RESCUE STORIES
The following is a non-exhaustive roster of rescued animals that are currently housed at The Wild Animal Sanctuary, The Wild Animal Refuge or The Wild Horse Refuge.
Please note that the list, as well as others, may not be entirely up-to-date due to the frequency of our rescue operations each year, as well as the loss of some of our older animals.
To view a list of animals residing at The Wild Animal Sanctuary Texas, kindly follow this link to their website.
TIGERS
Simon II: Court Ordered Confiscation - White male Tiger, Simon, along with sixteen other Lions, Tigers and big cat hybrids along with two Grizzly Bears were rescued from a notorious pay-to-play-with-cubs facility in Indiana that was cited for dozens of violations of the Animal Welfare and Endangered Species Acts. In their previous life, Simon and the others spent their lives in small cages that only had gravel on which to walk. Simon’s closest companion is fellow rescuee, female Tiger, Fettie, and so they are still together. Now at the Sanctuary, Simon, Fettie and all of the others will live in grassy, large-acreage habitats totally free from any human exploitation.
Tabby: Court Ordered Confiscation - Male Tiger, Tabby, is called a golden or tabby-colored Tiger due to his lighter coloration. He and sixteen other Lions, Tigers and big cat hybrids as well as two Grizzly Bears were rescued by The Wild Animal Sanctuary from a facility in Indiana that was cited for dozens of violations of the Animal Welfare Act and Endangered Species Act. Following a court order to remove all of the animals from the property, including primates and other big cats that went to other sanctuaries, Tabby came to his new home at TWAS where he will now know only great care and living in a large-acreage habitat with other Tigers and big cats free from any human exploitation.
Harley: Court Ordered Relinquishment - Male Tiger, Harley, and five other Tigers spent their lives at a facility in Dade City, Florida where people could pay to interact with and swim with Tiger cubs. Removed from their mothers at birth or only a day or two of age and forced to be handled by and swim with paying guests, such abusive treatment was determined to be in violation of the Endangered Species Act. As a result, the facility was ordered to be closed down and Harley and the other five Tigers were the last animals to be rescued from such a terrible life. They will now live wonderful lives in large-acreage habitats with other Tigers—free from human exploitation.
Curly: Oklahoma Roadside Zoo Surrender - Male Tiger, Curly, was one of 20 Tigers rescued from one of the most notorious Tiger breeding facilities and roadside zoos in the country. Most likely born there and used in their pay-to-play-with-cubs racket, Curly would have quickly outgrown that use and then spent years languishing in a small cage. Fortunately for these 20 Tigers the owner opened a short window where he agreed to release them and the Sanctuary was quick to step in and give the Tigers a new lease on life. Curly now lives a wonderful life with lots of love, room and living with other Tigers—free from all human exploitation.
Obie: USDA-mandated Relinquishment - Male Tiger, Obie, was one of 24 animals suffering from declining care at an animal rescue facility in Spearfish, South Dakota. Accepting both domestic and exotic animals, the facility began to suffer from overcrowding and mismanagement. As a result, the USDA stepped in when many of the exotic animals, including other Tigers, a Lion, Wolves and Bears, showed signs of being undernourished. Because the facility’s director was initially unwilling to surrender the animals, the USDA was prepared to legally confiscate the affected animals. However, at the last minute the director acquiesced and the animals were surrendered to The Wild Animal Sanctuary. Obie can now look forward to living out the rest of his life with plenty of food to eat, living with other Tigers and having acres and acres of room to roam!
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Simon: Born to Rescued Tiger —Shortly after his mother was rescued and brought to The Wild Animal Sanctuary, Simon was born and raised at the Sanctuary. He now lives a worry-free life in a large acreage habitat with plenty of room to play and simply be a Tiger!
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Mowgli & Kiara: Idaho State Court Ordered Surrender - Female Tigers Mowgli and Kiara were being kept by an exotic animal breeder in the State of Idaho. They and many other Tigers were kept and moved from county to county by a man that was avoiding new regulations that were being put in place to stop him and other people from breeding and selling exotic animals as pets. Finally, state authorities stepped in and obtained a court order shutting down the operation. The Tigers now live freely at the Sanctuary, and enjoy the company of other rescued Tigers.
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Milo: Ohio Roadside Zoo Surrender - Milo, a male Tiger, was kept in a small cage inside a tiny roadside zoo along with many other animals that were supposedly “rescued”. However, after many animals suffered from lack of proper care, and others died, the USDA decided they had no choice but to confiscate Milo and other animals for their own protection. Yet, just hours before they were to be confiscated, the facility owners decided to “donate” the animals to our Sanctuary in order to avoid the stigma of having them legally taken away. Milo was able to be rescued and brought to the Sanctuary and now lives with other Tigers that are going through our rehabilitation process, so they can have and live in their own large acreage natural habitat. With his newfound freedom and better accommodations, Milo has a wonderful new life ahead of him.
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Timara: Ohio Roadside Zoo Surrender - Timara is a female White Tiger that was rescued from a roadside zoo in Ohio that failed to care for their animals. With freezing temperatures, no heat or adequate shelter and nutritional deficiencies, Timara’s coat of hair failed to shine as brightly as it should and she was underweight. Yet, in a much cleaner environment, and with a lot of well-balanced food flowing through her digestive system, Timara is transforming into a beautiful snow-white Tiger and will live freely at the Sanctuary, enjoying her new life with the company of other rescued Tigers.
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Diego: Mexico Government Confiscation - Diego is a male White Tiger that was confiscated by the Mexican Government agency known as PROFEPA due to a history of severe abuse and neglect. He was rescued from a roadside Zoo where he used to be sedated regularly so people could take pictures with him. Thankfully Diego did not suffer from organ damage or other lasting effects related to this terrible practice, but he did show signs of stress through self-mutilation activities. Diego was very thin when confiscated as a result of poor nutrition and an overall lack of concern for his welfare... but has been able to gain weight and calm down since being rescued by our Sanctuary. Diego will now be able to live a wonderful life with other Tigers in a large acreage habitat, and will never have to pose with people again!
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Frida II: Private Forfeiture - Frida, a four year-old female Tiger was kept by a private owner in Mexico who purchased her as a cub at a pet shop, thinking he would be able to keep her as a pet. For 22 months Frida lived in the man’s backyard, chained to a wall that caused her pain and discomfort as the chain collar dug into her neck. Due to a very unhealthy diet and lack of adequate space to move in, Frida grew to be morbidly obese. Eventually realizing that a Tiger cannot be a pet, the owner surrendered her to a wildlife rescue organization that works on a regular basis with our Sanctuary. Frida was kept at their facility as she regained her health and until she was able to be transferred to Colorado - where she will now be able to live and thrive in one of the Sanctuary’s large acreage habitats.
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Panchito: Private Forfeiture - Male Tiger, Panchito, was taken from his mother just a few days after birth to be someone’s ‘pet’ in Jalisco, Mexico. Due to their inability to properly care for him, at one and one-half years of age, he was surrendered by his owners to a rescue facility in Mexico to await transfer to The Wild Animal Sanctuary. Panchito had been declawed in his hind feet and was morbidly obese, both of which aggravated his hip dysplasia problems. Now at the Sanctuary, his health is returning and he is very happily living with other Tigers in a large-acreage habitat.
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Grumpy & Louise: USDA-mandated Relinquishment - Male Tiger Grumpy and female Tiger, Louise, were two of 24 animals suffering from declining care at an animal rescue facility in Spearfish, South Dakota. Accepting both domestic and exotic animals, the facility began to suffer from overcrowding and mismanagement. As a result, the USDA stepped in when many of the exotic animals, including Tigers, a Lion, Wolves and Bears, showed signs of being undernourished. Because the facility’s director was initially unwilling to surrender the animals, the USDA was prepared to legally confiscate the affected animals. However, at the last minute the director acquiesced and the animals were surrendered to The Wild Animal Sanctuary. Grumpy and Louise and the rest of the animals can now look forward to living out the rest of their lives with plenty of food to eat and acres and acres of room to roam!
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Pearl: Court Ordered Relinquishment - Female Tiger, Pearl, along with nearly twenty other Tigers spent their lives at a 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 and the other Tigers so that they now live wonderful lives in large-acreage habitats with other Tigers—free from human exploitation.
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Nakita: Court Ordered Relinquishment--Female Tiger, Nakita, along with nearly twenty other Tigers spent their lives at a 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 Nakita and the other Tigers so that they now live wonderful lives in large-acreage habitats with other Tigers—free from human exploitation.
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Enzo: Oklahoma Roadside Zoo Surrender--Male Tiger, Enzo, was one of 20 Tigers rescued from one of the most notorious Tiger breeding facilities and roadside zoos in the country (Joe Exotic's Greater Wynnewood Exotic Animal Park of The Tiger King series). Most likely born there and used in their pay-to-play-with-cubs racket, Enzo would have quickly outgrown that use and then spent years languishing in a small cage. Fortunately for these 20 Tigers, the owner opened a short window where he agreed to release them and the Sanctuary was quick to step in and give the Tigers a new lease on life. Enzo can now look forward to a wonderful life with lots of love, room and living with other Tigers—free from all human exploitation.
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Lily: Court Ordered Relinquishment--Female Tiger, Lily, along with nearly twenty other Tigers spent their lives at a 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 Lily and the other Tigers so that they now live wonderful lives in large-acreage habitats with other Tigers—free from human exploitation.
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Mo: Oklahoma Roadside Zoo Surrender--Male Tiger, Mo, was one of 20 Tigers rescued from one of the most notorious Tiger breeding facilities and roadside zoos in the country (Joe Exotic's Greater Wynnewood Exotic Animal Park of The Tiger King series). Most likely born there and used in their pay-to-play-with-cubs racket, Mo would have quickly outgrown that use and then spent years languishing in a small cage. Fortunately for these 20 Tigers the owner opened a short window where he agreed to release them and the Sanctuary was quick to step in and give the Tigers a new lease on life. Mo now lives a wonderful life with lots of love, room and living with other Tigers—free from all human exploitation.
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Brutus: Court Ordered Relinquishment--Male Tiger, Brutus, along with nearly twenty other Tigers spent their lives at a 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 be handled by 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 Brutus and the other Tigers so that they now live wonderful lives in large-acreage habitats with other Tigers—free from human exploitation.
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Karma: California Facility Closure--Female Tiger, Karma, ended up at an animal rescue facility near Los Angeles after having spent a number of years in the entertainment industry. However, since Karma absolutely hated cameras she was “retired”. Due to a number of setbacks at the facility, in mid-2019 the California Department of Fish and Wildlife assumed care of all the facility’s animals and asked the Sanctuary to provide a home for this beautiful Tigress and many other animals. Naturally, the Sanctuary agreed so now Karma gets to live the most natural life possible with other rescued Tigers, and is treated with the respect she so deserves.
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Bailey and Budahshay: USDA-mandated Relinquishment--Raised together since they were cubs, Tiger brothers, Bailey and Budahshay, were part of 24 animals suffering from declining care at an animal rescue facility in Spearfish, South Dakota. Accepting both domestic and exotic animals, the facility began to suffer from overcrowding and mismanagement. As a result, the USDA stepped in when many of the exotic animals showed signs of being undernourished. Because the facility’s director was initially unwilling to surrender the animals, the USDA was prepared to legally confiscate the affected animals. However, at the last minute the director acquiesced and the animals were surrendered to The Wild Animal Sanctuary. Now these majestic cats live unprecedented lives of freedom on 35 acres of forested habitat at The Wild Animal Refuge and never have to worry about having enough food again.
