January 7, 2016
As you know, Titan will be 20 years old this year. He’s been through so much in his life and done so well here at the Sanctuary. (You can read why his rescue meant so much to me personally HERE)
Lately, he’s been picky about his food, which is not like Titan at all. A few medications have helped his appetite, but we felt he needed a full exam and diagnostic tests performed by specialists at the University of Minnesota. We wanted to have a clearer picture of what medical issues he may be facing.
Though he’s been eating well this last week and back to his social self, initial test results are most consistent with early signs of cancer.
We will have full results shortly. He’s being given medication to assure he’s comfortable. Of course, we’ll continue to provide him loving care hoping he has many more days to enjoy here with all of us.
January 8, 2016
After his big day being transported to the University of Minnesota for diagnostics, Titan came right up on morning rounds to chuff at his caretakers.
From the outside, he still looks like our boy Titan. A magnificent tiger who has beat all the odds. Unfortunately, his test results came back today with the diagnosis of advanced leukemia and anemia.
We are treating Titan with oral medication to keep him comfortable. As long as he continues to eat, be active and show no signs of pain, he will be with us.
He has been strong through this, just as he has been with all of the battles he has faced in his life. He deserves to leave with dignity when it is that time, and we will give him that gift.
But for now we celebrate his life and enjoy our time with him.
Thank you so much for your support that helps us provide the care Titan needs. Because of you, so many here are able to live out their days in peace and comfort – as we all want for them.
And thank you so much for keeping Titan in your thoughts.
In Memory ~ January 2016
Titan, Lilly, and Tango – Together at Last
I can’t believe we had to say good-bye so soon. Even though Titan was recently diagnosed with leukemia, we thought he had several happy months ahead of him. His blood results came back that the disease was further along than first diagnosed.
Autoimmune suppressants were recommended to slow the cancer, but unfortunately, it slowed Titan down completely. It was time to reunite him with his brother Tango, and love, Lilly.
There is no other cat, besides founding tigress Meme, that embodies The Wildcat Sanctuary’s reason for being more than 20-year-old Titan the tiger. So much so that, over the years, he became the face of the Sanctuary through videos, brochures, posters and our No More Wild Pets campaign.
He was a tiger that had beaten all the odds. He was a former exhibit cat that had seen starvation not once, but twice. He tragically lost his brother Tango, after Tango killed their owner.
He arrived in 2006 with Lilly, full of anger and fear. It took months before he would greet his caregivers without a roar. It took a year before any man with facial hair or a hat could approach his habitat without him charging at the fence.
But his tragic history isn’t what defined him, it was his capacity for forgiveness. Love and patience prevailed. He learned to trust again and became one of the most charismatic cats at The Wildcat Sanctuary. When he let go of his anger, he found peace and became a gentle leader for our cause. His gentleness remained even through
his last days.
Titan had two major loves during his life. His brother Tango, who he lived with since birth until Tango’s death in 2006. And then Lilly.
Lilly knew they were meant to be together from the moment she laid eyes on him. It took two years of living along a shared wall before they were personally introduced. After a few play dates, they would spend the rest of their lives together until Lilly passed away last year due to a heart condition.
Titan was a strong and kind leader. He chuffed hello, enjoyed patrolling his habitat and saying hello to Sabrina along the shared wall. His habitat was located in the heart of the Sanctuary near the Memorial Pavilion, appropriate for such a leader.
On warm summer days, you could find him swimming across Tiger Splash and then lounging on the ledge with his head on the grass. He also enjoyed enrichment. Lilly always allowed him to play first, out of respect.
And this majestic leader would rip into the paper and run like a kitten across their habitat. He loved to show this silly side to our donors and volunteers as well. He enjoyed doing this even during this last month with his holiday enrichment. 
Titan was also humble. And I know he looks to the new generation of rescued big cats to continue to guide our work and rescue more cats in need. We can honor him by saving others. And with your continued help, we will.
Titan, you have led us this far on our journey to create a world of compassion for animals. We will honor your legacy by carrying on such an important mission. Love to you our gentle leader and enjoy your new found freedom.
