While we began to release animals into their habitats at Freedom Field in late 2023, there was quite a lot of work to be done. Over the following months, we continued construction to complete a total of 28 small cat habitats, 2 medium cat habitats, and 14 big cat habitats. After all the habitats were built, our team had to go back through each habitat to add the finishing touches. Each access door has three locking mechanisms to maximize safety: 2 rebars that run from the metal door frame across the door to the other frame and 1 padlock. All of these entry points need to be double and triple-tested for strength and rewelded if needed. Then, we need to cut the wire and add the feeding dishes for each habitat. These were designed by the Refuge to minimize danger during feeding time. The team planted trees, added shade clothes, and positioned boulders and logs in the habitats.
As it is in the world of caring for animals, there are no days off, even in bad weather. The team worked to complete every detail of Freedom Field in the cold of late winter and in spring rain. Completed for our grand opening in late April, construction at Freedom Field is now complete-but our work is not done. In the summer, the cats enjoy playing and cooling off in their pools. While we work to add permanent pools in each habitat at the Refuge, the cats in Freedom Field were given stock tanks – which we’ve historically used for the last 30 years.
Our team is currently focused on building benches for all the cats! The benches provide the animals with a number of benefits for their physical and mental well-being. These raised areas help the cats flex their muscles in captivity, jumping up onto higher areas just like they would in the wild. Having a place to climb, jump, and stretch promotes physical activity and exercise. These animals, accustomed to roaming vast territories in the wild, require opportunities to engage in natural behaviors. Benches encourage climbing and leaping, which helps to maintain muscle tone, joint health, and overall fitness. The benches also serve as platforms for different enrichment activities, such as hiding treats or toys on or around them. This encourages the big cats to use their problem-solving skills and instincts to find the rewards. By engaging their minds, benches help to alleviate the monotony of captivity and contribute to a more fulfilling and dynamic environment. Due to the size of these benches, the structure also provides an additional area for the animals to hide and/or find share. We’ve found that as predators, cats enjoy being higher up to observe their surroundings, so many of the animals will be found on top of their benches, napping and relaxing.
We will cover the full story of building benches at Freedom Field in our Fall 2024 Edition of the Big Cat Chronicles. To receive your copy in the mail this autumn, simply donate today! https://www.turpentinecreek.org/support/#donate