Spring 2012

Aftermath of the Ohio exotic animal tragedy – what happens to the others?

The Wildcat Sanctuary is here to help! Like you, we were devastated as we heard the shots ring out that killed dozens of animals in Ohio last year. These were animals that, through no fault of their own, were fleeing from cages that had imprisoned them for life. Those few moments were their only taste of freedom. We so desperately wanted to help.

Then we received a tearful call from an Ohio woman asking us to help her and her cats. She is a USDA licensed owner who realizes what the future will mean for her and the animals she has in small cages in her backyard. Though she’d like to provide more for these animals, she’s struggled financially, including a near foreclosure, to keep up and is fearful she cannot meet the regulations the new Ohio legislation will require. She researched different sanctuaries and contacted The Wildcat Sanctuary because she felt we could offer what her animals deserved – a home for life, where they wouldn’t be uprooted again and where they would have the open space she couldn’t provide for them.

Sadly, the story of her animals and what they’ve been through is as heart wrenching as many of those who died that day in Zanesville, Ohio. And, like others, hers is not their first home. Nikita, the tiger, and Tasha, the cougar, could be poster children of what it truly means to be a captive wild animal. They deserve a place they can finally call home and the space to be wild at heart.

They will never know freedom. Can they at least know compassion?

Nikita & Tasha lived in very small cages in Ohio.

Meet Nikita

Nikita, a white tiger, was used as a cub and adult for public photo opportunities. She is scarred mentally from the abusive experience of being chained down to a wooden box for photos, living on a cement slab in a small filthy cage while her owner bred her for cubs to go into irresponsible hands, just for money!

Nikita was the dominant tiger in her tiny 10’ x 10’ cage. While others were skin and bones, Nikita had survival instincts and would keep the male tiger from eating her food but she was always looking over her shoulder waiting to be attacked by other starving tigers. The cages were covered in feces and green water that hadn’t been cleaned for months. It was a horrible existence for a such beautiful creature!

Sam Mazzola, an Ohio breeder, exhibitor, and ex-convict was Nikita’s original owner. Mazzola’s history of abusing animals was notorious and well documented. He had been in prison for cocaine and steroid trafficking, was arrested for illegal gun possession and sentenced to court-ordered anger management. He claimed to have been arrested hundreds of times.

In Ohio it was perfectly legal for him to own some of the most dangerous exotics. Besides Nikita and other tigers, he owned bears, lions, wolves and coyotes. He would proudly show off the 2000 stitches from injuries inflicted by his wild animals.

Nikita, on the move again.

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Mission: Provide natural sanctuary to wild cats in need and inspire change to end the captive wildlife crisis.

Vision: Help create a world where wild animal sanctuaries are no longer needed.

StaffTammy Thies

Founder & Executive Director

Christine DietschePrograms & Volunteer Coordinator

Trista CampbellLead Keeper

Alicia IceKeeper

Board of DirectorsDr. John Baillie

Director of Animal Care

Dr. Courtney BlakeMonica Crocker

Jeffry HoogerhydeGail Plewacki

Communications Director

Christina RichSarah SederstromTreasurer & Secretary

Volunteer LeadsMyk Hamlin

Grounds & Maintenance

Susan Timmerman Direct Mail & Newsletter

The Wildcat SanctuaryPO Box 314

Sandstone MN 55072 320.245.6871

WildcatSanctuary.org

Ways to Support TWS:Sponsor / Volunteer / Donate

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Copyright © The Wildcat Sanctuary. All Rights Reserved.

Cougars Raja & Liberty

Bobcat Bella

Jaguar Diablo Guapo

National exposure or quiet compassion – is it an easy choice?

With many rescues, The Wildcat Sanctuary is the first to step up and help. This rescue was no different. The owner called several facilities but no one could help. We quickly began making arrangements, building enclosures and fund raising to bring Nikita and Tasha to TWS. We also were on the phone working on placements for the remaining cats on the property. Wildcat Haven in Oregon agreed to take in two other tigers. Then a national TV program with a high profile celebrity wanted to film this rescue. You might think we’d jump at the chance for the publicity, but we always put the individual cat’s needs first. Nikita is a dangerous, fearful tiger and Tasha is terrorized by noises as simple as a lawn mower. We knew the camera crews, forced darting, days of filming would be the worst thing for them. So, we said “no.” Most of our rescues aren’t covered by the media. We do what we do best, provide safe passage for animals – desperate for serenity – to their new forever home, usually unnoticed by the press. But then, help arrived in the form of award winning documentary producer Mike Webber and Tim Harrison, well known star of ‘The Elephant in the Living Room.’ Tim offered to provide ongoing vet care for the cats, some needing immediate dental work until they could be moved to sanctuaries. Mike offered to unobtrusively document the rescue with a handheld camera for future documentary use. Then, the International Fund for Animal Welfare heard of our efforts and called offering a grant that will help build Nikita’s habitat. Usually, this isn’t the way our rescues unfold. We were in this from the beginning because of you, our amazing supporters. Having this team of helpers come together at the last minute is a dream come true for us, and for Nikita and Tasha. This truly was our dream team and we are forever grateful. Though it may only take one person to harm and abuse an animal, we know it takes a network of people coming together to give them a chance to live wild at heart. We hope you’ll consider becoming part of this network, too.

