I Love Big Cat Rescue!

SKIP the bobcat

2011-07-22T05:05:00.001-07:00

Skip the bobcat was hit by a car on December 28th, 2010. After successful surgery to repair his shattered pelvis and 3 months of rehab at Big Cat Rescue he was unable to be released back into the wild...

Watch full episodes of the "Skipcam" camera trap videos here....

Episode 1: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ErxBYXvT4-E

Episode 2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2vjkhbAF9vM

Swimming Bobcat!

2011-07-14T10:16:00.001-07:00

*Rare Footage! MAX the Bobcat our newest rescue investigates his two new pools and goes for a swim!

BIG CAT RAP!!

2011-07-09T13:15:00.001-07:00

Listen to Tigers, Lions, Leopards, Cougars and Ocelots BIG CAT RAP!! For FREE Big Cat Rescue ringtones visit: http://www.myxer.com/artist/513436/

Feeding 100+ Tigers, Lions, Leopards...

2011-07-03T00:37:00.001-07:00

What's the favorite time of day for BIG CATS? - - - - DINNER TIME! This is what the residents at Big Cat Rescue enjoy more than anything else, food, food, food! The cats definitely love to eat and we love to provide them with the best diet we possibly can, so if you would like to help us feed the cats please visit this site and donate what you can: http://www.razoo.com/story/Modglin THANK YOU!

Meet Canyon the SAND CAT!

2011-06-24T00:31:00.001-07:00

IS THIS THE WORLD'S CUTEST CAT???

Canyon the Sand Cat is one of the smallest residents at Big Cat Rescue, he's often mistaken for a domestic cat or kitten by tour guests! Listen to our junior volunteers as they introduce viewers to the cutest cat at BCR!?

Liger Physical

2011-06-13T03:48:00.001-07:00

Freckles is an 18 year old liger we rescued in 2008. She was in bad shape when she came to Big Cat Rescue, listen to what we have done to make her more comfortable while living at the sanctuary...

Vote Big Cat Rescue in Toyota's 100 Cars for Good

2011-06-04T11:21:00.001-07:00

Big Cat Rescue has been selected as one of 500 finalists in Toyota’s 100 Cars for Good program, which will award vehicles to 100 nonprofit organizations based on votes from the public. Toyota’s 100 Cars for Good program will showcase five non-profit organizations each day for 100 days on Toyota’s Facebook page http://apps.facebook.com/carsforgood/

Sleepy Tigers....

2011-06-03T22:01:00.001-07:00

TIGERS SNORE TOO!! Check out our Tigers, Lions, Leopards and more doing what cats do best.....SLEEP! Big Cat Rescue is thankful to all our donors and supporters than enable us to rescue these cats and provide them with sanctuary so they can sleep in peace for the rest of their lives.

Top 10 Tiger Facts

2011-05-24T14:47:00.001-07:00

“If we can’t save the tiger from extinction, we can’t save anything!” was repeated in a myriad of ways over the past week in Washington, DC by conservation experts from around the world at The most important conservation initiative undertaken in the history of the world to conserve wild tigers.

*BIG Cat Toys!

2011-05-21T07:24:00.001-07:00

TIGER TOYS! Watch tigers, leopards & cougars playing with their oversized toys... THANK YOU to all our supporters and volunteers who enable us to provide these grr-eat enrichment items for the cats to play with!

Special thanks to: http://incompetech.com/m/c/royalty-free/for providing us with the music in this video.

For more info about BIG CAT RESCUE visit: http://www.bigcatrescue.org

BIG CATS need a BIG TRUCK!

2011-05-13T10:01:00.001-07:00

Help Big Cat Rescue with their mission! Vote for Big Cat Rescue on June 3rd in the Toyota 100 Cars For Good program and we could win a new rescue vehicle!

Vote here on June 3rd: http://apps.facebook.com/carsforgood/

Liger ROAR!

2011-05-10T14:33:00.001-07:00

Freckles the LIGER at Big Cat Rescue, Freckles was rescued along with two tigers from Mississippi in December 2008, read the full story here: http://bigcatrescuer.blogspot.com/2009/01/big-cat-bailout.html

Big Cat Rescue strives to make sure all of our cats are as comfortable as possible while living at the sanctuary, however we have to inspect and clean the enclosures daily whether the cats like it or not and this video clip is a good example of why these cats do not belong in backyards!

Tiger Easter!

2011-04-23T00:58:00.001-07:00

TIGERS & LIONS LIKE EASTER TREATS TOO! Watch Zabu the white tiger destroy her easter egg filled with catnip and leave the mess for Cameron the lion to investigate!

Big Cat Scares! :)

2011-04-03T04:32:00.001-07:00

Big cats can be very scary, but so can Big Cat Rescue volunteers!Sorry interns! If you would like to take part in our intern program please visit: http://www.bigcatrescue.org/how-you-can-help/volunteer-intern

Nom Nom Nom Nom Nom Nom *Big Cats!!

2011-03-31T11:08:00.001-07:00

Feeding over 100 tigers, lions and leopards each day requires lots of food, watch the cats enjoy their dinner in this fun video!

LYNX gets a haircut!

2011-03-27T01:46:00.001-07:00

Dances With Wolves had been bottle raised and sold to someone who expected her to bond with him. His cats do commercials and ads and she was not inclined to do either. Living on Easy Street now, she can do what comes natural to her. Big Cat Rescue's resident Canadian Lynx gets rid of her bad hairdo!

Backyard Tigers of America...

2011-03-18T22:45:00.001-07:00

Did you know that it is 100% LEGAL to own tigers, lions and other exotic big cats as "pets" in the United States? There are literally thousand of big cats existing in horrible conditions in backyards across America...

Q: Do TIGERS hate CINNAMON??

2011-03-06T05:53:00.001-08:00

Do tigers hate cinnamon? We have 13 tigers at Big Cat Rescue so we decided to put cinnamon to the test and find out..... We also gave cinnamon to a few of our lions to see what they thought to the baking spice!

CIRCUS

2011-03-01T17:53:00.001-08:00

The CIRCUS is NO FUN for the animals...

Big Cat Rescue does something called Operant Conditioning to teach our cats to do things we need them to do for medical reasons, such as lean against the fence to get their shots or open their mouth so we can look at their teeth. We do this with rewards and the cats have fun because they are smart and bored and love the attention. We never punish or withhold food to make them do something, and the cats only do it when they want to -- not on our schedule.

But because tigers and lions in circus acts must perform specific acts at precise times and "the show must go on," positive reinforcement is not the only method used by circus trainers or night club magicians. Often the cats are beaten, starved and confined for long periods of time in order to get them to cooperate with what the trainers want. And life on the road means that most of a cat's life is spent in a circus wagon in the back of a semi-truck or in a crowded, stinking box car on a train or barge.

The messages the public gets from circus acts couldn't be worse. These acts either show man dominating one of nature's most magnificent creatures, which would never happen on an even playing field, or worse are promoted as illustrations of the "special bond" the trainer has with his captive. The latter just fuels the trade in big cats as pets and that never ends well for the cat.

