The Wildcat Sanctuary

Who we are

The Wildcat Sanctuary (TWS) is a 501c3 non-profit, no-kill big cat rescue located in Sandstone, MN. TWS provides a natural sanctuary to wild cats in need and inspires change to end the captive wildlife crisis. TWS is funded solely on private donations. The Sanctuary is a rescue organization and is not open to the public. Combining natural and spacious habitats with a life free of exhibition, TWS allows all residents to live wild at heart. As a true sanctuary, we do not buy, breed, sell or exhibit animals. The Wildcat Sanctuary is accredited by the American Sanctuary Association and the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries. We are also licensed by the USDA and members of the American Zookeepers Association.

Captive Wildlife Crisis

Ekaterina and Sierra, two tigers who call TWS home, were once victims of the captive wildlife crisis. Declawed and chained to the ground for public photos, Ekaterina and Sierra were used for profit by their owner with complete disregard for human and animal well being alike. The Humane Society of the United States estimates there are as many as 10,000 large wildcats in private ownership today in the country. Before calling TWS home, Liberty the cougar, was privately owned on a rural farm in Minnesota. She was bought as a cub, and with little knowledge on how to care for a wild animal, Liberty s owner caused her to have a severe and life long condition called metabolic bone disease. Exotic animals can be easy to obtain through internet purchase, local breeders and game farms and now with over breeding are advertised as free to good home. Humane Society president Wayne Pacelle stated in a CNN report the exotic pet trade is second only to the drug trade. Its literally billions of dollars exchanged in the exotic animal trade.

What we do

TWS is committed to serving public welfare through assisting authorities upon request in removing big cats that are owned illegally and pose a public safety risk. We provide skilled services in chemical immobilization of an animal, transport, housing and veterinary services. We also facilitate rescues, and as needed, transportation to a reputable sanctuary out of state. When tragedy struck in Pine County MN, authorities contacted TWS to assist in transporting and housing two tigers. The third tiger was euthanized after killing their owner. TWS provides natural sanctuary to over 125 wild cats. We provide large, free roaming habitats that offer our residents to live wild at heart. Each animal can escape extreme weather in a temperature controlled den or central animal building. Every individual has the opportunity, often for the first time in their lives, to choose a path to walk and a place to lie down. After living in a small concrete cage in the backyard of a Texas home, Sabrina the tiger, now has a free-roaming habitat with grass under her feet, a pool with a fountain and a safe environment for the rest of her life. TWS generates statewide public education and awareness through presentations to civic group events, issuing press releases, on-line newsletters and animal sponsorship programs. We work to educate the general public on the safety issues surrounding the captive wildlife crisis and why wild cats do not make appropriate pets. The vision and need for The Wildcat Sanctuary has garnered endorsements from the Minnesota Zoo and the University of Minnesotas Veterinary Care Program. TWS has earned a national reputation for excellence in rescuing and housing captive wildcats while providing a unique service to animal control officers, local sheriff departments, humane societies as well as the Department of Natural Resources and the US Fish & Wildlife Service.

How to help

You can help end the captive wildlife crisis and keep the wild in your heart not your home. Making donations supports us in our mission of rescuing wildcats in need, providing a safe and natural environment for our residents and educating the public on appropriate pets. We also offer a sponsorship program where you can donate and support any resident at TWS. Your donations go directly to the animals providing food, veterinary care, toys and habitats. We also offer volunteer positions to assist in building habitats, ground maintenance and fundraising events. Internship opportunities are also available for biology or related students. Other ways to help include; not patronizing traveling zoos especially where photos with cubs are allowed, adopting appropriate pets from your local shelter such domestic dogs and cats, researching animal exhibits before attending to make sure they do not breed, buy or trade animals.

Here is a link to their site: http://www.wildcatsanctuary.org/