Date: 02-22-2012
Pixie has found her spot down in Bear Orphanage. She found herself an old squirrel nest to sleep in. It's up at the very top of a tall tree with a great view. As you can see, it's just the right size for this little girl.
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Date: 02-21-2012
Prince and Princess were in a playful mood this morning. They were chasing each other all around their habitat and even playing with their hanging tire. Princess was the first to swing the tire around, and then Prince came over and poked his head through.
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Date: 02-20-2012
After a few cloudy days, the cats and bears are now enjoying some sun. Mia was up on her high perch soaking in the rays. That is her favorite spot on warm sunny days.
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Date: 02-19-2012
Simba decided to make feeding a little tricky this morning. Usually we use the cat's house gate to lock them out in order to be able to put their breakfast in their house for them. Today, Simba decided to leave his tire right under the gate so that we couldn't put it down. But...we always have our ways! Most of the habitats of IEAS are divided into ...
Date: 02-18-2012
It's another rainy day at the Sanctuary, but it's going to take more than a little wetness to keep Arusha inside. She was out all morning lounging in the grass while Kim and Karen were out playing a bit. The older, wiser animals were in their houses staying dry and warm.
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Date: 02-17-2012
You know that rainy day feeling that makes you just want to sit on the couch all day long? Well, the felines and bears at IEAS get in that mood also! Dreary days like today make all of the residents of the Sanctuary want to spend the day lounging and snoozing on their favorite perches. Newt looked particularly adorable, sleeping peacefully up high in his habita...
Date: 02-16-2012
Rasul has spent the day lounging around on his perch today. After enjoying his bone, he went over and laid on the perch cuddled up next to Allie Kat, his sister.
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Date: 02-15-2012
They Grizzly bears made a surprising appearance yesterday evening. All four were out chasing each other around and rough housing together. However, this morning, they were back in their cave sleeping. We are sure they will be out again later this afternoon when it warms us. They are just slowly coming out of their winter sleep....
Date: 02-14-2012
It's a dreary start to the day. Most of the cats are laying in their house. Nala is no exception only she has a little toy inside with her. Nala has grown very fond of a small log from her habitat. She always has it in her house with her, and we have seen her cuddled up with her arm draped over this tiny log on occasion. You never know what th...
Date: 02-13-2012
Well, we did get snow last night here are at IEAS. However, most of it was melted by this morning, and the snow turned into rain. Some of the cats were out enjoying the wet, white stuff while others were in their houses. Kumar didn't want to leave his house after eating his breakfast this morning while Arusha was out exploring.
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Date: 02-12-2012
Duchess seems to be enjoying this chilly weather we are having. She normally spends her mornings relaxing in privacy, either in her cave or her house. This morning she was out exploring her habitat, which is something she normally does in the late afternoons after everything has quieted down. Duchess arrived in March 2011, and she has become so comfortabl...
Date: 02-11-2012
Date: 02-10-2012
The animals of IEAS are getting ready for the first batch of real winter weather. Tonight is going to be a cold one, and the Staff of IEAS spent the morning making sure the animals have a warm bed of hay to make it through the night. However, today, the animals are choosing to enjoy the day in different ways. Some are tucked away in their warm house while...
Date: 02-09-2012
The day started out pretty cloudy and chilly, so we weren't expecting a sunny afternoon! The weather and temperature were just right for the IEAS felines and almost all of them were out and about, lounging in the sun on their favorite perches or in the long, comfy grass. The cats were more than happy to receive some visits from friends, such as the interns of IEAS wh...
Date: 02-08-2012
We had a bit of a keeper switch today and Shauna took full advantage of having a different keeper feeding her! Every day she plays hide-and-seek and pops out from behind her house as soon as her caretakers approach. Her normal keeper and interns are always prepared for her "peek-a-boo" moment, but today, she was excited to finally be able to surprise an unsuspect...
Date: 02-07-2012
Today was the perfect tree day for the bears. Greta, Scooter and Scamp were all up in their favorite tree this morning. It doesn't look too comfortable to us, but for the bears, it's the place they love. They spend majority of their time lounging in the trees, and in the summer they even love playing in the trees!
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Date: 02-06-2012
Tassers is not usually a big fan of these chilly mornings. On a day like today, he would normally eat his breakfast, have a drink, then head into his warm hay-filled house to relax. However, today this little bobcat decided that it would be more fun to hang out in his tall grass and watch us work. He kept a close eye on everybody and even enjoyed a visit from one of ...
