Heart Whispers From The Cats

SKIP the bobcat

2011-07-22T07:05:00.001-05:00

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!

2011-07-14T12:17:00.001-05:00

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

BIG CAT RAP!!

2011-07-09T15:15:00.001-05:00

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...

2011-07-03T02:37:00.001-05:00

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!

2011-06-24T02:31:00.001-05:00

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!?

BIG CAT SUMMER!

2011-06-19T08:31:00.001-05:00

It's Summer time at Big Cat Rescue, check out all the cool enrichment we hand out to the tigers, lions, leopards and more!

Liger Physical

2011-06-13T05:48:00.001-05:00

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

2011-06-04T13:21:00.001-05:00

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....

2011-06-04T00:00:00.001-05:00

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

2011-05-24T16:47:00.001-05:00

“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!

2011-05-21T09:24:00.001-05:00

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!

2011-05-13T12:01:00.001-05:00

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!

2011-05-10T16:33:00.001-05:00

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!

2011-04-23T02:58:00.001-05:00

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! :)

2011-04-03T06:32:00.001-05:00

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!!

2011-03-31T13:08:00.001-05:00

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!

2011-03-27T03:46:00.001-05:00

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...

2011-03-19T00:45:00.001-05:00

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??

2011-03-06T08:53:00.001-05:00

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

2011-03-01T20:53:00.001-05:00

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...

2011-02-21T11:18:00.001-05:00

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 ♥

2011-02-11T12:39:00.001-05:00

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

2011-02-06T01:31:00.001-05:00

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!

The Last Lions

2011-01-30T20:16:00.002-05:00

The dark did not end with the passing of the night. Instead, the light that normally follows the pitch-black evening, would not be seen by this young, pregnant mother until she gave birth. She recently discovered the fate of her mate, and even though her heart was grieving, she knew she had to survive. Her expert survival skills would be tested in navigating a rapidly, changing and violent world. There were unseen forces driven by exploitation that had created a date for her destiny that she was not yet aware of and would subject her every life skill and ability to their limits. Would she be prepared? Would her young survive? How would she fare on her own as a single mother? Would there be enough food to feed everyone? With enemies invading her territory, would she make the right decisions to ensure their survival?

National Geographic Movies is releasing "The Last Lions" February 18th, 2011. Jeremy Irons narrates the story of this young lioness as her life unfolds on the big screen. The cinematography is breathtaking as is the reality of the untold daily lives of the Last Lions. Unfortunately, the sad fact is that in the last 50 years, the number of wild lions has dropped from 400,000 to less than 20,000. As your heart absorbs the potential consequences for these lions, you realize you may be watching a living history that your children or grandchildren will only know as extinction.

Extinction is forever and every one who loves the Big Cats will walk away from this movie knowing every day when a lion dies, we not only lose a biology but a biography that we will never be honored in knowing. There is a fount of knowledge that these cats can share with us at this critical point in our history to not only ensure our survival but also their survival. They can teach us how to cooperate with them for competing resources in addition to making us aware of the consequences of our mindless quest for economic gain. We have the opportunity to cease betraying our relationships with these lions and as a result, the relationship structure will change.

One way the relationship will change is we will become aware of lions as well as animals in general as sentient beings. They have inherent rights that we have violated through our unawareness and in the movie, you will observe this as events set off a chain reaction that will clearly break your heart. These lions are in crisis, partly because of our activities and not knowing how to relate with them. Fear has motivated humanity as seen through finite eyes, and action taken from this perspective always results from someone benefiting at the expense of someone else, in this case, the Last Lions.

After viewing The Last Lions, I encourage you to heed the call to action and donate to saving the lions as National Geographic provides an easy way via your cell phone to become part of the solution. As you leave the theater, I would ask you to ponder in your heart the following questions to continue BEING part of the solution. First, what do you believe your role is on planet Earth at this time? Do you believe humanity should dominate or cooperate? Do you know that every living creature is a sentient being? How are your actions aligning with your beliefs? Do you recognize every living creature has a unique purpose to fulfill and are not here for humanity's pleasure, convenience or entertainment?

Finally, we are at a crossroads in which we have the opportunity to make new choices and affect the larger evolution of consciousness. Nature is suffering and the manifestations of our limited, outdated beliefs about exploitation and relationships can be seen everywhere as species are going extinct. Physical scars can be seen. The emotional scars we have created can be seen in this movie. Are we prepared as a species to acknowledge and accept our Oneness with the Last Lions? Are we ready to BE part of the solution? The decision is ours.