18 Servals, 1 Sanctuary...

2011-02-21T08:19:00.001-08:00

Many of our servals are former "pets", wild cat species NEVER make suitable "pets" and are often abandoned once the owners realise this. Big Cat Rescue is a non-profit educational sanctuary home to over 100 unwanted, abandoned and abused exotic big cats.

♥ Big Cat Love ♥

2011-02-11T09:39:00.001-08:00

The love is in the air at Big Cat Rescue. Lions, Tigers, Leopards and more are enjoying the company of loving feline companions and special Valentine's Day enrichment to play with! :)

Bobcat Kittens + 2011 Rehab UPDATE

2011-02-05T22:31:00.001-08:00

The Big Cat Rescue - Bobcat Rehabilitation Program. We currently have three individual bobcats that we are rehabilitating, Midnight the bobcat kitten that was orphaned by a hunter in Alabama and Bellona and Skip two Florida bobcats that were struck by cars.
Listen to BCR President Jamie Veronica update viewers on the progress of the bobcats and their expected dates of release back into the wild where they belong!

Lion eats whole rabbit - WARNING GRAPHIC CONTENT

2011-01-29T06:28:00.001-08:00

Watch Joseph the lion eat a whole rabbit in around 9 minutes (Time Lapse)
Whole prey is an important part the diet we feed our cats, as you can see they eat everything including the bones, stomach contents and fur. This provides great nutrition and a nice change of diet for the cats at their favorite time of day....DINNER TIME!

LION TACOS!! - - - $8.75 each!!

2011-01-23T22:23:00.001-08:00

First there were LION BURGERS, know we have LION TACOS, this abuse as to stop!

An Arizona restaurant known for serving tacos made from exotic meats is taking advanced orders for a particularly rare delicacy - LION MEAT !!

Boca Tacos y Tequila, a Tucson Tex-Mex restaurant plans to put lion on its menu for one night only February 16th, provided enough diners express interest in chowing down on the big cat.

WAYS TO HELP STOP THIS...

Please send an email or call the FDA to let them know that regulations should be passed prohibiting "threatened" species from being served as food products.

FDA email: consumer@fda.gov

FDA phone: (949) 608-3530 Arizona Consumer Complaint Coordinator

SIGN THE PETITION HERE: http://animals.change.org/blog/view/lion_tacos_on_the_menu_in_arizona

2 Tigers vs RHINO !?

2011-01-21T02:34:00.001-08:00

!! WATCH 2 TIGERS ATTACK A RHINO !?- Shere Khan our 750lb Siberian/bengal Tiger and China Doll have fun destroying our model Rhino.

How to Flea Treat 100+ BIG CATS !!

2011-01-16T00:53:00.001-08:00

Tigers, Lions, Leopards, all cat species can catch fleas, so at Big Cat Rescue we have to treat all of our 100+ residents with flea prevention just like your domestic cat at home every single month!

Cougar Rescue

2011-01-06T08:23:00.001-08:00

Meet Big Cat Rescue's newest residents, Freddy and Sassyfrass. They were rescued from Illinois in November 2010, listen to their story and watch the rescue!

Living in the Lion's Den for 30 Days James Jablon

2011-01-05T06:05:00.001-08:00

Why is it so bad for James Jablon of Wildlife Rehab of Hernando Florida to be living in the lions' den with two white lion cubs?

How about 10 reasons, just for starters:

Om Nom Nom - Serval :)

2010-12-30T13:38:00.001-08:00

Listen to Ty the Serval Om Nom Nom while eating his dinner! Ty came to Big Cat Rescue on 6/18/98. His previous owners had become worried that Ty, who has all of his claws, would harm their young children. The breeder had told them that if they raised Ty with their infant son they would bond forever. By the time Ty was three, the boy was still a toddler and Ty went after him. The parents had visited Big Cat Rescue before and felt that Ty would have a comfortable and happy home here. His owners caught him up in a crab trap and transported him to the sanctuary in the back of their pick up truck. After spening days in the heat, on the open road, he finally arrived. Ty has finally found refuge and seems to be quite happy here. He lives to eat and will begin to look down the pathways for approaching keepers an hour before feeding time.

Big Cat Christmas!

2010-12-20T02:24:00.001-08:00

WATCH Tigers, Lions, Leopards and more having fun destroying their big cat christmas presents! Big Cat Rescue is home to over 100 unwanted, abandoned and abused exotic big cats who love their presents just as much as we do!

Help the BIG CATS this christmas!

2010-12-15T17:23:00.001-08:00

Thanks to the generosity of the family of William and Lois Modglin of Glendale, California, this grant provides that any donations to Big Cat Rescue that indicate they are to be submitted for a match from this grant will be matched dollar for dollar by a donation from this grant immediately upon receipt of you donation up to the $200,000 maximum. This 100% match means your donation has twice the impact!

Help FREE Tony the Tiger!

2010-12-12T05:27:00.001-08:00

Breawna Smith is a ten year old animal advocate who recently visited the Tiger Truck Stop in Louisiana, listen to her report on Tony and his living conditions...

CUTEST Big Cat Contest! - *WIN Paw Painting!

2010-12-05T22:41:00.001-08:00

Of course we think all of our cats are cute, but we have selected 15 different cats to let viewers decide which they think is the CUTEST! Watch the video decide which cat you think should win, then simply visit our facebook page and comment on their photo, the cat with the most comments and "likes" will be crowned "Big Cat Rescue's Cutest Cat" and the person with the funniest comment will WIN an original Paw Painting by Contestant #8 Narla the cougar worth $100 - The purr-fect Christmas gift!

GEOFFROY CAT Species Spotlight

2010-12-01T01:09:00.001-08:00

Geoffroy cats are one of the smallest species of wild cat in the world! Listen to our Education Director Willow Hecht talk about these tiny cats and the problems they are facing in captivity and in the wild.

Petting Lion & Tiger Cubs at Malls & Fairs

2010-11-29T21:03:00.001-08:00

The idea of petting and playing with a tiger cub has an understandable natural appeal. The cubs are adorable, and the tiger is one of the most powerful and fascinating of all animals. What you don't know haunts them for a lifetime of deprivation and abuse.

Volunteer at Big Cat Rescue

2010-11-25T06:22:00.001-08:00

Turkey Day for TIGERS!

2010-11-25T03:03:00.001-08:00

We celebrate Thanksgiving at Big Cat Rescue and it's a favorite holiday for the Tigers, Lions and Leopards too! Watch as we hand out whole turkeys and chickens to the big cats living at the sanctuary, the cats consume the whole bird bones 'n all!

TIGER FAIL!! Vegetarian Tiger??

2010-11-17T19:09:00.001-08:00

SHERE KHAN weighs over 700lbs! He is a Siberian/Bengal tiger and he eats grass just like your domestic cat at home :) Why do cats eat grass? ...

*BAD BIG CATS!!

2010-11-13T10:57:00.001-08:00

*FACT: Tigers, Lions, Leopards and any other species of wild cat will NEVER make a suitable "pet". Despite this obvious statement, it's 100% LEGAL to privately own these animals in over half of the United States!

