Our mission is to provide secure and permanent home for “Big Cats” that have been abused, abandoned, exploited or otherwise neglected. We want to ensure a safe haven for these magnificent creatures to live out their lives in a dignified and humane manner.

We at Exotic Cat Rescue feel the need to provide the means necessary to ensure clean and safe facilities, sound financial practices, and strong community participation. Our goal is to answer the silent cries of these magnificent big cats by adhering to our bylaws of what we feel is a True Sanctuary.

What is a TRUE Sanctuary?

The definition of "Sanctuary" from The Webster dictionary is as follows:

• A place of refuge or asylum.
  
• A reserved area in which birds and other animals, especially wild animals, are protected from hunting or molestation.
  
• A refuge; a Haven.

The word "sanctuary" is frequently misused in the animal world. There are many private owners who use the word "sanctuary" to hide behind. This way they can continue to ask the public for help or to raise funds to keep their operations up and running. Meanwhile they continue to exploit, or mistreat their animals. And in many cases the money that is raised, is not used to put back into the animals, such as proper veterinary care, adequate housing facilities, large enough enclosures, enrichment programs, etc...

It is easier to explain what a sanctuary is NOT. When searching the web or looking to volunteer or make donations, make sure you keep this list at hand:

A True Sanctuary...
...does NOT breed animals
...does NOT sell or trade animals (or their parts)
...does NOT buy animals (only to end an abusive situation)
...does NOT buy animal babies
...does NOT board animals
...does NOT exhibit animals in public (transport from place to place)
...does NOT take photos with the public
...does NOT allow public hands on

A True Sanctuary...
...WILL give lifelong care for each animal
...WILL obtain animals by surrender or rescue
...WILL have resources to properly care for the animals
...WILL do what is in the best interest of the animal NOT THE OWNER
...WILL not jeopardize the animal in any way
...WILL meet or exceed USDA guidelines
...WILL provide large natural habitats
...WILL provide animals with a daily enrichment program
...WILL provide 24/7 on-call, board certified, veterinary care

The Captive Wildlife Safety Act
The Captive Wildlife Safety Act was introduced and passed in the US House of Representatives in 2004 to address the problems of availability of wild cats as pets. This Act prohibits the interstate and foreign trade in exotic cats, including lions, tigers, leopards, cheetahs, jaguars and cougars for the pet trade. Circuses, zoos, wildlife rehabilitators and some licensed sanctuaries are exempt. This legislation was introduced with the sole purpose of making these big cats unavailable to the pet trade. Unfortunately, it is not an outright ban on ownership, but it is a good start. For more information about this act, click the following link: www.theorator.com/bills108/hr1006.html