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)

February - Grow a Heart 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. Order forms will be posted here beginning in December.

March/April - Miracle Match Program
Your donation, received between March 1st & April, will be matched by generous supporters Mary Ellen Godfrey, The Mahley Family Foundation, Susan and Dan Schmitt and others. Through March 1st & April 30th, all donations received up to $25,000 will be doubled. Double the donation means double the miracles for wildcats! Donating to any TWS program during this timeframe will qualify for the match.

April - Prevention of Animal Cruelty Month

June - Dog Walk for Wildcats
Click here for more details on the 2008 Dog Walk.

October 11 - Jungle Boogie -
Plan to join us Sunday, October 11th, 2009 for this year’s Back to the 50’s - Sock Hop. 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.

Holiday Hero Program
Cats like Lilly and Diablo Guapo were once abandoned, rejected or destined for death – but now they live happily ever after because of The Wildcat Sanctuary. A little kindness from a lot of people, like you, add up to miracles for rescued animals. Miracles that allow these wildcats to strut their spots and stripes. Every gift of love makes a new little miracle. Every Holiday Hero helps a cat smile. That’s why your participation in our Holiday Hero program is so important!

A gift of $125 provides cats like Titan with enrichment programs; $200 covers the cost of Lilly’s food for a month; $500 covers the heat bill for Diablo Guapo’s building for a month. Everyone who donates to the Holiday Hero program will receive a color postcard of our success stories. Dozens of these animals are waiting right now for a Holiday Hero like you. Please check back here to donate to our holiday hero program 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