Collection: Sioux
Species: Bobcat (Lynx rufus)
DOB: March 1, 2013
Sex: Female
Arrival Date: November 29, 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. Sioux is one of the 34 cats relocated from BCR.
Original Rescue Story: Sioux and another bobcat, Lakota, were rescued from the Mobile Zoo in Alabama. The facility's previous owner was arrested on 28 counts of animal cruelty, and the Mobile County Animal Control seized the neglected animals in his care in 2017. Unfortunately, this was not the first time the zoo had been cited for neglectful conditions and was known as a repeat offender by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). At the Mobile Zoo’s peak, it housed more than 75 animals, including lions, tigers, bears, monkeys, and birds.
Original Rescue Story: Sioux and another bobcat, Lakota, were rescued from the Mobile Zoo in Alabama. The facility's previous owner was arrested on 28 counts of animal cruelty, and the Mobile County Animal Control seized the neglected animals in his care in 2017. Unfortunately, this was not the first time the zoo had been cited for neglectful conditions and was known as a repeat offender by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). At the Mobile Zoo’s peak, it housed more than 75 animals, including lions, tigers, bears, monkeys, and birds.
Upon arriving at BCR, Sioux was severely underweight, and a special wire had to be used around her enclosure due to her ability to fit through the regular 4x4 fencing due to her size. At four years old, she was half the weight of a full-grown female bobcat. Even though she can be picky about her meals, she does enjoy hunting lizards, frogs, birds, and snakes. BCR provided a complete veterinary exam, including preventative vaccinations, and spayed Sioux. After the procedure, she was reunited with Lakota shortly after arriving at her new home.
