We are pleased to announce the arrival of two beautiful bobcat girls here at the Jungle. We are currently playing the name game to select a fitting name for each of these beauties. They once were residents at Everglades Wonder Gardens, a landmark and family owned facility that had over a seventy-seven year run. Failing health of the owner was the reason for closing. And with this came the task of re-homing the residents there. http://www.naplesnews.com/news/2013/apr/21/visitors-pay-respects-to-everglades-wonder-on/
Fast forward to the day that Gatorland was alerted to this issue. This wonderful facility stepped to the plate and took in a lot of the animals. Remember, that with ever-changing laws not only here, but all over the United States, the options dwindle on re-homing these animals. Yet Gatorland stepped to the plate and took the chance to help them. Kudos Gatorland! They took these animals in, housed them for sixty days to assure they were healthy, and then those that they needed to find homes for they actively began to look for them homes.
And here is where Mystic Jungle had the opportunity to help with this re-homing effort. We were contacted by a chief staff and animal care giver, to inquire if we had the room. At this time we did. Arrangements were made, giving us two weeks to put up a temporary enclosure, complete with logs to climb on, go under and dig around, as well as a den that would house both these sisters. You see, they are four years old, sisters and have been together their entire life. So common sense dictated the design of not only the enclosure, but their housing as well. We could build two dens but are certain that they will only use one. And that is exactly what they do. You will find them in the early morning, both in the den peering out together.
We are honored that Gatorland chose us. This shows that we are not only respected, but entrusted with the care of animals that have had a jaunt in their life and need a bit of help. We like to think of it as a huge compliment. And in the words of one of our colleagues, we were told that “Most places tend to shrink the size of their cages as you gain more residents” . ” You are one of the few doing the exact opposite” “As your population grows you are turning the cages into enclosures, enlarging them” and that my friends is the highest compliment on both counts. When a respected facility trusts you with the care of animals that they have taken in to help, and your colleagues, recognize the work you have put into it. They KNOW what it takes. It takes a life time commitment. And we are in it for the lifetime commitment.
Would you like to sponsor a cat? Help build an enclosure for future cats in need? You can do so at our site here http://mysticjungle.org/donate-online/ we are a 501(c)3 non-profit and our charity registration is CH36432
