As another year comes to a close, the urgent need to address the small cat crisis has become more evident than ever, demanding greater attention and awareness of the industry’s hidden horrors for wild cats. TCWR began 2024 on a high note by completing Freedom Field, 44 new habitats on 13 acres. This new section at TCWR has already played a pivotal role in providing a safe, lifelong home for wild cats (big and small) in desperate need of refuge.
The year opened with the tragic story of Tigger, a six-month-old African serval who suffered deeply at the hands of cruelty. Diagnosed with a diaphragmatic hernia, likely caused by severe trauma, Tigger’s fight for survival was met with relentless care from the TCWR team. Sadly, his injuries were too extensive to overcome. Though Tigger’s life was cut short, his story serves as a heartbreaking call to action, highlighting the need for stronger laws to end the trade of wild cats and protect them from such suffering.
Shortly after Tigger’s loss, TCWR welcomed Emma, a middle-aged caracal rescued from a family’s basement. She had spent two years there after being purchased from a breeder. Following her rescue, Emma was introduced to Freedom Field and embraced her new life, adapting quickly to her spacious and natural environment.
Species like servals, caracals, and bobcats face significant challenges when kept inside homes as pets. They require specialized diets, medical care, and large habitats to thrive and use their natural instincts as small predators. These things most private owners and breeders are ill-prepared to provide.
In April, The Wildcare Foundation contacted TCWR after many attempts to rehabilitate a young bobcat named Malcolm. Taken from the wild as an orphaned kitten, Malcolm’s early exposure to humans made it impossible to return him to his natural habitat. Despite enjoying seeing his caretakers, his wild instincts still emerge, reminding us of the delicate balance between caring for animals who can never return to the wild.
A similar story unfolded with Zuri, an African serval, who was brought to TCWR after a Tennessee family realized they could not meet the needs of this small predator. After the large transition, Zuri has settled into her natural habitat at Freedom Field and enjoys the outdoors – prancing around in pure freedom.
In November, TCWR rescued Nala 2, a female African serval, at the request of the Missouri Animal Protection Association (APA). Our team brought Nala 2 to the refuge after a devastating car accident in St. Louis County that claimed the life of her male companion – reportedly due to a possible DUI accident. Today, Nala 2 is getting the care and freedom she deserves after a life of darkness in the attic of a private home.
In addition, this year, the TCWR team also said goodbye to several beloved residents who left their incredible marks on the Refuge and in everyone’s hearts. Among them were Bosco (white tiger), Moses (bobcat), Harley (bear), Payson (white tiger), Floyd (tiger), Simba (lion), Bailey (bobcat), Keesha (tiger), Robbie (white tiger), Whistler (serval), Jagger (tiger), and Lovey (bobcat). Though they are no longer with us, their legacies and stories live on, impacting the continued fight to end the trade in all wild cats, big and small.
We still have much important work to do for wild cats and bears. As we celebrate new milestones in the new year, we are reminded that none of it would have been possible without the dedicated support of people like you. Thank you for standing with us on this journey and being integral to our mission, Rescue to Refuge. Your generosity has given these animals the life they deserve; we are endlessly grateful.
Happy Holidays from all of us at the Refuge!
As we close out this year, we remember that “we are the lucky ones.”