Petting Lion & Tiger Cubs

2010-11-10T23:54:00.001-08:00

When you pay to pet a cub, what are you really supporting? This video shows you how people pimp out tiger cubs to support themselves while making no provisions for the lifetime care of the big cats they are breeding and buying. Watch this video about two such pay to play schemes run by Kathy Stearns of Dade City's Wild Things and Joe Schreibvogel of G.W. Exotics.

BOBCATS of Big Cat Rescue

2010-11-07T21:19:00.001-08:00

Big Cat Rescue is home to 32 bobcats! Whether they are former "pets", fur farm rescues or wild bobcats that were injured and unable to be returned to the wild, they all have permanent sanctuary at BCR.

"BEARCAT" VS PUMPKIN !!

2010-10-31T00:16:00.001-07:00

Big Cat Rescue is home to over 100 Lions, Tigers & Leopards, we are also home to Banjo the Binturong or Bearcat! Watch Banjo enjoy his Halloween treat a pumpkin complete with a banana mouth, plum nose, Fig Newton eyes and grape hair!

Big Cat Halloween

2010-10-26T17:46:00.001-07:00

Tigers, Lions, Leopards...the Big Cats like to carve pumpkins too! Take a look at halloween at Big Cat Rescue!

Lion + White Tiger = Cameron & Zabu!

2010-10-22T16:37:00.001-07:00

Say hello to Big Cat Rescue's "odd couple" Cameron and Zabu (Male African Lion & Female White Tiger) were rescued from a roadside zoo and circus in New Hampshire in 2004.

BIG CAT RESCUE - Fur Ball 2010

2010-10-13T17:33:00.001-07:00

Big Cat Rescue's 11th annual Fur Ball was a roaring success! Thank you to everybody who attended, donated and volunteered, together we are helping to make a difference in the lives of big cats around the world!

Big Cats GO GREEN! How Tigers Recycle!

2010-10-11T10:25:00.001-07:00

Tigers, Lions, Leopards ... we recycle a little differently at Big Cat Rescue! With 45 acres and over 100 big cats to care for we have lots of landscaping projects as well as lots of cats to keep enriched, so we do both at the same time!

Tony the Truck Stop Tiger: UPDATE

2010-10-02T09:38:00.001-07:00

UPDATE: Tony is still "living" at the tiger truck stop in Louisiana, it's very important that we the public keep the pressure on the government agency which decides the fate of Tony.

MEET OUR TIGERS! 2010 Year of the Tiger

2010-09-25T09:34:00.001-07:00

Tigers are one of the most popular animals in the world, instantly recognizable and ultimate predators yet they are a vanishing species...

With more tigers living in captivity in the USA than are left in the wild!

WORLD FIRST - Snow Leopard Lithotripsy.

2010-09-17T16:05:00.001-07:00

Cloe the snow leopard was diagnosed with a kidney infection and kidney stones in her left kidney. We decided the best option to help save her kidney function was to consider lithotripsy.

Bobcat Kittens "The Outside World"

2010-09-08T13:57:00.001-07:00

!!!WARNING!!! This video shows scenes of live animal predation. The three bobcat kittens are released into their outside rehab enclosure!

2010 Big Cat Wins Animal Lovers vs Animal Terrorists

2010-09-06T11:24:00.001-07:00

And attacked we were, albeit mostly just vile verbal attacks from people like Vernon Yates, Alan Rigerman, Gloria Johnson & Lisa Welch among others who wouldn't curse me to my face, but hissed the evil they would do to me as I passed. Others including Kevin Antle of T.I.G.E.R.S, Zuzanna Kuko of R.E.X.A.N.O., Joe Schreibvogal of G.W. Exotics and others have slandered us on the Internet.

Pet Supplies That Support Big Cats

2010-09-06T08:50:00.001-07:00

Want to help Big Cat Rescue AND get great pet supplies? Visit www.petsuppliestampa.com, the brand-new online pet supply store started by Big Cat Rescue’s Operations Manager Gale Ingham and volunteer senior keeper Willow Hecht. Ten percent of the profits from the website will go to Big Cat Rescue!

Petsuppliestampa.com features affordable, quality pet supplies and great customer service from two animal lovers. The site has everything you need for cats, dogs, birds, reptiles, and small mammals, and features products not found in local pet stores. The site also has an extensive inventory of professional-grade grooming supplies, such as shampoos, flea dips, and clippers. Visit www.petsuppliestampa.com to pamper your pets and help the big cats.

Pet Serval Rescued

2010-09-01T14:26:00.001-07:00

Servals are unfortunately very popular in the exotic "pet" trade, we recently rescued Servie the Serval after her owner of ten years was hospitalized and unable to care for her any longer.

Big Cat Rescue AdvoCat News August 2010

2010-08-26T10:51:00.001-07:00

The AdvoCat Newsletter

Big Cat Rescue August 2010

in this issue:
Help Takoma the Bobcat
Bucs Club Seats Raffle
"Most fun event I've..."
AdvoCats Make a Difference
Grrreat Videos to Enjoy
HUGE Enrichment Donation
Cat Behavior Classes
Catera & Sophia Pass On
Bobcats & Blue Martinis
Inside Big Cat Rescue

TIGERS ♥ to Paint !!

2010-08-25T16:20:00.001-07:00

Tigers, Leopards, Lynx....BIG CATS like to paint too! The cats had grr-eat fun creating purr-fect paintings we will auction off at our annual fundraiser the "Fur Ball"

SNOW LEOPARD stalking and attacks!

2010-08-23T14:10:00.001-07:00

Snow Leopards are apex predators and have amazing camouflage, allowing them to get up close to their prey, before their final pounce and attack!

Circus Life..."Captive" Entertainment

2010-08-20T12:17:00.001-07:00

Circus Life...Step Right up to the Greatest Show of Exploitation on Earth!

USDA only requires that a cage for a wild animal be large enough that the animal be able to stand and turn around in the cage.

COUGAR Species Spotlight

2010-08-13T10:17:00.001-07:00

Cougar/Mountain Lion/Panther/Puma/Grey Ghost, whatever these cats are known by, they are very unique animals. Watch the video to learn more about this cat and the problems it is facing in the wild.Cougar/Mountain Lion/Panther/Puma/Grey Ghost, whatever these cats are known by, they are very unique animals. Watch the video to learn more about this cat and the problems it is facing in the wild.Cougar/Mountain Lion/Panther/Puma/Grey Ghost, whatever these cats are known by, they are very unique animals. Watch the video to learn more about this cat and the problems it is facing in the wild.Cougar/Mountain Lion/Panther/Puma/Grey Ghost, whatever these cats are known by, they are very unique animals. Watch the video to learn more about this cat and the problems it is facing in the wild.

Q: Do TIGERS like catnip??

2010-08-03T17:17:00.001-07:00

Ever wondered if big cats like TIGERS, LIONS & LEOPARDS like catnip?

