Josie, a cougar, was a former wild pet. Her owners were educated on exotic animals, loved her dearly and had planned that Josie would be a part of their family for her entire lifetime. Unfortunately for Josie, as they already had a 17-year-old son, they did not plan on the arrival of a new child. Josie’s owners decided to put the safety of their child and Josie’s needs first. They could have sold Josie to a breeder or to a private citizen as a pet. Thankfully, the family wanted Josie to have the best life possible: they chose TWS as the place they wanted for her “forever home.” At the time, the sanctuary was at full capacity. Josie’s owners were persistent and contacted TWS several times, insisting this was the right place for Josie to spend the rest of her life. TWS raised additional funds and built a new habitat in order to accommodate Josie and provide her a safe haven where she could remain wild at heart, and she finally arrived here in 2001.

Today, Josie lives in a free-roaming habitat in Cougar Cove, with both wild- and captive-born neighbors. She is a sweet soul and receives special attention from her keepers in her advanced age.

You can help provide daily care for Josie by sponsoring her today.  Your support is greatly appreciated.