Collection: Flint
Species: Bobcat (Lynx rufus)
DOB: March 31, 2019
Sex: Male
Arrival Date: December 13, 2023
Rescue Story: In 2023, Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge (TCWR) took in 34 cats from Big Cat Rescue, an accredited Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS) sanctuary in Tampa, FL. Big Cat Rescue (BCR) was founded in 1992 to safeguard the world's exotic wildcat species through a multifaceted approach with conservation efforts to protect them in captivity and their natural habitats. BCR championed the fight on Capitol Hill, which aided in passing the Big Cat Public Safety Act in December of 2022. With united missions, BCR and TCWR have collaborated in rescuing exotic animals nationally, and both are founding members of the Big Cat Sanctuary Alliance (BCSA). BCR has been a leader in captive wildlife advocacy for over 30 years, and with the new Act passed in Congress, its mission has shifted to focus on conservation efforts in the wild. BCR approached TCWR in 2023 about relocating their remaining animals to the beautiful Ozarks. TCWR broke ground on the new habitat expansion, Freedom Field, in 2023, where BCR animals will reside. Flint is one of the 34 cats relocated from BCR.
Original Rescue Story: Flint was found as a thirteen-week-old kitten and injured after being attacked by hunting dogs. Weak and nervous, Flint displayed concerning neurological symptoms influenced by a few fractures and inflammation between his C7 vertebrate. The fractures and inflammation were likely the cause of Flint’s lameness upon his arrival. Flint underwent multiple thorough examinations and was placed on cage rest to limit mobility throughout the healing process. In addition to his fractures, the BCR team concluded that Flint had a narrowed and collapsed pelvic canal, aiding Flint’s inability to process whole large prey. The BCR team and onsite veterinarian decided to have Flint become a permanent resident of BCR due to his limitations prohibiting him from surviving in the wild.
Original Rescue Story: Flint was found as a thirteen-week-old kitten and injured after being attacked by hunting dogs. Weak and nervous, Flint displayed concerning neurological symptoms influenced by a few fractures and inflammation between his C7 vertebrate. The fractures and inflammation were likely the cause of Flint’s lameness upon his arrival. Flint underwent multiple thorough examinations and was placed on cage rest to limit mobility throughout the healing process. In addition to his fractures, the BCR team concluded that Flint had a narrowed and collapsed pelvic canal, aiding Flint’s inability to process whole large prey. The BCR team and onsite veterinarian decided to have Flint become a permanent resident of BCR due to his limitations prohibiting him from surviving in the wild.