We always get this question from tour guests, so we thought we'd find out!

White Tigers Are All Inbred and Crossbred

2010-08-02T10:53:00.001-07:00

Dr. Dan Laughlin states, “…every white tiger in the U.S. is not only the result of repeated inbreeding of genetically defective animals but, even worse, is a hybrid or crossbred animal. Thus, anyone involved in breeding and/or exhibiting white tigers is doing a great disservice to honest conservation and preservation efforts to save the five remaining and endangered subspecies of tigers barely clinging to survival…”

Liger + Tiger + Lion = BIG CAT RESCUE!

2010-07-29T15:37:00.001-07:00

Liger, Tigers, Lions, Leopards, Cougars, Lynx, Ocelots, Servals, Sand Cats,...Big Cat Rescue located in Tampa Florida, is the world's largest accredited non profit sanctuary. Home to over 100 unwanted, abandoned and abused exotic big cats.

BOBCAT KITTENS Vs Rats/Chicks/Mice!

2010-07-19T18:05:00.001-07:00

BOBCAT KITTENS - Episode 4, since last time we have switched the kittens from their milk diet to solid food (whole prey). They have exploded in size and have been having lots of fun in their inside environment!

Bobcat Kitten FAIL

2010-07-10T18:21:00.001-07:00

Midnight, Rain & Storm are three orphaned Bobcat kittens, find out more here:http://www.bigcatrescue.org/

July 2010 AdvoCat Ezine with Big Cat Rescue News

2010-07-08T13:09:00.001-07:00

The July 2010 issue of the Big Cat Rescue AdvoCat has stories about new tour times, the death of a beloved tiger, how concerned citizens are making the world a safer and more humane place and how a liger and an ocelot were given extraordinary vet care.

Ocelot Ear Surgery at Big Cat Rescue

2010-07-06T13:28:00.001-07:00

When PurrFection the Ocelot developed a hemotoma on her ear she needed emergency surgery to alieviate the swelling. It's been raining for days on end and we didn't want her to suffer so Big Cat Rescuers braved the weather to get her the vet care she needed. When you operate a sanctuary for big cats it is a non stop committment. That means feeding, cleaning, enriching and providing top notch vet care no matter how miserable the weather. Watch this video of the day in the life of Big Cat Rescuers.

R.I.P Snorkel the Tiger ...

2010-07-05T12:30:00.001-07:00

As a cub, Snorkel spent his early years forced to pose as a prop with people for their photos. Then he ended up caged for years at a family circus.Luckily, he found a true safe haven at Big Cat Rescue in Tampa, FL.

ANGELICA the BOBCAT

2010-06-28T11:57:00.001-07:00

Angelica the BOBCAT was rescued by Big Cat Rescue after her owner was in foreclosure and unable to keep her any longer. NO wild cat species will ever make a suitable "pet" ... ignorant or uneducated people often find this out the hard way and the cats are always the ones that suffer!

Windsong the Bobcat Founder of Big Cat Rescue Dies, Sanctuary Mourns

2010-06-20T05:56:00.001-07:00

The AdvoCat is a free monthly big cat magazine about the daily operations of a world class sanctuary for lions, tigers, leopards, bobcats and many other exotic wild cats. This June 2010 issue brings the sad news of the death of the "founder."

CANADIAN LYNX Species Spotlight

2010-06-15T10:05:00.001-07:00

http://www.bigcatrescue.org/cats/captive/canadalynxdanceswithwolves.htmDances With Wolves is the resident Canadian Lynx at Big Cat Rescue. Listen to Master Keeper Barbara Frank talk about Dances and Canadian Lynx in the wild.

Beautiful, Wild and Free.

2010-06-09T12:54:00.001-07:00

Ligers, Sand Cats, Tigers, Lions, Leopards, Cougars, Lynx, Bobcats.....Big Cat Rescue's Theme Song is Beautiful, Wild and Free.

Terez Hartmann, is a seasoned entertainer, speaker, forward-thinking pioneer, entrepreneur and business professional with a background in marketing and psychology.

Because she was so deeply touched by her experience with the magnificent cats of Big Cat Rescue, she chose to write a song to honor these amazing creatures AND for a limited time, offer a portion of the proceeds of this download purchase to benefit the cats!

BOBCAT KITTENS! "Play Time"

2010-06-05T12:16:00.001-07:00

The cute bobcat kittens are really growing fast! This video introduces the viewer to the purrsonalities of the individual kittens! Follow the progress of the kittens here LIVE! http://www.bigcatrescue.org/video/00352.htm

Dangerous Trade: About the Show Dealing in Tigers

2010-06-04T10:13:00.001-07:00

Don't miss Dangerous Trade on Planet Green (which features International Tiger Coalition and Global Tiger Initiative members)!

Tune into Planet Green at 10 pm on June 6th (in the USA) to follow the Environmental Investigation Agency (EIA) as they protect the natural world from environmental crime and abuse.

Working undercover to expose international environmental crime—illegal wildlife trading, illegal logging and trade in timber species, and the worldwide trade in ozone depleting substances—EIA has directly brought about changes in international laws and the policies of governments, saving the lives of millions of rare and endangered animals and putting a stop to the devastating effects of environmental criminals. The work they with their Indian colleagues at the Wildlife Protection Society of India, for example, helped to piece together the tiger skin trail in 2004 and 2005—which contributed to major changes in the patterns of consumption.

As the tiger team leader Debbie Banks puts it, the primary message of the show is: "this isn’t rocket science... it would be very straightforward to break the back of this illegal trade. If a small NGO with limited resources can uncover such a vast amount of information in a short space of time, then why can’t the Chinese authorities? If only they would apply the resources, they could make a serious dent in the criminal networks that control this trade."

At the start of Dangerous Trade and the tiger trade investigation, the Environmental Investigation Agency finds that people were being forced by Chinese officials to wear skins at traditional festivals to undermine the Dalai Lama’s appeal in 2006 to respect the tiger, which led to Tibetans burning all their big cat skins. Additional information indicated that people were still trading skins... Find out what EIA?s learns about who is trafficking skins into China and how. Cameras follow the surveillance team as it tracks the EIA undercover operatives—watch the show and you'll learn in suspense!

Check out the tv schedule for listings.

http://planetgreen.discovery.com/tv/dangerous-trade-about-the-show.html

BIG CAT Proposal...

2010-05-29T16:18:00.001-07:00

There was a BIG surprise waiting for one of our keeper tour guests recently, when her partner had organized a surprise proposal in our tour waiting area at the sanctuary!

Mary Poppins Crew Visits Big Cat Rescue

2010-05-26T16:23:00.001-07:00

A” Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious” Day at Big Cat Rescue!

Tampa, Fl.… On Thursday, May 27^th, company members from the North American touring production of MARY POPPINS, currently performing at the Straz Center for the Performing Arts (formerly the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center) through Sunday, June 6, 2010, will visit Big Cat Rescue, the largest accredited sanctuary in the United States dedicated to the rescue and rehabilitation of exotic cats.