Date: 02-05-2012
Karen showed us two very different sides of herself this morning! At feeding time, she showed us just how playful she could be. She was running around with her sister, pouncing and attacking her boomer ball and being as rambunctious as we've ever seen her. It was pretty clear that this play session came from pre-breakfast excitement! Right after she finished eating h...
Date: 02-04-2012
The cooler weather moved in this morning, and it feels more like winter. However, the cats seem to enjoy the cooler weather. Most of the tigers and lions are out lounging in the grass. Even Chrissy and Tricia aren't going to let the cold air bother them. They have been snuggled together on one of their favorite perches. It takes a lot to make ...
Date: 02-03-2012
George decided to take a break from his den today. He and his siblings have been in their den for most of the winter. However, all four did venture out a couple days ago when it was in the 70's. George was the only one out this morning, and he has been laying outside the den enjoying the warmer weather.
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Date: 02-02-2012
Princess enjoyed her bone today. Every Thursday is "Bone Day" for the cats at IEAS, and they all know when it's bone day. Princess spent all morning playing with her bone on her perch swinging it back and forth a few time before laying down to enjoy the tasty treat.
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Date: 02-01-2012
Scoundrel became curious with the work we were doing today. IEAS Staff was busy working on one of the caves at Bear Orphanage, and Scoundrel came out to stretch his legs and check it out. He stayed out quite a while roaming around before returning to his cave. This was the longest he has been out with so many people around. This shows that he is bec...
Date: 01-30-2012
Caesar is one of the many animals at IEAS that is enjoying this warm winter weather we are having. Normally, Caesar is in his warm house during the chilly days; however, today, he is out enjoying the sun.
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Date: 01-29-2012
Ron, one of the male African lions at IEAS, is always at his most content on sunny days. He spent today basking in the sun in his tall grass and on his favorite perch. Then, he was so fortunate as to have a nice, long visit with one of his favorite volunteers, Barbara. He is such a handsome lion and it's so wonderful to see him enjoying the day AND the weather, just ...
Date: 01-28-2012
We have recently started using a new disinfectant other than our normal bleach solution. Some of the bobcats have decided that they really like this new solution! It first started with Newt, one of the male bobcats. Today Baby must have seen her neighbor, Newt enjoying the disinfectant after the keeper cleaned the habitat. So once the keeper was don...
Date: 01-27-2012
Thor is becoming a big boy. He is now eating three pounds of food a day. He is down to being fed twice a day and soon will be getting fed only once a day. He has adjusted well to his new life at IEAS. He enjoys laying in the grass most of the day and is often seen on his high perch lounging around, and he still enjoys his visits from his caregi...
Date: 01-26-2012
Well, it seems that Prince had a little run-in with a stinky skunk at some point since yesterday! He (and his house) smell like they had a bit of an invasion by one of our black and white striped, smelly friends. Princess appears to be avoiding him, going over for a hello once in a while, but definitely keeping her distance - and so are we! He sure is one stinky tige...
Date: 01-25-2012
Talk about a wet morning. We had over three inches of rain over night! Despite the downpour, the cats were all out waiting on their breakfast. After being fed, they were quick to take shelter in their nice warm houses. Once the rain stopped and the cooler temperature made its way in, the tigers were out roaming and enjoying the cool breeze.
Date: 01-24-2012
Karen was bobbing for her boomer ball today. She was trying so hard to get the ball out of her pool. At one point she almost got it out, but then it started slipping down into the pool again. At that point, she hugged the ball with her paws and used her chin to hold the ball where it was at. She stayed in that position until she lost the battle....
Date: 01-23-2012
Lucky, Lucy, Pixie and Rascal all came out of their dens to see the work going on at Bear Orphanage. The Staff is hard at work trying to get another den built for them before their new neighbor, Scoundrel, moves down to his new home. Each one took turns coming over and checking out their soon-to-be new cave.
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Date: 01-22-2012
Caesar and Simba are usually two of the tigers who are most eager and ready to get into their houses for their morning meals. However, today it seemed that these two neighbors decided that playing with their boomer balls would be much more fun! Both of them were rolling their balls all over and pouncing on them as we fed. They paid almost no attention to their food until i...