Check out the trailer and see it as soon as it comes to a theater near you.
http://trailers.apple.com/trailers/independent/thelastlions/

Lion eats whole rabbit - WARNING GRAPHIC CONTENT

2011-01-29T09:28:00.001-05:00

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!!

2011-01-24T01:23:00.001-05:00

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 !?

2011-01-21T05:34:00.001-05:00

!! 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 !!

2011-01-16T03:53:00.001-05:00

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

2011-01-06T11:23:00.001-05:00

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

2011-01-05T09:05:00.001-05:00

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 :)

2010-12-30T16:38:00.001-05:00

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!

2010-12-20T05:24:00.001-05:00

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!

2010-12-15T20:23:00.001-05:00

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!

2010-12-12T08:27:00.001-05:00

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!

2010-12-06T01:41:00.001-05:00

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

2010-12-01T04:09:00.001-05:00

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

2010-11-30T00:03:00.001-05:00

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.

Turkey Day for TIGERS!

2010-11-25T06:03:00.001-05:00

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??

2010-11-17T22:09:00.001-05:00

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!!

2010-11-13T13:57:00.001-05:00

*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

2010-11-11T02:54:00.001-05:00

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

2010-11-08T00:19:00.001-05:00

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 !!

2010-10-31T02:16:00.001-05:00

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

2010-10-26T19:46:00.001-05:00

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!

2010-10-22T18:37:00.001-05:00

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

2010-10-13T19:33:00.001-05:00

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!

2010-10-11T12:25:00.001-05:00

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

2010-10-02T11:38:00.001-05:00

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

2010-09-25T11:34:00.001-05:00

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.

2010-09-17T18:05:00.001-05:00

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"

2010-09-08T15:57:00.001-05:00

!!!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

2010-09-06T13:24:00.001-05:00

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

2010-09-06T10:50:00.001-05:00

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

2010-09-01T16:25:00.001-05:00

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

2010-08-26T12:51:00.001-05:00

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 !!

2010-08-25T18:19:00.001-05:00

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!

2010-08-23T16:11:00.001-05:00

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

2010-08-20T14:16:00.001-05:00

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

2010-08-13T12:17:00.001-05:00

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??

2010-08-03T19:17:00.001-05:00

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

2010-08-02T12:53:00.001-05:00

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!

2010-07-29T17:37:00.001-05:00

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!

2010-07-19T20:05:00.001-05:00

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

2010-07-10T20:21:00.001-05:00

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

2010-07-08T15:09:00.001-05:00

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

2010-07-06T15:28:00.001-05:00

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 ...

2010-07-05T14:30:00.001-05:00

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

2010-06-28T13:57:00.001-05:00

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

2010-06-20T07:56:00.001-05:00

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

2010-06-15T12:05:00.001-05:00

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.

2010-06-09T14:54:00.001-05:00

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"

2010-06-05T14:16:00.001-05:00

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

2010-06-04T12:13:00.001-05:00

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...

2010-05-29T18:18:00.001-05:00

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

2010-05-26T18:23:00.001-05:00

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

2010-05-25T15:08:00.001-05:00

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

2010-05-22T18:07:00.001-05:00

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

2010-05-17T12:51:00.001-05:00

Purr-fect Mom to Baby Bobcats!

2010-05-08T14:38:00.001-05:00

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!

Quiet Powerful Shatia

2009-04-14T12:52:00.003-05:00

Have you ever sat in the woods and watched the wildlife? It might have taken a while before you noticed how many creatures were stirring around you. If you had not been quiet, you would have passed them by. But once you noticed them, they made your heart jump with excitement. So, it was with Shatia.

Shatia, a Canadian Lynx, was generally quiet even though she was on the tour path. The Canadian Lynx are not as pretty as some of the other cats; however, what she may have lacked in outer beauty, she more than made up for with her inner beauty.

Shatia, like the other cats, had her favorite volunteers. Most of the time, you wouldn't see her unless you were a favorite, and then you would get excited when she would come out to greet you. Even though she was old and her body was tired, she loved her enrichment. It would take her a few minutes to get up from under the heavy, dense foliage which kept her cool and come to see what you had left.

