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Scooter enjoyed watching as one of the interns refilled his water tubs after they were cleaned this morning. Occasionally he would put his paw in front of the hose to play with the water and he really enjoyed that!
By IEAS Friday July 30, 2010 10:45am
Scooter
has spent the morning outside on his perch just checking things out. He is still very watchful of his new neighbor but is doing good with him there.
International Exotic Animal Sanctuary Rescues Black Bear Cub from Alaska
The International Exotic Animal Sanctuary (IEAS) received a small six pound
orphaned black bear cub on Tuesday, June 8, 2010. The cub was found and captured wandering at Excursion Inlet just west of Juneau, Alaska. He was motherless, alone and frightened. He was sent to Fortress of the Bear for safe keeping until a home could be found.
"We received word this helpless orphan needed a new home from Tom Schumacher, Biologist at Alaska Game and Fish Dept.," says Richard Gilbreth, Executive Director of IEAS. "We immediately responded to this call and accepted responsibility for his care throughout his life."
Alaska typically does not take a wild animal into captivity unless it has a facility ready to accept it," says Shumacher, acknowledging that otherwise it would have been necessary to euthanize him.
"This cub lost his mother and needs permanent loving care quickly," says Louis Dorfman, Chairman of IEAS. "We want to give him the best home he can have in captivity, with a large habitat, swimming pool, and lots of enrichment items and caring attention."
The cub was picked up at Sitka, Alaska by Richard Gilbreth and allowed to ride in the first-class cabin due to the assistance of Alaska Airlines and their booking agent, Kerri.
This little orphan bear is already becoming bonded with staff members of IEAS and is having fun exploring his
new home. He has already benefited greatly from our Emotional Enrichment Program in which we provide him with a source of security, comfort and affection that he would have received from his mother. He is being housed in our quarantine facility while he gets accustomed to the Texas heat. Eventually, when he is old enough and big enough, he will be taken down to one of the holding areas of Bear Orphanage: a beautiful, naturalistic, five-acre habitat that consists of forest and meadow areas along with ponds and dens, which are all part of the natural ecosystem for the black bear. There, he will be next to four other orphaned bear cubs that IEAS rescued last year and this year. Three of the bears (Rascal, Rowdy and Pixie) are siblings while the fourth (Scamp) is an orphan from Alaska that we rescued this past January. Scamp has already become part of Pixie, Rascal and Rowdy's social unit. They are always together and spend their days playing in the meadow or pond and sleeping and/or playing in the trees. With the success of this social unit along with the pairing of the four older black bears, we feel that we will have the same success introducing this new cub to the younger social unit in the future.
I know all are hurting during these economic times, but any amount you are able to donate will help this little tyke receive the best quality life possible in captivity. Why make him suffer anymore than what he already has...he already lost his mom. Remember, these animals that need your help, it is through no fault of their own. I am sure this little guy would rather be roaming the mountains of Alaska with his mom, but with your help, he will have the next best thing--a quality life here at IEAS.
You can find daily updates on how this little bear is doing on myspace, facebook, twitter and youtube. You can also read about him in the Star Telegram.
RECEIVE AN AMAZING DRAWING OF YOUR FAVORITE ANIMAL
We know that many of you have come to know and love the animals here at IEAS. Whether it be through your visits to the Sanctuary or by reading about them on the website, you have come to care for these magnificent animals. This summer, you will have a special opportunity to receive a spectacular, black and white drawing of your favorite animal. Nissa Marione, an Animal Care Intern this summer, is probably the most talented artist we have ever had come through our program. Nissa would like to donate her time and talents to provide you with an amazing 8x10 drawing of your favorite animal. To our many adoptive parents, this is a wonderful opportunity to receive a unique drawing of your adopted animal! All proceeds will go strictly to the Intern Programs here at the Sancutary. Check out the photo and illustration below to see just how talented Nissa is!
Nissa Marione grew up in Milford, PA. She graduated from the University of Maine in May of 2010 with a bachelor of Science in Biology and a minor in Psychology. While in school, Nissa worked as an Animal Care Intern at the Greenville Zoo in SC and also spent time working with wild song birds as part of her undergraduate theses. Additionally, she took, a wildlife ecology course that explored the diverse ecosystems and animal species of Brazil, involving a two week trip to the region. After her internship at IEAS, Nissa hopes to continue her education and career in the field of animal care and conservation.