Date: 01-21-2012
While the temperatures didn't get nearly as warm as they did yesterday, it was still beautiful with the sun shining all day long! Many of the animals spent most of the day outside, enjoying the sunshine. Tricia was out exploring and even checking out her hammock. The IEAS staff have made fire hose hammocks for many of the bobcats to provide them with...
Date: 01-20-2012
Khera came out to watch the work being done on her pool today. That is until she felt it was getting too warm and took a break to lounge in the shade. Can't believe it's January!
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Date: 01-19-2012
Ron was enjoying the warm weather today. He has been out lying in the sun all morning, and he's not the only one. Most of the cats are doing the same while the bears are up lounging in the trees.
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Date: 01-18-2012
It was a chilly start this morning. However, the 30 degree temperature didn't keep Prince from having some fun his pool. After Staff cleaned his habitat this morning, Prince went over and got in his pool. He is just proof of how much tigers enjoy the water!
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Date: 01-17-2012
The cold front moved in sooner than expected today; however, it didn't seem to bother the cats one bit. Prince and Princess were having fun chasing each other around their habitat. At one point, Prince rolled over on his back, rolling in the grass and Princess decided to come over and pounce on him. Very playful tigers this morning.
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Date: 01-16-2012
The last of the trees have been given out. Mia and Katrina were the last to receive Christmas trees. Mia had fun with her tree while Katrina wasn't too interested in her new enrichment. So it's safe to say, with the trees gone, Christmas is officially over for the cats of IEAS. The bears on the other hand, are going to be able to enjoy their trees f...
Date: 01-15-2012
The black bears took full advantage of having some extra bedding. This morning we found that they had not only pulled in most of the Christmas tree branches, but had also piled up some more hay! This cave almost completely hides Rowdy inside! He must be so nice and warm in the cave, not to mention comfy! He's definitely got a great set up. Next door, in their dens, Lucky, ...
Date: 01-14-2012
Well after a week of cold, wet mornings, the cats are taking full advantage of these sunny mornings. Many are up on their highest perches soaking in the rays while Akbar, Arusha and Kumar are stretched out basking in the sun this morning.
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Date: 01-13-2012
After the Grizzly bears so clearly enjoyed their Christmas tree branch bedding, it was the black bears' turn! Staff and interns headed down to Bear Orphanage to provide the American black bear residents of IEAS with some extra fluff for their cozy caves! Scooter and Scamp were immediately excited. They both came right over to sniff around in the limbs and it took all...
Date: 01-12-2012
Shauna is always one of the first cats to make us laugh in the morning, and today was no exception! This playful lioness was one of the most excited to receive her tree yesterday, and she was still loving it this morning when we brought her bone! She was rubbing all over it on the ground, letting the pine needles comb through her fur. It must feel like a nice scratch behin...
Date: 01-11-2012
Well it was a good day for the felines here at IEAS! After a few rainy days, the staff and interns took full advantage of this beautiful, sunny day to give out more Christmas trees to the cats. Everyone enjoyed this favorite enrichment item, and we saw lots rubbing on the trees, running around with them, and chewing them up! We had also trimmed some ...
Date: 01-09-2012
What a way to start the week. They animals were anxiously waiting for their food this morning and braved the rain until they were fed. It's now safe to say that all the animals are snug and dry in their houses. They do come out during the periods when the rain stops to stretch their legs and explore a bit, but once the rain starts again, they retreat back...
Date: 01-08-2012
Well, it was a chilly morning but not cold enough to keep the animals in their houses. Most of the cats were out this morning, playing, exploring or lounging around. Mau spent part of the morning patrolling around his habitat before laying down under his trees for a nap.
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Date: 01-07-2012
Thor received his first Christmas tree today. He went straight over to check it out. At first he used it as a chew toy gnawing on the branches. Then he started getting a little playful with it, pawing at the tree trying to make it move. ...
Date: 01-05-2012
Thor is taking full advantage of these nice sunny days. He has been lounging on his high perch soaking up the rays the past two days. This little boy is growing fast and getting more confident by the day.
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Date: 01-04-2012
Yesterday, the Grizzly bears enjoyed their Christmas trees, but today was the cat's turn. All the cats were curious enough to come check out their new enrichment giving them a good sniff. Noel rubbed his chin all over his tree while Kim and Karen had a blast tearing theirs apart and shaking them around. Lexus rubbed on his tree a bit before taking it down...