It was Shatia's grace and inner landscape that had the most affect upon me. She didn't have the WOW factor that some of the other cats have at the sanctuary. But she noticed everything and everyone that passed her way. She made a difference in my life and although she has left her physical body, her spirit remains reminding us to look beyond what the eyes can see. That which has no name is what is real. That was the essence of Shatia.

Satellites Predicting Animal Extinction?

2009-04-05T16:01:00.000-05:00

As the end of one world age is quickly coming to an end, the beginning of another world age is beginning. We are completing a long cycle of 5,125 years within a greater cycle of over 26,000 years. What is exciting is to see the advances in technology that will assist us in making different choices that are life-affirming and advance our evolution of consciousness.

One of the main problems in talking with the animals is their concern with competing resources. Humans are competing with the wild animals for the same resources that are either depleting or going extinct. We continue to encroach upon their territory, often leaving them with nowhere to go and nothing to eat. The animal will pay the price as we view them as a threat. In most of the species, the numbers are dwindling at a record pace. What are some of the solutions?

In the following article, using satellite imaging as a potential to identify the impact of the rapidly changing climate temperatures on vast wilderness areas could establish priorities of action before a species goes extinct. What opportunity does this also have to bring, from the human perspective, a spirit of cooperation to work with nature instead of controlling it? What difference would that make in our sharing instead of competing for the same resources? How many animals could we help to survive in addition to ourselves? After all, the satellite is providing information for us from a higher perspective than the one we currently have. What do you think?

Are cats the new lawnmowers?

2009-04-02T06:38:00.003-05:00

If you have recently been out to the sanctuary, did you notice the cats eating a lot of grass? I asked a gentleman the other day why he thought Raindance was eating all the grass she could eat. She would sniff of a bunch of new springs and start chewing and then move on to the next new springs. I chuckled at his reply, "She's a lawnmower. How often do you go into their Cat-A-Tat's to mow?"

Although he had a good point, the cats are reminding us that their metabolisms mirror the transitional nature of the season. Our bodies are no different. We have forgotten that spring is the perfect time to detox the waste that we have accumulated through the winter. Everything is budding and growing again, and to assist our bodies in a natural, renewal process, it's the perfect time to especially cleanse our livers. The cats know when they eat anything green, it adds oxygen to the body. This is nature's way of keeping the internal environment healthy. So, the next time you see a cat eating grass, as you creatively think about what kind of lawnmower they remind you of, thank them for reminding us to eat our greens.

Cats Grieving

2008-11-08T21:43:00.003-05:00

When a cat passes away at the sanctuary, I am often asked if the other cats grieve. If so, which ones? Animals are sentient beings and have very deep and complex emotional lives. It is incredible the communication that continually occurs between animals. We are seldom aware of this silent world. It is more real than the physical one that our five senses deem as truth and the only reality.

There is constant chatter, even if the cats are living at opposite ends of the sanctuary since they know there is no space or distance as we are all energetically connected. When I first started talking with the cats over two years ago, it was amazing to hear who were the different leaders of the sanctuary. Some of the cats who are best friends don't even live next to each other. How can that be? That is a belief system we have been conditioned to accept because we believe in separation, animals don't. There is only the "One."

When Shadow died, it has been extremely difficult for Sugar and most of the other cats. Shadow was a favorite among the community. He was always ready to talk and listen. He was kind and gentle, and the girls loved him. Animals display grief just like we do. They can quit eating and sometimes give up their will to live because of the close connection. They get depressed and miss their companion or friend. Often times, the spirit stays around before moving on to help comfort those left behind. It is the same with the animals. Sugar feels Shadow's presence and knows he is there, just not in the physical. It can be confusing because the other world is very, very real. I ask everyone who reads this to send Sugar a prayer for comfort and peace. Send her love from your heart and let her know, she is loved, and everything is going to be okay.

Sugar and Shadow Reunited

2008-11-08T21:43:00.002-05:00

As love stories are told from the heart, their messages penetrate the depths of our souls. They are spoken in Soul Language, something our heads don't understand. Anncient wisdom explains this more fully by the saying "two becoming as one." We can be so deeply in love and connected with another that when that spirit leaves the physical world, something within us also leaves. To some, this is their idea of a soul mate. Although soul mates are a reality, very seldom do we find them. Most people don't believe the concept of a "soul mate." Sugar would like those people to know she had found hers and when he left his physical body, her heart was broken, and she fell into deep grieving.

