The Wildcat Sanctuary (TWS)

The Wildcat Sanctuary (tws) is a 501c3 non-profit, no-kill big cat rescue located in sandstone, mn. Tws provides a natural Sanctuary to wild cats in need and inspires change to end The captive wildlife crisis. Tws is funded solely on private donations. The Sanctuary is a rescue organization and is not open to The public. Combining natural and spacious habitats with a life free of exhibition, tws allows all residents to live wild at heart. As a true Sanctuary, we do not buy, breed, sell or exhibit animals. The Wildcat Sanctuary is accredited by The american Sanctuary association and The global federation of animal sanctuaries. We are also licensed by The usda. Program measurements for 2022:we welcomed 19 new residents, but we also said a tearful goodbye to 7 beloved residents. Plus, we also rescued big cats within our witness protection and tiger amnesty programs. And we capped off The year partnering with ifaw to rescue 4 lion cubs from war-stricken ukraine. Completed and moved into our new animal care center/hospital with upgraded equipment and closed-circuit tv/security. Remodeled The food & wellness center and added an outdoor refrigerator. Demolished and constructed a new habitat in hybrid haven to provide a more dynamic space. Purchased a new heated bungalow for dj, axel and rachel. Added several zig zag shade structures to habitats, with support from trees for tigers. Enhanced several habitats and rooms with new inground skirting, pools and brighter colors painted in The cats' indoor bedrooms. Designed and installed 45 food chutes to big cats' indoor rooms for more natural feeding experiences. Added a winter yard in pride prairie to accommodate lion kimba's needs. Divided pride prairie habitats in preparation for new cubs' arrival. Installed road at front of property to our equipment and supply yard. Continued repairs and maintenance of habitats. Added double doors and access doors to all lockouts as part of our safety protocol. Purchased skid steer, dump trailer and new 10 ft. Rescue trailer. Ensured backup systems with a new property generator as well as several portable generators. 6-8 interns each session learning husbandry and advocacy work. 32 volunteer crew days, averaging 8 people per crew, donated their time to The Sanctuary. Ongoing volunteers supported cleaning, chores, mowing, gardens and much, much more. Received our gfas renewal and clean usda inspection. Founder serves on The bcsa steering committee. Donor services manager serves on The bcsa events committee. Founder and operations director both presented at bcsa annual conference. Partnered with hsus and successfully defended Minnesota's regulated animal bill. Supported The historic passage of The big cat and public safety act! Continued to build a sustainable governance board. Welcomed 3 new board members as well as new officers. Developed an animal wellness manager position to work in tandem with The animal care manager ensuring The psychological and physical wellbeing of our residents. Added dr. clark campbell, dvm as The Sanctuary's full-time veterinarian to ensure we provide 7 days a week vet coverage, along with our full-time hospital manager, volunteer veterinarian and veterinary techs. Promoted two long-term caretakers to senior caretakers. Added a caretaker/construction position to assist in animal care and volunteer crew days. Worked on developing our future strategic plan with a focus on long term succession. Hosted first ever public vip event giving bidders The chance to experience The Sanctuary.