Mazzola’s animals were big business for him. His bears were forced to bring in money, fetching $1000 a fight by wrestling people in bars, clubs and fairs. He claimed that over 22,000 people had wrestled his bears since he started the business over 25 years ago. He bragged about being a tiger/bear wrestler himself.

That part of his business ended in 2010 when Iroquois, one of Mazzola’s bears, mauled and killed a caretaker who suffered 600 wounds during the attack. The victim’s family demanded Iroquois be put down and threatened to charge Mazzola with reckless homicide. He then filed for bankruptcy.

There were other ways Mazzola found to make money with his exotics. He would travel around with them, putting on exhibits that would bring in over $20,000 per event.

Investigators claimed his employees used a bat on a tiger at one of his exhibits. Could it have been Nikita that suffered blows like this? Sadly, we’ll never know the horrors she endured while with him. Now she is safe at TWS.

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Meet Tasha the cougar

Tasha is an 11-year-old cougar who escaped from her first owner’s garage after living in it for 9 years. Law officials would have shot her on sight but she found her way back to her so-called home because she was scared and hungry. She has some eyesight issues and her feet are tender due to a bad declaw but she has a forgiving nature and still craves attention from her caregivers. Our goal is to introduce this sweet girl to TWS’ Josie, a female cougar. Josie spent most of her life with Hope the cougar and most recently Cody who passed away. We are hoping Josie will once again open up her heart and habitat to another cougar in need. In the meantime, a temporary pen will be constructed for Tasha to acclimate to her new life at the Sanctuary. We are excited for the day she can go into a free-roaming habitat and experience open space and grass under her feet. You can be a part of her amazing journey.

Big Cat Bill Introduced and Big Star Visits TWS

Actress Tippi Hedren, best known for her roles in Hitchcock’s ‘The Birds’ and ‘Marnie’ is equally well known for her work on behalf of exotic cats. Tippi Hedren and TWS’ Director, Tammy Thies, worked and served together for many years on the board of The American Sanctuary Association. Tippi visited TWS to see the life-saving work we do and discuss the Big Cats and Public Safety Protection Act. This bi-partisan bill, which Tippi and her ROAR Foundation have been drafting with legislators since 2009, will ensure that lions, tigers and other dangerous big cats do not threaten public safety, diminish global big cat conservation efforts or end up living in horrible conditions where they can be subject to mistreatment and cruelty.

The Big Cats and Public Safety Protection Act of 2012 was introduced on February 29, 2012 in the House of Representatives. If the bill becomes law, it would prohibit private possession of big cats except at highly-qualified facilities, like accredited zoos and sanctuaries, where they can be properly cared for and restrained. Also, since nobody, including the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), state agencies, or local first responders knows exactly how many dangerous big cats are being kept in private hands, under what conditions, and in what locations, the bill would require any persons who currently possess big cats to register those animals with USDA in order to keep the cats they currently own. The bill would also outlaw the breeding of any big cat except at accredited zoos and research and educational institutions. Violators of the law could have their animals confiscated along with any vehicles or equipment used to aid in their illegal activity, and could face stiff penalties including fines as much as $20,000, and up to five years in jail. You can follow the progress and how you can help on our website at:

WildcatSanctuary.org.

TWS CalendarSee us at Chuck & Don’s

Plymouth - April 29th, 1-4 pmMahtomedi - May 6th, 12-3 pm

sNo Kill Walk - May 5th

sTC Pride - June 23rd & 24th

sPet-a-Palooza - June 30th

sSave the Date - October 7th, 2012!

Jungle Boogie‘Pink Panther on the Prowl’

The Wildcat Sanctuary’s biggest event of the year!s

The Whiskers & Waves event scheduled for May 12, 2012 has been postponed until March 23, 2013.

Above, Bosco and Phoenix, two male servals, venture out of their heated den on a nice winter day.

sBelow, Scooter, a bobcat, listens for mice under the dried grasses in hopes of catching a snack!