It is possible to love someone so much you don't want to live without them. Can animals experience the same? Indeed they can. At the sanctuary, I never thought of Shadow without Sugar coming to mind and vice versa. They were so connected, you could feel the "oneness." There was never any doubt how much love these two cougars felt for one another. You could see the tender care each of them shared. She was the quiet one. Of course, it would have been difficult if both of them talked as much as Shadow. They took turns grooming each other and when they played, there was an air of flirting. Shadow would take the lead, and Sugar looked up to Shadow for cues.

Words cannot express the amount of loss with the physical passing of these two incredible spirits. Sugar couldn't wait to be reunited with her soul mate and left her physical body one month and one day after Shadow left. No matter what the physical ailment was that caused her body to take its last breath, the root cause was a broken heart. She had no will to live. Life wasn't life without Shadow. I know they are both happy to be together again. As I look at their empty Cat-A-Tat, although I am not able to see their physical bodies, I feel the love they shared and know only that love is real, everything else truly is just an illusion. It has truly been an honor and privilege. Thank you Shadow. Thank you Sugar. Your love story will always be in my heart. Let the angels care for these two precious spirits as they continue their love story in the light.

Auroara's Last Wish

2008-10-21T20:14:00.001-05:00

"My bones hurt, and my body is extremely tired," Auroara said yesterday as I talked with her. "Do you want help?" "No," she replied. "I am ready to leave my physical body behind. The pain will not go away, and I want to leave." I knew in my heart, she would soon be gone. "Auroara, what has been your life purpose? Have you completed what you came back to do?"

Her voice was now soft as her vital energy was beginning to depart from her body as she responded. "In search of perfection, there is always much suffering. Perfection does not exist. I was born from an intent of breeding for the perfect tiger. I was not born the way they expected me to look. There was damage in the information that tells my body how to form at a deep level. I chose to come anyway allowing my "imperfect" body to awaken awareness within you."

I watched Auroara as she lowered her head. "What becomes of those things that are not perfect? What becomes of them? How quickly you move on to something else. The "imperfect" ones are rejected and forgotten. You are beginning to see with your heart the silent suffering that is endured in your quest to obtain something that does not exist. Know there are others like me whose purpose is to bring awareness that in the process of creating perfection, there is always suffering that never ends. The only thing that is created is silent suffering. As I leave my physical body, I ask you to quit trying to create perfection, for it will never be. Be in harmony with nature, not in control of it."

As I closed my eyes to hold back the tears, my hands crossed my heart as I saw the southern, charming tiger full of energy as she dashed quickly through a dense jungle. Auroara's body was like a young kitten. She was home, and her spirit was free at last.

Inner Lion

2008-09-09T20:13:00.004-05:00

As Cameron's nose starts to twitch, his sleepy eyes open, and he lifts his head to further investigate the smells drifting with the breeze. Unconcerned, he falls back to sleep. Observing Cameron sleeping, I can't help but think of his ancestors walking the plains of Africa as fierce predators and as prey. Knowing animals reflect the human condition, I wonder how to cultivate the strength of my "inner lion" without letting it wreck havoc in my life.

Humans are omnivores and have characteristics of both predator and prey. Our society has reinforced and rewarded predatory behavior in school and business. If we don't claw our way to the top, it's a challenge to imagine an alternative because the wisdom of the prey has been suppressed within us. And yet for change to occur, the human psyche has to accept another matrix of wisdom capable of balancing the violent nature of the predator inside.

Bringing our predatory nature back into balance is the challenge of a lifetime. However, when we develop the wisdom of predator and prey, the lion transforms from aggressor to protector, from the murderer of sensitivity to its champion, helping us access the courage to feel and the willingness to act. Cameron is assisting us in reawakening the wisdom of the prey, while demanding that we own our inner lion and putting it to good use because true empowerment depends on finding a balance between the two.

The Power of Man

2008-09-07T18:55:00.002-05:00

As Matthew Scully quotes on page 9 in his book, "Dominion: The Power of Man, the Suffering of Animals, and the Call to Mercy," Such terrifying powers we possess, but what a sorry lot of gods some men are. And the worst of it is not the cruelty but the arrogance, the sheer hubris of those who bring only violence and fear into the animal world, as if it needed any more of either. Their lives entail enough frights and tribulations without the modern fire-makers, now armed with perfected, inescapable weapons, traipsing along for more fun and thrills at their expense even as so many of them die away. It is our fellow creatures' lot in the universe, the place assigned them in creation, to be completely at our mercy, the fiercest wolf or tiger defenseless against the most cowardly man. And to me it has always seemed not only ungenerous and shabby but a kind of supreme snobbery to deal cavalierly with them, as if their little share of the earth's happiness and grief were inconsequential, meaningless, beneath a man's attention, trumped by any and all designs he might have on them, however base, irrational, or wicked."