The MARY POPPINS North American tour celebrated its first anniversary on March 25, 2010 and announced that it had achieved the milestone of being the most successful touring theatrical event in 2009.

Big Cat Rescue, a non-profit educational sanctuary, is devoted to rescuing and providing a permanent home for exotic (i.e. wild, not domestic) cats who have been abused, abandoned, bred to be pets, retired from performing acts, or saved from being slaughtered for fur coats. The sanctuary’s mission includes educating the public about these animals and the issues facing them in captivity and in the wild.

“We are very excited about the opportunity to partner together with the cast of Mary Poppins” said Jeff Kremer, Director of Donor Appreciation with the nonprofit sanctuary.

The company of Mary Poppins will arrive at Big Cat Rescue at 9 a.m. on Thursday, May 27^th , for a private tour of the sanctuary, where “A Spoon Full of Catnip Helps the Medicine Go Down!”

Big Cat Rescue is a 501(c)(3) not-profit charity. The sanctuary receives no government support and relies on its educational activities, such as tours of the facility, and the generosity of donors such as the cast and crew of Mary Poppins to support the magnificent animals that call the sanctuary home.

Following their visit to the sanctuary, these energetic folks will head back to the Straz Center for the Performing Arts to take the stage in what will likely be a most inspired performance.

For more information visit: www.strazcenter.org. and www.BigCatRescue.org

Help Save a Serval

2010-05-25T13:08:00.001-07:00

A bobcat with a broken leg nears starvation so his human neighbors called Big Cat Rescue to come to his aid. Voting for Big Cat Rescue at the Animal Rescue Site is a great way to help rescue bobcats like this at no cost to you.

Rarest Cat in the World? DENTAL SURGERY

2010-05-22T16:07:00.001-07:00

TONGA, a very rare White Serval - (Only two in the world that we know of) was found to have a broken tooth. We assessed the tooth and decided that the best thing to do was to capture Tonga and take him to the veterinary clinic where it could be treated.

WATCH THE VIDEO TO SEE HOW HIS TREATMENT WENT!

Animal Rescue Site Enables Bobcat Rescue

2010-05-17T10:51:00.001-07:00

Purr-fect Mom to Baby Bobcats!

2010-05-08T12:38:00.001-07:00

Update on the three orphaned bobcat kittens...Midnight, Rain and Storm are all doing grr-eat thanks to their surrogate mum Bobbi the domestic cat!

They're all eating well and gaining weight and starting to explore their environment more!

Follow the progress of the kittens here LIVE! http://www.bigcatrescue.org/video/003...

For more info about BIG CAT RESCUE visit: http://www.bigcatrescue.org
Find us on FACEBOOK: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Big-Cat...
MYSPACE: http://www.myspace.com/1bigcatrescue
TWITTER: http://twitter.com/BigCatRescue
DONATE: http://www.bigcatrescue.org/donate.htm

THANK YOU!

Saving More Than 9 Lives

2009-09-27T05:52:00.001-07:00

Published: Sunday, September 27, 2009 at 12:01 a.m.
Last Modified: Wednesday, September 23, 2009 at 10:58 p.m.

The minute you see them, you know they're just too lazy for words.

They sit there in the hot Florida sun, barely acknowledging you, content to aspire to nothing more than relaxing and waiting for dinnertime.

But then there are others that are natural performers. As soon as they glance your way, well - that's it, they have to start behaving in an almost theatrical way, doing something designed to catch your eye. And they know you're there to watch them, to observe their every move, so they don't let you down. They're a marvel to watch.

It was one of the best birthday gifts I've received in a long time, and it happened this past July: a trip to Tampa, where I was introduced to Big Cat Rescue, a nonprofit, educational sanctuary that operates a bit like a safari - similar to what Walt Disney World tried to create with its Animal Kingdom theme park, only this one isn't as big, and is more specialized, providing what its brochures happily call "the world's largest and most diverse collection of exotic cats." Who would have known it would be right down the road from all of us?

We got to the 45-acre sanctuary early, a good half-hour or so before the next guided tour across these Serengetilike plains would begin. We sat in the car, first in line, until the staff opened the gates and showed us where to park. It was only then that I'd noticed there was a long line of cars behind us, ready for this Saturday morning tour.

Right beyond the front gates, it really doesn't look like much; a spacious parking area, with little more than a small gift shop where you can buy water or souvenirs like T-shirts, stuffed toys, mugs, etc.

But behind that gift shop is another fenced in area - this one harboring 200 animals, including more than 100 big cats representing 20 species and subspecies of wild critters.

The tour guide will urge you to bring some water for the 90-minute walk - and frankly, I wouldn't have minded if my birthday had fallen on a day in, say, November, when the temperatures are milder in Central Florida. But no matter. It's a slow-paced walk, as your group moves from one cage to the next, where inside the big cats are either too lazy in the hot sun to even notice yet another crowd peering in … or, as I've already mentioned, are all too eager to entertain.

This was an ideal gift for me. I'm a cat man. There are cats in my house right now, like Squeaky, whose day isn't a happy one until I've put aside all matters of work and play and devoted at least several minutes to stroking her head.

There are cats on my lanai, looking at least as lazy as the least motivated big cat at Big Cat Rescue. And there are strays outside on my front steps, waiting for more attention or catnip from this homeowner.

They all have different ways of interacting with people. One stray cat in my yard that I've nicknamed Dopey (for the dumb look on his face) hisses at me constantly - then rubs my leg affectionately as I put out food for him. Cats are not all about love and affection like Squeaky. They're far more complex than that - which is why I found it fascinating to see what complete hams some of these large cats were.

This rescue sanctuary includes tigers, snow leopards, ocelots, Geoffrey's cats, jungle cats, bobcats, cougars, lynx, caracals, lions - the list goes on. When they see you, the more expressive ones will go right up against the cage and watch you, claw at the cage, show you they're aware of your presence. They climb on trees, jump wherever they can - it's like a circus performer doing some well-rehearsed tricks. As the tour guide motions you to keep moving and the crowd wanders away, the big cats settle down and go back to their shaded spot. They await the next tour, and the next performance.

The hardest thing about the tour is hearing the often depressing stories of how the animals got there.

Zabu is a white tigress who was brought to a roadside zoo, and when she arrived she had been starved so long her ribs were showing.

Nikita is a lioness who spent her first year living on a concrete slab, chained to a wall by a drug-dealing owner, with sores on her elbows the size of tennis balls.

Faith, a baby Florida bobcat, was orphaned when its mother was killed by a man and left orphaned.

CleoCatTra, a cougar, had arrived in a nylon harness that she had so completely outgrown that it had become imbedded in her skin and had to be slowly and painfully cut with a razor blade over three days.

What surprised me most is that so many of the rescued big cats started out as pets by families who thought it would be "fun" to raise a little cub, knowing it would eventually grow up to be a big cat, and assuming it could be domesticated like my Squeaky. Far too many of these families, the tour guide cautioned us, learn the hard way that you can take the lion out of the jungle, but you can't necessarily take jungle instincts out of the maturing lion.

