Collection: Lovey
Species: Bobcat (Lynx rufus)
DOB: January 1, 2008
Sex: Female
Arrival Date: December 28, 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. Lovey is one of the 34 cats relocated from BCR.
Original Rescue Story: Lovey was rescued from a privately owned facility in Kansas in 2013. The Atchison County officials seized the property, which included one tiger, two mountain lions, three bobcats, two lynx, and an African Serval. The previous owner faced ten misdemeanor charges related to the neglect and cruelty of the animals. The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) and the Kansas City Zoo assisted with the seizure. These two organizations also helped transfer the animals between Black Beauty Rescue in Texas, In-Sync Exotics Wildlife Rescue and Education Center in Texas, and BCR in Florida.
BCR welcomed the three bobcats (including Lovey), two lynx, and one African Serval in May 2013. Lovey arrived at five years of age and was four-paw declawed at her previous facility. Declawing is a painful surgery that involves removing the claws and fragments of bones of the toes of these predators. These fragments of bone serve an essential purpose: to provide support and aid in mobility as an animal ages. Without this support, joints become arthritic because of displaced pressure, forcing the animals to become flat-footed. While at BCR, a complete medical exam was performed, which included spaying and administering preventative vaccinations to Lovey. After several days of hiding, Lovey overcame her insecurities and accepted her new Refuge.