Nissa would like to ask for a donation of $200 for each portrait and $250 for each full body sketch she does. All proceeds collected will directly benefit the IEAS Intern Programs. If you are interested in this once in a lifetime opportunity, please contact our office at 940-433-5091 or you can email us at richard@bigcat.org. Don't let this unique chance pass you by! Call today!
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a new way to help the animals of ieas!
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So many of us wish that we could give more to worthy organizations such as IEAS. We want to help, but times are tough right now, and many people don't have that extra little bit to give. Here at IEAS, we are always searching for ways that people can help out. So here is one more way that you can help the animals of IEAS through your everyday shopping!
Capital One® is now providing a credit card that will allow you to easily donate to IEAS. Your first purchase will result in a $50 donation to the animals of the Sanctuary. After that, 2% of all purchases at gas stations and major grocery store purchase, 1% of all other purchases and up to 10% of purchases made at select merchants will automatically be donated to the Sanctuary. This is such an easy, automatic way to support these amazing creatures!
You will have three custom IEAS card designs to choose from! Shop with pride, knowing that every purchase you make with your new Capital One Visa Platinum® Card will help provide all of the magnificent animals at IEAS with the absolute highest quality of care possible! If have any friends that are animal lovers, please let them know about this wonderful opportunity! To apply, click here.
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Lone Star Adventure: Bear Sanctuary
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Many of you probably know Richard Ray of the FOX 4 News team. Mr. Ray is the co-anchor of the weekend newscasts and he also does a travel and recreation feature called "Lone Star Adventures". This past week, Lone Star Adventure featured IEAS. Check out the video clip here.
For decades it has offered a home for abused and abandoned big cats, including some of the rarest species in the world. Now the facility has also started taking in big bears. In this week's Lone Star Adventure FOX 4's Richard Ray takes us to the International Exotic Animal Sanctuary in Wise County, Texas.
Rescued bears, orphans from Wyoming and Alaska, have transformed a sanctuary that for more than two decades has been renowned for some of the rarest big cats in the world.
The International Exotic Animal Sanctuary opened in 1988 and has been under the current non-profit foundation since 1996 as a home for abandoned, abused and neglected animals. For years it was named the International Exotic Feline Sanctuary but the arrival of bears in 2007 sparked a name change. It is now officially known as the International Exotic Animal Sanctuary.
Organizers say tougher laws and better enforcement have slowed the trade in big cats, which in turn has lessened the demand for sanctuary space. At the same time, more calls are coming in about bears that must be placed or be destroyed.
Beginning this spring the sanctuary will open up its bear habitat for public tours. They have two five-acre tracts and a total of thirteen bears now.
Richard Ray FOX 4 News
Once Bear Orphanage becomes open to the public for tours, we will notify you via email and on our website. You won't want to miss out on this exciting opportunity. Eight black bears are currently living in Bear Orphange. Touring around these two five-acre tracts, you will have a chance to view these bears in a natural environment, behaving the same as you would see bears in the wild.
Orphaned Black Bear Cub Arrives from Valdez, Alaska
On a cold winter morning in Valdez Alaska, an Alaskan resident walked outside to find a hungry black bear cub rummaging through his garbage looking for food in two feet of snow. With no mother in sight, an obvious sign this frightened cub needed some help, the resident was able to get the motherless bear into a dog carrier in his garage. He then contacted the Alaska Department of Fish and Game who made arrangements for him to be picked up. With the help of Shana Anderson, Manager of the Animal Shelter Facility in Valdez, the cub was then taken to the Alaska Zoo until a permanent home was found for him. If one could not be found, the helpless cub was to be euthanized. IEAS received word that this vulnerable bear cub needed a new home and immediately contacted the Alaska Department of Fish and Game to offer assistance. With the help of the Dallas Zoo, Texas Parks and Wildlife, and the Humane Society of the United States, a letter campaign to the Alaska Department of Fish and Game began to have them release the innocent baby bear to IEAS. With all this wonderful support, plus the Alaska Department determining that IEAS was indeed an excellent facility, they agreed to send the bear cub to the Sanctuary. With the assistance of Shannon Jenson, Curator of the Alaska Zoo, the little cub boarded a plane in Anchorage Alaska and arrived in Texas where he was met by the Staff of IEAS to take him on his final trip to his new home. This once doomed bear cub now has a second lease on life and will have the best quality of life possible in captivity!