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General: Court Ordered Relinquishment--White male Tiger, General, and five other Tigers spent their lives at a facility in Dade City, Florida where people could pay to interact with and swim with Tiger cubs. Removed from their mothers at birth or only a day or two of age and forced to be handled by and swim with paying guests, such abusive treatment was determined to be in violation of the Endangered Species Act. As a result, the facility was ordered to be closed down and General and the other five Tigers were the last animals to be rescued from such a terrible life. They now live wonderful lives in large-acreage habitats with other Tigers—free from human exploitation.
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Pachuca: Private Forfeiture--Female Tiger, Pachuca, was initially obtained as a baby cub by two youths in Mexico who thought she would make a great pet. Keeping her in their pickup truck, they quickly realized that a Tiger cub is not the same as a little kitten. When they failed at bottle feeding her, a concerned couple got involved and contacted TWAS. We recommended they take Pachuca to a rescue organization in Mexico with which the Sanctuary works. Severely underweight, Pachuca was lovingly cared for and nursed back to health while awaiting travel to TWAS. Once all of the import permits were obtained, Pachuca came to Colorado where she will now be able to live and thrive in one of the Sanctuary’s large acreage habitats with other Tigers.
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Patricio: Private Owner and Zoo Forfeiture --Male Tiger, Patricio, was initially obtained by a family in Mexico who tried to keep him as a “pet.” Realizing how dangerous growing Tigers can be, the family then dumped Patricio at a local zoo which proved disastrous as well. Patricio was confined to a small cage with another female Tiger with minimal food, so survival instincts kicked in and they fought constantly. Fortunately, a rescue organization in Mexico with which the Sanctuary works heard about the situation and was able to get the Tigers out of the zoo and then provide them with proper space and food until a permanent home could be found. Now at the Sanctuary, Patricio is living in a large-acreage habitat with plenty of room, all the healthy food he can eat and the freedom to simply be a Tiger free of human exploitation.
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Daisy: State Attorney Confiscation--White female Tiger, Daisy, was one of hundreds of animals confiscated from a rural roadside zoo that had fallen afoul of state animal welfare laws due to animals living in horrific conditions and subject to neglect and abuse. The Wild Animal Sanctuary rescued Daisy and two other Tigers from their cramped enclosure along with 21 other animals ranging from Lions to Coati Mundis. Daisy and her companions now have all the nutritious food they can eat and roam on acres and acres of land, surrounded by other rescued Tigers in neighboring habitats—providing the most natural life possible.
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BaBuVa: Court Ordered Confiscation--Female Tiger, BaBuVa, is called a golden or tabby-colored Tiger due to her lighter coloration. She and sixteen other Lions, Tigers and big cat hybrids as well as two Grizzly Bears were rescued by The Wild Animal Sanctuary from a facility in Indiana that was cited for dozens of violations of the Animal Welfare Act and Endangered Species Act. Following a court order to remove all of the animals from the property, including primates and other big cats that went to other sanctuaries, BaBuVa came to her new home at TWAS where she will now know only great care and living in a large-acreage habitat with other Tigers free from any human exploitation.
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Bennett: Court Ordered Confiscation--Male Ti-Liger hybrid, Bennett, along with sixteen other Lions, Tigers and big cat hybrids as well as two Grizzly Bears were rescued from a notorious pay-to-play-with-cubs facility in Indiana that was cited for dozens of violations of the Animal Welfare and Endangered Species Acts. Bennett and the other hybrid big cats were bred both as a novelty and in a failed attempt to avoid needing to comply with the Endangered Species Act. Bennett and the others spent their lives in small cages that only had gravel to walk on. Now at the Sanctuary, Bennett and all of the others are living in grassy, large-acreage habitats totally free from any human exploitation.
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Amitola: Court Ordered Confiscation--Female Ti-Liger hybrid, Amitola, along with sixteen other Lions, Tigers and big cat hybrids as well as two Grizzly Bears were rescued from a notorious pay-to-play-with-cubs facility in Indiana that was cited for dozens of violations of the Animal Welfare and Endangered Species Acts. Amitola and the other hybrid big cats were bred both as a novelty and in a failed attempt to avoid needing to comply with the Endangered Species Act. Amitola and the others spent their lives in small cages that only had gravel to walk on. Now at the Sanctuary, Amitola and all of the others are living in grassy, large-acreage habitats totally free from any human exploitation.
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Simon: Court Ordered Confiscation--White male Tiger, Simon, along with sixteen other Lions, Tigers and big cat hybrids along with two Grizzly Bears were rescued from a notorious pay-to-play-with-cubs facility in Indiana that was cited for dozens of violations of the Animal Welfare and Endangered Species Acts. In their previous life, Simon and the others spent their lives in small cages that only had gravel on which to walk. Simon’s closest companion is fellow rescuee, female Tiger, Fettie, and so they are still together. Now at the Sanctuary, Simon, Fettie and all of the others live in grassy, large-acreage habitats totally free from any human exploitation.
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Wendy: U.S. Federal Court & U. S. Department of Justice Seizure – Wendy is a White female Tiger that was rescued when a Federal Judge ordered 68 Tigers and Lions be seized from the infamous Tiger King Park in Thackerville, Oklahoma. Following a 52-page indictment filed by the US Department of Justice, which outlined countless violations of federal regulations and surrounding the inhumane care of their animals, the owners of the Tiger King Park were forced to give up all of their endangered species in order to save the animals’ lives. Wendy and all of the other big cats living at the Park were extremely lucky to be rescued and moved to accredited wildlife sanctuaries. Thirty-five of the sixty-eight cats were saved by The Wild Animal Sanctuary, and Like Wendy, all of them now live in beautiful large acreage habitats within The Wild Animal Refuge.
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Caesar: U.S. Federal Court & U. S. Department of Justice Seizure – Caesar is a male White Tiger that was rescued when he was only 10 weeks old. He, along with his sister, Mirage, and their mother, Phoenix, were rescued after a federal court ordered they be taken to a sanctuary for safe keeping. Caesar and Mirage were removed from the infamous Tiger King Park located in Thackerville, Oklahoma when the Department of Justice requested the court to intervene on behalf of all cubs and mothers being held at the Park. Numerous Tiger cubs had died in the care of the owners of the Park, so the court agreed it was in the best interest of the 14 animals to have them removed and sent to The Wild Animal Sanctuary. Thankfully, Caesar, as well as his sister and mother are all doing extremely well and can now spend the rest of their lives thriving in a much safer and healthier place!
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LIONS
Rio: Private Forfeiture - Male White Lion, Rio, was shipped from the United States to the Island of Guam when he was just a cub in order to be used in a hotel magic show. Rio, along with two African Servals, were used as exotic props in the show and were kept in small cages on the rooftop of the hotel for more than 5 years. Thankfully, when the COVID-19 pandemic negatively affected the island’s tourism, the hotel was forced to close. Suddenly, Rio and his companions were no longer useful to their owners, so they allowed our Sanctuary to step in and rescue them. Rio now enjoys a wonderful life with two beautiful female Lions in a 20-acre habitat.
Leo II: Court Ordered Confiscation - Male Lion cub, Leo II, along with his siblings and two Grizzly Bears and fourteen other Lions, Tigers were rescued from a pay-to-play-with-cubs operation in Indiana that was cited for dozens of violations of the Animal Welfare and Endangered Species Acts. Separated from their mother at birth, Leo II and his brother and sister were sent to the notorious “Tiger King” facility located in Wynnewood, Oklahoma where they suffered extensive abuse and neglect. Thankfully multiple court orders allowed the animals to be removed from these terrible facilities and sent to The Wild Animal Sanctuary where they now roam in large natural habitats and live completely free from human exploitation!
Lacie & Tabitha: Private Forfeiture —A private owner near Dayton, Ohio was originally keeping a male Lion and female Lion in a horse trailer. An animal welfare agency convinced the owners to give the animals to TWAS, but when the female Lion became pregnant (no contraception had been enacted for either animal) and the inevitable set of cubs was born - three in all – the owners changed their minds and decided to keep all five Lions. The owners were immediately forced to step in and move the Lion family out of the horse trailer, to keep the babies from getting crushed by the adults in such cramped quarters. Over the next year, the animal welfare agency continued working tirelessly to get the Lions released, but the owners refused. Then another tragedy befell the Lion family…the adult male was electrocuted in a horrible accident. To make the situation even more dire, one of the cubs died from malnutrition and the other two cubs were in imminent danger of the same demise. With the fate of the remaining mother Lion and her two cubs hanging in the balance, the animal welfare agency who had been working on the case all along, made a final push to get the Lions released. The owners, at long last, agreed. For mom Lacie, and cubs Sampson and Tabitha, it was the best day of their lives! Since TWAS had long since agreed to take the animals, our rescue team went to Ohio in spring to, at long last, rescue the Lions.
AFRICAN LIONS FROM URUGUAY –
Sol & Luna I: Uruguay Lion Rescue– These African Lions were rescued from a closed zoo in Uruguay. They spent their entire lives being neglected and abused and were kept in old-world zoo enclosures. Now at TWAS, they are healthy and living a life surrounded by other Lions
AFRICAN LIONS FROM BOLIVIA -
Rosa, Rosita, Rosario, Fida, Kiara, Percy, Nancy: Bolivian Lion Rescue - These Lions were confiscated by Bolivian authorities after a nation-wide ban on using animals in circus performances was enacted - and eight circuses refused to comply. The Lions were flown to the United States so they could live out their lives in freedom at the Sanctuary. They all now live their lives in large-acreage habitats free from any exploitation. Read Bolivian Lion Journal...
AFRICAN LIONS FROM MEXICO-
Malka: Public Citizen Forfeiture—Malka is a young female African Lion that was sold as a cub to a private citizen in Mexico. When she was just a year old and had become too dangerous and expensive to feed, her owner dumped her at a zoo in Pachuca, Mexico. Malka was held at the zoo for a few months while the Sanctuary took care of all the paperwork needed to get her into the U.S. The Sanctuary rescued Malka, along with two other lions from different parts of Mexico, and now all three live much happier lives with all the other lions living at The Wild Animal Sanctuary.
Gigi: Private Owner Forfeiture – Gigi is a female White African Lion that was purchased by man in Mexico when she was just a few weeks old. The man thought he would keep her as his personal pet, but realized she wasn’t going to be as easy to care for, or as loveable as he imagined. He decided to turn her over to a zoo located in Mexico that our Sanctuary works with on a regular basis, and Gigi was then transported to Colorado where she will live freely in a large acreage habitat with other Lions for the rest of her life.
Xinna: Mexican Wildlife Authorities Confiscation – Xinna is a female African Lion that was being kept privately in Mexico. Her owner purchased her illegally and pulled her claws and teeth out when she was very young in an attempt to make her safe for him to play with. When he realized that wasn’t going to make her any less dangerous, he, locked inside a dark room where she languished without adequate food or water for many months. Eventually, she was rescued by a zoo in Mexico that our Sanctuary works with on a regular basis, and was brought to Colorado where she now lives with other Lions in a large natural habitat.
Cana: Canadian Fish & Wildlife Confiscation — Male African Lion, Cana (pronounced Cane) was confiscated from a drug dealer by Canadian Wildlife Officials when he was only 6 weeks old. He was subsequently rescued, and brought to the Sanctuary where he could be raised with lots of love and eventually join one of the prides living in open habitats at the Sanctuary.
Gala: Mexican Circus Surrender —When contacted to take Lions living in desperate conditions in a circus in Mexico, The Wild Animal Sanctuary had no idea the two Lions would turn into three! Elsa and Yuma’s nearly dead cub, Gala, was found lifeless in the tiny cage in which they lived. But Gala did survive, and the intensive paperwork was begun to bring the Lions back to Colorado. They are now enjoying life in their own spacious habitat, and fast-growing cub Gala is being lavished with the best care that she can ever have.
