It wasn't until about 2003 when I became aware of ...

It wasn't until about 2003 when I became aware of the horrible crisis our country has with exotic animals. I began to research what ever I could online and knew then that I wanted to be envolved with the mission of educating the public in order to one day end this crisis. Big Cat Rescue is one of two accredited wildcat sanctuaries in the U.S. I personally support today. I visited BCR many years ago to see exactly what they do for the animals in their care and to hear more about their mission. On my tour of the facility in Tampa, FL I witnessed how they provide wonderful care for the animals. They are provided with large enclosures filled with enrichment for the remainder of their lives. Many cats have been rescued from horrible conditions of neglect and abuse and many were surrendered by people who thought having an exotic cat as a pet was a cool thing but found they could not manage it once it grew full-size. There is no human contact allowed by the visitors and their volunteers. I observed their safety measures BCR has in place to protect their visitors and staff. BCR is not a place for entertainment. It is a place where many volunteers have dedicated unlimited time from their personal lives to provide good care for all the animals who live there. It is not a place to expect to see fun human interaction with the animals or staff. It is a sanctuary; a place for their residents to find peace and shelter from all of those that mean harm. And, most of all, it is a place for you to learn about the ongoning problems in our country and the ownership of wild animals, and to learn about the many ways you can help with their mission.

In my years of following BCR's activities I have found that they are a strong and determined non-profit organization that along with many other accredited organizations want to put an end to the wildcat crisis and I stand behind them 100%. Not only wildcats, but all wild animals do not make good pets for many reasons; the two major reasons are health risks to humans and safety risks to humans. I support BCR's mission by helping them educate the public and commend them on their lobbying efforts to put an end to the need for sanctuaries. It pains me to see these animals locked up and not living in their natural habitat. They did not ask for this, for they have no voice, the public needs to do a good service by speaking for them and to help prevent any more animals to be subjected to these conditions. If you are not able to personally visit Big Cat Rescue please visit their website; you will find many ways you can help with this growing crisis in our country. We need to end the need for sanctuaries.