tour is 1 hr. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Admission: $15 per child under 10 years $25 per child 10 years & older and per adult.

dAY TOURTour Times: Mon, Tues, Wed, Fri 3 PM

Sat & Sun 10 AM & 1 PMGuided tour of the sanctuary. Learn about the big cats and the threats they face both in the wild as well as in captivity. Hear their personal stories of how they were rescued. Tour is 1.5 hrs. No children under 10 years of age. Reservations are not required. Admission: $25 per person.

FEEdINg TOURTour Times: Wed, Fri, Sat 4:30 PM

(Reservations Required)Follow a keeper as they feed the big cats. Observe the big cats eating and learn about the their nutritional needs in captivity. Tour is 1 hr. No children under 10 years of age. For reservations 813-426-5948. Admission: $50 per person.

BIg CAT KEEPER TOURTour Times: Fri & Sat 2 PM

(Reservations Required)This tour takes you behind the scenes. Enjoy making enrichment (treats and food puzzles) for the big cats and watch as the keepers hand out the enrichment you made. You will also observe operant training sessions with the big cats. Tour is 2 hrs. No children under 10 years of age. For reservations 813-426-5948. Admission: $100 per person.

WILd EYES AT NIghT TOURTour Times: Last Friday of the month

(Reservations Required)Night Tours are the best way to see the animals come alive! As you journey through the sanctuary you will be stalked and pounced at from the shadows! No worries though, all the animals will be safely in their enclosures. This is an adventure that’s sure to please! Tour is 1.5 hrs. No children under 10 years of age. For reservations 813-426-5948. Admission: $50 per person.

Also offered - WEddINgS, PARTIES, VOLUNTEER & INTERN PROgRAMS ANd gIFT CERTIFICATES are available for all of our programs and make the perfect gift for that person who has everything! Prices and availability for all tours are subject to changes.

BILLING ADDRESS

_______________________________ Name

_______________________________ Address

_______________________________ City St Zip

_______________________________ Day Time Phone

_______________________________ Evening Phone

_______________________________ Email

RECIPIENT ADDRESS (if different than Billing)

________________________________ Name

________________________________ Address

________________________________ City St Zip

________________________________ Day Time Phone

________________________________ Evening Phone

________________________________ Email

METHOD OF PAYMENT Check Money Order

Visa MasterCard American Express Discover

Credit Card Number

Exp. Date MMYY

Signature_____________________________

this is a gift, please make card tO: _________________________ FrOM: __________________________ Brief message to say: ______________________________________________________________________

AUtOMAtiC GiViNG PrOGrAM - JOiN the SUStAiNiNG dONOr SOCietYBig Cat Rescue makes it easy and convenient to donate monthly with no worry. You can do this either by credit card or by direct debit to a checking account for as little as $5/month. For credit card donations, just fill in the highlighted line on the order form above and provide your credit card information. For checking account direct debit visit www.bigcatrescue.org/AutoPay.htm, email [email protected], or leave a message for Howard at 813-920-4130. This is a G-R-R-eat way to spread out your donations and provide steady support that is so meaningful for the cats.

Big Cat Rescue is a 501 (c)(3) non profit organization, FEID 59-3330495. Our Florida registration number is CH-11409. A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING 1-800-HELP-FLA TOLL-FREE WITHIN THE STATE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE. Big Cat Rescue does not utilize the services of professional solicitors so 100% of all contributions go directly to Big Cat Rescue Corp.

THE BIG CAT TIMES ORDER FORM Summer 2010

Special Comment, request, or Question:____________________________________________

____________________________________________

____________________________________________

* Personalizations (How you want your name to appear):

___________________________________________

Watch 10 gr-r-reat Big Cat Rescue PodCats all on one DVD! Contains the following Big Cat Rescue PodCats:

1. BCR PSA2. TJ the Aqua

Tiger!3. Nikita the

Lioness4. Rescue of

Narla the cougar5. Serval Rescued

6. Liger at the Dentist!7. Species Spotlight on the Jungle Cat

8. Miracle Bobcat Rescue!9. Bellona Rehab Bobcat Update10. Is there a Tiger Next Door?

$8.00


Harry Stonecipher $50,443Chase Community Giving

$25,000Discovery Communication

$10,000Sole Marittimi $2,000

Amy Davis $1,560Lawrence &

Pamela Trissel $1,500Patricia Webber $1,500

Elder Auto Group $1,230Black Tongue Investments LLC

$1,000Fidelity Charitable Gift Fund

$1,000JoAnn & John Nestor $1,000

Nicki & Paul Lyford $1,000Sonja Bree $1,000

Susanna Miao $1,000Donna Vivino $875

Vincent & Cathy Pavese $850Morgan Smith $625

Eric Eisenberg & Karen Large $600

Michael Soukup $600Michele Marziano $600

Pamela Olson & Benjamin Koonts $600

Steven Carter $600Barbara Osinski $500

Bonnie “Prince” Billy $500Charles & Kathy Jacoby $500

Claire Mooers $500Deborah Albert $500

Donna Bacon $500Jill & Eric Eisenberg $500

Laurie Donahoo $500Shannon Huskins $500Skip & Dolly Wolfe $500

Todd Kotzen $500

Moore Elementary & Jennifer Bearup $485

Kirk & Aileen Davis $350Mary & John Lynch $300

Michelle & Scott Chamberlin $300

Susan Crager $300William Evans & Virginia

Schnekenburger $300Sunjit Khamba $275

Arlene Braga $250Arnaud Payan $250

Elizabeth Fink & Dr. Rahi Kapur $250Erin Bruckert $250

Jerry & Jane Williams $250Joseph Cicco $250

Nancy Schneider $250Nick Porter & Mindi Lasley $250Patricia & Lon Wojtowicz $250

Susan Williams $250Thomas & Catrini Beluch $250

Sheila Campbell $215Bob & Clarence Watson $200

Carol & Louis Helmer $200Chris Hospedales $200

Dennis & Jessica De Steno $200Elva Lembke $200

Judy Van Orman $200Larry Moore $200Leah Howk $200

Mark & Debra Buehrle $200Michael Neblock $200

Nanci & Dave Micklon $200Patrick Riley $200

Scott Jennings $200Sylvia Smith $200Vicki Conn $200

Wen-Wen & Willie Hinze $200Brandy Cumming-Krebs $150

Christina Farah $150Kathleen Slaven $150

Kim Pierce $150Linda Young $150Lisa Asselin $150

Robert Mitchell $150Sheila & Brent Morgan $150

Susan Tate $150Dolores Bell $145Kerry Gilbert $140Mpowered $132

Anna Horner $130Erika Mitchem Flores $125

Sandra Grimes $125David Brooks $120

Donna Reisinger $120A. Kevin & Dawn Stoppello $100

Abigail Kerrigan $100Alma Valencia $100

Andrea Martinez $100Andrea McCormick $100

Andrew Boncek $100Angela Bosdeck $100

Anita Ghosh $100Ann Healy $100

Ann Newsom $100

big cat REScUE SUPPORtERS Anne & Steve Jones $100Ashok Nagella $100

Barbara Ganschow $100

Brenda Samide $100Burt & Marj Golub $100Carol Sandstrom $100Catman Cohen $100

Cindy Maus $100Clifford Hayman $100

Craig Kunesh $100Dan & Melissa McCance $100

David & Donna Reese $100David Clausen $100David Nugent $100David Schultz $100David Skinner $100