Leon & Zinna: Ohio Department of Agriculture Surrender/Confiscation - Leo & Zinna along with other Black Bears were rescued from Zanesville, Ohio as a result of the new laws about private exotic animal ownership in Ohio. All of the animals were originally owned by Terry Thompson, the man who was responsible for letting his collection of 56 exotic animals loose before killing himself in October 2011 in Zanesville, OH. Now at TWAS, Leon & Zinna are living in a large acreage habitat where they can roam freely for the rest of their lives.
Leonardo: Mexico Wildlife Authorities Confiscation - Leonardo is a male African Lion that was purchased for a young girl as a gift. It soon became very apparent how dangerous even a baby lion could be. Leonardo was surrendered to a small-town zoo in Pachuca, Mexico which asked the Sanctuary to rescue him and bring him to Colorado where he could live in a nice large enclosure with lots of love and attention for the rest of his life.
Luna II & Miranda: Mexico Zoo Forced Closure - These siblings were born and raised in a Mexican Zoo where they suffered from poor nutrition and were forced to live in a very small concrete wall and dirt floor display. They were part of many cubs the zoo had as a result of uncontrolled breeding, and like all the others born there, they barely survived eating rotten chicken and living in a harsh environment. Finally, the Mexican Government forced the Zoo to close and give up their large carnivores due to the lack of care, and subsequently decided to place them at our Sanctuary where they knew they and the other Lions could live together in wonderful large acreage habitats. When they were rescued, their ribs, vertebrae and hip bones protruded from the lack of proper nutrition, and their fur coats were dull, brittle and had visible scarring from previous injuries. Yet, within months of their arrival at the Sanctuary, with lots of great food, love and medical care, all of the Lions from that zoo are now beautiful thriving Lions that live very happily together while enjoying their new life in Colorado!
Patricia: Spain Safari Park Closure - Lioness, Patricia, is one of 12 lions rescued from a closed drive-thru safari park near Barcelona, Spain. Their plight actually began many years earlier when the park closed for various financial reasons. Though the Spanish Government then resumed control to keep it running, they eventually folded the operation as well. While waiting nearly a decade for a new home, the dozens of once free-roaming animals were placed in small concrete holding cells in the interim. TWAS was finally contacted to help after numerous animals died and others suffered declining heath. Through copious amounts of complex obstacles across several months, the rescue was a success and the 12 Lions and 4 Gizzly Bears finally landed home to Colorado! All of the animals, including Patricia and her pride, have reclaimed rolling grasslands as their new home, never to be in a concrete holding cell ever again.
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Terra & Venus: Mexico Zoo Forced Closure - These siblings were born and raised in a Mexican Zoo where they suffered from poor nutrition and were forced to live in a very small concrete wall and dirt floor display. They were two of many cubs the zoo had as a result of uncontrolled breeding, and like all the others born there, they barely survived eating rotten chicken and living in a harsh environment. Finally, the Mexican Government forced the Zoo to close and give up their large carnivores due to the lack of care, and subsequently decided to place them at our Sanctuary where they knew Terra and Venus and the other Lions could live together in wonderful large acreage habitats. When they were rescued, their ribs, vertebrae and hip bones protruded from the lack of proper nutrition, and their fur coats were dull, brittle and had visible scarring from previous injuries. Yet, within months of their arrival at the Sanctuary, with lots of great food, love and medical care, Terra & Venus and the other rescued animals from that zoo are now beautiful thriving Lions that live very happily together while enjoying their new life in Colorado!
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Dark: Zoo Surrender - Male Lion, Dark, along with his mate, Haeri, and their cub, Haeryong, were obtained from a zoo in Seoul, South Korea. Tragically, the adult Lions were involved in a situation where a keeper lost his life, at which time the zoo was pressured to euthanize the animals. Fortunately, a Korean animal welfare organization advocated on their behalf. For three-plus years they languished in solitary confinement out of view of the public—with Haeri giving birth to a cub in the meantime. Approached by the animal welfare organization, the Sanctuary agreed to rescue them and save them from certain death. All of them now live as a family pride in a large-acreage habitat—happier and safer than they have ever been.
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Haeri: Zoo Surrender - Lioness, Haeri, along with her mate, Dark, and their cub, Haeryong, were obtained from a zoo in Seoul, South Korea. Tragically, the adult Lions were involved in a situation where a keeper lost his life, at which time the zoo was pressured to euthanize the animals. Fortunately, a Korean animal welfare organization advocated on their behalf. For three-plus years they languished in solitary confinement out of view of the public—with Haeri giving birth to a cub in the meantime. Approached by the animal welfare organization, the Sanctuary agreed to rescue them and save them from certain death. All of them now live as a family pride in a large-acreage habitat—happier and safer than they have ever been.
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Haeryong: Zoo Surrender - Female Lion cub, Haeryong, and her parents, Dark and Haeri, were obtained from a zoo in Seoul, South Korea. Tragically, the adult Lions were involved in a situation where a keeper lost his life, at which time the zoo was pressured to euthanize the animals. Fortunately, a Korean animal welfare organization advocated on their behalf. For three-plus years the adults languished in solitary confinement out of view of the public—with Haeryong being born in the meantime. Approached by the animal welfare organization, the Sanctuary agreed to rescue all three of the Lions and save them from certain death. All of them now live as a family pride in a large-acreage habitat—happier and safer than they have ever been.
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Huruma: City Zoo Forfeiture- Lioness, Huruma (“Uma”), and her litter-mate sister, Willa, came to live at the Sanctuary when a city zoo in Ohio needed to reduce the number of Lions it had. The zoo’s director and staff went to great lengths to ensure their beloved Lionesses would be going to the best life-long home possible, and they chose the Sanctuary after coming for a personal visit. These lucky Lionesses can look forward to living on many acres of natural habitat in a pride with other Lions while receiving the Sanctuary’s world-class care.
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Willa: City Zoo Forfeiture - Lioness, Willa, and her litter-mate sister, Huruma (“Uma”), came to live at the Sanctuary when a city zoo in Ohio needed to reduce the number of Lions it had. The zoo’s director and staff went to great lengths to ensure their beloved Lionesses would be going to the best life-long home possible, and they chose the Sanctuary after coming for a personal visit. These lucky Lionesses can look forward to living on many acres of natural habitat in a pride with other Lions while receiving the Sanctuary’s world-class care.
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Gus: Safari Park Surrender--Male Lion, Gus, was born at the Toronto Zoo along with three brothers but then ended up at a drive-thru Parc Safari located near Montreal, Canada. After about 4 years, the facility determined it was no longer able to provide the best home possible for Gus due to conflicts with the other Lions. At such time The Wild Animal Sanctuary was contacted about taking-in this Lion and two Wolves in a similar situation. The Sanctuary agreed to provide a lifelong home for all of them, and after a cross-country trek these Canadian residents became United States citizens! Gus will now become the nucleus of a new Lion Pride where he can reign as king.
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Ronin: State Attorney Confiscation--Male Lion, Ronin, was one of hundreds of animals confiscated from a rural roadside zoo that had fallen afoul of state animal welfare laws due to animals living in horrific conditions and subject to neglect and abuse. The Wild Animal Sanctuary rescued Ronin and a Lioness as well as 22 other animals. These two magnificent Lions now have all the nutritious food they can eat and get to roam on acres and acres of land, surrounded by other rescued Lions in neighboring habitats—providing the most natural life possible.
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Snow Lei: Court Ordered Confiscation--White female African Lion, Snow Lei, along with sixteen other Lions, Tigers and big cat hybrids along with two Grizzly Bears were rescued from a notorious pay-to-play-with-cubs facility in Indiana that was cited for dozens of violations of the Animal Welfare and Endangered Species Acts. In their previous life, Snow Lei and the others spent their lives in small cages that only had gravel on which to walk. Snow Lei’s closest companion is fellow rescuee, female white Tiger, Mako, and they are inseparable. Now at the Sanctuary, Snow Lei, Mako and all of the others are living in grassy, large-acreage habitats totally free from any human exploitation.
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Nala: Court Ordered Confiscation--Female Lion cub, Nala, and her two siblings as well as fourteen other Lions, Tigers and big cat hybrids along with two Grizzly Bears were rescued from a pay-to-play-with-cubs facility in Indiana that was cited for dozens of violations of the Animal Welfare and Endangered Species Acts. Separated from their mother at birth, Nala and her brother and sister were relocated to the notorious “Tiger King” facility in Oklahoma and suffered from abuse and neglect. Nala, especially, suffered from severe vitamin A deficiency and metabolic bone disease making it almost impossible for her to walk when rescued. Now at the Sanctuary with great veterinary care and free from any human exploitation, Nala will only ever know plenty of love, great care and living in a large-acreage, natural habitat with other Lions.
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HeDaBomb: Court Ordered Confiscation--Male Liger hybrid, HeDaBomb, is a hybrid big cat resulting from a cross between a male Lion and female Tiger. He and sixteen other Lions, Tigers and other hybrids as well as two Grizzly Bears were rescued by The Wild Animal Sanctuary from a facility in Indiana that was cited for dozens of violations of the Animal Welfare Act and Endangered Species Act. Following a court order to remove all of the animals from the property, including primates and other big cats that went to other sanctuaries, HeDaBomb came to his new home at TWAS where he will now know only great care and living in a large-acreage habitat free from any human exploitation.
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Tsavo: U.S. Department of Justice Seizure - Male African Lion, Tsavo (Sav-oh) is one of seven lions rescued from Puerto Rico’s only zoo in the city of Mayagüez. Damage from hurricanes, along with numerous financial and animal welfare issues, resulted in the zoo’s closure in 2017. After years of suffering and countless animal deaths, the United States Department of Justice (DOJ) intervened and asked The Wild Animal Sanctuary (TWAS) to organize a massive rescue for the animals remaining in the Zoo. Months of hard work, along with financial assistance coming from our kind & generous supporters, made this historic rescue a roaring success. TWAS found new homes for every animal in need, including Tsavo and his pride of majestic lionesses. Now that Tsavo and his pride are able to relish the freedom to roam within their large-acreage habitat, the harsh and desolate confinement of their pasts is quickly becoming a distant memory.
BEARS
Clementine: USDA Confiscation - Female Grizzly Bear, Clementine, was rescued when the USDA confiscated five Grizzly Bears, two Black bears and one Mountain Lion from a horribly cramped exotic animal breeder’s compound near the town of Portland, Indiana. Both Clementine and her brother, Oscar, and all the other animals were kept in tiny steel cages and were forced to hibernate inside cold iron barrels. When their owner refused to provide more adequate shelters for the animals, the USDA moved to confiscate them and asked The Wild Animal Sanctuary to give them a better home. Clementine and the other Bears now live in incredibly natural 20-acre habitats complete with ponds to swim in and snug and warm underground dens for winter hibernation!
Maye: USDA Confiscation -Maye came from a photography studio where the owner would use her in photographs with clients. Her owner decided it was not a lucrative enough business and therefore no longer wanted Maye. She was rescued by TWAS where she will always be wanted.
Nadia: Contraceptive Failure -Nadia was born after AZA contraceptive medications failed-leaving us no choice but to permanently fix Kelty so there would be no more accidental Grizzly Bear births.
Shaq & Lil' Kim: Taxidermist Surrender -Shaq and Lil' Kim were a breeding pair of Grizzly Bears at a South Carolina taxidermist operation. When the owner died, the family did not want to continue the business, and had prepared to put the animals down. Someone in a neighboring state got involved, and called us to take the remaining animals to keep them from being put down. Shaq and Lil' Kim escaped certain death when we rescued them and brought them back to live in "Bear luxury" at The Wild Animal Sanctuary.
