‘The Wildcat Sanctuary’ Takes in Four Seized Big Cats

SANDSTONE, Back in May, the Wildcat Sanctuary out in Sandstone recently took in four cats in a seizure from ‘West Coast Game Park Safari’ in Oregon.

The new additions at the sanctuary are just 4 of 315 total animals removed from the area.

They welcomed in Louis the black jaguar, Bentley, a spotted leopard, Nasha, a lioness, and Lyla the lynx.

“We’re holding cats during legal cases, and at any time, we can be holding one to 10 to 15 cats for a legal case, which means they’re evidence. Usually, the seizures happen because of animal cruelty, neglect, years of USDA violations and other criminal activities,” said Tammy Thies, Founder & Executive Director, The Wildcat Sanctuary.

When it comes to taking in and housing the cats, it’s not always a simple process.

For situations like this, they have a witness protection program.

“We often work with authorities very closely on the case to give them updates on the animals. And we hope that justice rules in favor of the animals and they become permanent residents of the Wildcat Sanctuary,” explained Thies.

And with the new arrivals, the veterinary team is prepared to take in animals of any condition.

The sanctuary is ready to tackle everything that comes with bringing in a new cat.

“We cover the cost of all the food, the transport, the care, the husbandry. We do intake exams so that we have baseline health,” said Thies.

The sanctuary often updates their social media, to keep everyone informed.

“Because even though we don’t often get to share all the cats and the witness protection, we are able to share the four recent cats with you to show how they’re doing here at the sanctuary and the individualized care we have to give each individual cat that comes,” said Thies.

But until things are finalized, the staff has the privilege of seeing the cats relax and get the opportunity to see their true selves.

“When we work on a case like this, to see them come at the sanctuary and get to know their personalities and just see how peaceful they are living in a grassy environment or seeing Bentley the leopard play with a tree like it is the best new experience he’s ever had. It just knows and reinforces that what we’re doing is the right thing. We’re here for them,” beamed Thies.