Oakland Zoo, and big cat facilities rescued 4 big cats
by Katie Pfaff
The Oakland Zoo, Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge, and Lions Tigers & Bears combined efforts to rescue four big cats from a roadside zoo. The cats included two tigers, a lion, and a tiger hybrid.
The roadside zoo had been shut down in 2008 by the USDA following a history of animal welfare and safety citations. The animals were all that remained at the facility.
"There are major red flags that show these animals were victims of the cub petting industry," said Bobbi Brink, founder, and director of Lions Tigers & Bears. "These cats were declawed and in poor health and living conditions. They were likely bred to be photo props, and once they grew too big and were no longer profitable, they were abandoned. We are the animals' voices, and we need to work toward education and legislation because each animal rescued makes a difference."
"Rescues take the collaborative effort and support of many to ensure the safety and well-being of the animals," added Brink. "A special thanks to the Oakland Zoo for helping with transport costs, as we all know how expensive an undertaking this process is."
The lion, who is elderly and has arthritis will be cared for at the Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge, a big cat sanctuary, the tiger hybrid, who has bowed legs and a wound on her face, will go to Oakland Zoo, and the two tigers will once each go to Oakland Zoo and Lions Tigers & Bears, also a big cat sanctuary.
At their new homes, the big cats will receive veterinary care, a diet specific to their needs, and habitats that are safe and healthy.
"After living in dismal backyard cages, four big cats will now receive top-notch husbandry and veterinary care from the Oakland Zoo; Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge; and Lions Tigers & Bears," said Brittany Peet, PETA Foundation deputy general counsel for captive animal law enforcement. "Thanks to these accredited facilities for this life-saving rescue, for advocating for the Big Cat Public Safety Act, and for setting an example for other reputable animal care facilities to follow."
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