Ben: USDA Confiscation -Ben was kept in a small cage in a remote area in Wisconsin, by a back-woods miner, before being rescued by TWAS. Good food, a better climate, and of course, good company, have given Ben a much better life!
Ethel, Fred & Lucy: Ohio County Officials and USDA Confiscation - These Bears were rescued from Ohio, where they suffered great abuse by the person that kept them- until the facility was shut down by USDA and Wildlife Officials. They are now healthy and happy, romping through the Sanctuary's Black Bear Habitat.
James & Tuff: USDA Confiscation - These bears came from a tourist attraction in North Carolina that was not designed to house Bears. Now at the Sanctuary they rumble and tumble with each other, and all the other Bears.
Ben II: Private Forfeiture -Ben was being kept in a corn crib, converted into a cage, as a pet in Iowa. When the state insurance requirements increased on Ben the owners no longer wanted him. Ben now lives in a large acreage habitat with lots of other bears!
Magic: USDA Confiscation -Magic came from a photography studio where the owner would use him in photographs with clients. His owner decided it was not a lucrative enough business and therefore no longer wanted Magic. He was rescued by TWAS where he will always be wanted.
Smokey: USDA Confiscation - Smokey was living in neglect, illegally kept in South Dakota. She was confiscated and taken to an Animal Shelter, where she was housed for 8 months in a wooden 4 foot by 8 foot crate with only a small opening on the top. Now she has plenty of room to roam in the Sanctuary's ten acre Black Bear Habitat!
Alfalfa, Darla & Spanky: Contraceptive Failure -In 2004 the standard zoo contraceptive medications used on our Bears failed. As a result, many unplanned births occurred in zoos throughout the nation. Because TWAS does not support breeding of these animals, it was a great shock when these three bear cubs (along with Nadia the Grizzly) were born. To prevent this from happening again, all the male Bears were permanently fixed.
Bob: Private Forfeiture - This black bear was surrendered by an Indiana business that breeds and trains bears for the entertainment industry. Bob proved to be one of those animals who was untrainable, thus he was of no use to his owners and was slated to be put down. Bob now enjoys life with the other bears in a ten-acre habitat.
Emily: USDA-Enforced Zoo Closure - This black bear was one of 18 animals facing an uncertain future when a Nebraska zoo was shut down by the USDA due to animal abuse and safety violations. Since Emily was rescued late in the year, we had to get her into a den so she could hibernate. Emily is now enjoying life with other bears in a spacious habitat complete with swimming tanks and play structures.
Buddy: Private Forfeiture -Buddy the Black Bear was kept as a pet by an individual in Texas who bought him from an exotic animal breeding compound in Missouri. When he got to be too much for his owner to care for, Buddy was surrendered to The Wild Animal Sanctuary. Here, Buddy enjoys a Bear's life the way it's supposed to be, with plenty of space to roam and play, and lots of food to eat.
Sam: Indiana Fish & Game Confiscation -Black Bear, Sam, was confiscated after his owner was deployed to the Gulf War—leaving the Bear unattended in a small cage with a metal dumpster set in it as a house for him to live in. Without food, water or someone to care for him, neighbors contacted the state Fish & Game and asked them to find a new home for the Bear. The Wild Animal Sanctuary rescued Sam and brought him back to live freely with our other rescued Bears in one of our specialized large-acreage Bear habitats.
Sammy: Michigan SPCA Closure -Sammy, Ellie Mae & Anthony found themselves in a tight situation when the SPCA they were living at was shut down, and winter was fast approaching. Sammy, Ellie Mae and Anthony had been orphaned in a tragic turn of events in California- and were somehow shipped to Michigan to live. TWAS was called in to save the bears and get them to Colorado in time to get settled in for their long winter hibernation. The two Bears will now be able to wake in the spring and -And they can roam freely in one of our large acreage natural habitats.
Teddy: USDA Confiscation, Ohio —When a breeding compound in Ohio was shut down for more than 900 counts of animal abuse, the USDA contacted The Wild Animal Sanctuary to take seven Black Bears in a covert operation. Teddy lived in horrendous conditions before coming to live at the Sanctuary in Colorado. Now enjoying a 15-acre habitat complete with cozy underground dens, play structures and swimming tanks, this lucky Bear has all but forgotten his enforced hibernation in tiny concrete boxes and the miserable 30x30 cage they all lived in prior to being rescued.
Cupcake: County Animal Control Confiscation —This beautiful Black Bear cub was found tied by her neck to a front porch outside Dayton, Ohio. When county authorities confiscated her due to animal abuse by her owner, they contacted The Wild Animal Sanctuary to come pick her up. Cupcake now enjoys life as a Bear was meant to – living and playing in a large open space in our west Black Bear habitat.
Little Bear: Private Forfeiture —This young female black bear was being kept with numerous other animals on a farm in Iowa. When the State passed new laws requiring liability insurance for exotic animals, her owners no longer wanted to keep her - or the other animals - so they called the sanctuary to come rescue her.
Buster: Kansas Humane Society Confiscation —Buster, a young Black Bear, was sold at an exotic animal auction to a couple intending to keep him as a “pet.” The couple soon realized that bears are not pets and sold him. He was passed around from person to person, until finally he came to The Wild Animal Sanctuary — now he will never be passed around again! He will stay with us for the rest of his life — potentially 40 years!
Chocolate, Hercules, Hillbilly, Megan, Smokey II: Roadside Attraction Surrender —When the owner of a roadside attraction passed away, his family no longer wanted to keep the animals. Chocolate, Hercules, Hillbilly, Megan and Smokey II were living together in a 30x50 enclosure before being rescued by The Wild Animal Sanctuary, but now they’re enjoying the kind of life they really deserve in their 15-acre habitat.
Beau & Panda: Private Forfeiture —Beau and Panda were kept in concrete and steel cages at a Taxidermy shop in South Carolina by a man that had decided it was a good way to make money (by raising animals to kill and mount). The man died, and his family didn’t want to keep the bears anymore - so they decided they kill them - but a nearby zookeeper stepped in to save them by calling us. We immediately drove to South Carolina to rescue Beau & Panda, as well as two Grizzly Bears they had there.
Yogi: Private Forfeiture —Male Black Bear, Yogi, was being kept as a “pet” by a family in rural Ohio. After two previous pet bears died, and quite some time keeping Yogi in a barren wire corn-crib in their back yard… these people finally realized that trying to keep a bear as a pet was not going to work out. TWAS rescued Yogi and brought him back to Colorado where he now happily lives and plays with lots of other rescued bears.
Ellie Mae & Anthony: Michigan SPCA Closure —Ellie Mae, Sammy & Anthony found themselves in a tight situation when the SPCA they were living at was shut down, and winter was fast approaching. Ellie Mae and Anthony had been orphaned in a tragic turn of events in California – and were somehow shipped to Michigan to live. TWAS was called in to save the bears and get them to Colorado in time to get settled in for their long winter hibernation. The two Bears will now be able to wake in the spring and find they can roam freely in one of our large acreage natural habitats.
Lilly: Illinois State Attorney Confiscation - Lilly is a young Black Bear that was confiscated from a man who bought her at an exotic animal auction and was trying to keep her as a pet. The State Attorney worked with the local animal control to seize the Bear and place her in a temporary holding facility until they could find a permanent home for her. The State Attorney office called TWAS right away because they knew she could have the best life possible here. Now at TWAS, Lilly lives in a large acreage habitat with other rescued Bears where she will live freely for the rest of her life.
Sierra & Nevada: California Fish & Game Confiscation - Sierra and her brother Nevada were left with nowhere to go after their mother was shot and killed after invading several homes near Sacramento in desperation to find food for her cubs. Even though the cubs were born in the wild; they were deemed unfit to participate in any type of rehab and release program because they were extremely young and participated in the home invasions with their mother. No one at the temporary holding facility wanted to see the Cubs euthanized so they contacted TWAS to rescue them. Now at the Sanctuary, Sierra and Nevada live in a large habitat where they will live for the rest of their lives with other rescued Bears.
Gus: New York State Wildlife Officials Confiscation – Gus is a male Black Bear that was being kept in a rundown facility that was supposed to be a Sanctuary, but had tiny cages and extremely poor facilities for the animals living there. New York State Wildlife Officials, along with other Animal Welfare Agencies, raided the facility after the owner refused to comply with their attempts to raise the care standards there. Gus and two other Black Bears were rescued by The Sanctuary and now live and roam freely in a large 20 acre habitat complete with underground dens and lots of friends to play with.
Natasha & Tiny: Texas Facility Closure – Natasha & Tiny were among 25 Bears that were rescued from a facility in Texas that was forced to close. The owner of the facility ran away and left no funding to feed or care for over 300 animals. With nowhere to go, TWAS and other facilities were called to the rescue to give all of the animals a second chance. These lucky Bears are now living together in a large acreage and enjoying their new freedom at TWAS.
Tuvy, Pasha, George II, Arzo, Pumpkin, Boo Boo, Ballou, Ben III, Baby, Gracie, Lady, Murphy, Benny, Newman: Texas Facility Closure – These were among 25 Bears that were rescued from a facility in Texas that was forced to close. The facility had no funding to feed or care for over 300 animals. With nowhere to go, TWAS was specifically called to rescue all of the Bears and give them a second chance. All of the Bears are now living together in a large acreage habitat and enjoying their new freedom.
Princess: Private Surrender - Princess and other Black Bears were rescued from a small property in Dayton, Ohio after their owner died suddenly. The Bears spent 20+ years of their lives living in tiny horse stalls with concrete floors. They were also declawed and had their teeth filed down because they were trained to perform tricks and wrestle people at local fairs. Now at TWAS, the Bears do not have to perform or wrestle another day and they just get to enjoy being a Bear in a large acreage habitat.
Sugar Bear: Private Forfeiture —Female Black Bear, Sugar Bear, was raised by a couple in Ohio as a pet, but it soon became evident to them that bears don’t make good pets, and require an enormous amount of food and space to be happy and healthy. The couple soon contacted TWAS to come rescue Sugar Bear and give her a proper home where she can eat, play and hibernate like a bear should.
Mary, Pam, Bonnie II & Clyde II: Ohio Department of Agriculture Surrender/Confiscation—Black Bears Mary, Pam, Bonnie II and Clyde II and four African Lions were rescued from Zanesville, Ohio as a result of the new laws about private exotic animal ownership in Ohio. All of the animals were originally owned by Terry Thompson, the man who was responsible for letting his collection of 56 exotic animals loose before killing himself in October 2011 in Zanesville, OH. Now at TWAS, Pam is living in one of the Sanctuary’s large acreage habitats, with her other Bear friends, where they can roam freely for the rest of their life.
Cody: Amusement Park Closure--Male Black Bear, Cody, was a long-time resident of an amusement park located in Florida. The wild animal portion of the park was closed in 2013, and a number of Bears living there needed to be rescued and find a life-long home. The Wild Animal Sanctuary was happy to rescue them, and now Cody gets to enjoy romping and playing in a wide open habitat!
Chumlee, Sassy, Abby Lucy and Diesel: USDA-Enforced Zoo Closure--Chumlee, Sassy, Abby Lucy and Diesel were rescued from a road-side zoo in Wisconsin. The owner of the zoo had purchased the Bears two years earlier when they were tiny cubs but was unable to renew his license. The Bears are a tight-knit bunch and out of all the people the zoo-owner called, only the Sanctuary was willing to rescue all of them together. Chumlee is the leader of the group, and the others happily follow him around enjoying life as a Bear was meant to - living and playing in a large open space in our Syrian Brown Bear habitat.