The cats ask we remember the words Matthew has spoken as we prepare for new leadership in this country. Animals matter, and we need people who understand what it means to be humane.

WHAT IF?

2008-09-05T20:38:00.002-05:00

The cats ask, "WHAT IF........You were aware and remembered that communal interactions among species are more important for evolution than are the contributions of individuals from within a species. How would this change your interaction with us?

Call of the Wild

2008-09-03T14:16:00.003-05:00

If you have ever been on a tour at Big Cat Rescue, you will be familiar with an animal who is not really a cat but who calls the sanctuary home. You may have seen a furry hair ball in the tree or a furry hair ball with a big, long tail sweeping the ground as you passed by. A scent of buttered popcorn or doritos always accompanied these fur balls or otherwise known as bear cats or binturongs. Big Cat Rescue had four until last week and now there are only three.

In remembering Mocha, I will never forget how food aggressive she was when she wanted to eat. Notice I said, when SHE wanted to eat. Although she was not a cat, I believe she thought she was because nothing, no thing could get her down from the trees unless she wanted to come down. I had often thought of suggesting having a "Calling Contest" to see which volunteer could perfect the art of calling her to come eat her food. We couldn't leave her variety of fruits on her plate because of the rats that would wait until she had eaten her fill and then rush in to grab the leftovers. So, it was very important that we made sure she ate when dinner was being served.

In trying to get Mocha to come and eat, I heard some very interesting calls. "Here, kitty, kitty or Moooooocha." "Where's Mocha," someone would ask as they carried her dish around spying into the bushes. Mocha would lay waiting, watching and probably laughing as the volunteers would try to perfect the call of the wild, trying to seduce Mocha out of her treehouse. I have seen pieces of bananas tossed in the air so Mocha could catch the hint of dinner. I have waited in the hot sun patiently waiting for Mocha to make a decision. If it has been thought of, it was tried and yet at the end of the day, the volunteers never gave up trying new techniques and calls as Mocha very seldom answered any attempt to lure her to dinner. Thank you Mocha for stirring our creative spirits and allowing us the opportunity to be crazy for just a moment.

Cat-ching Up

2008-09-02T19:30:00.005-05:00

I have been out of town for a while and have just returned. "Cat-ching" up with the cats has been fun. So many things have changed in a month that I wanted to know how everyone was adjusting. I couldn't hardly wait to talk with Snorkel, who had recently been moved to a different location. If you have a cat, you know most of them don't like change. However, there is always an exception.

I had so many questions and was curious to hear how Snorkel liked being on the tour path. As I started talking with him, he was unusually quiet. I asked him if he was having a hard time adjusting; if he liked being close to the other tigers; was he enjoying his water view; was he coming out to see all of the people when they came by; did he like all of the activity and on and on. I was so busy asking him questions, I almost didn't notice he hadn't said anything at all. Not one purr.

I hushed up, sat and listened to what he was going to share with me. Finally, I asked him if he was okay. He gave me such a warm and wonderful feeling, almost as if he was overwhelmed with everything but in a good way. At last, he spoke with such emotion, tears filled my eyes. "It's ONEderful. Just ONEderful." Yes, feeling the unity and BEING a part of everything around him made my heart laugh. At that moment, I realized how much I had missed my training sessions from Snorkel, who has the ears of an angel. It's great to be back!

Perceptive Hearts

2008-08-01T19:51:00.002-05:00

The solar eclipse today signaled times are changing. There is a new awareness rising and it is heart-based. We all live in fields of information but how do we make contact? How do we make sense of the information once we make contact? The cats offer a few suggestions that will help us remember what has long been forgotten but that is most natural to every species.

If you are not familiar with the Institute of HeartMath (www.heartmath.org), I highly recommend you visit their site. According to their extensive research on "cardioelectromagnetic communication," the heart's electrical field is about 60 times greater than the electrical activity generated by the brain. It is more than 5,000 times stronger than the brain's magnetic field and can be detected a number of feet away from the body in all directions. Learning to locate consciousness in the heart begins a journey to know the world in a way we have forgotten and is natural to plants, animals and humans.

