Build Habitats for Rescued Lions, Tigers, & Bears

Wolves are one of the few species that naturally rely on group dynamics to survive. Because of this, it’s only natural that they would seem to do well in captive situations during the beginning stages of their development. Yet, most people mistakenly assume the Wolf’s behavior during these early stages will remain the same as they mature into an adult.

As wolves continue to grow and mature, their needs, perceptions and reactions begin to change. Their need to protect themselves and their family from danger surfaces first. They will attack anyone who isn’t part of their pack. If they escape, they almost always kill all or most of the animals they encounter. Next, their natural instincts will drive them to begin stealing and possessing valuable items. And eventually, their determination to move upwards within the pack hierarchy causes the worst problems. Instead of challenging fellow Wolf Pack members, they have no choice but to challenge their human family members. They start ignoring the children and disrespecting the parents. Without constant and severe dominance interactions, that can cause serious injuries on one side or the other, the alpha humans’ control will not remain intact.

It’s normal for people to romanticize about having a special bond with wild animals. But in reality, it’s nearly impossible for people to adapt their lifestyles to the level and complexity that wild animals require. Our phone and email accounts continue to be flooded with people seeking a new home for their Wolf. The number one reason is because the Wolf escaped and killed one or more of the neighborhood dogs. The second is that the Wolf nipped someone in the family or a friend who came to visit.

Two such Wolves recently came to us from Louisiana: Jacob & Sabo (both adult males). Their domestic situations failed just as miserably as all those before them. We were able to get to them and bring them to the Sanctuary before they were euthanized. Jacob came first and is acclimated and happily playing and running in his large-acreage habitat with a new pack. Sabo is still in the Veterinary Hospital under observation but should soon follow in Jacob’s footsteps.

Thanks to all the amazing Sanctuary supporters, we were able to give Jacob and Sabo a good home! But there are so many more animals like them that still need our help. The more habitats we can build the more animals we can rescue. Please join our battle to end the Captive Wildlife Crisis and help give freedom to animals in need.

Links:

• Ways To Help TWAS

The Wild Animal Sanctuary is a very unique organization with equally unique facilities.  We specialize in rescuing AND rehabilitating Lions, Tigers, Bears, Wolves, and other large carnivores that have come from illegal and/or abusive situations.  We are the only organization in the country that gives animals like these wide-open large acreage habitats in which to live and roam freely.

The beautiful female white Tiger you see above was rescued from the facility in Dade City, Florida where people could pay to interact and swim with Tiger cubs.  Removed from their mothers at only a day or two of age and forced to interact and swim with paying guests, such abusive treatment was determined to be in violation of the Endangered Species Act.  After an illegal journey through a notorious Tiger breeding facility in Oklahoma (Joe Exotic's Greater Wynnewood Exotic Animal Park of The Tiger King series), the Sanctuary was finally able to rescue Pearl. She now lives a wonderful life in a large-acreage habitat with other Tigers—free from human exploitation

To date, nearly 150 animals have been rescued from the so-called stars of the Netflix TIGER KING series.  Thankfully, the 141 Lions, Tigers, & Bears that have been rescued, now live and roam freely inside beautiful large acreage habitats at one of our three accredited sanctuaries. 

Every time we successfully rehabilitate a new group of Lions, Tigers, or other large carnivores, we then build them a new habitat where they will spend the rest of their lives living in spacious comfort. As the Sanctuary continues to rescue more animals, there is a constant need for new habitats to be built. Today, over 1,000 acres have been developed at our nearly 10,000-acre Refuge. You can be part of this historic effort to transform the lives of rescued animals by contributing toward the Refuge's development. With your help, we can stand ready to help even more of the unfortunate animals that continue to suffer and need our help.

Links:

• Voices of Freedom - Pearl
• Healing the Tiger Kingdom Event