The orphaned bear cub arrived at IEAS on January 15th. He is being kept in our quarantine area until he is settled and comfortable with his surroundings. Now, during the morning hours and late evening, you will see him sitting on his high perch watching everything around him. He is taking it all in and has come a long way in just a few days. He is even taking grapes from Louis, Animal Behaviorist, and Christi, Curator/Asst. Behaviorist, as they visit with him throughout the day. He already seems to long for attention; whenever Louis or Christi spend time with him, he comes right over and tries to get into their lap. Using our Emotional Enrichment Program, Louis and Christi will provide this cub with the security, comfort and affection he once received from his mother.
Eventually he will be taken down to one of the holding areas of Bear Orphanage: a beautiful, naturalistic, five-acre habitat that consists of forest and meadow areas along with ponds and dens, which are all part of the natural ecosystem for the bear. There he will be next to three other orphaned bears that IEAS rescued last year. They are all about the same age, so one day, in the near future, they will all form a bond and start hanging out together. They will become a social unit as have our other four rescued black bears.
Donations to help take care of this adorable bear are appreciated. He has been through a lot these past few months and needs your help! I know times are hard with the economy, but any amount or help you are able to give to help this cub will enable him to receive the best quality of life possible in captivity.
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furry tales do come true
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During an after-midnight winter storm that draped most of North Texas in 2008 with plenty of ice, a crate was dropped off outside the gates of IEAS. Keepers discovered the surprise delivery by six am. Inside was a shivering, wet, hungry and scared bobcat with no bedding, food or water. Keepers couldn't believe someone would leave an animal out in twenty-degree weather. Within minutes, the crate was in the warmth of the veterinary clinic at the Sanctuary. It took almost an hour to quietly free this abandoned animal from its prison-like container constructed with cruelty. It was obvious this contraption was not built for the well being of the animal. We didn't really have a place for her to go at that point. She remained in the vet clinic with visits from the keepers trying to reassure her that we were there to take care of her. She eventually came around and would come up to the keepers as they fed and cleaned her area. During her first month here, IEAS Staff worked hard to modify the last empty habitat we had so that it would provide everything she needed to live a happy, healthy life.
Nakita is doing well in her new home. She enjoys many trees to climb, perches to lie on and even a cave to hide in. She is one of the most playful bobcats at IEAS and enjoys visits from just about anyone. Nakita has become a master at hiding from the keepers as they make their daily checks making sure the animals have everything they need. The keepers will stand there searching for her until after five minutes, there she is peering over a tree branch watching them. She blends in well with the trees and shows her agility as she leaps from tree to tree without making a sound.
Nakita has benefited greatly from our Emotional Enrichement Program. She has formed a bond with Trish, our Lead Keeper, who goes down and sits with Nakita at night and throws her tennis ball around. We also have some hanging toys for Nakita to play with as well, but her favorite enrichment item remains her tennis ball. She loves chasing it around and batting at it. Nakita is now receiving the care she deserved from the beginning.
You too can help animals like Nakita. Now is the time, with the year coming to an end. Without the support of people who care about the welfare of wild animals, these happy endings wouldn't be possible. It is because of generous donors like you that IEAS is able to give these animals the best quality of life possible in captivity. Thank you for your support and best holiday wishes. Don't forget to sign up, if you haven't already, to receive our monthly newsletter and read about the animals and the happenings here at the Sanctuary.
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Tony Stewart Foundation
eBay Charity Auction for IEAS
- The Tony Stewart Foundation is proud to partner with Texas-based artist, Richard Nunez, on a special program within their eBay Charity Works Auction. Richard's unique artistic talents have been paired with many celebrities including Bill Cosby, Vince Gill, Dan Aykroyd, Jim Belushi, Rod Stewart and Quan Cosby of the Cincinnati Bengals.