Jake: Amusement Park Closure – This male Kodiak Grizzly Bear was a long-time resident of an amusement park located in Florida. The Wild Animal portion of the park was closed in 2013, and Jake, along with some Black Bears living there, needed to be rescued and find a life-long home. The Wild Animal Sanctuary was happy to rescue Jake and he now gets to enjoy romping and playing in a wide open habitat!
Carolina, Ella, Catfish and Josie: South Carolina State Wildlife Officials Confiscation – These Black Bears were used in an ancient medieval custom called “Bear Baiting” where hunters train their dogs to attack captive bears that have had all of their teeth and claws removed and are chained to a wall. This practice was illegal in every state in the U.S. except South Carolina and these Bears were regularly chained up and allowed to have packs of hunting dogs attack them in order to make the dogs feel more confident when they would go out on real hunting trips. Finally, the SC legislature passed a law banning the practice, and we were able to rescue them and bring them to the Sanctuary. Now they all live their lives in a wide open habitat free from harassment and have lots of love, respect, great food and good friends to enjoy!
Jessie II, Little Bear II & Coco: North Carolina Private Forfeiture - Jessie, Little Bear and Coco are Black Bears that were kept by a family - in a series of corn crib cages on a farm in North Carolina. The family had purchased the bears as cubs and tried raising them as pets, but when they got bigger they put them into makeshift cages and left them there. When they were forced to sell their farm, the family decided they weren’t going to take the Bears with them, so they contacted our Sanctuary to help provide them with a stable and much more appropriate home. Now Jessie, Little Bear and Coco and live in a large acreage natural habitat where they can roam and play freely with all the scrumptious food they can eat.
GEORGIA BEARS ~
“GRIZZLY BEARS”: O.B., Urusula, Rose, Drew, Howell, Mancell, Marley, Mikie, Ringo, Alex, Anna, Mel, Sam, George, Helen, “BLACK BEARS”: Burton, Nikki, Nacoochee, Goldie, Sassy II: Georgia Facility Closure- 21 Bears were rescued from Helen, GA as a result of the Black Forest Bear Park going into foreclosure. All 21 Bears lived in barren concrete pits that were part of a tourist trap/roadside zoo. Many animal welfare organizations had been pushing to close down the facility, but the end finally came when they failed to pay their mortgage. Every year, their cubs were taken from the female Bears at birth and put on display for profit. TWAS was able to rescue all of the bears, and rehabilitate them so they could live in large natural spaces. Two of the female Grizzly Bears (O.B. and Ursula who were pregnant when rescued) gave birth to three cubs each at The Wild Animal Sanctuary, and they are finally able to raise them for the first time in their whole life with no fear of having them taken away from them.
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Nutty Buddy: Georgia Department of Natural Resources Confiscation – Male Black Bear, Nutty Buddy, along with 5 other Black Bears were rescued by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. The Wild Animal Sanctuary was called upon to rescue these six Black Bears from two different facilities in their state. Both locations were unable to adequately care for their respective Black Bears, so state officials intervened, requiring them to give them up. Nutty Buddy was one of four bears residing at a place calling itself a “Sanctuary” which was essentially a guise for the private ownership of the animals. Both places utilized small cages buried in the woods to house the Bears, even employing old farm corncribs for caging. Far from those backwoods cages, Nutty Buddy and the other bears may now roam freely across their large acreage habitat to eat, sleep, and play plentifully!
Skittles: New York State Wildlife Officials Confiscation - Skittles is a Black Bear that was being kept in a small cage located in a junk-ridden back yard of a couple living in New York State. The couple had purchased Skittles, along with a Mountain Lion and an African Serval with the intention of keeping them as pets - but once they all had grown up – they were placed in cramped cages out behind the couple’s house. Skittles, and her fellow back yard “pet” friends were rescued and now live in open habitats with others of their own species.
Boudreaux: USDA Forced Zoo Forfeiture – Boudreaux is a male Black Bear that was once a wild Bear roaming the backwoods of Louisiana. He got into human trouble a number of times and was finally captured by the LA Fish & Game Department and sent to a local zoo to live. However, the zoo didn’t have an enclosure for him, so they placed him in an indoor concrete room that had no windows or skylights – where he stayed for more than 3 years. The zoo kept swearing they were going to build a new exhibit for the Bear, but never did, so Boudreaux was left to languish in deprivation. Finally, the USDA forced the zoo to surrender Boudreaux to our Sanctuary so he could be free from his solitary confinement cell, and live in a more natural environment at our Sanctuary.
Clyde III: New York State Wildlife Officials Confiscation – Clyde is a Black Bear that was being kept in a rundown facility that was supposed to be a Sanctuary, but had tiny cages and extremely poor facilities for the animals living there. New York State Wildlife Officials, along with other Animal Welfare Agencies, raided the facility after the owner refused to comply with their attempts to raise the care standards there. Clyde and another Black Bear were rescued by The Sanctuary and now live and roam freely in a large 20 acre habitat complete with underground dens and lots of friends to play with.
Dora, Dasha, Sasha, Sebastian, Darwin & Diego: New York Court Ordered Confiscation – These 6 Black Bears were confiscated (by court order) from a man who was breeding and selling Black Bears and other exotic animals from his backyard facility. Dora, Dasha, Sasha, Sebastian, Darwin and Diego were kept together in a tiny concrete and steel cage in this man’s unofficial roadside zoo. New York State Courts ruled he had to get rid of his animals, or they would have to be euthanized, so our Sanctuary worked with two other animal welfare organizations to arrange for the Bears to be saved. They were rescued and brought to live in large natural habitats where they will be able to enjoy their wonderful new home for the rest of their lives.
Sun & Moon: Tennessee Wildlife Department Confiscation - Moon, a female Asiatic Black Bear and Sun, a male Asiatic Black Bear were confiscated from a tourist attraction in Pigeon Forge, TN. They were being kept by the owner of a place called Three Bears Gift Shop, but were obtained illegally, so the TN Fish & Game officials were able to confiscate them and let us bring them to live in a more natural setting here at TWAS. Sun and Moon will now be able to roam freely in their own large acreage habitat and enjoy their new-found ability to eat well, hibernate and do everything else Bears enjoy!
Ricki: Forced Private Forfeiture - Ricki is a female Black Bear that lived in a small concrete and steel cage outside of an ice cream shop located in Pennsylvania for more than 12 years. Ricki’s cage was located next to a Putt-Putt golf course in order to attract more visitors to the ice cream shop. Visitors would watch Ricki pace back and forth all day and would buy dog food from vending machines to put down a PVC pipe that led to Ricki’s cage. Private citizens, along with the Animal Legal Defense Fund, sued the owner and were able to reach a settlement where Ricki would be freed and come to the Sanctuary where she could then live and roam freely in a large acreage natural habitat.
Kelly: USDA Confiscation - Kelly, a male Syrian Brown Bear was born at The Wild Animal Sanctuary shortly after his pregnant mother, Paula, and intact father, Simon, were rescued from a defunct roadside zoo in West Virginia. They were kept in a tiny mud-ridden cage for years before the USDA finally closed the facility. Fortunately for Kelly, this handsome Syrian Brown Bear will never have to live in the fetid squalor that Paula and Simon did. Now living as a family unit in a large, natural habitat, these three Bears live a life of dignity and respect previously unimaginable.
Trouble: City Zoo Forfeiture - Male Brown Bear, Trouble, came to live at the Sanctuary when a city zoo in Minnesota was forced to downsize due to budget constraints. The zoo’s director and staff went to great lengths to ensure their beloved Trouble would be going to the best life-long home possible, and chose the Sanctuary after coming for a personal visit. This large, handsome Bear now lives on many acres of natural habitat in the midst of numerous other Bear habitats and will be loved, cared for and respected for the rest of his life.
Molly: Ohio Department of Agriculture Seizure - Female Syrian Brown Bear, Molly, came to live at the Sanctuary with 11 other Bears as a result of the State of Ohio’s new law restricting ownership of dangerous wild animals. Molly was confiscated along with two other adult Syrian Brown Bears from a breeder that failed to come into compliance with the new law. Upon being confiscated, Molly and the other Bears were held temporarily at a state-run wildlife facility, which is where she gave birth to a single female cub named Betty Jean. All 12 Bears were rescued by The Wild Animal Sanctuary and Molly and her cub now live in a spacious 15 acre habitat!
Zelda: Ohio Department of Agriculture Seizure - Female Syrian Brown Bear cub, Zelda, came to live at the Sanctuary with her mother, Ersila, two siblings and 8 other Bears as a result of the State of Ohio’s new law restricting ownership of dangerous wild animals. Zelda’s mother, Ersila, was confiscated along with two other adult Syrian Brown Bears from a breeder that failed to come into compliance with the new law. Upon being confiscated, Ersila and the other Bears were held temporarily at a state-run wildlife facility, which is where Ersila gave birth to three cubs, including Zelda. All 12 Bears were rescued by The Wild Animal Sanctuary and Zelda and her family now live in a spacious 15 acre habitat!
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Lily: Private Forfeiture - Lily is a female Asiatic Black Bear that was rescued from a roadside zoo in Maryland. Along with her brother, Lily was placed in a concrete-floored, 12-feet diameter corn crib ten years earlier. After her brother was relocated to another roadside zoo, Lily lived a life of isolation in filth and squalor, with nothing to do but eat. As a result she became morbidly obese and her health became a concern of visitors. With pressure from many fronts, the zoo’s owner finally agreed to let Lily be rescued. She now joins the Sanctuary’s other Asiatic Bears to roam freely in a large acreage habitat and enjoying everything Bears enjoy!
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Polly: Zoo Surrender - Female Syrian Brown Bear, Polly, was previously kept by the Detroit Zoo. Wanting to provide a better home for all of its Bears, the Zoo opted to retire and re-home Polly and a Black Bear to give their remaining Bears more room. After an extensive search and review of sanctuaries, the zoo decided The Wild Animal Sanctuary would be the best place for the Bears to live. Upon being asked, The Sanctuary was more than happy to give beautiful Polly and her zoo-mate a lifetime home of wild open spaces, lots of good food and living with other Bears.
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Benji: Indiana Sanctuary Surrender - Male Black Bear cub, Benji, came into the world at a Bear breeding facility where he was subsequently purchased by an Indiana couple who wanted him as a “pet”. Benji was then confiscated by the Indiana DNR since it is illegal to possess a Bear in the state, and was placed at a wildlife sanctuary also located in Indiana. Realizing they really did not have the facilities or know-how to properly raise a Bear cub, they asked The Wild Animal Sanctuary if we would give Benji a home, to which we gladly agreed! Benji now looks forward to living with other Black Bears in a 15-acre habitat, finally getting to live like a Bear truly ought.
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Baloo: Alabama Petting Zoo Surrender - Male Black Bear cub, Baloo, and his parents were rescued from a petting zoo in rural Alabama. When asked by the owner of the facility to take Baloo, since he was not permitted to have any additional Bears, the Sanctuary agreed on the condition the parent Bears were allowed to come to the Sanctuary as well—thus preventing further breeding and removing them from a horrible life. Once large enough, Baloo will join his parents and other Black Bears in a 15-acre habitat, never knowing the terrible life of living in a steel and concrete cage, and being loved and respected for the amazing animal he is.
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Kody: ODA and USDA-mandated Relinquishment--Male Grizzly Bear, Kody, had a multi-year, round-about trip before finally getting to settle at the Sanctuary. He was one of 24 animals suffering from declining care at an animal rescue facility in Spearfish, South Dakota. Previously, that facility had been caring for Kody as a ‘ward of the court’ since Kody had been confiscated from his owner in Ohio—who was now legally appealing Kody’s confiscation by the Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA). The South Dakota facility began to suffer from overcrowding and mismanagement. As a result, the USDA stepped in when many of the exotic animals showed signs of being undernourished. Because the facility’s director was initially unwilling to surrender the animals, the USDA was prepared to legally confiscate the affected animals. However, at the last minute the director acquiesced and the animals were surrendered to The Wild Animal Sanctuary. After two-plus years of additional legal wrangling, Kody is now a full resident of the Sanctuary and can look forward to living out the rest of his life with plenty of food to eat and having acres and acres of room to roam!
