Wildcat Sanctuary Uproar Magazine February 2014

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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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.


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



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


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


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


email: [email protected]: 320-245-6871

Felicity, bobcat

Wildcat Sanctuary Uproar Magazine February 2014

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