Big Cat Rescue is a wonderful place to visit, at 12802 Easy St. in Tampa.

It's also a nonprofit 501(c)3 charity and a wonderful place to make a tax-deductible donations.

To learn more, call them at 813-920-4130 or e-mail Info@BigCatRescue.org.

It's great to know a place like this exists in our back yard.

http://www.theledger.com/article/20090927/REPORTER/909275005?Title=Big-Cat-Rescue-Saving-More-Than-9-Lives#

Animal Planet Hero of the Year Award Contest

2009-09-16T17:05:00.001-07:00

Big Cat Rescue's Operations Manager, Scott Lope, makes the Top 10 out of more than 4500 contestants who were nominated for Animal Planet's Hero of the Year Awards

Scott Lope

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

PRLog (Press Release) – Sep 16, 2009 – If Scott wins it could mean $60,000 to the lions, tigers and other exotic wild cats at Big Cat Rescue! The economy has hit animal rescue groups very hard, but the big cats have big appetites and they have to be fed. There are two contests right now that have a combined prize of $60,000 in cash and advertising and Big Cat Rescue has a very good chance of winning with the public's help.

Until Sept. 27, 2009 people can vote once a day for Scott Lope, Operations's manager of Big Cat Rescue, to win Animal Planet's Hero of the Year Award. Scott had a career in medicine, but gave it up to be a full time volunteer and then staff at Big Cat Rescue. There is a video of him in action rescuing all kinds of animals in addition to the care he provides the big cats at Big Cat Rescue here: http://www.BigCatRescue.org

"This is great publicity for the plight of big cats and it will provide $10,000 in cash to feed the cats at Big Cat Rescue as well as a much needed vacation for Scott" says CEO and Founder, Carole Baskin. The public can vote daily here:

http://animal.discovery.com/roar/hero-of-the-year/vote/

Until Sept. 20, 2009 readers can vote daily for Big Cat Rescue in facebook's contest where their votes have gotten Big Cat Rescue into the last round of top 4 charities to win $50,000 in co branded advertising. The public can vote daily here:

http://apps.facebook.com/voteforacause/

# # #

Big Cat Rescue, a non profit educational sanctuary, is devoted to rescuing and providing a permanent home for exotic (i.e. wild, not domestic) cats who have been abused, abandoned, bred to be pets, retired from performing acts, or saved from being slaughtered for fur coats, and to educating the public about these animals and the issues facing them in captivity and in the wild.

For the cats,

Carole Baskin, CEO of Big Cat Rescue
an Educational Sanctuary home
to more than 100 big cats
12802 Easy Street Tampa, FL 33625
813.493.4564 fax 885.4457

http://www.BigCatRescue.org

Until Sept. 27, 2009 you can vote once a day for Scott Lope, our Operations's manager, to win Animal Planet's Hero of the Year Award. As many of you already know, Scott had a career in medicine, but gave it up to be a full time volunteer and then staff at Big Cat Rescue. You can see a video of him in action rescuing all kinds of animals in addition to the care he provides the big cats at Big Cat Rescue on our web site at http://www.BigCatRescue.org

Please help him win as this is great publicity for the plight of big cats and it will provide $10,000 in cash to feed the cats at Big Cat Rescue as well as a much needed vacation for Scott. Your DAILY vote can win this for us here:

http://animal.discovery.com/roar/hero-of-the-year/vote/

Until Sept. 20, 2009 you can vote daily for Big Cat Rescue in facebook's contest where your votes have gotten us into the last round of top 4 charities to win $50,000 in co branded advertising. Please vote DAILY here and ask your friends to do the same:

http://apps.facebook.com/voteforacause/

Free ways to join us and help the big cats:

Twitter: Follow Me and be invited to enter our Animal Lover's Dream Vacation Giveaway! http://twitter.com/BigCatRescue

This message contains information from Big Cat Rescue that may be confidential or privileged. The information contained herein is intended
only for the eyes of the individual or entity named above. You are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution, disclosure, and/or copying of the information contained in this communication is strictly prohibited. The recipient should check this e-mail and any attachments for the presence of viruses. Big Cat Rescue accepts no liability for any damage or loss caused by any virus transmitted by this e-mail.

Big Cat Rescue director up for Animal Planet hero award

2009-09-14T10:49:00.001-07:00

By LEIGH SPANN
News Channel 8
Published: September 14, 2009

TAMPA - It takes a lot to be a hero, and for one Tampa man it takes a lot of meat.

Scott Lope, director of operations at the nonprofit wildlife sanctuary Big Cat Rescue, helps house and feed nearly 115 large cats every day. Cable television channel Animal Planet has rewarded his work in educating the public about the plight of these animals by naming him a finalist for its Hero of the Year.

One of the volunteers at Big Cat Rescue, Sharyn Beach, wrote the letter that nominated Lope. She says she has been inspired by his dedication.

"Long after we're asleep at night, Scott's still working, and long before we wake up in the morning, he's already working," Beach wrote.
That letter put Lope in the top 10 out of 4,500 entries. In the letter, Beach focused on Lope's ability to educate and inspire others about the animals he cares for. She notes how kids have their birthday parties at the rescue and ask for donations for the animals instead of getting presents.

"One person doing a lot of work is a great thing, but what's really important is getting out there and talking to other people about what's going on with these animals," Beach wrote.

Lope began working at the Big Cat Rescue 11 years ago as a volunteer. At the time, he had a job in the medical field, but he decided to follow his dream of working with animals.

"Really decided that this was more important than some of the material things that really aren't that important. So I quit my job and moved here," Lope said.

It's been an amazing journey, he said, and he considers himself lucky to be able to work with the animals.
And he really hopes he inspires change.

"Just in the last 10 years, here at the Big Cat Rescue, we've worked to get laws changed. We've gotten animals out of a terrible situation all over the country," Lope said.

It is no easy task to feed and house more than 100 big cats. Big Cat Rescue, which is at 12802 Easy St., has a $1 million annual budget. It costs $7,500 a year to care for each of the 23 lions and tigers.

One of the prizes for the person chosen as Animal Planet's Hero of the Year is $10,000 toward his or her animal charity. Lope said that will take care of one of those lions or tigers for a whole year.

The winner of the Hero of the Year contest will be announced Dec. 18 during Animal Planet's Heroes Week. Voting started today and continues through Sept. 27.

http://www2.tbo.com/content/2009/sep/14/big-cat-rescue-director-animal-planet-hero-award/

For the cats,

Carole Baskin, CEO of Big Cat Rescue
an Educational Sanctuary home
to more than 100 big cats
12802 Easy Street Tampa, FL 33625
813.493.4564 fax 885.4457

http://www.BigCatRescue.org

Sign send a quick and easy letter to protect tigers and bobcats here:

http://capwiz.com/bigcatrescue/issues/alert/?alertid=13810331

Free ways to join us and help the big cats:

Twitter: Follow Me and be invited to enter our Animal Lover's Dream Vacation Giveaway! http://twitter.com/BigCatRescue

This message contains information from Big Cat Rescue that may be confidential or privileged. The information contained herein is intended
only for the eyes of the individual or entity named above. You are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution, disclosure, and/or copying of the information contained in this communication is strictly prohibited. The recipient should check this e-mail and any attachments for the presence of viruses. Big Cat Rescue accepts no liability for any damage or loss caused by any virus transmitted by this e-mail.