Cougar Josie

IN MEMORY OF: In memory of Bob Renz from Lois Renz s In memory of Dakarai Dietsche-Nelson from Christine Sanguinet & his friends at TWS s In memory of Topaz – loved by many including April Hoskins from Jananne Michael s In memory of Nancy Svien from Sofia Bilkadi s In memory of my precious Happy Ann – a perfect kitty from Sonja Williams s In memory of my dad, Angelo Milazzo, from Angela Milazzo s In memory of Christina, a sweet feral kitty from Kathe Walton s In memory of Diane Marie Ohlhaber from Barbara Shapiro s In memory of Leland Magnuson from The Wildcat Sanctuary s In memory of Nicki from Kathie Bomsta s In memory of Fuller from Hugh Tyndall s In memory of Fozzie, Lucy & Charlie from Kara Dirkson s In memory of Dan Santanni from Glen Yakel s In honor of George who was truly a wildcat in his own right from Karisha & Cyle Hajek s In memory of Spirit from Kenneth & Teena Shields & Cindy Bouquet s In memory of Ruby from Kande Larson s In memory of Xena Walker from Dr. David Walker s In memory of Bruno, beloved cat of Michael Finken s In memory of Mare Allure from Heidi Nelson s In memory of Alpen Gardner Murphy from Karen Murray s In memory of Alison Campbell from Phyllis Hosbach s In memory of Mary Ellen Godfrey from Sue Godfrey s In memory of Kuuna, Kinkey & Monty from Doris Olson s

Donations may be made online or by mailing your check to TWS.

Donations listed are as of 3/30/2012. We reserve the right to edit submissions.

IN HONOR OF:In honor of Gregory, Juju & Jinx Maertz from April Alliston s In honor of Noemi Plantz, DVM from Arlene Janet Carpenter s In honor of Aunt Edie’s 91st birthday from Roberta & Larry s In honor of Christine Dietsche & Eric Nelson for all they bring to our lives and the lives of others from Christine Sanguinet s In honor of Dee Amberg from Kasey Skala s In honor to all the TWS volunteers for their support from Nancy Iskierka s In honor of Rosalind Annen from Paula Nelson s In honor of Zachary Peyton from Jenni Charrier s In honor of Marga Thompson’s birthday from Cecelia Camblin s In honor of Steve ‘The Wildcat’ Normandin from Kelly Mandia s In honor of Julie Hanan from Beth Ann Senderak s In honor of Jillian Dressel from Christy J. Golden s In honor of Susan Timmerman’s birthday from Wesley Timmerman s In honor of Ms. Teynae Richardson from Kaia Larsen s In honor of Josie Walker from Dr. David Walker s In honor of Layla & Lynn Seleck from The Sendens s In honor of Diablo Guapo from Julio & Margaret Owen Thorpe s In honor of Adele Swenson from Michele Fromdahl s In honor of Remoh from Michelle Elliot s In honor of Dorothy O’Day from Shirley Nelson s In honor of W.J. from Kristine Wheaton s In honor of Buttons, Wendy & Catpurnicus from Eric Hynes s In honor of Howard Vogel from Marilynne Roberts s In honor of Gary Fink’s Birthday from Cindy & Randy Evert s In honor of Christine Dietsche’s Birthday from Christine Sanguinet s In honor of Craig Miller’s Birthday from Paul Moss s

Cody, a cougar, may have spent the first twelve years of his life in horrific conditions, never knowing when his next meal was coming, his water bowl would be filled or if his cage would ever be cleaned. But Cody resided at The Wildcat Sanctuary for the last four years of his life, the best years of his life.

Cody was declawed early in life. The combination of this and years of

malnourishment resulted in severe arthritis in his spine and knees. When pain medication could no longer help, we had to set Cody free of his pain.

Wiggy, a 16 year-old F1 Bengal, was diagnosed with arthritis and mammary cancer several months ago. Wiggy was letting us know that it was finally her time to go. As we helped her pass, we couldn’t help but imagine her sister Maugy, who passed a few years back, waiting to greet her with a head butt. It’s sad to see her go and we will all miss her, but now she can be pain free and reunited with her sister. Goodbye sweet Wiggy, you will always be part of our wild family and are now forever free.

Read Cody and Wiggy’s full memorial from their caretakers at: WildcatSanctuary.org/residents/

Forever free in their new wild life...

Purchasing a commemorative brick or bench is a perfect way to remember family, friends and pets. For as little as $100, you can have 16 characters for engraving. Photos of the brick or bench and acknowledgement are sent. Learn more at:

WildcatSanctuary.org/commemorative-bricks-benches/

Nikita & Tasha Need Your Help!Both Nikita and Tasha have had several owners but never a home to call their own….until now. Your help and The Wildcat Sanctuary changed all that, but our work is far from over. We drove 800 miles - 28 hours - to bring them to the Sanctuary. I’m sure you’ve all heard the latest news about gas prices climbing to record highs. This was the first of many expenses we’ll face. The keepers and volunteers were busily constructing a free-roaming habitat for Nikita that will finally let her enjoy the wide-open space and freedom she’s always longed for. We still need to raise funds to provide her climbing structures, lounging hammock, pool and landscaping. Not to mention support to help feed and care for her for happy years to come. With your help, we can give both cats the future they deserve. They will be going from living in a 300 sq. foot cage to an expansive 8,000 square-foot free roaming habitat, filled with perches, caves and water features. We have committed to giving them a chance to be wild at heart - will you commit along with us? With donations down drastically this year, even the smallest donation will help!