Date: 01-03-2012
The Grizzly bears came out to enjoy their Christmas present today. They received some Christmas tree trimmings from some of our donated trees. They came out right away and checked them out a bit. Papa was the first to start pulling them into their cave to make a nice cushion bed for them...not to mention it will smell like Christmas for a while in their d...
Date: 01-02-2012
Shauna, a lioness here at the Sanctuary, is always very playful in the mornings! She loves to pounce out from behind her house when we arrive to feed, as if she is playing peek-a-boo! This morning, she was particularly rambunctious, playing soccer with her favorite green ball, then jumping and spinning around on her swinging tire! She certainly works up an appetite as we g...
Date: 01-01-2012
Happy New Year everyone! It was a chilly morning here at the Sanctuary, but that didn't stop Prince from taking a dip in his pool. These cats never fail to suprise us! 38 degrees and they are in the pool.... Well, everyone is full and happy on this first morning of 2012, and we are looking forward to a wonderful year. We hope to see many of yo...
Date: 12-31-2011
The Grizzly bears have been slowing down this past month. They have been snuggled in one of their caves for the past few weeks. Well that is until this nice weather hit. Wendy and Papa have made a few appearances. They both came out, wandered around, and enjoyed the sun before making their way back into the cave. That process takes a little wh...
Date: 12-30-2011
The interns made Domino a new fire hose ball after he destroyed his last one. To say he loves it is an understatement. Every time we see him walking around, he is carrying it in his mouth, and at night, he pulls it into his house with him and sleeps right next to it. He thoroughly enjoys it and is taking very good care of his new enrichment.
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Date: 12-29-2011
The past few mornings have been chilly ones for sure, but the sun has been helping the animals stay warm even with the cooler temperatures. We keep finding the big cats basking in the warmest spots in their habitats - those areas that the sun gets to first! Mia loves to lounge up on her high perches in the morning, facing the sun to warm her furry self! You'd be hard press...
Date: 12-28-2011
Thor has settled into his new home. It only took him a few days to feel comfortable enough to explore. He has been lounging on his high perch watching his neighbors, and we have even seen him propped up in one of his trees. He has become much more confident in himself since being in his larger habitat.
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Date: 12-27-2011
Nala may be 15 years old, but at heart she is still a little lion cub. She loves to play with her little boomer ball every morning. This morning was no different. She was chasing her little ball up and down the fence line before rolling over and hugging the ball against her belly.
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Date: 12-26-2011
We hope that everyone had a wonderful holiday! Both the humans and animals of IEAS had a wonderful day. It seemed that Zippy knew that the time has come when she will be getting one of her favorite enrichment items. She is probably dreaming about Christmas trees! We should be going to pick them up soon and then passing them out to many of the cats a...
Date: 12-24-2011
It is safe to say that all the animals of IEAS are taking full advantage of their nice warm houses and caves today. The bears are snuggled together in their caves and the cats are taking naps in their houses while the drizzle comes down outside. Who knows, maybe we will wake up to a white Christmas!
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Date: 12-23-2011
Bill decided to stretch his legs during the warm day yesterday. He has been in his cave most days with this cooler weather. He would only come out to pull his food into his warm cave. However, yesterday with the warmer temperatures and the sun, he came out for a little stroll and enjoyed laying in the grass. He sat and watched as workers cleaned his...
Date: 12-22-2011
Scoundrel has been taking full advantage of these sunny days. He has been soaking in the rays from his top perch all day. He didn't even bother coming down right away to eat his breakfast this morning. It wasn't until after lunch he decided to mosey down to eat. He didn't stay down long though. As soon as he was finished with brunch, he went b...
Date: 12-21-2011
Thor's big move was today. He is now settling in his new permanent habitat. He did great during the move and wasn't too nervous when he arrived at his new home. He actually took some time to check things out a while before settling down near his water trough. He now has trees to climb, perches to rest on, grass to hide in and even a pool to enj...
Date: 12-19-2011
This morning we gave out round four of pumpkins. Isabella and Nala didn't waste any time grabbing their pumpkins. Nala snatched her pumpkin right up and took it over to her house to enjoy. Isabella took her pumpkin over to the pool at first and thought about going for a dip, but then decided to have fun tearing it apart on her perch. All the animals...