The Tiger's Head Auction will include 50 limited edition prints - one autographed print for each state - Alabama to Wyoming! Each designated state's print will feature both Tony's and Richard's unique signitures. The auction series will roll out over several weeks featuring 5 states at a time, in alphabetical order by state. The first auction begins on Friday, September 25th at 12 noon EDT.
Proceeds from the Tiger's Head Auction Series will directly benefit the
International Exotic Animal Sanctuary!
PLACE YOUR BID!!
Lucky and Lucy's Romance
It's been almost a year since IEAS received a news flash from the Alaska Fish and Game Department as they tried to find a home for an orphaned bear cub attempting to hibernate under the porch of a private residence. IEAS had less than ten hours to get all the paperwork and satisfy all requirements to save this helpless bear from being euthanized. The next afternoon, this little bear cub, who was appropriately named Lucky , was en route to his new home with a new lease on a wonderful life at IEAS.
When Lucky arrived, he was moved to a five-acre habitat known as Bear Orphanage . Once released into Bear Orphanage, he kept to himself and spent most of his time in a pine tree. He would come down to eat, but he was very timid and reclusive around humans and avoided the sub-adult bears in the area. He acted very lonely and depressed. We were all very worried about Lucky's transition. Nobody would ever know what happened to Lucky's mom or siblings or how long he had to fend for himself.
Fortunately, IEAS later received word about a female bear cub needing a home. We felt this was fate. Lucy arrived about three months after Lucky. Lucy was very outgoing and became quite attached to our Animal Behaviorist, Louis Dorfman , and his assistant, Christi Gilbreth . Lucy would follow Louis wherever he went and would immediately get in his lap when he sat down, moaning with affectionate sounds of happiness and satisfaction. Louis and Christi then worked long and hard walking with Lucy to whatever tree Lucky might be found so that Lucky and Lucy would be in the same proximity. this process was done daily. Lucy wanted his attention, but Lucky was still unsure and leery of any contact with bear or human. For a while it was quite discouraging as Lucky seemed to remain depressed and alone. Finally, after a few months, SUCCESS! Through the use of our unique Emotional Enrichment Program , we were able to bring these two lonely bears together. Once Lucky remained on the ground once and allowed Lucy to touch noses with him, he was completely taken with her. The photo above is their first meeting. It seemed that all they needed was time to figure things out. While feeding them one day, Christi noticed that Lucky was coming over to the same pan as Lucy, so we began putting two pans filled with fresh fruit, vegetables and peanuts close together, and now they meet us everyday in the same spot for their lunch date. Through this program, Louis Dorfman, our Animal Behaviorist, and Christi Gilbreth, our Curator/Asst. Animal Behaviorist, were able to help these two become comfortable enough with each other and their surroundings by spending many hours a day sitting with Lucky and Lucy rain or shine.
Lucky and Lucy are now inseparable. They spend most of the days together either playing in the meadow, the pond, or even a tree. This companionship has even made Lucky more trusting of humans. After months of watching Lucy and Louis interact, Lucky is now making strides with great curiosity for his own interaction. He watches every day as Louis sits with Lucy and allows her to suckle on his hand. She will also still try to sit in his lap, which is very difficult now that she has grown. Lucky sees this attention and actually craves it himself, but he is not sure exactly how to go about it. Even though Lucky may not have had physical affection for much of his early childhood, he is learning the value of it and craves it more and more. We can see how far little Lucky has come since his first weeks in his new home. We feel so blessed and satisfied to have had a part to play in this bear love story with such a happy ending. Soon you will be able to see these two playful bears on a tour when Bear Orphanage is open to the public.
You can participate in all of our success stories. It's easy, painless, and tax-deductible. Without the support of people who care about the welfare of wild animals, these happy endings wouldn't be possible. Please check back regularly to read and see more animal success stories fro IEAS. Thank you for your support and best wishes. You can also sign up to receive our monthly newsletter and read about the animals and the happenings here at the Sanctuary.
- Update: Baby Bears
- Many of you will remember back in June when the three baby black bears arrived at IEAS after being orphaned. The three little bears were due to be euthanized a day after their mother was killed by an irresponsible hunter. Wyoming wildlife authorities called IEAS on a Saturday; by the following Monday, a generous benefactor had his private jet landing in Pinedale, Wyoming. The little bears were ar IEAS by five o'clock that afternoon.