Vote for Scott Lope

2009-09-13T16:55:00.001-07:00

Vote Scott Lope as Animal Planet's Hero of the Year

Please vote for Big Cat Rescue's Operation's Manager, Scott Lope, every day for the next 2 weeks. That is 14 votes per person and should really help him win. Scott says, "It would be great to get the $10,000 for BCR and the much needed vacation for me! Please send to every one you know, every vote counts! Thank you so much!"

Feel free to snag this image so that you can post to your Facebook, Myspace and other social networking accounts to remind yourself and friends to vote each day.

AnimalPlanet.com/hero

Vote for Big Cat Rescue to Win $50,000

We made it to the next round in Intel's vote for a cause contest to win $50,000 in co-branded advertising with Intel.

Second round from 9/5/2009 12:00 AM PST to 9/8/2009 11:59 PM PST - top 16 will go on to third Voting Round.

Please visit this page and vote for Big Cat Rescue, then send out invite to friends to do the same :)

http://apps.facebook.com/voteforacause/

Help Big Cat Rescue win $50,000 on facebook w/ your vote

2009-09-05T06:53:00.001-07:00

We made it to the next round in Intel's vote for a cause contest to win $50,000 in co-branded advertising with Intel.

Second round from 9/5/2009 12:00 AM PST to 9/8/2009 11:59 PM PST - top 16 will go on to third Voting Round.

Please visit this page and vote for Big Cat Rescue, then send out invite to friends to do the same :)

http://apps.facebook.com/voteforacause/

For the cats,

Carole Baskin, CEO of Big Cat Rescue
an Educational Sanctuary home
to more than 100 big cats
12802 Easy Street Tampa, FL 33625
813.493.4564 fax 885.4457

http://www.BigCatRescue.org

Sign send a quick and easy letter to protect tigers and bobcats here:

http://capwiz.com/bigcatrescue/issues/alert/?alertid=13810331

Free ways to join us and help the big cats:

Twitter: Follow Me and be invited to enter our Animal Lover's Dream Vacation Giveaway! http://twitter.com/BigCatRescue

This message contains information from Big Cat Rescue that may be confidential or privileged. The information contained herein is intended
only for the eyes of the individual or entity named above. You are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution, disclosure, and/or copying of the information contained in this communication is strictly prohibited. The recipient should check this e-mail and any attachments for the presence of viruses. Big Cat Rescue accepts no liability for any damage or loss caused by any virus transmitted by this e-mail.

Scott Lope Featured in Tampa Tribune

2009-09-02T06:08:00.001-07:00

Lope is an expert on lions, tigers, panthers

By WALT BELCHER wbelcher@tampatrib.com

Published: September 2, 2009

Are big black panthers on the prowl in upstate New York?

Are dangerous leopards or jaguars on the loose?

Cue the spooky music. Roll the grainy video of cat-like creatures.

Tonight's episode of "Monster Quest" at 8 p.m. on the History channel explores sightings of large dark feline critters near a state park 18 miles north of New York City.

A team of trackers, scientists and technicians use surveillance equipment in an attempt to find out whether anything is lurking in the woods, or if it's a hoax, or if overactive imaginations are at work.

One expert that "Monster Quest" turns to for this episode is Scott Lope, director of operations at Big Cat Rescue in Tampa.

Lope says the evidence he was asked to evaluate was inconclusive. "Some of the footage looked like just big domestic cats," he says.

However it's not impossible for exotic animals to be on the loose in the United States because so many people have them as pets, he notes.

"You would be surprised how many people in Hillsborough County have permits for exotic animals."

Lope, 41, has worked for Big Cat Rescue for 16 years. He has become the go-to guy for commentary on lions, tigers, leopards, panthers and other wild animals.

In addition to numerous appearances on Animal Planet and History, he has been featured on Discovery Channel, ABC's "20/20," CNN and Jack Hanna's animal shows.

He has been the feline and dangerous captive wildlife expert on two seasons of "Untamed & Uncut" and three seasons of "Monster Quest." He has appeared on Nickelodeon's "Animal Atlas" and Animal Planet's "Misadventure."

Lope also is featured in "Lion Feeding Frenzy," one of the most popular specials on Animal Planet and Discovery. He goes inside a transparent box placed in the middle of a pack of lions to observe what happens when lions fight for food in the wild.

Lope, who is from Pennsylvania, joined the Air Force right out of high school. After serving in the Gulf War, he was stationed at MacDill Air Force Base and has made Tampa his home for nearly 20 years; He first joined the nonprofit Big Cat Rescue preserve as a volunteer.

"I was going into the medical profession but I found my life's calling here," he says.

He now oversees the daily operation of a sanctuary that is home to 150 animals and is devoted to helping the big cats, some of which have been abused, or abandoned, or retired from performing.

He says that his appearances on television help educate people about these animals and the dangers of keeping exotic cats as pets.

You can comment here:

http://tboextra.com/content/2009/sep/02/na-lope-is-an-expert-on-lions-tigers-panthers/tboextra/

For the cats,

Carole Baskin, CEO of Big Cat Rescue
an Educational Sanctuary home
to more than 100 big cats
12802 Easy Street Tampa, FL 33625
813.493.4564 fax 885.4457

http://www.BigCatRescue.org

Sign our petition to protect tigers from being farmed here:

http://capwiz.com/bigcatrescue/issues/alert/?alertid=9952801&type=CU

Free ways to join us and help the big cats:

Twitter: Follow Me and be invited to enter our Animal Lover's Dream Vacation Giveaway! http://twitter.com/BigCatRescue

This message contains information from Big Cat Rescue that may be confidential or privileged. The information contained herein is intended
only for the eyes of the individual or entity named above. You are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution, disclosure, and/or copying of the information contained in this communication is strictly prohibited. The recipient should check this e-mail and any attachments for the presence of viruses. Big Cat Rescue accepts no liability for any damage or loss caused by any virus transmitted by this e-mail.

“PDKats” EVENT FEEDS THE LIONS AND TIGERS AT BIG CAT RESCUE

2009-05-29T16:25:00.001-07:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Bonnie Kirstein
558-5300 ext. 230

"PDKats" EVENT FEEDS THE LIONS AND TIGERS AT BIG CAT RESCUE AND THE MINDS OF HILLSBOROUGH STUDENTS

Tampa, FL (May 27, 2009) – The Tampa Chapter of Phi Delta Kappa (PDK), the premier professional association for educators, in concert with the Hillsborough County School District, recently completed their first fundraising contest event for students called "PDKats."

