PINE COUNTY SANCTUARY
BEARS BURDEN OF
BOOM IN BIG CATS

Article ran in the January 7, 2007 Star Tribune
Click picture to read story

STORIES IN THE NEWS

• Sanctuary in Sandstone gives rescued wildcats compassion for life (6/12/2009)

• MN's Wildcat Sanctuary saving bobcat from Idaho (5/13/2009)

• Rescued Wash. Bobcat Comes to Minnesota (5/12/2009)

• Vicious Cycle of Wildlife Captivity written by Alicia Ice (Fall 2008)

• Shakopee Corn Maze's Tiger Display Criticized (10/21/2008)

• Walking on the Wild Side (10/9/2008)

• Is Wildcat Law Too Tame (4/13/2008)

• A Paper Tiger (2/24/2008)

• A Sanctuary of Second Chances (4/15/2007)

• New Hope for Rescued Wildcats (4/15/2007)

• From Crisis to Care - Vista's Story (2/2007)

• Pine County Tiger Attack (4/9/2006)

• Capital Campaign is Underway to Fund New Facility (2006)

• Willmar Cougar Headed to Tennessee (2/3/2006)

• National Geographic Kids Article (11/2005)

• TC Dog Magazine (9/2005)

• Underwood Tigers Appear Saved (6/2005)

• Animal Rights Coalition Newsletter (2005)

• Actress Hedren promotes Isanti County wildcat refuge (8/27/2004)

• Local Sanctuary Provides Homes for Captive Wildcats (7/2004)

• Unwanted Wild Cats Becoming Bigger Problem (6/13/2004)

• Unlikely Cass Residents Forced To Move On: Cougars Headed To New Digs In Oregon After Rescue From Jones Pole Barn (2/2004)

• Jones Man Must Give Up Cougars (2/2004)

• Former Area Couple Rescues Michigan Cougars (2004)

• The Wildcat Sanctuary Helps Big Cats Remain Wild At Heart (3/12/2003)

• National Geographic Kids article (10/2003)

VISIT US AT OUR EDUCATIONAL BOOTHS IN 2010!

Mall of America Volunteer Expo - February 20th
University of Minnesota Job Fair - February 22nd
Twin Cities Pet Expo, Convention Center - March 6-7th
University of Wisconsin Superior Job Fair - March 10th
Duluth Pet Expo, DECC - April 17-18th
Pine County Fair, Fairgrounds - August 4-8th

Waves and Whiskers

Wine and Beer Tasting Safari Adventure
Hosted by Great Lakes Aquarium - Duluth

The Wildcat Sanctuary joins The Great Lakes Aquarium in Duluth for a winter gala event to benefit The Wildcat Sanctuary. Local and state-wide wineries and breweries will showcase their favorite wines and beers for residents and guests of Duluth and the surrounding area. “Waves and Whiskers” is scheduled for Saturday evening, April 17, 2010, the event will showcase local and statewide breweries and wineries within a “safari” theme setting.

The Great Lakes Aquarium is hosting the event at the aquarium which is at 353 Harbor Drive, Duluth, MN 55802. Guests will be greeted and given a "passport" for their safari journey through the many tasting stations. Along the safari path will be stories, photos and videos detailing the TWS residents and their lives before and after the Sanctuary, as well as information on their species and natural habitat. The event will run from 8:00 pm to 11:00 pm. Tickets are $30 per person in advance or $40 per person at the door. Tickets give entrance to the event, wine and beer tasting, appetizers, dessert, coffee and a souvenir glass.

Must be 21 to attend.

Order your tickets for Waves and Whiskers now.

Vet Student Seminar

Have you always cared about animals and wildlife? Then this seminar is for you. TWS’ vets will share with you what it takes to help the rescued animals that come to the Sanctuary. $35 per student. Space is limited so sign up now.  Seminars are held on Sunday, March 21st and Sunday, October 3rd, 2010. This seminar is for vet students and related fields only.

Download the RSVP form.

Other recurring programs

February - Wild Valentine Program
Showing an animal in need that you care is an amazing gift. This gift of compassion can be shared with a loved one on Valentine’s Day. For a $25 donation, we will send you or a loved one a Wild Valentine greeting card featuring one of TWS’ cats. The inside message tells the recipient that a donation was made with love in their honor.

March/April - Miracle Match Program
Your donation, received between March 1st & April 2010, will be matched an anonymous family Foundation. Through March 1st & April 30th, all donations received up to $50,000 will be doubled. Double the donation means double the miracles for wildcats! Donating to any TWS program during this time frame will qualify for the match.

April - Prevention of Animal Cruelty Month

June - Dog Walk for Wildcats
We hope to host this event again in coming years so check back for more details..

October 10 - Jungle Boogie -
Plan to join us Sunday, October 10th, 2010 for this year’s Masgrrrrrade. We’ll have entertainment, silent auction, dinner, a new TWS wine and much more. Take advantage of the early registration special and save $25 off your ticket price.

November/December - Holiday Sponsor Program
The gift-giving season is always fast approaching. Why not make it easy on yourself by avoiding the crowded malls and the insanely long check out lines? Give the gift of compassion, sure to delight young and old alike. For $25, we’ll send your chosen recipient a special color-photo gift card, noting that a generous donation was made in their honor. Card includes a bio of the cat with a fun description of his or her personality. Perfect for friends, family, neighbors – or those ‘hard-to-buy-for’ people. Your gift can be mailed to you or directly to the recipient - your choice. Holiday Sponsorship forms will be available in October.

Ongoing Programs -

Sponsor a Wild One
Bridging Broken Bonds
Cougar Cove

TWS supports and helps draft legislation that restricts breeding and selling of exotic animals as well as keeping exotic animals as pets. In 2004, Minnesota, took a huge step forward by passing an exotic animal law that became effective January 1, 2005. The Wildcat Sanctuary played an integral role in getting this important legislation passed. Nancy Minion of Second Chance Animal Rescue coordinated the effort. Other organizations that supported the bill include the Minnesota Department of Health, Minnesota Board of Animal Health, Minnesota Sheriff’s Association, Minnesota Chiefs of Police Association, Minnesota Animal Control Association, Minnesota Veterinary Medical Association and the Minnesota Zoo along with a few very dedicated individuals. Then, in 2006, the law was strengthened by improving public safety requirements.

Legislation Links Relating to Ownership of Exotic Animals

• Exotic Animal Bill passed by the Minnesota Legislature

• MN Board of Animal Health
What the new law means for Minnesotans

• The Humane Society of the United States

• Captive Wild Animal Protection Coalition

• Born Free USA