Tiger Transport Gets Help From Feline Conservation Federation Wildcat Safety Net

The FCF created its Wildcat Safety Net Fund to help wild felines needing emergency relocation. The Safety Net awards funding for transport, emergency feeding, or vet care.

(PRWEB) September 18, 2008 -- Julie Walker - Assistant Director of Operations for the Serenity Springs Wildlife Center contacted the Feline Conservation Federation (FCF) to apply for financial assistance through FCF's Wildcat Safety Net Fund to transport 15 tigers from a recently closed sanctuary in Warrenton, Missouri, to Serenity Springs Wildlife Center in Calhan, Colorado.

In early August the Wesa-A-Geh-Ya sanctuary had a tiger escape from its enclosure and attack a volunteer. The man's injury was severe and surgeons had to amputate his leg at the knee. Warrenton county officials gave the sanctuary just six weeks to close down and find other homes for over four dozen big cats, many of them tigers.

In an emergency meeting, the FCF Board of Directors quickly approved the Wildcat Safety Net Fund maximum of $1,000 to Serenity Springs Wildlife Center to aid in transport expenses. FCF is asking for additional donations from it's members and the public to help fund the costs being incurred by Serenity Springs Wildlife Center in it's rescue efforts.

Last week, Nick Sculac, the Colorado sanctuary's founder, and Julie Walker drove to Missouri with a 40-foot trailer to pick up the tigers. They endured the high winds and tropical rainstorms from hurricane Ike while in Missouri over the weekend. The ten female tigers were successfully loaded into transport cages for the return trip to Colorado. Ms. Walker reported that they arrived back safe Sunday night and the tigers are now exploring their new habitats.

Another trip to the Missouri sanctuary is planned for this week to pick up the five remaining tigers.

Assistant Director of Operations, Ms. Walker stated she was grateful to the FCF for the organization's support, saying, "We really appreciate your help on this one."

FCF members are relieved that these great cats could be re-homed on such short notice and commend Serenity Springs Wildlife Center for taking in the 15 tigers. FCF President Lynn Culver says, "It is a daunting task to find suitable habitat for so many big cats on such short notice. I am happy that the FCF Wildcat Safety Net could help this effort. Once again the feline community and its supporters have cooperated to insure that these Endangered felines are safe from harm."

Serenity Springs Wildlife Center is a non-profit rescue and educational facility with over 115 exotic felines.

The Feline Conservation Federation (FCF) is a non-profit, non-governmental organization with a membership of over 800 individuals who are wild feline managers, educators, conservationists, researchers, and those who support the mission of feline conservation. To make a tax-deductible donation to the Wildcat Safety Net Fund or for additional information please visit the FCF web site.

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