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Tupak, Nico and Pina: Zoo Closure--Male Spectacled Bears, Tupak and Nico and Female Spectacled Bear, Pina, were three of hundreds of animals in need of a new home when the city of Buenos Aires decided to close its zoo and convert it to an Ecopark due to the antiquated and inhumane conditions in which the animals were living. These three Bears lived their entire lives in a decades-old concrete grotto enclosure, often spending their days begging for food from guests. The Wild Animal Sanctuary happily agreed to take them when asked by the zoo, and now these three unique Bears will be the first residents of the new 250-acre Bear habitat at The Wild Animal Refuge where they can live in the most natural habitat possible!
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Grizzly Bears, Maverick, Timber, Amos, Mishka and Miss Montana, along with her sister, Miss America, all come from varied backgrounds but ended up at a rescue facility near Los Angeles. Due to a number of setbacks at the facility, in mid-2019 the California Department of Fish and Wildlife assumed care of all the facility’s animals and asked the Sanctuary to provide a home for these six Grizzly Bears and many other animals. Naturally, the Sanctuary agreed so now these majestic Grizzlies are living out their lives on over 100 acres of forested land with others of their own kind, giving them the most natural life possible and everything a Bear could ask for.
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Black Bears, Brett, Liberty, Cheyenne and Chloe, all come from varied backgrounds but ended up at a rescue facility near Los Angeles. Due to a number of setbacks at the facility, in mid-2019 the California Department of Fish and Wildlife assumed care of all the facility’s animals and asked the Sanctuary to provide a home for these four bruins and many other animals. Naturally, the Sanctuary agreed so now these four Bears are living out their lives in a large-acreage habitat with many other Black Bears and everything else a Bear could ask for.
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Male Grizzly Bears Yogui, Atila, Buko and Fausto along with Female Grizzly Bears Rosita, Julieta, Esperanzea, Libertad, Mabel and Sopresa: Zoo Closure--were part of hundreds of animals in need of a new home when the City of Mendoza, Argentina decided to close its zoo and convert it to an Ecopark due to the antiquated and inhumane conditions in which the animals were living. These Grizzlies lived their entire lives in decades-old concrete grotto enclosures. When asked, The Wild Animal Sanctuary happily agreed to take give them a new forever home, and now these ten Bears will become some of the first residents of the new 103-acre Grizzly Bear habitat at The Wild Animal Refuge where they can live in the most natural habitat possible!
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Dillan: USDA Assisted Private Forfeiture - Dillan is a male Asiatic Black Bear that was rescued from a sportsmen’s club in rural Pennsylvania. Subjected to the sound of constant gunfire from the shooting ranges and with no enrichment, Dillan suffered from severe zoochosis where he rocked rhythmically against a concrete wall hours on end—for years according to one person familiar with the situation. He also suffered from morbid obesity due to his poor diet and lack of exercise and had a mouthful of rotting teeth and gums. With pressure from many fronts for the club to either better care for Dillan or let him go to an accredited sanctuary, the club ownership finally agreed to release him to the USDA which then released him to The Wild Animal Sanctuary. Dillan will now join one of the Sanctuary’s female Asiatic Bears and they will together roam freely in a large acreage habitat and enjoy living a healthy life, free from harm and doing everything else Bears enjoy!
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Charity, Charlotte and Oliver: Mandated Owner Relinquishment - These three Grizzly Bear litter-mates were only about two and one-half months old when rescued by the Sanctuary. Born at a facility that breeds Bears and sells cubs, the breeder attempted to bring them into the state of Ohio without the proper permits. There is little doubt that they were taken away from their mother shortly after birth and were on their way to some place where they would be exploited for profit. Fortunately, the cubs were discovered. Facing prosecution, the breeder surrendered them to the state which asked a major zoo to care for them until a permanent home could be found. Within a matter of days the Sanctuary drove to Ohio and brought the three cubs to their new forever home. These three beautiful Bears can now look forward to the best of care and when old enough, be released into the massive Grizzly Bear habitat at the Refuge to live as close to wild as possible.
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Sally: Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Confiscation - Four-month old female Black Bear cub, Sally, was confiscated by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries when she was discovered being kept as a so-called pet near Baton Rouge. Tethered to a truck by a rope less than three-feet long, Sally was severely malnourished and very underweight when confiscated. From what could be gathered, her diet consisted mostly of bread and authorities found no water bowl for her, either. Upon being confiscated, Sally was kept and cared for by a zoo in New Orleans until a suitable home could be found for her. Now at the Sanctuary, Sally will have all the nutritious food and clean water she could ever desire, and be able to live with other Black Bears as naturally as possible in a large-acreage habitat.
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Bearita: Private Surrender – Bearita is a female Grizzly Bear that was rescued from a private zoo in Seguin, Texas. She, along with her sister, Pooh, were owned by a wealthy Mexican religious leader who kept them just so his family could see them on display at their own private zoo, which was called Silver Wolf Ranch. Both Bearita and Pooh lived in a small cage at the zoo and were forced to deal year-round with the sweltering heat of south Texas. As such, both Pooh and Bearita never grew to be the normal size of a majestic Grizzly Bear. Thankfully, their life of misery at the zoo ended when they were rescued and brought to our 9,743-acre Refuge in southern Colorado. Now, both Pooh and Bearita roam freely within a 103-acre forested habitat and are able to follow their natural instinct to hibernate deep within natural underground caves. Simply being able to engage in this seasonal cycle has made a significant difference in Bearita’s overall health and demeanor. Even though Bearita will never be as large as she could have been, she is now a happy Grizzly Bear and enjoys her wonderful life at The Wild Animal Refuge!
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Pooh: Private Surrender – Pooh is a female Grizzly Bear that was rescued from a private zoo in Seguin, Texas. She, along with her sister, Bearita, were owned by a wealthy Mexican religious leader who kept them just so his family could see them on display at their own private zoo, which was called Silver Wolf Ranch. Both Bearita and Pooh lived in a small cage at the zoo and were forced to deal year-round with the sweltering heat of south Texas. As such, both Pooh and Bearita never grew to be the normal size of a majestic Grizzly Bear. Thankfully, their life of misery at the zoo ended when they were rescued and brought to our 9,743-acre Refuge in southern Colorado. Now, both Pooh and Bearita roam freely within a 103-acre forested habitat and are able to follow their natural instinct to hibernate deep within natural underground caves. Simply being able to engage in this seasonal cycle has made a significant difference in Pooh’s overall health and demeanor. Even though Pooh will never be as large as she could have been, she is now a happy Grizzly Bear and enjoys her wonderful life at The Wild Animal Refuge!
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Loretta: USDA Confiscation – Loretta is a female Grizzly Bear that was rescued from a terrible facility in the state of Indiana. Loretta, along with four other adult Bears and her two-juvenile offspring were confiscated from their owner due to severe health and welfare violations. Loretta and the other Bears, along with a female Mountain Lion, were being kept in tiny steel cages and forced to endure the freezing cold winters without proper shelter. Loretta and the other Bears were individually locked inside large non-insulated iron drums (tubes) whenever their owner decided it was time they should hibernate. There, locked inside against their will, the Bears would claw at the walls of the drum trying to escape their harshly cold and barren jail cells. Thankfully, the USDA confiscated the animals and called on The Wild Animal Sanctuary to rescue them. Now that Loretta has been reunited with her two juvenile cubs they, along with the other recued Grizzly Bears, roam freely within a 20-acre natural habitat complete with comfortable underground dens to hibernate – as well as a large lake for them to enjoy!
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Henreitta: California Department of Fish & Wildlife Relocation – female black bear, Henreitta, was formerly known across the country as “Hank the Tank” after multiple home invasions between Nevada and California. Her photo went viral, and the “Hank” nickname followed in suit before it could be confirmed she was female. Due to her nationwide support, California Department of Fish and Wildlife granted her a rare reprieve from the euthanasia that often befalls wild “nuisance” bears. Colorado Parks and Wildlife then utilized their once-a-year exemption to relocate a bear of this kind to a Sanctuary. Henrietta now lives in a sprawling 230-acre forested habitat with other black bears at our Wild Animal Refuge and will have a full, safe life for all her days. She’s certainly one of the lucky ones, and a reminder that it’s up to human neighbors to not put bears’ lives at risk if bear-proofing protocols are not observed.
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JAGUARS
Manchas: Mexico Government Confiscation - Manchas is a four year-old male Jaguar that was kept by private owners who purchased him as a cub and thought they would be able to keep him as their pet. Even though the family had proper permits to keep him, they didn’t provide the attention and care that he needed. He was more or less left to be raised by the family’s dogs, which caused him to be confused about his identity. Over time, due to the stress of being kept in such an unnatural environment he began self-mutilating. His owners finally realized he could not survive or function as a pet, so they gave him to a wildlife rescue organization that works on a regular basis with our Sanctuary. Manchas was kept at their facility until he was able to be transferred to Colorado - where he will now be able to live and thrive as a powerful and majestic male Jaguar in one of the Sanctuary’s large acreage habitats.
LEOPARDS
Jumanji: Ohio Roadside Zoo Confiscation/Surrender - Jumanji is a male Black Leopard that was rescued from a roadside zoo in Ohio that failed to care for its animals. With freezing temperatures and no heat or adequate shelter, he suffered from frost bite and ammonia sores from being forced to lay in his own urine for days at a time. Malnourished and suffering from infections and open wounds, Jumanji and a number of other animals were in terrible shape when they arrived. Yet, with world-class veterinary care and a specially-formulated diet, this stunning Leopard has made a full recovery and will enjoy a new life living with Eddy and the other Leopards here at the Sanctuary.
Kiro: Mexico Government Confiscation - Kiro is a male Leopard that was confiscated by the Mexican Government agency known as PROFEPA due to his being trafficked illegally. When rescued, Kiro was suffering from abuse and neglect including having been declawed on all four feet and being malnourished and underweight. Kiro is now at a healthy weight and has regained his agility and mental health. This handsome Leopard can look forward to living a wonderful life in a sensory-rich habitat with the Sanctuary’s many other Leopards.
MOUNTAIN LIONS
CeCe: State of Florida - Enforced Amusement Park Closure—CeCe was rescued from an amusement park in Florida after the facility had been shut down by the state. CeCe spent 7 years living in a concrete and steel holding pen and was only allowed to go into a grassy display area for short periods of time. Now that she has been rescued, CeCe will be able to live comfortably at The Wild Animal Sanctuary and have other Mountain Lion friends to live with.
Kiera: New York State Wildlife Officials Confiscation - Kiera is a Mountain Lion that was being kept in a small cage located in a junk-ridden back yard of a couple living in New York State. The couple had purchased Kiera, along with an African Serval and a Black Bear with the intention of keeping them as pets - but once they all had grown up – they were placed in cramped cages out behind the couple’s house. Kiera, and her fellow back yard “pet” friends were rescued and now live in open habitats with others of their own species.
Buddy: USDA Enforced Zoo Closure - Buddy, a male Mountain Lion was rescued from inside a mall in Iowa where a man had what he called a “wildlife education display” - but had animals locked inside cages for years on-end. Sitting day after day on concrete floors scattered with wood chips and bark in order to make them seem “natural” and with no sunlight or fresh air to be had, these animals were being forced to exist in one of the most unnatural environments possible. Now, Buddy shares a large habitat with other Mountain Lions where he can run freely and for the first time in his life feel earth and grass under his feet.