Like many of the animals at IEAS, these helpless little cubs had suffered a great deal prior to arriving here. They tragically lost their mother and were suddenly taken from the life they had known in the wild and shuffled to several buildings in Wyoming where humans handled them. As expected, when the cubs first arrived they were extremely shy, in stress, and wary of all humans. When IEAS staff entered to feed them, the three little black balls of fuzz would scurry away to hide in their igloo. Initially, they would spend their time hiding in their house during the day while we were all working around outside.
All of that has changed now, thanks to our unique Emotional Enrichment Program. Through this program, Louis Dorfman, our Animal Behaviorist, and Christi Gilbreth, our Curator/Assistant Animal Behaviorist, have been able to help these amazing animals adjust from a life in the wild to onw in captivity. Louis and Christi have been spending a great deal of time daily with these precious cubs, helping with the transformation. Rain or shine, Louis and Christi are there with the babies. Whether the bears want to eat their meal, run around and play, or just nap in a tree, Louis and Christi are there to spend time with them and provide them with a sense of comfort and security. They are becoming more and more comfortable with all of their human caregivers. Fear has now been replaced with confidence and curiosity.
The bears have moved from their temporary home to their new home in Bear Orphanage. When they are old enough they will have five acres to roam, complete with forest areas, meadow areas, a pond and dens. But for now, while the bears are still very young and small, they are living in a 4,000 sq. ft. holding area of Bear Orphanage, and they love every inch of it! They are so happy in their new home; a person could watch them all day long and never be bored. One minute they are climbing in the trees and the next they are rushing down to play with their toys, in their pool, or on their jungle gym. The staff will sometimes have to come back several times just to refill their water trough, as these endearing rascals come over to play in the water several times an hour. These little guys have become so comfortable in their new surroundings that they will climb into Louis' lap and eat grapes and peanuts, two of their favorite foods! They will then explore whatever treasure they may find in pockets before giving a lick on the mouth and running off to play some more!
Visitors will soon be able to watch these amazing animals for extended periods of time once Bear Orphanage is open to the public. If you would like to help these precious, young cubs have the best quality of life possible, donate today and help us to keep these magnificent bears happy and healthy for the rest of their life!
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RESCUES ARE BECOMINIG FAST AND FURIOUS FOR IEAS
- This summer is turning out to be one of the busiest summers yet for the International Exotic Animal Sanctuary (IEAS). Animals are in need of rescuing more than ever. On June 2nd, the International Exotic Animal Sanctuary rescued two white tiger cubs from East Texas. These two, eleven-month old Bengal Tigers were being kept illegally. Their owners brought them to IEAS to avoid licensing problems. The two female tigers arrived in good health and had good attitudes. They are both very playful and affectionate girls. They are currently being housed in our quarantine area until their permanent habitat is ready for them. The two tigers have grass, shade and a pool to play in for the time being.
Just a week and a half later, IEAS received a call from the Wyoming Game and Fish Department. A hunter had accidentally shot and killed a mother black bear leaving three four-month old cubs orphaned. IEAS knew they had to rescue these cubs before they were euthanized. The three cubs arrived at IEAS on June 16th. They are being kept in a temporary habitat until they are big enough and old enough to join four other black bears down at Bear Orphanage. Bear Orphanage consists of two five-acre habitats, one for black bears and the other for grizzly bears. Each habitat can house up to nine bears. They each feature forest and meadow areas along with ponds and dens, which are all part of the natural ecosystem for bears. Right now, these bears are still getting used to their new surroundings. They have been through a lot these past few days, and they need your help! You can view the video of their rescue at the link below.
IEAS is offering a special way for you to honor someone in your life by naming one of these newly rescued animals. You can donate $7,500 to name both of the female tiger cubs or $5,000 to name one of the black bear cubs. These animals need your help. I know all are suffering through these economic times, but any amount you are able to give will help these animals receive the best quality life possible in captivity. Why make these three little bears suffer any more...they have already lost their mom. Remember, these animals that need your help, it is through no fault of their own. I am sure the little cubs would rather be roaming the Rockies with their mom, but with your help, they will have the next best thing-a quality life here at IEAS.
