Tiger Queens features an in-depth discussion among incredible women who have dedicated their lives and livelihoods to operating legitimate, fully accredited sanctuaries that provide lifetime care to rescued tigers, lions, leopards and other wild felids that have been saved from cruel conditions. Moderated by Emily McCormack, a BCSA leader and animal care expert at Arkansas’ Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge (TCWR), Tiger Queens allows viewers to listen in on a candid discussion about the extraordinary commitment required to lead a true sanctuary and the steps that we can all take to help combat the exploitation of big cats in the U.S. The “queens”—who operate sanctuaries in different states and at different scales—share an unwavering commitment to animal welfare. They include Tanya Smith (Cofounder & President at Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge in Arkansas), Bobbi Brink (Founder & Director at Lions Tigers and Bears in California); Lisa Stoner (Cofounder at Forest Animal Rescue in Florida), and Tammy Thies (Founder & Executive Director at The Wildcat Sanctuary in Minnesota). 

Our tigers share our love for pumpkins…just in a slightly different way…

(if video won’t play, try opening it in a new tab)

The recorded podcast can also be heard on demand at https://www.wuft.org/blog/2021/06/11/forest-animal-rescue/

Roy had a mass on his elbow that was nonsurgical. We lost his brother, Tony to the same issue a year ago. Apparently, these tumors were a combination of genetics and the fact that the tigers lived in a small space on concrete for so many years before they were rescued back in 2010. This causes tremendous trauma to the weight-bearing parts of their bodies. That trauma manifests itself later in life.

He lived a long life for a tiger, celebrating his 19th birthday this month.

At Forest Animal Rescue, Roy was introduced to Eva, a tigress that was rescued a few years ago. They lived together as wonderful companions until the very end (we sterilize our animals to prevent breeding).

Losing an animal never gets any easier. We rescue hundreds of animals from horrific conditions and help them to thrive with others of their own kind in a beautiful sanctuary setting. They become part of our family.

He will be sorely missed, but he is back with his brother Tony once again.

The day aims to remind us that while kittens are well equipped to find their way into our hearts, many don’t find homes. They’re abandoned at shelters, on the side of the road or wild and feral. Spaying and neutering our pets, including our cats, is vital to their health and keeping the stray population down.

While many online posts focus on domestic kittens – what abut the wild ones? Here is an image for you to share online to educate others.

Tony had a mass on his elbow (fibrosarcoma) that affected his mobility and was nonsurgical, he got along pretty well for a while, but eventually, it took over.

It was clear to us that it was his end, and we had to say goodbye to a wonderful animal. He lived a long life for a tiger and celebrated his 18th birthday this month.

Tony and his brother Roy were rescued together in 2010 by FAR from a backyard in Texas. It was a hard journey back to Florida, but it was worth it. Tony has had 10 years of peace here with us. He initially shared a habitat with his brother Roy, who is still doing well.

In 2017, Tony was introduced to another female tiger Zoey who he was cagemates with until she passed away in 2019 from old age. Tony loved boxes, balls, and other enrichment items. But his all-time favorite thing to do was to spend time in his wooded acreage napping, belly up, underneath the trees. He was such a unique tiger and will be missed by many.

We hope your Holiday Season has been filled with warmth and time spent with loved ones.

The rescued animals at Forest Animal Rescue have been very fortunate – the gifts to help care for them in 2020 have been rolling in…and they have DOUBLE the impact they would have otherwise!

TODAY IS THE LAST DAY and there is still room left to have your gift matched! Will you help as we roll into 2020 with rescues and expansion already underway?

EVERY LITTLE BIT HELPS!