Communication that is heart-based is enhanced exponentially. So, the cats ask you to notice how your body feels in the presence of your favorite cat. Are you holding your breath or is your heart racing? Are you nervous or afraid? Are you feeling the cat's tension or anxiety? Next, drop your awareness into your heart by breathing into it or seeing a pebble being dropped into a lake. Imagine your heart's desire pulsing outward toward the cat, moving through your heart field, touching the cat's heart field. Ask the cat if he/she has any ideas on how you can achieve this, and imagine the answer pulsing through their heart field back to yours. Allow this feeling expand in your chest, moving up through your body and finally trickling up to your brain where it can be translated into words or images. Cardioelectromagnetic communication and its implications for harmonizing with the world around us is a way in which we can experience the soulfulness of the cats.

Paid to kill a Tiger...

2008-07-30T18:25:00.001-05:00

Listen in as Animal Communicator, Laura Lassiter talks with Snorkel the Tiger, about the problems these magnificent cats face in the wild and what we can do to help.

For more information and to view more videos visit: www.soul-be-it.com

Spirit Tails

2008-07-14T17:19:00.002-05:00

In Japan, there is ancient dog folklore that prevails providing an explanation that when a dog howls for no apparent reason, it usually portends the death of one close by. Science will explain this as animals having excellent olfactory and auditory perceptions which enables them to see and hear things beyond the spectrum perceivable by humans. But, what if....they have supernatural vision that enables them to see spirits and this is what they are howling about?

At the sanctuary, Halleluah, a male southern cougar, has always been a mischievous cat. History is full of folklore regarding cats. But, what does a howling dog and a mischievous cougar have in common? It appears as though Halleluah also howls when a cat at the sanctuary is preparing to cross over the rainbow bridge. Is it possible Hal sees the spirit of the cat as it is leaving it's body? Is this his way of saying good-bye or he is warning us that a cat has made a decision to leave it's physical body and move on? Can the cats see the spirits in their true forms?

The idea that a cat can discern a spirit is nothing new. We have lost our natural connections with these animals, and the way they communicate. Whatever you choose to believe, there is no logical explanation for Hal's howling. However, if you are ready to explore other worlds, the cats will lead you into other realms long forgotten by humans. You decide-is the howling only folklore or is Hal helping us remember spirit tails are true?

What Drove Daisy Wild

2008-07-09T21:57:00.003-05:00

Following the scent of the spice bag, Daisy would never take her eyes off the anticipated treat. She would hiss, and you could almost hear her say, "Hurry up. What is taking you so long to get over here?" It didn't matter that she was a senior. She hid her age well and was quick to snatch her enrichment. She would ask if you had anymore as soon as you gave her a neck tube or spice bag. Most of the time, she would beg for more.

Loud noises made her nervous, and often she would pace as yard work was buzzing around her. Large tree branches and nests made of pine needles would hide her resting body, and you would have to make several trips around her Cat-A-Tat to make sure she was still in her home.

Daisy was a pleasure to be around. Most of the time, she wasn't interested in helping you clean or making sure you were doing it right. She really enjoyed taking in all the action and wanted to be included in whatever was happening in her own way. She was a typical Serval and whenever you would greet her, the Serval hiss wasn't far behind.

Another special spirit that called the sanctuary home for a long time now has a new home. She is running free and has no limitations. Daisy blessed all of us who knew her, and she is going to be missed. It's difficult to say "Farewell my friend" as we realize we have been in the presence of another wise spirit who helped us remember our connection with the animal kingdom. Thank you Daisy.

Ears of an Angel

2008-07-09T07:24:00.002-05:00

Most of you know Snorkel as the sanctuary's deaf tiger who likes to communicate using the alphabet. I never assume I know anything and having that mindset allows all possibilities to manifest. For example, Big Cat Rescue has a party house that can be leased for birthday parties, corporate meetings, family reunions and the list goes on. As a volunteer, you get to do so many different things, you never get bored.

On a recent Saturday, there was a corporate tour, and they were having their lunch catered at the party house. I was assigned to help prepare for the tour. As several of the volunteers rode the golf carts to the party house, we passed by Snorkel and some of the other tigers who are not on the tour path. Fortunately, we did not have the key for the gate and had to wait...right by Snorkel. As we were waiting, I asked Snorkel to come out. A few minutes later, his sleepy body was stretching and chuffing. He came over to me and sat down.