A reminder--Summer is here, and it's the best time for a tour! You can come see these new tigers on a tour at IEAS. We have tours Saturdays at 11am and 3pm and Sunday at 11am. We also offer tours during the week by appointments only. Just call our office, (940) 433-5091, between 8am and 4pm to set up a time and day.
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LUCKY MADE A NEW FRIEND
- As you may remember, in 2008, Lucky was found trying to hibernate under someone's front porch in Alaska. The local police captured him before the Alaska Department of Fish and Game could intervene. Just hours before this bear was set to be euthanized, IEAS received a news flash from the Fish and Game, who was trying to find a home for this cub. IEAS had less than ten hours to get the paperwork and everything else in order to save this bear's life. The bear was flown from Alaska to Texas in November. Lucky is now enjoying his life in a natural, five-acre habitat known as Bear Orphanage.
It is not known exactly what Lucky went through or how long he had been on his own before coming to IEAS. One can only imagine. When he arrived, he was shy and a little timid. He stayed to himself and felt more secure in a tree. He would come down to eat his food but was still unsure of his surroundings. Well, a few months after his arrival, Lucy, another black bear cub, arrived at IEAS. She was also introduced into Bear Orphanage. Lucy is more outgoing and very curious. When Lucky and Lucy would see each other, Lucy would want his attention, but Lucky was still unsure what to make of the situation. After just about two months, on their own time, Lucky and Lucy have now formed a close bond. It started out just eating in the same area together, but now they hang out together near a den and play most of the day. Lucky has become more socialble and getting more confident by the day. He now spends most of the day on the ground playing or hanging out with Lucy. We are very happy to see this union as neither one will be alone again. They now have each other to turn to.
You can see more videos and pictures of Lucky and Lucy on their pages. You can also come see Lucky and Lucy on a tour. We have tours on Saturday at 11am and 3pm and Sunday at 11am. You can set up a tour during the week through our office, (940) 433-5091.
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BOBCAT ABANDONED IN FREEZING TEMPERATURES!
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This crate was what the IEAS staff found sitting outside of the perimeter gate on Sunday morning, January 4, 2009. IEAS interns arrive to work well before daylight. One of the interns went to open the gate, just like she would any other day when she discovered this crate. She informed a keeper that there was some sort of crate outside that she thought may have a cat in it. IEAS staff went outside with a flashlight and confirmed that there was indeed a cat inside the crate. Someone had decided to lock a bobcat up in a crate and dump her in the road in the middle of the night in the freezing cold weather. It took the staff about an hour to get the poor bobcat out of the crate because of the way it was constructed. It had in place a slide gate that did not work. The only way to get the cat out of the crate was to unscrew it and disassemble it. All of the screws were stripped and broken, making this an impossible task. Finally, our only option was to break the boards to let the cat out. Frightened and in an unfamiliar place with unfamiliar people, the bobcat took shelter in the house of a quarantine area of IEAS.
We don’t really have a place for this cat to go, however the IEAS staff is now working to convert our one empty habitat so that it will have everything that she will need to stay happy and healthy for the rest of her life. She is currently staying in our Quarantine area until her new home is ready. The staff has named her Nakita, which means unconquered. If you would like to help the care for this abandoned feline, please donate today. Your gift will help to cover the costs of habitat modification, food, dietary supplements, and enrichment items for this amazing animal. You will help to ensure that she will have the absolute highest quality of life that we can possibly give her. We thank you for caring. -
BLACK BEAR CUB SAVED BY IEAS
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“Alaska Department of Fish and Game has a black bear cub of the year in need of immediate rescue. It was attempting to hibernate under someone’s front porch and local police captured the animal before AK Fish and Game could intervene. Due to circumstances, the animal will have to be euthanized if an AZA zoo cannot commit to adopting it prior to 5pm, Eastern Time, on Thursday, November 13th.”
This was the news flash that IEAS Executive Director, Richard Gilbreth, received on the morning of Thursday, November 13, 2008. We knew that something had to be done to save this amazing animal’s life. IEAS had less than 10 hours to get everything into motion, get the paperwork ready, and everything else necessary to make this happen.
