Collection: Philmo
Species: Bobcat (Lynx rufus)
DOB: January 1, 2016
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. Philmo is one of the 34 cats relocated from BCR.
Original Rescue Story: Philmo was rescued in 2019 from a failed pseudo-sanctuary in Los Angeles, California called Wildlife Waystation. The 43-year-old facility closed its doors after extensive damage from the Creek Fire in 2017 and significant flooding in 2019. BCR rescued Philmo with two other bobcats and a Savannah Cat (a hybrid species created by an African Serval and a domestic housecat). The California Department of Fish & Wildlife Services rehomed the other animals at the facility to other sanctuaries.
Philmo arrived at Wildlife Waystation at ten weeks old. He was privately owned, and quickly, the family realized they could not care for this wild bobcat. Even though Philmo displayed - and still does - much of his natural instincts, he had become accustomed to people, making the option of rehabilitation an unlikely outcome for this bobcat. Upon arrival at BCR, this three-year-old bobcat received a complete medical exam where x-rays showed a possible congenital defect or a previous injury due to the early onset of bone disease in his spine. Luckily, Philmo does not seem affected by this abnormality and can carry out daily functions without displaying any pain. Additionally, during the exam, Philmo received preventative vaccinations and was neutered.