As I looked at Snorkel and he looked at me, I thought, how beautiful these majestic creatures are. What are we going to do when they are gone? How do we explain to our children and generations from now when the consciousness has changed, that in our lifetime, we killed the tigers for their body parts? Was there a different message that could have saved them?

Unlike Snorkel's usual communication, I heard him say, "Potency comes from your heart, not from animal parts." It is your heart that has the power to create who and what you are and can heal anything. It is not an external force or object that can serve as a substitute which is illusionary power. Perhaps this divine wisdom from a deaf tiger who has the ears of an angel is the message that can go forth to help save this ancient species.

The Shadow Knows

2008-07-08T13:56:00.001-05:00

It had been raining since early morning, and the tours at the sanctuary were preparing to see the cats. You have to keep in mind, they ARE cats. They aren't much different than your domestic house cat except in size. People are always surprised when they notice how similar they are. Some of the guests were commenting on this observation when we all approached Cougar Lane.

Hallelujah and Enya were flirting as they dashed back and forth. He also was flirting with Tobi, who was ignoring him. The cougar babies were frisking and leaping in the air playing hide and seek with each other. Aspen Echo was hiding until Becky, one of her favorite volunteers, passed by begging her to come see the people. Sugar was in her den with only her eyes moving as the tour approached her. Anxious to see Shadow, I looked everywhere. Calling his name, I waited to hear his familiar voice. Nothing. Calling. Waiting. Nothing. It's not like Shadow to miss an opportunity to talk, so I shut my eyes to see where he was. I saw him at the back of his home and sure enough, when I opened my eyes, I saw he had something he was playing with. I had to find out what had his attention and get caught up on what only The Shadow Knows.

"It's all about timing," Shadow said as he held the lizard by his tail. I didn't think timing had any relevance when you are a small lizard being held down by a big paw except being short. "We have a relationship," he continued as I looked at Shadow and laughed wondering what kind of relationship the lizard thought they had. As the lizard struggled, I asked Shadow why he didn't go ahead and kill it to end it's suffering. "You have to know when to let something go. If you let go too early, you can have regrets. If you let go too late, you have spent too much energy and feel drained." As soon as he spoke, he lifted his paw and the lizard ran away. He turned around and said, "It also determines the amount of fun you have." I would have never guessed I could have learned about timing from a lizard and a cougar but by now, I am never surprised about what The Shadow Knows.

WHAT IF?

2008-07-08T11:47:00.002-05:00

The cats ask, "WHAT IF........You were aware and remembered that emotions are neither good or bad. They are just information. Would remembering this help you to stay in the present moment when you are losing control of your emotions?"

Weapons for Mass Destruction

2008-06-23T13:58:00.003-05:00

Wild, exotic cats. Lots of them that have been abused, abandoned or rescued. Some of them have emotional issues with people because they haven't had good experiences with them. Yet, others are sweet. All of them are wild. So, what do you do for flea and tick prevention to help the cats? Big Cat Rescue solved the problem by getting weapons for mass destruction-Guinea Hens.

That's right. Guinea Hens. The cats know the Guinea Hens as a snack if they dare come too close or get behind the barricades. But people who come to visit the cats, often ask...."What's that?" It's hard to ignore them because they make as much noise as the wild peacocks that roam the sanctuary. I think that is one of the main reasons the cats hide and wait for one to get too close. The cats like quiet and are ready to have less chattering going on continually, and they have come up with their own solutions.

The Guineas are quite entertaining as they will follow you and run like a ghost is chasing them. In actuality, they see things we don't and will chase a bug, insect or tick until it is ready to eat them. Their favorite snack-the tick. It's a win-win for everyone. Guineas are low-maintenance and inexpensive. They function as a natural pest control. The cats are helped in a non-toxic way, and the birds need lots of area to roam. But, in the end, the cats don't care how much the Guineas are helping them because they taste just like chicken.

Bongo's Medicine Bag.

2008-06-04T14:02:00.001-05:00

Welcome to another edition of Cat Heart Whispers, with animal communicator Laura-Lluellyn Lassiter. Listen in as Laura lets us know what Bongo the Serval as been doing to entertain himself at Big Cat Rescue. For more videos and information visit: www.soul-be-it.com.

