Rescuing Tigers from Kansas
May 7, 2009- Nitro and Apache move into their outdoor home
On Wednesday, Apache and Nitro were sedated for neuters and a second round of bloodwork. To reduce stress on the tigers, staff also scheduled this exam to coincide with their move outdoors. Apache's exam went well, although he recovered slowly from the anesthesia drugs. Nitro reacted to the anesthesia poorly, had trouble recovering, and overheated. The fur on his left forearm sloughed off, but is expected to grow back.
From observing Nitro's behavior in quarantine, CPT staff were concerned about his vision. Nitro new enclosure is large and unfamiliar, and his visual impairment is now obvious. Dr. Lassiter evaluated his retina and confirms his visual problems are not from retinal detachment.
CPT Keepers have scent-marked the enclosure's perimeter and Nitro's water tray to make it easier for him to adjust to his new surroundings. They have also installed a special feeding tray so Nitro can always get his chicken from the same place.
Nitro spends time near Apache, who is in the adjacent enclosure. They will be reunited soon.
April 15, 2009- Arrival to CPT Quarantine
Apache and Nitro tigers arrived at CPT on Wednesday, April 15th. They were stressed from their 26 hour trip from Kansas, so CPT staff have been monitoring them closely, giving them privacy so they can adjust to their new environment. Apache is still uncomfortable with visitors, but Nitro has greeted staff with a few encouraging chuffles.
April 9, 2009- CPT Announces Rescue
CPT announces its intentions to rescue 2 male tigers from the Prarie Cat Animal Refuge in Oakley, Kansas. The facility has faced pressure since last May from PETA for the condition of the facility, what local Sheriff Rod Taylor described as a junkyard. Prairie Cat now faces a court order to place out their animals following a lion attack.
The Detroit Zoo agreed to accept the facility's 3 lions, and CPT was asked to take the remaining 2 tigers.
The Attack at Prairie Cat Animal Refuge
A man was mauled at the Prairie Cat facility in February when he left his room at at a nearby hotel and broke into the facility. The facility owner, Jeffrey Harsh, had to beat the lion back with a steel pipe. The man was then driven to the hospital and was expected to recover. Both Mr. Harsh and the responding officer say the man appeared to be intoxicated.
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A tiger in the enclosure at Prairie Cat Animal Refuge
Photo courtesy of PETA
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Prairie Cat facility with tiger enclosure in background.
Photo Courtesy of PETA
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About the Tigers
The tigers names are currently "Apache" and "Nitro". Their ages are unknown- CPT was told they were young tigers, but a news article quoted the facility owner as saying they were too old for zoos to be interested in them. The local sheriff's office has informed CPT that the enclosures will have to be cut in order to get the tigers out. Both tigers will need to be sedated in order to crate them for the 24 hour trip.
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What can I do to help?
Donate
PETA has offered to assist in the transport costs of this rescue; however, CPT's cost for quarantine, habitat prep, and their first year of care is approximately $5000. CPT must also raise funds for the lifetime care of these tigers, approximately $5000 per year for each tiger. You can contribute to their care with a direct contribution by clicking the donation link below.
Bring Them Home Campaign
CPT
1940 Hanks Chapel Rd.
Pittsboro, NC 27312
(919) 542-4684
Adopt a Tiger
Our new tigers need adoptive parents to help fund their ongoing care. The Adoption program is designed as a lifetime commitment that allows you to build a relationship with these wonderful animals!
Related Articles:
3/1/2009 The Hays Daily News
"Conflict surrounds case involving Oakley lions, tigers "
2/26/2009, KCNC Denver
"Man Got Drunk, Tried To Pet Lion, Got Attacked "
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