Inflation Hits Cat Sanctuary

A combination of rising gas prices, hurricane and earthquake relief efforts elsewhere have put the pinch on Big Cats of Serenity Springs located in a small community about 30 miles east of Colorado Springs.

A combination of rising gas prices, hurricane and earthquake relief efforts elsewhere have put the pinch on Big Cats of Serenity Springs located in a small community about 30 miles east of Colorado Springs.

"There are more big cats needing us to provide a home now than ever, especially those hit hard by Katrina and Rita," says Karen Sculac, founder and operator of the state and federally licensed refuge. "Higher fuel prices have raised the price of feed an estimated 30 cents a pound or $600 more each day of the 2,000 pounds of meat required."

The wildlife reserve serves the needs of the many majestic animals, providing a safe, stable and permanent home for non domestic felines such as: Lions, Tigers, Cougars, Ligers, Bobcats, Lynx, Leopards and Servals. There are now 106 exotic, non-domesticated mouths to feed.

Though the animals are not domesticated, Sculac and her staff give plenty of tender loving care.

"Each of our animals has a name, a face and a personality. And, we have a waiting list for more cats needing a home at Serenity Springs. We take those we have room for, getting them here however we can," she says. Cost is the only limiting factor, of this reserve which began in 1993, to helping those seeking refuge.

Current operating costs during a normal month are over $18.000, Sculac says. "And that's when nothing goes wrong."

To learn more or to make a tax-deductible contribution, check out Sculac's website, http://www.bigcatsofserenitysprings.org