According to Dr. Jacquelyn Masters, Principal of Seminole Elementary School and President of PDK, the program has two goals: "The first goal is to enhance the interest of the students in learning about wild animals and foster their compassion for these magnificent creatures by having them feel the personal satisfaction of raising funds to feed these rescued big cats. The second is to support a wonderful area nonprofit organization that has, for many years, provided our students with a totally unique educational experience."

The month long contest, held in April, was open to all of the schools in Hillsborough County and was chaired by Bonnie Kirstein of Davidsen Middle School and co-chaired by Katey Runey of Farnell Middle School. The goal for each school was to raise $250, the approximate cost of feeding the lions and tigers at Big Cat Rescue for one day. At the final tally a total of $3,783.95 has been donated, which is equivalent to the cost of feeding one tiger or lion for one full year!

Each class that achieved the goal will be recognized on a sign outside Big Cat Rescue's Trading Post for one year. In addition to this special recognition, the students of the class raising the most money to feed the cats will receive free tour passes to the sanctuary. Big Cat Rescue will also film a special podcast of the winning students to post on the sanctuary's YouTube channel, which is currently the 7th most watched non-profit channel. The Teacher of the winning class and the Principal and Area Director of that school, as a reward for their efforts in promoting this educational experience, each receive a 3 day weekend in a Jaguar XF provided by Jaguar of Tampa and a 3 day/2 night stay for two on St. Pete Beach at the Sirata Beach Resort. Both corporate sponsors are long time supporters of Big Cat Rescue.

The winning teacher was David Nelson from the PE Department at Davidsen Middle School, whose class raised $1,400. Brent McBrien, Principal of Davidsen, and Area 2 Director, Jerry Jackson were the other winners, but Mr. Jackson opted to defer his prizes to one of his other teachers, who he felt did the footwork in this effort, Ms. Jani Rouse at Lomax Elementary.

"Education is a critical element of our mission at Big Cat Rescue," said Education Director Beth Kamhi. "On the over 70 school field trips to the sanctuary each year, students benefit by learning scientific facts that are made more meaningful and memorable by the feelings evoked when actually meeting these magnificent animals in person. There is compelling evidence that learning compassion for animals as a child translates into compassion for people as an adult, and this opportunity for affective learning is extraordinary. As students participate in donating to feed the animals, the PDKats program adds a dimension of direct involvement and pride, enriching the educational experience and emotional connection. We are thrilled about this exciting collaboration with PDK and enhancement of our long time partnership with the Hillsborough County School District! We would like to offer our profound appreciation to Bonnie Kirstein for all her hard work coordinating this event, and to PDK and the Hillsborough students, teachers and staff."

About PDK

PDK, the premier professional association for educators, was founded in 1906 and today has chapters across the United States and abroad. The association strives for educational excellence through a wide range of innovative initiatives. These include providing educators with information about current issues to promote dialog about which policies, ideology and methods to adopt. PDK also works to connect members with the community and the school district through service projects and networking opportunities. The local chapter has participated in "Paint your heart out Tampa Bay," "Toys for Students" (a home grown project with the district's social workers to make sure all children have a gift for the holidays), and now the PDKats Program. For further information on PDK visit www.pdkintl.org.

About Big Cat Rescue

Big Cat Rescue, a non-profit organization, provides a permanent home for abandoned, abused and orphaned exotic cats. Over 100 lions, tigers, leopards, bobcats and more reside at the astonishing 45 acre Citrus Park refuge, making it one of the largest sanctuaries in the world devoted to big cats. Big Cat Rescue is located at 12802 Easy Street, across the street from the mall at Citrus Park. For further information on the sanctuary, please visit www.BigCatRescue.org, call 813.920.4130 or send an email inquiry to Info@BigCatRescue.org.

For the cats,

Carole Baskin, CEO of Big Cat Rescue
an Educational Sanctuary home
to more than 100 big cats
12802 Easy Street Tampa, FL 33625
813.493.4564 fax 885.4457

http://www.BigCatRescue.org

Sign our petition to protect tigers from being farmed here:

http://capwiz.com/bigcatrescue/issues/alert/?alertid=9952801&type=CU

Free ways to join us and help the big cats:

Twitter: Follow Me and be invited to enter our Animal Lover's Dream Vacation Giveaway! http://twitter.com/BigCatRescue

This message contains information from Big Cat Rescue that may be confidential or privileged. The information contained herein is intended
only for the eyes of the individual or entity named above. You are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution, disclosure, and/or copying of the information contained in this communication is strictly prohibited. The recipient should check this e-mail and any attachments for the presence of viruses. Big Cat Rescue accepts no liability for any damage or loss caused by any virus transmitted by this e-mail.

PANTHER INTERNATIONAL ADOPTS JUMANJI

2009-02-03T14:13:00.001-08:00

Panther International Adopts Jumanji

Panther International LLC is a custom software applications firm located in Clearwater, Florida. Chase Stockon, Panther's CEO/President, recently brought his staff for a private tour and decided he wanted to help. As he put it, "I was motivated to support Big Cat Rescue after visiting the sanctuary and seeing the incredible work there. As I learned about the volunteers' efforts to create a home for more than 100 large cats, many of whom were formerly neglected pets or part of the exotic pet trade, I could see the organization needed more resources to support the cats."

The company has "adopted" Jumanji, a beautiful and mischievous black leopard who just turned 13. The pledge of $20,000 is expected to provide food for Jumanji for the rest of his life. One photo shows Chase and Panther's Director of Marketing and Communications, Jill Reagan presenting the check. The other shows the sign by Jumanji's cage recognizing this generous donation. If you look carefully in the photo with the check you can see Jumanji looking intently at the proceedings from the top of his den. He is probably thinking "OK, so where is the first meal?"

Panther International designed and developed the BlackCat Grant Management System, a software solution utilized by government and nonprofit agencies. It manages over $6 billion in federal, state, and local grants annually. Many thanks to the management and staff of Panther International for this very generous support!

Vote Big Cat Rescue to win $10,000

2009-01-10T09:33:00.001-08:00

Vote for Big Cat Rescue in America's Favorite Animal Shelter Contest and help us win $10,000. for the cats. You can only vote once, and we are just barely in the lead with other shelters gaining on us fast. Please maker sure your vote is cast for the big cats and ask your friends to vote too. Vote here:

http://www.care2.com/animalsheltercontest/76322

--
For the cats,

Carole Baskin, CEO of Big Cat Rescue
an Educational Sanctuary home
to more than 100 big cats
12802 Easy Street Tampa, FL 33625
813.493.4564 fax 885.4457

http://www.BigCatRescue.org
SaveTheBigCats@gmail.com

Sign our petition to protect tigers from being farmed here:

http://capwiz.com/bigcatrescue/issues/alert/?alertid=9952801&type=CU

This message contains information from Big Cat Rescue that may be
confidential or privileged. The information contained herein is intended
only for the eyes of the individual or entity named above. You are hereby
notified that any dissemination, distribution, disclosure, and/or copying of
the information contained in this communication is strictly prohibited. The
recipient should check this e-mail and any attachments for the presence of
viruses. Big Cat Rescue accepts no liability for any damage or loss caused
by any virus transmitted by this e-mail.