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Tails from the Exotic Feline Rescue Center

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By Stephen D. McCloud, Joe Taft

Indiana University Press

Copyright © 2016 Joe Taft and Stephen D. McCloud
All rights reserved.
ISBN: 978-0-253-02211-0

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CHAPTER 1

Athena, Barbie, Chloe, and Nemo

The Lakewood Zoo in Wisconsin had been closed for quite a while. All of the animals had been placed except for four tigers. Alerted to this situation by members of the Feline Conservation Federation, and after phone calls from municipal officials, EFRC staff left the sunshine of Indiana and headed for the snow of Wisconsin.

They arrived in the late afternoon but were able to go to the zoo and see the tigers to assess the situation. The tigers all appeared healthy and well fed. Two tigers — Chloe, a female, and Nemo, a male — lived together. The other two female tigers, Athena and Barbie, lived alone. While the tigers looked good, the general situation did not. The staff were surprised by the amount of snow and ice, but they were prepared. While they could not get their truck or cages close to the existing cages, they were able to set up in a cleared parking lot. The owner fortunately had a four-wheel-drive truck to help navigate this situation. All four tigers were immobilized, were given a quick physical exam, were vaccinated, had blood drawn, and were given three liters of warmed subcutaneous fluids. The tigers were then moved into the owner's truck and then to the EFRC truck. The tigers were covered with straw to keep them warm. Then came the seven-hour return drive, much of it through blinding rain.

Cages at EFRC had been prepared and three of the tigers were moved right into their new enclosures. Athena was considered a security risk and was kept in her transport cage in the meat processing building while an empty cage was topped. Within days all of the tigers were out and doing well. A few weeks later, staff noticed that Chloe had gained some weight in certain areas of her body. After several weeks when her physical appearance didn't change it was decided this must be a false pregnancy. Wrong! On June 22 she gave birth to five female cubs: Bailey, Claire, Koala, Kizmin, and Munka.

Chloe was a very good mother. She did everything right and didn't mind staff monitoring the cubs on a regular basis. Three of the cubs were about the same size, while Bailey was the runt and Claire was much larger. Then on August 7 it was obvious that Bailey had taken a downward turn. Staff pulled her and started feeding her around the clock with formula and other dietary supplements. In four days she was making a terrific comeback. Three weeks later Chloe developed mastitis and her production of milk took a nosedive. All of the cubs were pulled and put on an all-meat diet.

When tiger cubs are born they weigh about 2 to 3 pounds, at three months they are about 30 pounds, at one year they will be about 200 pounds, and as adults 300 to 600 pounds. The cubs will probably be about 350 to 400 pounds when fully grown.

After more than two years, all five of Chloe's cubs are still living together and getting along better than anyone expected.

CHAPTER 2

Blackie, Munchie, and Rajah

A male leopard named Blackie, a female puma named Munchie, and a male tiger named Rajah arrived at EFRC from the William Sheperd Wild Animal Orphanage in Uniontown, Pennsylvania. Blackie had been rescued by Dr. Sheperd in a federal seizure in Ohio in 2004, while Munchie had been rescued in a federal seizure involving Water Wheel Exotics in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, in 1999–2000. Dr. Sheperd had rescued many animals but had reached his limit on the number he could care for. EFRC had previously worked with Dr. Sheperd during the rescue of the Munchkins, a group of lions and tigers that were starving when taken in by EFRC.

Upon arrival at EFRC, Blackie was diagnosed with allergic dermatitis. He was treated and his condition improved greatly. The initial veterinary examination stated, "The hair on the ventral trunk is thin and there are poorly defined patches of mild to moderate hyperpigmentation ± mild lichenification. On the neck and shoulders and to a lesser extent the head there are patches of alopecia up to 1.5 cm in diameter that are associated with thick, moderately hyperpigmented and mildly scaly skin. Around the eyes extending to the dorsum of the muzzle and to a lesser extent the lips there is alopecic, hyperpigmented, thick and shiny skin that is reminiscent of deep pyoderma. These areas were not particularly friable." In other words, Blackie had a lot of hairless patches and scaly skin.