Christmas certainly came early for this young cub. He was flown from Alaska to Texas on November 19, 2008. He is currently being held in a quarantine facility until he is old enough to be moved to his new, permanent home at Bear Orphanage. Bear Orphanage is a five-acre habitat complete with forest areas, a meadow area, a pond, and natural den areas for the bears. He will have everything he needs to keep him happy and healthy for the rest of his life, living in an environment just like the one that he would in the wild.
You can help this amazing animal too. Any donation, large or small, would be greatly appreciated. You can help us to give this magnificent cub the absolute highest quality of life possible.Visit the link below to view the story CBS 11 did on this young bear cub.
http://cbs11tv.com/pets/Boyd.Animal.Sanctuary.2.886464.html
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HURRICANE IKE SURVIVOR
IS RESCUED BY IEAS!
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Many of you may have heard the story about the man in Crystal Beach, TX who took shelter in a church with his pet lion during Hurricane Ike. Michael Ray Kujawa ran what Crystal Beach visitors called a make-shift home zoo that had housed goats, an emu, and big cats. Evidently, this man waited too long to evacuate Crystal Beach as Hurricane Ike tore through the area. As he attempted to drive to safety, he was trapped by rising waters. In the back of his vehicle was Shackles, an 11 year old lioness. Sympathetic people who had taken shelter at the First Baptist Church in Crystal Beach gave sanctuary to the man and the lion he described as his pet.undefined undefined undefined undefined What many people don’t know is that there was another big cat who had been left abandoned at the man’s make-shift zoo. Back at his home, a 400-pound tiger was left in a locked enclosure, with nowhere to go and no choice but to attempt to ride out the storm. Amazingly, this tiger survived.
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Two Cats are Rescued by IEAS
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Two new residents can now call IEAS home. Back in August, a serval and a caracal were abandoned on the doorstep a wildlife rehabilitation center in New Mexico. Staff members of the center contacted IEAS to see if we would be able to take the animals. They arrived in late August and are currently being housed in our Quarantine facility. They will soon move to their permanent home where they will have grass, trees for shade, misters to keep them cool, perches to lay on, and a house for shelter.
The IEAS Board of Directors have decided on names for these two magnificent animals. We would like to honor two of our most dedicated volunteers by naming these cats after them. The caracal’s name is now Billy. Billy O’Brien has been a volunteer at IEAS for the last five years. Billy’s hard work and dedication to the animals of IEAS are so greatly appreciated. Billy is always willing to help with whatever we may be doing at the sanctuary. On one day you may find him leading our conservation education tours or spending time with our adoptive parents as they visit with animals. On another day you will find him involved in many of the activities that occur at the Sanctuary, including painting, welding, building caves or pools, mowing, and weedeating. The serval’s name is now Barbara. Barbara Tinsley has been a volunteer at IEAS since 1998. Barbara devotes much of her time to all of the landscaping throughout the facility. Barbara keeps IEAS looking beautiful with all of the flowers and other plant life that she attends to. She takes care of many of the vines at the Sanctuary to ensure that the animals always have access to shade. Barbara is also one of the Sanctuary’s photographers. She takes pictures of the animals at the Sanctuary that can be used for our website or can be sold in our gift shop. Thank you, Billy and Barbara, for all of your hard work and dedication to the animals of IEAS!
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two baby bobcats arrive at ieas
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Chrissy and Tricia both arrived at IEAS on May 19, 2008 after being orphaned when their mothers were shot. Chrissy is now 11 weeks old and Tricia is seven weeks old. Though they are not true siblings, they never leave each other's side. They play together and sleep together. As of right now, they are inseparable. They are being housed in our quarantine facility until they are big enough to be moved to their permanent home.
Visit Chrissy's and Tricia's pages for more great pictures and videos showing these two playful youngsters in action!
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BEARS COME TO INTERNATIONAL EXOTIC ANIMAL SANCTUARY
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In recognition of changes taking place in the need for sanctuary for abandoned, confiscated, or otherwise needy wild animals, the Board of Directors of International Exotic Feline Sanctuary approved changing the name of the organization to International Exotic Animal Sanctuary and to consider taking in species other than only felines.