Date: 12-18-2011
Billy and Barbara are taking advantage of each other's company on these chilly mornings. After they eat breakfast, they like to snuggle up together in their warm, hay filled igloo for most of the morning. If the sun comes out to warm things up, they will usually come out and lounge together on one of their perches. It must be nice to have someone to cuddl...
Date: 12-17-2011
Bill, our first rescued American black bear, has been slowing down the past few weeks with the cooler weather. However, he still makes it a point to come out for a treat. He came out to enjoy his pumpkin today after being snuggled in warm in his cave the last couple days. Pumpkins and watermelons are a few of his favorite treats.
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Date: 12-16-2011
This past week Domino has been very attached to his fire hose ball. He has been carrying it around his habitat and keeping it close to him in his house. Well, the day finally came that he tore into the ball, destroying it. What was left of the strong firehose only proves how powerful Domino's jaws truly are. A very good reminder to all working with ...
Date: 12-14-2011
Katrina had a fun time with her pumpkin this time around! She never likes to play until she has complete privacy, but we found a shredded pumpkin bobbing around in her pool just a few hours after she received the enrichment treat! Looks like these seasonal treats are a hit with this snow leopard! With this fun and the cool weather, Katrina is a happy girl!...
Date: 12-13-2011
After working long and hard the past four days, one of the two caves in Bear Orphanage is complete. It was a good learning experience for our new interns. They enjoyed getting their hands dirty to provide these bears with additional shelter for the winter. Lucky and Lucy didn't waste anytime going in to inspect the cave. I think we won their seal of...
Date: 12-12-2011
Well, thanks to some very generous supporters, we still have a lot of pumpkins to give out. This morning we gave out the third round of pumpkins. One would think the cats would tire of them, but there are a select few that still love them. Titan and Rasul didn't waste any time devouring them. Rasul ran straight for his pumpkin and tore into it, shre...
Date: 12-10-2011
With the cooler weather these past few days, the Grizzly bears are starting to slow down. Wendy, Papa Bear, Willie and George have been spending most of the cooler mornings huddled together in one of their caves. They do come out now and then to snack on a little food, storing up for their winter rest. They are not true hibernators as they occasionally co...
Date: 12-07-2011
Even though it's winter, construction never ends here at IEAS. We are in the process of building new caves for the bear residents at IEAS. Though most of the bears are slowing down and spending most of their time in the dens, Lucky and Lucy came out to investigate. Lucy was especially curious to see the work being done around their habitat.
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Date: 12-06-2011
Thor was in a playful mood this morning. After finishing his breakfast, he wandered outside and started exploring. He would occasionally peek in at his caregiver curious as to what she was doing and then take off rolling in the grass. He found a round piece of wood from one of his stumps and started batting that around and rolling on the ground with it...
Date: 12-04-2011
Cold and rainy day again! Most of the cats and bears have found their way into their houses and caves, cuddling together and keeping warm and dry! Prince and Princess snuggled up in their hay filled house, peering out at us as we worked in the rain. They probably thought we were crazy! We are just glad everyone can be comfortable and happy even when the weather is worki...
Date: 12-05-2011
Well, the rain has turned into snow! We were not prepared to see the snow when we woke up this morning, but it really wasn't enough to slow anything down. All of the animals have already eaten breakfast and are now relaxing comfortably in their nice, warm houses. As you can see, Akbar, Arusha and Kumar like to huddle together in one house when we have ...
Date: 11-30-2011
Thor is settling in nicely. He is warming up to his caregivers more and more every day. He is confident enough to come right over to eat his meal and always takes naps while his caregivers are sitting with him providing him both security and comfort. He has also spent the last few afternoons lounging on his perch watching Scoundrel, his neighbor.&n...
Date: 12-02-2011
It is a wet, cold day, and the animals have spent most of it lounging in their houses. The keepers spent the day adding fresh hay to all the houses, and Duke didn't waste any time enjoying the comfort of his warm house.
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The pictures below represent some of our success stories in rehabilitating cats that came to the Sanctuary 
either resentful of humans or aggressive towards humans. They did not trust humans and therefore considered humans as adversaries. With our unique behavioral enrichment program based on affection, love, and respect, you can see how their attitudes have changed.
Our Animal Behaviorist, Louis Dorfman, uses no discipline, treating the cats as respected sentient beings, and their response is very rewardin...