Black leopards are what some people call "black panthers." Black leopards are not black and there is no such thing as a panther. Black leopards have brown skin with black spots. The term "panther," these days, can Blackie, Munchie, and Rajah 2 Blackie, December 3, 2011 refer to leopards, pumas, and just about any cat that size. If someone says they saw a panther, it is impossible to know what they have seen.

During one of EFRC's annual "Pumpkin Parties," Blackie seemed to have eaten all of his pumpkin. Felids play with the pumpkins after eating all of the chicken placed inside them, but they are not known to eat the pumpkin.

CHAPTER 3

Boi Pello

In late 2003 Boi Pello, a male serval, was confiscated by the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection from an owner in Voluntown, Connecticut. Connecticut laws prohibit private ownership of servals.

Boi Pello was transferred to Beardsley Zoo in Bridgeport, Connecticut, in early 2004 for temporary holding. He appeared to be in good condition and had been castrated and declawed prior to his arrival at the zoo. His weight was listed as thirty pounds. From the zoo's behavioral history: "Interested / intelligent / wants to play — hisses when uncertain who you are / bringing in new items / or just not 'happy.' Other times does fine — will hiss if taking too long to give him the enrichment food." From the other zoo descriptions, Boi Pello appeared to be very happy and playful.

In April 2004 Boi Pello was transported to his permanent home at EFRC , where he eventually shared his enclosure with two other servals. Like most servals at EFRC , Boi Pello greets visitors with a snake hiss. The three servals are at the start of the main tour.

CHAPTER 4

Bonnie, Charm, Copper, Jade Jr., Kennedy, Killer, Lincoln, Mickey, Neko, and Temple

Ten tigers from an Oklahoma traveling animal show, three of whom were involved in the 2003 death of a young woman, were rescued in early November 2009: seven males (Copper, Kennedy, Killer, Lincoln, Mickey, Neko, and Temple) and three females (Bonnie, Charm, and Jade Jr.). According to a USDA document, the animal show was closed by federal authorities after the "extraordinarily hungry" tigers, who had not been fed for four days, "ripped off and carried away her arm" in a "feeding-like frenzy" when they reached through an eight-inch opening in the cage.

After weeks of preparation, two EFRC staff members set off for Oklahoma accompanying a leased semi truck. Arriving in Oklahoma they found ten hungry and thin tigers living in nine-by-fourteen-foot cages in a barn. EFRC had originally agreed to take eleven tigers, however, one of them mysteriously disappeared or died suddenly before EFRC arrived. Their former owner gave them up voluntarily after losing all of his federal permits, facing opposition from local law enforcement and neighbors, and being evicted from the property.

Again the animals appeared not to have been fed for several days. They were loaded without incident and began their fourteen-hour journey to their new home at EFRC. Housed temporarily in the meat processing building where they were continually fed, all the tigers gained weight. Mickey, the white tiger, is cross-eyed. Temple had obvious difficulties walking and maintaining his balance. The ten tigers comprised three social groups and two single, noncompatible individuals. Five permanent enclosures were needed, costing thousands of dollars.

Because of their inbreeding, white tigers can have "interesting" personalities, and Mickey is no exception. He's fond of plastic barrels and gets frustrated when the barrel won't fit through the door between the large area and the shelter area of his cage. His two female cagemates seem to be fond of him.

CHAPTER 5

Buddy, Cash, and Tango

These three male tigers arrived at EFRC in May 2011. Buddy is the father of Tango and Cash.

The tigers had lived at Fun Spot Amusement Park & Zoo in Angola, Indiana. Fun Spot had fallen on hard times and was forced to close. Some of the rides were sold off; others went as scrap metal. When EFRC staff arrived they saw an abandoned roller coaster and a Ferris wheel stripped of its seating.

