Amira is a female caracal who arrived at our sanctuary in August of 2023. It’s estimated she was about 2 1/2 years old at the time.
Our staff drove to Michigan to help rescue 4 exotic cats from Even Keel Exotics, a facility with a long list of violations of the Animal Welfare Act and Endangered Species Act. They include 2 caracals, a fishing cat, and a young serval.
Even Keel Exotics was an exotic animal dealer who bought, sold, traded and exploited animals through paid animal encounters. Sadly, he offered encounters with young animals that had been taken from their
mothers at just days and weeks old.
In all, 142 animals were seized and sent to reputable facilities where they will receive the compassionate care they deserve.
Thankfully, this facility has now been permanently closed down by authorities. Read more HERE.
Since 2014, USDA inspection reports cite an astonishing 74 violations of the Animal Welfare Act, including animals being deprived of water and denied veterinary care.
Inspectors found animals living in cramped, filthy cages that didn’t even provide adequate shelter from inclement weather.
Our staff were one of the first teams onsite and safely removed the cats housed there. They saw cages that were barren and dirty. Luckily, these four cats are all young and resilient.
Life at the Sanctuary
Sadly, Amira and Mojave, were imported recently from Prague to the U.S. to be used as a breeding pair. The breeder said they had no names. But to us, they’re loved and deserved special names. We randomly chose one of their sponsor parents to help choose names for them.
Amira’s a bit more nervous than Mojave, but participates in husbandry well. Their first day at the sanctuary, the two were cuddled up together in the safety of their den box. What a whole new wonderful world this is for them!
By the evening, they were curiously checking out their new bobcat neighbor Bella. It was so heartwarming to see them playing and willing to come to the fence line to take food we offered them.
Amira will have an intake exam, deworming, vaccines and eventually be spayed and then move to a permanent habitat among our other residents here at the sanctuary.
How You Can Help
Amira will have many years ahead of her here at the sanctuary. The day of rescue is just day one of a long lifetime of care costs.
One of the best ways to help is by becoming her sponsor parent. Or, another way is with a one time donation toward her care. It’s easy to do using the buttons at the top of this page. Thank you!