Pakal: Mexican Wildlife Authorities Confiscation - Pakal is a male Mountain Lion that was sold to a private citizen in Mexico. He was taken to a veterinarian to get checked and was found to have metabolic bone disease (Rickets) due to poor nutrition. The owners refused treatment and took Pakal home, but he ended up scratching a small child and was sentenced to be killed. The veterinarian heard about his plight and helped protect Pakal until he was able to find a safer place for him to go. Working with our partners in Mexico, the Sanctuary was able to rescue Pakal and fly him to Colorado, where he now lives with other Mountain Lions in a large acreage natural habitat. With newfound freedom and specialized care, Pakal now has a wonderful new life at The Wild Animal Sanctuary.
WOLVES
Aztec: Rescue Organization Transfer - Aztec, a young male Timber Wolf, was found roaming around the woods near Cleveland, Ohio so a local Husky Rescue decided to take him. Since Aztec is a Wolf, the rescue knew they couldn’t adopt him out so they needed to find a Sanctuary for him. While temporarily living at the rescue, he bonded with a young Arctic Wolf named Fidget, who was also waiting to find a permanent home. TWAS did not want to separate them and agreed to rescue the pair and provide them a lifelong home so they will never be abandoned again.
Duke: Colorado Animal Control Confiscation – Duke is a male Wolf that was captured after being found running lose in the Woods outside of Denver, CO. He was obviously someone’s pet that had gotten lose, and animal control confiscated him and asked the Sanctuary to give him a permanent home. Duke is now a happy member of the Sanctuary’s Arctic Wolf Pack and enjoying his life roaming with his new Wolf Family.
Keona, Raven & Yukon: USDA Enforced Zoo Closure - These Wolves were part of a group of 18 animals rescued from inside a mall in Iowa where a man had what he called a “wildlife education display” - but had animals locked inside cages for years on-end. Sitting day after day on concrete floors scattered with wood chips and bark in order to make them seem “natural” and with no sunlight or fresh air to be had, these animals were being forced to exist in one of the most unnatural environments possible. Now, these Wolves can run freely and for the first time in their lives, be in a functioning Wolf pack.
Macey: USDA-mandated Relinquishment - Female Wolf, Macey, was one of 24 animals suffering from declining care at an animal rescue facility in Spearfish, South Dakota. Accepting both domestic and exotic animals, the facility began to suffer from overcrowding and mismanagement. As a result, the USDA stepped in when many of the exotic animals, including Tigers, a Lion, other Wolves and Bears, showed signs of being undernourished. Because the facility’s director was initially unwilling to surrender the animals, the USDA was prepared to legally confiscate the affected animals. However, at the last minute the director acquiesced and the animals were surrendered to The Wild Animal Sanctuary. Macey can now look forward to living out the rest of her life with plenty of food to eat, living in a Wolf pack and having acres and acres of room to roam!
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Kiko: Owner Surrender – Female Wolf, Kiko, was acquired by a family in Denver who wanted a Wolf as a pet. However, by only six-months of age Kiko’s lack of domestication and ability to escape was becoming a major problem for her owners. Realizing that Kiko could never be a pet and fearing more escapes, her owners contacted The Wild Animal Sanctuary, which was more than happy to give Kiko a lifetime home of wild open spaces and living in a Wolf-pack where she belongs.
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Ajack: Safari Park Surrender--Male Arctic Wolf, Ajack, was born at the drive-thru Parc Safari located near Montreal, Canada. After about
3 ½ years, the facility determined it was no longer able to provide the best home possible for Ajack and his litter-mate sister, Sijack. At such time The Wild Animal Sanctuary was contacted about taking-in these two Wolves and a male Lion in a similar situation. The Sanctuary agreed to provide a lifelong home for all of them, and after a cross-country trek these Canadian residents became United States citizens! Ajack and Sijack now enjoy life in a large-acreage, natural habitat near other Wolves and may eventually form the nucleus of a larger Wolf pack as time goes on.
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Sijack: Safari Park Surrender--Female Arctic Wolf, Sijack, was born at the drive-thru Parc Safari located near Montreal, Canada. After about 3 ½ years, the facility determined it was no longer able to provide the best home possible for Sijack and her litter-mate brother, Ajack. At such time The Wild Animal Sanctuary was contacted about taking-in these two Wolves and a male Lion in a similar situation. The Sanctuary agreed to provide a lifelong home for all of them, and after a cross-country trek these Canadian residents became United States citizens! Sijack and Ajack now enjoy life in a large-acreage, natural habitat near other Wolves and may eventually form the nucleus of a larger Wolf pack as time goes on.
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Eva and Lupin: Private Owner Surrender--these two Wolves belonged to a private owner in the Miami, Florida area. After multiple escapes that included attacks on local dogs, the owner was forced to relinquish them to an appropriate facility like the Sanctuary. Now they can live on acres of land with other Wolves and freely be the animal's nature intended.
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Sage: California Facility Closure--Male Wolf, Sage, was one of twelve Wolves that were given a new life by The Wild Animal Sanctuary after living for a short time at a rescue facility near Los Angeles, which had previously rescued Sage and fourteen other Wolves from a Minnesota fur farm in August 2018. Due to a number of setbacks at the facility, in mid-2019 the California Department of Fish and Wildlife assumed care of all the facility’s animals. Upon finding no other placement options for the Wolves, the Sanctuary was asked to provide a home for Sage and eleven other Wolves. Naturally, the Sanctuary agreed so now this handsome Wolf and all the others can live out their lives in natural habitats and never have to worry about where they will live again!
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Wind Walker: California Facility Closure--Male Wolf, Wind Walker, was one of twelve Wolves that were given a new life by The Wild Animal Sanctuary after living for a short time at a rescue facility near Los Angeles, which had previously rescued Wind Walker and fourteen other Wolves from a Minnesota fur farm in August 2018. Due to a number of setbacks at the facility, in mid-2019 the California Department of Fish and Wildlife assumed care of all the facility’s animals. Upon finding no other placement options for the Wolves, the Sanctuary was asked to provide a home for Wind Walker and eleven other Wolves. Naturally, the Sanctuary agreed so now Wind Walker and all the others can live out their lives in natural habitats and never have to worry about where they will live again!
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Kamali and Aala: Private Surrender - Aala and Kamali are two Wolves that were rescued when a Colorado based Wolf Sanctuary named Song of The Wolf collapsed and some of the Wolves needed to go to a new home. Both Kamala and Aala were initially brought to The Wild Animal Refuge on a temporary basis while their owner tried to find a new place to keep them, but when all attempts failed, the woman decided to surrender them to TWAS. Both Wolves now live in a large natural forested habitat and enjoy being able to run, play and howl along with dozens of other Wolves that live in adjacent habitats.
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LYNX
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Chester: State Attorney Confiscation - Male Lynx, Chester, was one of hundreds of animals confiscated from a rural roadside zoo that had fallen afoul of state animal welfare laws due to animals living in horrific conditions and subject to neglect and abuse. The Wild Animal Sanctuary rescued Chester as a young kitten as well as 23 other animals, including Chester’s parents, Finn and Mira and older sister, Leia. This incredibly close and adorable Lynx family now get to live great lives where they will always be loved and cared for, and be able to live as naturally as possible with all the amenities a Lynx family could ever ask for.
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Leia: State Attorney Confiscation--Female Lynx, Leia, was one of hundreds of animals confiscated from a rural roadside zoo that had fallen afoul of state animal welfare laws due to animals living in horrific conditions and subject to neglect and abuse. The Wild Animal Sanctuary rescued Leia as well as 23 other animals, including Leia’s parents, Finn and Mira and younger brother, Chester. This incredibly close and adorable Lynx family now get to live great lives where they will always be loved and cared for, and be able to live as naturally as possible with all the amenities a Lynx family could ever ask for.
BOBCATS
Mitchell : Washington State Humane Society- Mitchell and his brother were born at TWAS shortly after their parents – Morris and Cisco - were rescued. Morris and Cisco were sent to TWAS after their owner was forced by Fish and Game officials to relinquish the animals. TWAS was informed that the female was reportedly spayed so we kept the pair together. However, it wasn’t long before we discovered that Cisco was pregnant. Mitchell lives happily in a large enclosure with other cats – enjoying the freedom and room to roam that he so aptly deserves. All of the males have been neutered now to prevent any future breeding.
Marcus: Washington State Humane Society - Marcus and his brother were born at TWAS shortly after their parents – Morris and Cisco - were rescued. Morris and Cisco were sent to TWAS after their owner was forced by Fish and Game officials to relinquish the animals. TWAS was informed that the female was reportedly spayed so we kept the pair together. However, it wasn’t long before we discovered that Cisco was pregnant. Marcus lives happily in a large enclosure with other cats – enjoying the freedom and room to roam that he so aptly deserves. All of the males have been neutered now to prevent any future breeding.
Paisley: Owner Surrender - Female Bobcat, Paisley, began life at a breeding facility and was quickly separated from her mother when she was acquired at two weeks of age by a couple in Montana to be kept as a pet. Subsequently and sadly, she was declawed on all four feet. Upon moving to Colorado, Paisley’s owners were unable to keep her due to the state’s laws regarding exotics. Fortunately for Paisley, though, the best part of her life began anew as she now gets to live with other Bobcats and is no longer being kept as someone’s “pet”.
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Shadow: USDA Enforced Zoo Closure--Shadow, a male Bobcat, was one of 18 animals rescued from inside a mall in Iowa where a man had what he called a “wildlife education display” - but had animals locked inside cages for years on-end. Sitting day after day on concrete floors scattered with wood chips and bark in order to make them seem “natural” and with no sunlight or fresh air to be had, these animals were being forced to exist in one of the most unnatural environments possible. Now, Shadow lives in a habitat where he can enjoy the sun, breathe fresh air, do what he wants and for the first time in his life, live with other Bobcats.
AFRICAN SERVALS
Nakita: Owner Surrender – Female Serval, Nakita, was raised by a family in Nevada as a so-called pet—and perhaps with an eye towards using her for breeding purposes. Moving to Colorado and not wanting to run afoul of the state’s strict laws against keeping exotic animals, the family called and asked if The Wild Animal Sanctuary could provide a home for the young Serval. The Sanctuary was only too happy to offer a more appropriate, forever home to this beautiful cat who now enjoys lots of room, enrichment and shares her life with the Sanctuary’s many other Servals.
COATI MUNDI
Maurice: Private Surrender- Maurice is a male Coati-mundi and was found far from what would be his native home in Central America. He was discovered running around at a warehouse in downtown Denver and was probably being kept as someone's pet and had gotten loose. The people who found Maurice called TWAS right away and we gladly took him. Maurice now lives freely at the Sanctuary, and enjoys the company of other rescued Coati-Mundis.
Addie and Avery: State Attorney Confiscation - Female Coati Mundis, Avery and Addie, were two of hundreds of animals confiscated from a rural roadside zoo that had fallen afoul of state animal welfare laws due to animals living in horrific conditions and subject to neglect and abuse. The Wild Animal Sanctuary rescued these sister Coatis as well as 22 other animals. These two beautiful Coatis now get to live great lives with the Sanctuary’s other Coatis where they will always be loved and cared for, and be able to live as naturally as possible with everything they could ever ask for.
COYOTES
Chiqui, Igor, Pulga and Brownie: Public Zoo Forfeiture—These Coyotes came from a small-town zoo located in central Mexico. They were some of many smaller animals that were being kept in small wire crates stacked on top of each other 24 hour a day. The zoo knew it was a terrible life for these beautiful Coyotes, so they asked the Sanctuary to rescue them and bring them to Colorado where they could live in a nice large natural habitat where they can roam freely for the rest of their lives.