And your gift will be doubled through April 30th!

Yes, I want to help Tasha and Nikita! Enclosed is my tax-deductible contribution:

q Enclosed is a check for $ ___________ q Please charge my Visa or Mastercard credit card: $___________

q I want to become a Sustaining Donor - please charge my card $________ per month

Credit Card #:_______________________________________________ Exp Date: _______________________

___________________________________________ ____________________________________________Name as it appears on card Signature

__________________________________________________________________________________________Address City/State Zip

Email Address: ______________________________________________________________________________ Phone: _____________________________

Please: q Mail me a receipt q Email me a receipt q No receipt necessary

Mail your check or payment option, along with this form to:The Wildcat Sanctuary PO 314 Sandstone MN 55072 or donate on-line at WildcatSanctuary.org

From the KeeperAt the Sanctuary, enrichment helps increase stimulus of our cats to improve their physiological and psychological well-being. There are several types of enrichment; social, occupational, physical and sensory. Groups or pairs of animals living together provide social enrichment for each other. Habitat size and complexity provides physical enrichment along with adding new accessories such as perches, caves and pools. Sensory enrichment involves the senses such as visual, auditory and olfactory. Perfumes or other scents can activate an animal’s need to scent mark while things like vocalizations from different animals or people can invoke an animal’s defense or offense behavior. If an animal hears a bird, they will likely try to find that bird and stalk it, but if they hear the roar of a lion, they might feel the need to hide. And lastly, occupational enrichment can be provided to stimulate the animal’s mind. Puzzle feeders, hiding food or an item that provides exercise are all considered occupational.

Enrichment can help increase behavioral diversity and stimulation, increase in the ability to cope with challenges the positive use of the environment and reduce the frequency of abnormal behavior. Each individual animal and their behavior is taken into account when creating and delivering enrichment. They give us clues to what sort of enrichment they would like. A timid animal for example may want an enrichment item they can investigate during the night with no people around. Other more active animals will search out new enrichment and quickly discover what the keepers have given them. Your sponsorships and support help us provide a variety of ways to keep our residents happy and healthy. Read more about our enrichment program at: WildcatSanctuary.org/tws-animal-enrichment-program/

Ask the Vet:What does it take to be a wild cat vet?

Dr. Noemi Plantz first heard about The Wildcat Sanctuary twelve years ago. Back then she was helping out in the kennel at Cedar Pet Clinic in Minneapolis where some of the Sanctuary’s residents would be brought in for treatment. She got to participate in vet days at the Sanctuary’s original location in Isanti County. Even then, she could tell this was a growing sanctuary with a passionate Director and that it would be ‘something great.’

Years later, Dr. Plantz is now in practice as one of three veterinarians at Cedar Pet Clinic Lake Elmo. She treats around 60 domestic patients a week but still finds time to serve as one of the Sanctuary’s primary veterinarians for wild cats too. Though she didn’t have specific training for wild cats, she’s had a great deal of on-the-job training while working alongside Dr. Baillie, Medical Director for TWS and owner of Cedar Pet Clinic Lake Elmo. Read the full story at: WildcatSanctuary.org/wild-cat-vet/

Vet care for TWS residents is provided by Cedar Pet Clinic Lake Elmo www.cedarpetclinic.com 651-770-3250

Aslan’s Pride lounging in the winter sun.

Lioness Shanti Deva loves her Jolly Ball!

NONPROFIT ORG U.S.POSTAGE

PAIDTWIN CITIES, MNPERMIT #30308

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

Inside This Issue:- Ohio Big Cat Rescue - Meet the new Residents- Big Cat Protection & Safety Act moves ahead- Match Program 2012 in full swing

PO Box 314Sandstone MN 55072WildcatSanctuary.org

The 2012 Match ProgramDon’t forget to donate before April 30th

so your gift will be doubled – up to $33,000!

Several amazing donors have generously come together to match donations received by

The Wildcat Sanctuary by April 30th!!!

Thank you to:Peggy Fisher and The Stelter Company

Dan & Sue SchmittJenifer & John Simons

& Karen Berg

Please help us maximize this wonderful gift!

TWS Sponsor-a-Wild-One ProgramWe strive to have at least one sponsorship per cat but in reality, it takes multiple sponsors to care for a wild one. Even a small cat like Abby, a jungle cat, will need many sponsors because her medication and care costs over $50 per month. Please go to WildcatSanctuary.org/sponsor-a-wild-one to see who needs more sponsorships and to sponsor a wild cat.

Sierra celebrates her birthday with a huge cake!