We recognize that laws in many states regulating the ownership of exotic animals have changed dramatically over the last few years, and exotic felines seem to be the focus of much of the tightening of ownership, due to a number of injuries and deaths in recent years. Consequently, breeders have cut down on their activities to the extent that there are fewer misplaced felines in the country than in previous years.
Therefore, we decided to meet the current needs for a wild animal sanctuary. Recently, a large need for housing bears has developed, as many bears are kept illegally, many are being displaced by development, and many are exceeding the ability of the current owners to give them proper care.
In reaction to these changes, IEAS has agreed to take in one black bear that was confiscated by Gonzales County authorities over a year ago along with other wild animals being kept in deplorable conditions. We took in a tiger at the time that had previously been kept in a tiny, 4'x9' cage for his entire life, with concrete on the bottom and a top so that he never saw sunlight or grass. The bear was kept in the same size cage.
The bear was housed at the North Texas Humane Society for over a year. Bill is now in his new home at IEAS. He has a pool, a den, perches, and other enrichment items in a large habitat with grass and trees. We are going to give him the life he deserves and to give him the best life he can have in captivity.
We also have taken in four grizzly bear cubs. These cubs are 17 months old and were unexpectedly born at a facility in Central Texas that didn't have the room or capacity to give them adequate housing. Their habitat will be adjoining the black bear habitats, and we are creating a "Bear Manor" with many concepts, trees, perches, a swimming pool, and play equipment so that they can have a happy and enjoyable life.
Also, we just rescued two baby black bear cubs that were orphaned when their mother was killed by a Wyoming game warden when they were encountered in a residential neighborhood. Wyoming Game and Fish Dept. contacted us, and these two lovely "teddy bears" are now at the Sanctuary in a temporary habitat. Everyone is invited to come see these cute, playful babies as they make the adjustment from their mother's loving care to the best we can give them in the way of security, comfort, and freedom from stress or anxiety.
Everyone is also invited to come see the grizzlies that are now in their new spacious home. Those that have seen them can hardly believe the fun and joy they exhibit in their play and interaction. It's a source of great satisfaction to see them so happy and so playful.
You can help all of these bears! Donate today to help us give these bears the quality of life they deserve!
To see the full story about the four grizzly cubs who arrived in July 2007, and the two orphaned black bear cubs who arrived in August, click here.
You can find more pictures and videos of the grizzly cubs on the Grizzly Bear page.
If you would like to see some pictures and videos and read more about the servals who arrived in June, click here.
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INTERNATIONAL EXOTIC Animal SANCTUARY RESCUES TWO BLACK BEAR CUBS
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The International Exotic Animal Sanctuary will be receiving two orphaned black bear cubs on Monday August 27, 2007.
Upon hearing of the plight of two orphaned black bear cubs whose mother had to be shot to protect human life, IEAS immediately went into action.
"These cubs just lost their mother and need permanent loving care quickly," said Louis Dorfman, Chairman of IEAS. "We want to give them the best home they can have in captivity, with a large habitat, swimming pool, and lots of enrichment items and caring attention."
The two 50 pound cubs will arrive by private jet at Addison Airport Monday afternoon. Louis Dorfman will be accompanying them on their journey. They will then be transported to IEAS where they will live out the rest of their lives.
"We feel badly that the mother of these lovely cubs had to be destroyed," said Terry Kreeger, Supervisor of Wyoming Game and Fish Department. "We are just happy that they are going to a great home and will have a good future life. They are quite loveable and were eating out of our hands."
The Sanctuary recently changed its name and expanded its mission to include bears, having previously restricted its resident animals to exotic felines. "Now that we have these cubs to join the four grizzly cubs and one adult black bear we recently committed to take, we are going to learn alot more about bears quickly," according to Richard Gilbreth, Executive Director of IEAS. "It will be a challenge, but a satisfying one, seeing these bears grow up happy and healthy."
"It's exciting. If we didn't take them, where would they go?" said Gilbreth. "It's rewarding that we can give them a home."
Click here to see the Fox 4 News coverage about the two black bear cubs.
If you would like to help these two, orphaned black bear cubs, you can do it today! All donations are greatly appreciated! Any amount, large or small, will aid in the rescue of these needy animals and allow them to live comfortably in an environment that keeps them happy and free of anxiety for the rest of their lives. We thank you in advance for you caring support and generosity.
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