Making this trip to Fun Spot from EFRC, in addition to Joe Taft, were volunteer Michael Koryta, head keeper Rebecca Rizzo, keeper Jennifer Hall-Lamb, volunteers Larry and Rosie Lewis, and volunteer John Schopp. The group made the trip in two days and covered one thousand miles.

The cages at Fun Spot were far superior to what rescue crews usually encounter, but nothing near what the cats would find at EFRC. Judy Sharpe, who cared for the cats for years said, "They're going to the Hyatt."

Food was offered as a bribe and Tango and Buddy boarded the old circus cages used as transport cages. Cash was not as cooperative but eventually loaded. Unloading at EFRC almost went as planned. Buddy and Tango easily entered their new home. On the trip to EFRC Cash decided the old circus cage was his favorite place and refused to leave. After every effort was made, Cash was left to ponder his situation. The next day he decided to join the other tigers.

Because the three tigers were not getting along it was necessary to separate them. As of January 2015 they were on the main EFRC tour in separate cages.

CHAPTER 6

Charlie

One of the most important things in a rescue is getting a veterinary report as soon as possible. Charlie, a male tiger, arrived at EFRC barely able to walk, and he had swollen feet and sores on his paws. He had been in this condition for several months before he was confiscated by the USDA, and had been housed in a small concrete enclosure with no access to the outdoors.

What follows are excerpts from a vet report made at the time he was confiscated. Charlie improved quickly at EFRC and even learned to run.

Birth: 19 May 2005 (Estimated)

Clinical Note: Confiscation: This cat was confiscated by USDA due to severe lameness of six months duration from Kirby's Magical Show in Branson, MO. Noted that the lameness had been the left rear foot and now lame on both left front and rear legs. Asked by USDA to confiscate and hold cat for five days and then to be transferred to large cat sanctuary in Indiana. Cat was held in a 10 × 10 foot concrete enclosure — a wooden hide-a-box was provided. The fence was a 2 × 4 horse panel. Flooring was clean but all concrete. Fluorescent lighting only. No outdoor access and no different ocular or nasal discharge. Mucous membranes are pink and appear moist. Eyes are bright and clear. When ambulating, the left front foot is completely non-weight-bearing. The left rear foot also showed lameness.

Assessment: Stable enough for immobilization and transport to hospital.

The left rear pad has a large deep ulcer present on digit 4. The right foot does not have any gross lesions on the pads, however, foot appears slightly swollen. Blood was collected from the saphenous vein for CBC, chemistry, and banking. ... Carried using cargo net to lion restraint in trailer. Placed inside and given straw to padding. ... Still very light and sound responsive — most likely from ketamine still in system. Calmed after about 15 minutes. Transportation back to hospital was uneventful. Did have some diarrhea in cage and smeared on his caudal thighs. Used bobcat to lift and place into isolation cage — very stressed (panting and drooling). Lifted cage doors for access to concrete outdoor holding and inside holding. Laid in cage for one hour without moving. Finally got up with stimulation — very painful on front leg and very stiff. Went inside and laid down immediately. Did not want to get up. ... Plan to immobilize Tuesday when getting ready to load for transport to sanctuary. Blood was submitted [to] Emergency Animal Clinic for CBC/chemistry.

Charlie is on the main tour at EFRC but likes staying at the back of the cage on top of his shelter. He shows little interest in visitors.

CHAPTER 7

Cesar, Cheyenne, and Sasha

Three felids — Cesar, a male tiger; Cheyenne, a female puma; and Sasha, a female tiger — arrived at EFRC in November 2011 from Great Cats of Indiana, formerly known as Cougar Valley Farms, in Idaville. Great Cats had been under attack for years, accused of failing to provide "minimally adequate veterinary care to animals that were suffering." Great Cats eventually lost its license and was forced to close.

Stephen's Note: Cheyenne is a puma with an attitude. She specifically targets me and can pick me out of a large crowd. Felids can develop a bad attitude toward certain people for no apparent reason.

