2011 Annual Report Lilly
Leisha
From the Director... In 2011, the captive wildlife crisis was hurdled to the forefront of media headlines when the tragedy in Zanesville, Ohio occurred. Forty-eight exotic animals killed including 18 Bengal tigers, 17 lions, three leopards and three mountain lions after their owner freed them from confinement before committing suicide. Investigators are still trying to piece together why Terry Thompson, 62, let loose the animals on his neighbors. But the fact that it was legal for him to amass that many dangerous animals in the first place is a question that needed to be answered. Then throughout the year, several sanctuaries were in the news. We keep reading and hearing about them being forced to close down due to so many reasons: the passage of tighter regulations (as in Ohio), financial shortfalls, escapes or injuries by their captive animals, failure to meet minimal USDA standards, and so on. Did these places ever deserve to be called sanctuaries in the first place? When substandard facilities use this word, it takes away from true sanctuaries that strive to provide the best for their animals, like we do here at The Wildcat Sanctuary (TWS.) Credible sanctuaries go far beyond not buying, breeding or selling. They are organizations with an unbiased board of directors, strategic plans, fundraising ethics, safety protocol and more that will ensure sustainability for years to come. Because of you The Wildcat Sanctuary has become a leader in the sanctuary field. Because of your years of support, The Wildcat Sanctuary surpassed a half million dollars in annual donations in 2011! This is a major milestone for TWS and we could not have done it without all of you. Thank you! What this means is that over the last 11 years together we have grown from a backyard vision to a premier sanctuary in the United States. We are now home to more than 100 wild cats and have facilitated rescue and placement of more than 1,300 animals. Our advocacy work has changed laws in Minnesota and Iowa as well as federal legislation, specifically the Captive Wildlife Safety Act. Our Awareness & Outreach booths have reached thousands of people and our Keep the Wild in Your Heart Not Your Home program has inspired future generations. Most importantly, there are fewer tigers living in corncribs, fewer cougars in horrific conditions, and fewer exhibitors breeding for profit. Cats like Lilly the tiger, who once lived in a 10 x 10 corncrib, now have a new life. Lilly originated from Dr. Roy Cordy in Ottertail MN where he was charged for animal cruelty after several animals died of starvation on his property. Lilly survived by consuming her cage mate after he passed away. Later Lilly was traded to Cyndi Gamble where she faced another tragedy alongside Titan and Tango. After 14 years Lilly was finally rescued by TWS. She now knows compassion and lives in a wild space with her companion Titan. Even with all we have accomplished, there is so much more we can do together. Lilly & Titan
The Board of Directors and the staff have been working on a five to 10 year Strategic Plan to guide the work ahead of us. All of our work is positioning TWS to be more proactive vs. reactive. The work we do as a sanctuary is so extremely important, but we know the solution does not lie in providing sanctuary to all the cats in need, instead our role is to decrease the number of animals in need of sanctuary in the first place. So for cats like Lilly, it would mean not waiting 14 years for her to be rescued. Instead it would be preventing her 14 year life sentence of neglect and abuse all together. This is a lofty goal and as you can see will take a lot of work. In 2011 we also revised our Mission and Vision Statements. Our former statements described our services but not necessarily the impact we want to make. The new statements reflect our core values and what we feel compelled to accomplish. Our Mission is: Provide natural sanctuary to wildcats in need and inspire change to end the captive wildlife crisis. Our Vision is: Help create a world where wild animal sanctuaries are no longer needed. We also wanted to create a brand essence. Our brand essence articulates the emotional connection and lasting impression that defines the qualities, personality and uniqueness of who we are. This emotion is portrayed in everything from the brochures we print, to the habitats we build. Our brand essence is simple but important: Wild at Heart. In addition to revising our mission and vision, we have outlined six key initiatives for the next five years 1. Continue to be a premier animal sanctuary 2. Become a stronger resource to Minnesota and the Midwest by playing a more active role in the community 3. Key Initiative to Launch the No More Wild Pets campaign 4. Focus on prevention through education and inspiring change in future generations both human and animal 5. Build awareness for TWS and the cause 6. Expand Friends of TWS through board members acting as ambassadors of the organization and helping us spread our important message Thank you all for your continued support. I d love to learn more about each of you and hear your thoughts on our plans for the future. Please feel free to call me at any time. Supporters such as you have shaped the future of TWS. Know that you are doing lifesaving work! Forever grateful, Shazam Tammy Thies
Aslan
Working Hard on Wild Woodlands Last year, we introduced you to some new residents that were in need of a forever home; Layla, Zeus, Kita, Sabrina, Ekaterina and Sierra. These tigers all came to us from different situations. While the majority were rescued from another animal facility that was going under, their histories and backgrounds were all unique. The one thing they had in common though was the need to call The Wildcat Sanctuary home. And thanks to your efforts and contributions, we made that happen. Wild Woodlands broke ground last fall. The first enclosure was finished just in time for spring, after an unbelievably snowy winter. Zeus was the first to move, and he gave it four paws up in approval. The building went up in a flash, and soon it was Layla s turn to move. Unfortunately, Zeus and Layla just couldn t get along and we felt it best to try Kita next to Layla. Thankfully they saw past their differences and are getting along just fine. The third enclosure was finished this summer, and guess who moved again? That s right, Zeus! He loves his new space, and doesn t have to share a wall with anyone else. All three have pools to soak in and perches to get some much needed rest and relaxation. Layla Ekaterina and Sierra moved in just in time for winter. It takes everyone working together to make these dreams a reality. Our donors give us the financial support we need to build these wonderful animals the best space they deserve. Our interns and volunteers put endless amounts of time and energy into building those enclosures. And the staff orchestrates the whole show. There wasn t a dull moment with our Minnesota weather. During a bitter freeze of -29 degrees, the in-floor heat in Roar Ridge stopped working. Staff responded immediately with bedding and portable heaters and we were able to keep the cats warm and save the tubing in the building. During the spring thaw, the township road to the Sanctuary gave way. It was impassable for more than three weeks while staff walked a half-mile in and brought in supplies and food for the animals by tractor. To prevent this from happening in the future, TWS contributed to the upgrade of the road. An intern bunkhouse was brought in to provide a staff habitat for interns. This opened up more space for future employees in the office and provided the interns with quality living quarters. But what home would be complete without a cat, so resident Bengal Rori moved in as well. The Memorial Garden continued to take shape and supporters graciously contributed by purchasing commemorative bricks and benches to memorialize and honor their loved ones both human and animal.