Deborah Edwards $100Diana Compton $100

Dianne Tate $100Doc & Sally Wallace $100

Don Taylor $100Dwight Lowell $100

G F Business Service $100Gabriela Jones $100Gavin Griswold $100

George Kozieradzki $100Gordon & Jo Anne Borek $100

Greg Deangelo $100

Gregory Bosko $100Heather Heath $100Heather Paul $100

Hillary Jollimore $100Iva Todorova $100

Jackie Howard $100Jan & Bill Pierce $100Janet Soeffing $100Jason Flanders $100

Jennifer Pamlanye $100Jesse Miller $100

Joanna Lacovelli $100John & Christine Hannan $100John & Debby Galenski $100

John & Sherrod & Susi West $100John Orozco $100John Stokely $100

John Verdecchia $100Jonathan & Angela Floyd $100

Jonathan Miller $100Judith Depp $100

Julie Raehpour $100Karen Claypool $100Karen Crouch $100

Karyn Ringhaver $100Kathleen & J.V. Andrews $100

Kathleen Strickland $100Kelly Sturgill $100Kim Morin $100

Knight Rogers $100Kristine Hart $100

Leslie Gradwell $100Leslie Suppan $100Lessli Nielsen $100

Linda Cothren $100Lisa Dygert $100

Livingston Hessam & Jamie Lang $100

Lloyd Wilkiel $100Lois Ullrich $100

Loretta Gibbs $100Marguerite Peterman $100Marie & James Chase $100

Marilyn L. Salazar $100Mark Sofia $100

Martin Wilson $100Mary & Craig Higgins $100

Mary Lee Kingsley $100Mary Scott $100

Matt Flemister $100Matthew Denmark $100Matthew Godfrey $100Melissa Webster $100

Michelle McDonald $100Nancy & John Leclerc $100

Nancy Koron $100Neil & Roberta Allen $100

Neil Hodge $100Patricia Lopez $100

Peter & Jan Grandahl $100Randy & Constance

Bergstrom $100Rich & Beth Ann Bluder $100

Richard McQuail $100Robert & Charlotte Pierce $100

Robert & Chin Sekac $100Robert Collins $100Robert Davis $100

Robert Fields $100Robert Lundquist $100

Rodney & Judy Snow $100Ron & Jayne Mikat $100

Russell Alba $100Sandra Kinzel $100

Shane Bennett $100Sharon Smolinski $100

Stacey Giese $100Suncoast Health Staffing $100Susan Ashcroft-Strahler $100

Susan Korosi $100Susan Stringer $100Ted Andresen $100

Teri Gloeckl $100Thelma Rodriguez $100

Tom Wurtz $100Victor Yannotta $100

Vincent & Patricia Vigorita $100Walter & Leonora Siverson $100

William & Joan Gryc $100William & Mary Dwinnell $100William & Meda Maxwell $100

William Schever $100Zandra Badillo $100


COnGReSSWOman CaStOR fiGhtS animal aBuSe BY CO-SpOnSORinG fuR laBelinG aCt

We are thrilled to report that Congresswoman Kathy Castor, Representative for District 11 where Big Cat Rescue is located, on May 13th became a Co-sponsor of this important bill. The bill closes a loophole that has (a) prevented consumers who do not want to buy real fur from knowing if they are doing so and (b) has allowed Chinese producers to send to the United States garments containing domestic dog fur from animals who are killed in gruesome ways, including being skinned alive.

Current laws require that garments containing fur be labeled with the species used and other information. They also forbid the import or sale of domestic dog and cat fur products. However, the current labeling law allows the Federal Trade Commission to set a dollar amount below which no label on the garment is required. For many years the limit was $20. In 1998 it was raised to $150.

Many garments – such as jackets, parkas, sweaters, vests, and accessories – are trimmed with fur and fall below this threshold. A series of recent investigations by The Humane Society of the United States revealed that dozens of designers and retailers were selling some fur-trimmed jackets described as “faux,” “raccoon,” “coyote,” or not labeled at all, which turned out to be raccoon dog (a type of dog common in China), domestic dog, or wolf. For example, of 38 jackets subjected to mass spectrometry tests, every single garment was either unlabeled, contained a label that misidentified the animal, or was falsely advertised – some as “faux.”

The Fur Labeling Act, if enacted, will close this loophole by requiring all fur to be labeled.

Many retailers and designers, who today cannot tell if the materials they are using are real fur, have come out in support of this bill.

Pictured here at the sanctuary with family and friends, Representative Castor has visited the cats repeatedly over the years and has shown great compassion for animals. Co-sponsoring this bill is a wonderful example of that compassion in action!

Often we ask you to email a legislator asking them to support a bill. It is even more important to thank them when they do. Please help us show Congresswoman Castor that people who love animals appreciate her support by sending a short email thanking her for co-sponsoring H.R. 2480 to [email protected]. Thank you!

For more information on what you can do to protect the big cats and other animals

visit: www.Catlaws.com

CLOe the SNOW LeOPArd UNderGOeS LithOtriPSY- Liz Wynn, DVM

Cloe the snow leopard was diagnosed with a kidney infection and kidney stones in her left kidney about six weeks ago. She has been on antibiotics and our vet and Big Cat Rescuer Dr. Wynn decided the best option to help save her kidney function was to consider lithotripsy.

Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) is a procedure used to shatter simple stones in the kidney or upper urinary tract.

Ultrasonic waves are passed through the body until they strike the dense stones. Pulses of sonic waves pulverize the stones, which are then more easily passed through the ureter and out of the body in the urine.

Cloe was sedated by Liz Wynn, DVM and Ashley Joyce, Surgery Vet Nurse of Ehrlich Animal Hospital on Saturday March 15th for the procedure. A team of veterinary interventional radiologists; Allyson Berent, DVM, Dipl., ACVIM, Chick Weisse, VMD., Dipl., ACVS., and Haven Bade, LVT. from the

Animal Medical Center in NYC, and Demetrius Bagley MD of the Thomas Jefferson University in PA volunteered their time and flew in to perform a procedure that would allow for the pulverized stone material to pass more easily from her kidney to her bladder by placing a stent (tube) in her ureter. The lithotripsy machine, operated by John Follman, BMO. of Bay Area Partners, Ltd., gave Cloe’s kidney 2500 shock waves! The equipment

for this ground b r e a k i n g procedure was donated by Margie Irvin CEO of the Bay Area Renal Stone Center.

Cloe’s progress will be checked with x-rays in a few months. A very special thanks to all the people who came together to make this happen!Clockwise from top right corner: Cloe, x-ray showing stones in kidney, radiograph image of stent, John Follman BMO operating the lithotripsy machine, Cloe under the lithotripsy machine, Dr. Bagley, Dr, Weisse, and Dr. Berent placing in the stent, Cloe being prepped for the procedure by Haven Bade LVT

MAKE THE FUR INDUSTRY TELL THE TRUTH

Cats like these lynx are raised in horrible conditions and then slaughtered for their fur. Most people wouldn’t buy real fur if garments were properly labeled.

2010 Summer Big Cat Times

Documents

Transcript of 2010 Summer Big Cat Times