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Harley: Mexican Zoo Surplus--Female Coyote, Harley, was born at TWAS shortly after her parents were rescued. Harley’s parents were two of five Coyotes rescued by the Sanctuary after discovering them in a small zoo in Mexico. They were being kept in tiny transfer cages on a full-time basis since the zoo didn’t have room for them in their normal exhibit area. The Sanctuary was incorrectly informed the male Coyotes had been sterilized, but the arrival of Harley and her sibling disproved that! We are happy to report the entire Coyote family is doing well in their roomy Sanctuary home.
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Marty: Mexican Zoo Surplus--Male Coyote, Marty, was born at TWAS shortly after his parents were rescued. Marty’s parents were two of five Coyotes rescued by the Sanctuary after discovering them in a small zoo in Mexico. They were being kept in tiny transfer cages on a full-time basis since the zoo didn’t have room for them in their normal exhibit area. The Sanctuary was incorrectly informed the male Coyotes had been sterilized, but the arrival of Marty and his sibling disproved that! We are happy to report the entire Coyote family is doing well in their roomy Sanctuary home.
FOXES
Rita & Orejitas: Public Zoo Forfeiture- Rita and Orejitas are Kit Fox that came from a small-town zoo located in central Mexico. They were some of many smaller animals that were being kept in small wire crates stacked on top of each other 24 hours a day. The zoo knew it was a terrible life for them, so they asked the Sanctuary to rescue them and bring them to Colorado where they could live in a nice large enclosure with lots of love and attention for the rest of their lives.
Marble: USDA Enforced Zoo Closure - Marble was part of 18 animals rescued from inside a mall in Iowa where a man had what he called a “wildlife education display” - but had animals locked inside cages for years on-end. Sitting day after day on concrete floors scattered with wood chips and bark in order to make them seem “natural” and with no sunlight or fresh air to be had, these animals were being forced to exist in one of the most unnatural environments possible. Now, Marble and the rest of these animals live in large habitats where they can run and play freely for the first time in their lives.
Sage: Wyoming Game and Fish Department Confiscation - Female Tree Fox, Sage, began her life at a breeding facility where she was sold to a private owner in Gillette, Wyoming who wanted to keep her as a ‘pet’—and even went so far as to place a dog collar around her neck. She became too much to handle and was relegated to a small wire cage in a shed where she spent her days. Eventually she was confiscated by state wildlife authorities who contacted the Sanctuary about giving her a home. The Sanctuary was only too happy to offer a more appropriate, forever home to this beautiful vixen who now enjoys lots of room, enrichment and shares her life with the Sanctuary’s many other Fox.
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Foxy: Animal Welfare Organization Placement--Male Red Fox, Foxy, began his life in an illegal, private owner situation in Beirut, Lebanon. An animal welfare organization, Animals Lebanon, took in the kit and looked far and wide to find him an appropriate home, but nothing could be found in Europe or the Middle East that offered anything other than traditional caging. Serendipitously, the executive team of Animals Lebanon discovered the Sanctuary and its large, natural habitats and asked if Foxy could live here. The Sanctuary was only too happy to offer a forever home to this very handsome Fox who now enjoys lots of room, enrichment and shares his life with the Sanctuary’s many other Fox.
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Noctis: Owner Surrender--Male black and silver Red Fox, Noctis, spent the first five years of his life owned by a private owner in the state of Texas. Upon moving to Colorado, this incredibly handsome Fox’s owner discovered that possessing a Fox in the state is illegal. Like any number of people before him, he reached out to The Wild Animal Sanctuary asking if the Sanctuary could give Noctis a life-long home. Naturally, the Sanctuary whole-heartedly agreed and now Noctis is happily living with other Fox in a stimulating, multi-acre natural habitat—finally discovering what life as a Fox was meant to be.
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Arthur: Colorado Parks and Wildlife Surrender--Male Arctic Fox, Arthur, was allegedly found running at-large by some individuals in Colorado who then contacted Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW), since it would be illegal to keep him. Arctic Fox are not native to Colorado and Arthur exhibited no natural fear of humans—demonstrating he had previously been raised by people. CPW asked if The Wild Animal Sanctuary could give Arthur a life-long home. Naturally, the Sanctuary whole-heartedly agreed and now Arthur is happily living with other Fox in a stimulating, multi-acre natural habitat—finally discovering what life as a Fox was meant to be.
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Benedict: State Attorney Confiscation--Male Red Fox (with silver morph coloration), Benedict, was one of hundreds of animals confiscated from a rural roadside zoo that had run afoul of state animal welfare laws due to animals living in horrific conditions and subject to neglect and abuse. When called in to assist, The Wild Animal Sanctuary rescued Benedict as well as 23 other animals, including three other Fox companions. Benedict and the other three lived in a small concrete enclosure, but now live great lives in a large, natural habitat with other rescued Fox where they will always be loved and cared for, and be able to live as naturally as possible with everything they could ever ask for.
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Suzette: State Attorney Confiscation--Female Red Fox (with silver morph coloration), Suzette, was one of hundreds of animals confiscated from a rural roadside zoo that had run afoul of state animal welfare laws due to animals living in horrific conditions and subject to neglect and abuse. When called in to assist, The Wild Animal Sanctuary rescued Suzette as well as 23 other animals, including three other Fox companions. Suzette and the other three lived in a small concrete enclosure, but now live great lives in a large, natural habitat with other rescued Fox where they will always be loved and cared for, and be able to live as naturally as possible with everything they could ever ask for.
OSTRICHES
Ethel and Lucy: Owner Surrender - Sister Ostriches, Lucy and Ethel, were purchased as babies by a businessman in New Mexico. Lucy and Ethel lived for years behind a commercial building in a concrete trash dumpster space. An employee of the businessman finally convinced him that this was not a good life for the Ostriches and called our Sanctuary. The Sanctuary drove to New Mexico to rescue both Lucy and Ethel and now they both are very happy living in a large acreage habitat with other animal friends, including a number of Emu.
EMUS
Barney: Owner Surrender—Male Emu, Barney, was brought to the Sanctuary after his owners couldn't keep him anymore. He is a very gentle Emu and he is very happy living in a large acreage habitat with other Emu, Ostriches and various hoof stock.
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Madame “E”: Wandering as a Stray in Colorado – Found wandering alone on a Colorado county road, this Emu was corralled by a Good Samaritan. Knowing from where she came, the Good Samaritan approached the owners who refused her return. Thus, the Sanctuary was contacted and agreed to give this beautiful bird a great home with others of its kind.
CAMELS
Morrison: Private Surrender —Morrison the Camel was rescued from a horse boarding facility in Colorado that was closing its doors. The owners of horses being boarded at the place did not want Morrison to be homeless, or worse, euthanized, so they raised the $3,000 required by the owner of the facility to “give” him to The Wild Animal Sanctuary. After his arrival at the sanctuary, Morrison quickly became a favorite of everyone. His friendly ways, and quirky running gait are always fondly remembered by everyone who knows him.
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Ginger: Mandated Owner-Relinquishment--Female Bactrian Camel, Ginger, along with a menagerie of dozens of other animals—both exotic and domestic, were being kept by a couple in what had become a neglectful and legally-suspect hoarding situation in rural Colorado. Of all the hoof-stock being kept there, Ginger was suffering the most from inadequate care and nutrition for a young and growing Camel. At less than a year old, Ginger was already suffering from extreme lameness in her front legs and hooves. Now living at the Sanctuary with first-rate care, great food and acres to roam—as well as with companion dromedary Camel, Morrison, Ginger is in the place that will best allow her to live life to the maximum with her infirmity.
HORSES
Buckshot: Mandated Owner-Relinquishment--Male Mini-Horse, Buckshot, along with a menagerie of dozens of other animals—both exotic and domestic, were being kept by a couple in what had become a neglectful and legally-suspect hoarding situation in rural Colorado. Of all the hoof-stock removed from the facility, Buckshot and a Bactrian Camel were suffering the most from inadequate care and nutrition. Buckshot had an extreme case of overgrown hooves and could hardly walk. Now living at the Sanctuary, his hooves are like new again and he receives first-rate care, great food and has acres on which to roam. This fortunate little Horse will never have to suffer such neglect again.
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Roanie: Private Surrender – Roanie is a roan-colored mare that was rescued when the Sanctuary was called in to rescue a Bengal Tiger off of an 83 year old woman’s back porch. The lady had kept the Tiger, as well as Roanie, at her house for years, but could no longer care for them. The Oregon State Fish & Game department asked the Sanctuary to rescue the pair after the Tiger had escaped a number of times. Today, Roanie enjoys living with the Sanctuary’s other rescued horses, as well as with Mo Mo the rescued Camel.
Michelangelo, Pinyon, Desiree, MiMi, Maybell, Comet, Izzy, Reyna, Dianka, Bandera and Vermillion were all initial adoptions and/or sale authority rescues from the BLM's first Sand Wash Basin public offering of rounded up mustangs. Given the Wild Horse Refuge effort was still focused on securing a large dedicated ranch for the horses, but had closed on the property yet, this group of wild horses was taken to the Wild Animal refuge where 8,000-acres was still available for them to run free.
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Duck, Glee, Ranger, Caballero, Sunbeam, Rohan, Truly, Dusty Rose and Strider were all rescued from individual groups who were working on saving many of the mustangs that had slipped through the cracks of individual rehabilitation efforts and were deemed untrainable - or had specific injuries that required time to heal. These mustangs came to the Refuge throughout the summer of 2022 while the Wild Horse Refuge continued to work on securing a specific ranch within Colorado.
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Rigel, Sage, Ghost, Kamaro, Terora, Rocky, Toma, Sheridan, Capitano, River and Kahlua were rescued at the BLM's second public offering of Sand Wash Basin adoptions and/or sale authority horses - which was carried out via an online virtual event. This group was the last group that would go to the Refuge in southeastern Colorado.
ALPACAS
Alpacas: Private Surrender - 50 Alpacas were rescued by the Sanctuary when their owner realized he could no longer afford to care for them anymore. Their previous owner said hay prices had escalated to the level where he needed to get rid of them, and he thought we should “feed them to the Tigers”. Of course, being a Sanctuary, there was no way we would ever sacrifice one animal for another – so the Sanctuary decided to take in the Alpacas and give them a wonderful home. Today, the Alpacas roam freely on hundreds of acres at the Refuge.
YAK
Snowy: Owner Surrender--Male Yak, Snowy, was one of nine Yaks being kept by a private owner on her ranch in western Colorado. Upon selling the property and nearing the deadline to move, the owner contacted the Sanctuary desperately looking for a safe home for these shaggy bovines which she considered to be more a part of the family rather than a livestock commodity. Prior attempts to find a home for the small herd was only met with offers to use the animals for food! The Sanctuary agreed to give them a permanent home where Snowy and his herd-mates will never have to worry about becoming food and can look forward to a long life living on hundreds of acres of natural land at the Refuge replete with meadows, hills and rocks like their native Tibet and first-rate care.
KANGAROO
Jo Jo: Mandated Owner Relinquishment--Male Kangaroo, Jo Jo, along with a menagerie of dozens of other animals—both exotic and domestic, were being kept by a couple in what had become a neglectful and legally-suspect hoarding situation in rural Colorado. Jo Jo is just one of nearly a dozen marsupials that were rescued, including other Kangaroos and some Wallabies and Wallaroos. Now living at the Sanctuary with first-rate care, great food and acres on which to hop to his heart’s content, Jo Jo and his companions could not ask for a better place to live.
* Note - We strive to keep our rescue stories up to date, but with new animals arriving all the time from recent rescue missions... and older animals passing on when their time comes... this list is never 100% accurate, and should be used more as a guide to the unique stories and challenging situations our animals have come from.