Tuesday Triumphs

"Tuesday Triumphs" each Tuesday I will post a rescue success.

Here we have the "Munchkins" from the Exotic Feline Rescue Center located in Center Point Indiana.   These cats came to the Center in August 2000 after they were rescued from Water Wheel Exotics in Pittsburgh, PA  The male lions are Petey, and Josh the female lion is Elsa, the male tiger is Rolo and the female tigers are Tabitha, Sabrina, and Isabella. The Center traveled to Water Wheel Exotics expecting to rescue 2 or 3 lions. When they arrived they found the neglect and abuse there was beyond belief. 3 lions and 4 tigers in a dark basement with no food, no water and the stench of urine and feces was overwhelming.  The seven cats were severely malnourished, dehydrated, it seemed apparent they were left to die. Extremely underweight at 50-80 pounds instead of the 200-250 pounds healthy for  their age. After moving them to the Center they found in addition to malnutrition, the 4 tigers were blind in both eyes from cataracts. Within 2 months, all 4 tigers had cataract surgery to restore their eye sight. Thankfully the USDA has since closed Water Wheel Exotics due to abuse & neglect. After their rescue all seven are doing well now although they will never reach full size, hence the name "Munchkins". The Center currently has a beautiful permanent enclosure for the Munchkins with trees, climbing tower and plenty of room to run.

Picture of the week

 

 



How many times throughout your life have you been able to sit outside and enjoy the warmth of the sun, or watch a beautiful sunset?  More times than you can count right.  You probably cannot think of what life would be like without ever having a sunny day. That sun shining on you, does more than just brighten your day; it provides your body with much needed vitamin D. Not only humans require vitamin D to be healthy, animals also require sufficient vitamin D in their bodies.

Sadly many animals that are confined by private individuals, or unaccredited facilities do not have the opportunity to feel the warmth of the sun. Some of them are locked away for their entire lives in dark cages with no access to the natural sunlight, and no proper UV lights. This can cause rickets, a bone disease that can be fatal if left untreated.  This is one of many reasons why these exotic animals do not belong in the hands of untrained, and uneducated people.