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Feature Articles
May / June 2007
Big Cat
Rescue of Tampa
By Linda Haas
Big Cat Rescue of Tampa,
Florida is one of the largest sanctuaries for large cats, homing
over 100 cats of almost every species on 45 acres right here in
our community. A non-profit organization, Big Cat Rescue
depends on the generosity of thousands of individuals every day,
from the volunteers who log thousands of hours to the generous
contributors who donate funds to keep these cats safe and
healthy.
Did you know there are more than
10,000 Tigers in the USA? This is more than in India. Sadly,
many of these are being bred as “exotic pets,” something that
should never happen. ABC news did an investigation last year,
going deep undercover to find that these cats are used for
entertainment nationwide, as customers pay to wrestle them, brush
their teeth, allow them to take marshmallows from their mouths.
Click here to view results of that investigation.
As I took the tour through the
grounds, located on Easy Street, off Gunn Highway and the
Veteran’s Expressway, I was astounded by many of these cats,
seemingly so playful,l just like the tabby you have at home.
Their behavior is almost identical, but these are NOT domesticated
pets. There is a “3-foot” rule that the domesticated kitties know
well as they wander the grounds freely. Unfortunately, the newly
acquired Guinea hens, imported for their love of eating ticks,
are too new to follow that rule and often wander much closer to
the large cages than is advisable. To see these cats up close and
personally is a tremendous thrill as their heads loom large, with
their bodies often reclining almost within reach.
Where do these cats come from? Many
are the product of well-meaning people who wanted an exotic pet,
then discovered that suddenly, this cat was out of control in a
residential environment. Some are abandoned in large tracts of
woods, only to be found by wildlife rangers. Others are taken in
from the circus or other traveling acts. One constant is that the
volunteers love these cats tremendously and devote many hours of
operant conditioning, feeding, and caring for the cats’ needs.
Big Cat Rescue has a
wonderful website:
www.bigcatrescue.org.
The bear cat is fascinating as I would have never guessed this
was even a CAT. The endangered Florida panther is there as is the
biggest Liger (a cross between a Lion and a Tiger) I have ever
seen!
I strongly urge you to visit this
wonderful location for a trip that is fascinating for the entire
family. The gift shop is loaded with interesting souvenirs of
this organization, from Cat-opoly and Animal-opoly to gorgeous
stuffed animals for kids of all ages, screen-printed and
embroidered shirts, and on, and on. Buying these particular items
is putting money to a wonderful cause. Be careful as you wander
the grounds on your tour to look out for the beautiful peacocks,
loud guinea hens, and the adorable domestic cats that will follow
you on your trek.
Next time you want a day-trip for your
family, consider taking them to Big Cat Rescue in N. Tampa. Call
813-920-4130 for times and costs of tours. A regular tour can be
done during the day, while a feeding tour is done just before
sunset. The operant conditioning tours are done in the early
morning hours. This is a trip that not only the entire family
will enjoy, but also you will be helping an organization that
depends entirely on your donations to keep it going.
Linda Haas, retired English teacher over 30 years
from Akron, Kent State University, and Hillsborough Community
College, is currently the FOTG staff writer, as she still is
struggling to understand the real meaning of “retirement.”
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