CHAPTER 8

Cleo

Cleo, a female serval, has a rather common story. A recently divorced woman living near Cincinnati was having her house foreclosed and could no longer afford a serval as a pet. An EFRC employee transported Cleo from Cincinnati to EFRC.

Cleo lives with VinnieBob, a male bobcat. VinnieBob and Cleo were placed together because they had both lived with other cats and it was thought they might enjoy each other. Cleo seems to be the dominant felid in the enclosure. Like most servals, Cleo greets everyone with a snake hiss.

CHAPTER 9

Dakota

Dakota, a female Canada lynx, was acquired from a private owner in Greenfield, Indiana. The owner's license for Dakota had expired and, due to Greenfield's expanding its city limits, he was being forced to make changes to Dakota's environment that he did not want to make. Dakota is on the EFRC standard tour and is very friendly.

Canada lynx are a member of the Lynx genus: Eurasian lynx, Canada lynx, Iberian lynx, and bobcat. They have large padded paws for walking on snow. Canada lynx range from Alaska to the northern United States. Blynx, a Canada lynx/bobcat hybrid, have been reported. The first instance of a Canada lynx/bobcat hybrid was reported in Minnesota. Blynx are a nonsterile hybrid.

CHAPTER 10

Dusty, Magic, and Mya

EFRC staff rescued one male tiger, Dusty, and two black leopards, a male named Magic and a female named Mya, from Fun Spot Amusement Park & Zoo in October 2011. This was EFRC's fourth and final trip to Fun Spot.

Fun Spot had housed eleven cats when the park closed nearly three years earlier. Although Fun Spot kept staff to care for the cats, the amusement park eventually had to relinquish all the animals. We agreed to take all eleven cats.

Three new habitats were built for the last of these cats and in early October, a full year after committing to take them, we were finally ready.

Magic is a very aggressive animal, and we knew both of the leopards we were rescuing would have to be immobilized. Dusty, however, was friendly and ready to come on his own. During the move he was examined by our veterinarian and blood tests showed he had low thyroid function. He was immediately started on medication and finally recovered.

Dusty is one of many animals that have had dental surgery at EFRC by the Peter Emily International Veterinary Dental Foundation (PEIVDF). PEIVDF provides life-improving advanced dental care and treatment to exotic animals located in captive animal facilities, which are underfunded and/or understaffed from a veterinary perspective.

Dusty is on the main tour at EFRC. He's extremely fond of his climbing tower. He and the female lion next door, Cera, seem to have something "going on" — they spend a lot of time at the fence visiting.

CHAPTER 11

Sebastian, Apollo, Shantel, Magic, and Mystic

In late May 2014, EFRC was one of several organizations that participated in a seizure of more than twenty exotic animals from a facility called JNK 's Call of the Wild Sanctuary in New York. One of the two owners had passed away several months before and the sanctuary lost its federal and state licenses, making it necessary to find new homes for its feline residents.

The New York rescue took four days. A team of five staff members left the Rescue Center on Monday, May 26 (Memorial Day), arriving in New York at 1:30 in the morning, and then attended a 6:00 am briefing on Tuesday. The JNK facility was in shambles. The enclosures were pitifully small, covered in flies, smelling like rotten meat. By late Wednesday afternoon the tigers that would now call EFRC home were loaded and ready for transport. After another long drive, the EFRC team arrived in Center Point at 1:30 am on Thursday with the new residents (they sure do like those early morning arrivals).

The Rescue Center took six tigers during the rescue. Four of the tigers appeared underweight, two had cataracts, and several had dental problems. While all of the tigers successfully arrived at EFRC, a small male died the morning after the return. The animal was necropsied to determine the exact cause of death; he had a heart condition and had died of cardiac arrhythmia.

(Continues...)

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Excerpted from Tails from the Exotic Feline Rescue Center by Stephen D. McCloud, Joe Taft. Copyright © 2016 Joe Taft and Stephen D. McCloud. Excerpted by permission of Indiana University Press.
All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
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