Hair of the Rabbit

2008-06-03T07:27:00.008-05:00

Saturday, the cats got their weekly treat of whole prey. For the smaller cats, this includes a frozen rabbit. In this heat, they think of their prey as a hairy, frozen rabbitcicle. You get the picture. You can imagine how exciting it is for them. But, can you imagine how exciting it is for the volunteers to gather up any remains (and I do mean remains) while the cat is protecting it?

This was the challenge on Sunday as several of the volunteers saw mounds of leaves we knew didn't hide their daily deposits. We went around their habitats several times seeking signs of.....anything. Finding nothing but hair, we knew the cats had buried their possession in one of the stacked mounds. We have to clean everything out of their homes daily to keep them healthy and safe. The cats appreciate this effort; however, being a cat, they are prone to changing their minds especially if it is something they want and this was no exception.

It took us several minutes to remove the rabbit from Amazing Grace's habitat as the size of her cage openings are about 2" in width. By the time we got through, hair was everywhere. Grace had done her job well at removing most of the hair and when we saw her, she looked premature grey overnight as the white rabbit hair was all over her face and whiskers. About the time we thought we were through, we heard the famous ocelot growl and turned around, only to see Purr-fection had the same white mustache. The lesson from the cats-you never have a bad hair day.

Heart Whispers From The Cats

SKIP the bobcat

Swimming Bobcat!

BIG CAT RAP!!

Feeding 100+ Tigers, Lions, Leopards...

Meet Canyon the SAND CAT!

BIG CAT SUMMER!

Liger Physical

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

Sleepy Tigers....

Top 10 Tiger Facts

*BIG Cat Toys!

BIG CATS need a BIG TRUCK!

Liger ROAR!

Tiger Easter!

Big Cat Scares! :)

Nom Nom Nom Nom Nom Nom *Big Cats!!

LYNX gets a haircut!

Backyard Tigers of America...

Q: Do TIGERS hate CINNAMON??

CIRCUS

18 Servals, 1 Sanctuary...

♥ Big Cat Love ♥

Bobcat Kittens + 2011 Rehab UPDATE

The Last Lions

Lion eats whole rabbit - WARNING GRAPHIC CONTENT

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

2 Tigers vs RHINO !?

How to Flea Treat 100+ BIG CATS !!

Cougar Rescue

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

Om Nom Nom - Serval :)

*Big Cat Christmas!*

Help the BIG CATS this christmas!

Help FREE Tony the Tiger!

CUTEST Big Cat Contest! - *WIN Paw Painting!

GEOFFROY CAT Species Spotlight

Petting Lion & Tiger Cubs at Malls & Fairs

Turkey Day for TIGERS!

TIGER FAIL!! Vegetarian Tiger??

*BAD BIG CATS!!

Petting Lion & Tiger Cubs

BOBCATS of Big Cat Rescue

"BEARCAT" VS PUMPKIN !!

Big Cat Halloween

Lion + White Tiger = Cameron & Zabu!

BIG CAT RESCUE - Fur Ball 2010

Big Cats GO GREEN! How Tigers Recycle!

Tony the Truck Stop Tiger: UPDATE

MEET OUR TIGERS! 2010 Year of the Tiger

WORLD FIRST - Snow Leopard Lithotripsy.

Bobcat Kittens "The Outside World"

2010 Big Cat Wins Animal Lovers vs Animal Terrorists

Pet Supplies That Support Big Cats

Pet Serval Rescued

Big Cat Rescue AdvoCat News August 2010

TIGERS ♥ to Paint !!

SNOW LEOPARD stalking and attacks!

Circus Life..."Captive" Entertainment

COUGAR Species Spotlight

Q: Do TIGERS like catnip??

White Tigers Are All Inbred and Crossbred

Liger + Tiger + Lion = BIG CAT RESCUE!

BOBCAT KITTENS Vs Rats/Chicks/Mice!

Bobcat Kitten FAIL

July 2010 AdvoCat Ezine with Big Cat Rescue News

Ocelot Ear Surgery at Big Cat Rescue

R.I.P Snorkel the Tiger ...

ANGELICA the BOBCAT

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

CANADIAN LYNX Species Spotlight

Beautiful, Wild and Free.

BOBCAT KITTENS! "Play Time"

Dangerous Trade: About the Show Dealing in Tigers

BIG CAT Proposal...

Mary Poppins Crew Visits Big Cat Rescue

Help Save a Serval

Rarest Cat in the World? DENTAL SURGERY

Animal Rescue Site Enables Bobcat Rescue

Purr-fect Mom to Baby Bobcats!

Big Cat Christmas!