Sampson
The Human Side We continued to improve the TWS Volunteer Program in 2011. Programs Cordinator Christine Dietsche interviews each applicant before Volunteer Applicant Orientation. Volunteer Jeanna Hensler stepped up as Volunteer Coordinator Support and now handles the monthly off-site orientations. Jeanna is also spearheading the Volunteer Enrichment Program. Chris Merton, Stephanie Anderson, Katherine Block and Terri Uglem all received Volunteer Recognition for service in 2011. Keeper Alicia Ice leads the Domestic Animal Care (DAC) Program. Hybrid Haven brought in one new hybrid resident, Keesa. Our DAC volunteer program has four volunteers: Barb Rein, Stephanie Anderson, Julie Heifort and Diane Palmersheim. 2011 TWS Volunteers: 40 new applicants oriented 50 percent of applicants stay on 20 new volunteers added; 20 percent of these have become stellar volunteers We have increased our volunteer base to 60 TWS Volunteers logged in approximately 5000 volunteer hours 2011 TWS Volunteer percentages: All 60 volunteers worked at least one shift last year 20 put in less than 20 hrs/yr (30 percent) About 30 put in more than 40 hrs/yr (50 percent) 20 consistently work more than 80 hrs/yr (30 percent) 8 worked more than 160 hrs/yr (approx 14 percent) The following groups came and completed on-site volunteer crew days: Duluth Great Lakes Aquarium, MN Audubon Center of the North Woods, Minnesota School of Business - various groups. Crews were also organized by Leslie Senden as well as others. The Awareness & Outreach Program continued to grow in 2011 with 30 expo and event booths including Hands On Volunteer Expo, Twin Cities Pet Expo, Humane Society Walk for Animals, May Day, TC Pride, Pet-a- Palooza, Hopkins Raspberry Days Craft Fair and Parade, Renaissance Pet Festival to name a few. We raised approximately $7000 at these events. We have transformed our booth look with No More Wild Pets banners.
Animal Care With TWS geriatric population growing, we said goodbye to more in 2011 than ever before: Eurasian lynx Sydney; serval Dragon, huskies Sophie & Sierra, Bengals Zena, Jasmine, Spirit, Mystique and Bette, Geoffroy s cat Rascal. We limited our intake of animals to ensure quality of care to our existing residents and welcomed two new cats, Keesa, an F1 Bengal, and Aztec a domestic cat with health issuess. Jed, a stray cat we helped rescue, found a new home with one of our TWS Volunteers. The Wildcat Sanctuary is home to cats of all ages. We have seen kittens with their eyes barely open; six month and six year old cats; and cats well into their senior years. We take care of each individual animal and all of their special needs. We grow with them, laugh during the good times and cry during the bad, we feel their pain and share in their joy and truly feel they are a part of our family. In this family, like other families, we take care of the aging and make the hard decisions in life. Growing old is never easy for people and it certainly isn t easy for animals. They can t simply tell us they are hurt or sick; it is up to us to know the individual to be sure they are receiving the care they need. We are here to see their golden years are safe, comfortable and wild at heart. Caring for geriatric animals takes patience, commitment and knowledge. We have to be especially observant with older cats because any small change in their behavior or eating habits could be a sign of illness. Animals in the wild hide illness and injury which deters predators and keeps them safe. Here, we rely on our commitment to the individual and the knowledge of our veterinarians to accurately diagnose illnesses. We also need to be proactive and take preventative steps to keep our residents happy and healthy. That is why we draw blood and do physical examinations on every resident every three years. We also provide supplements such as cod oil and glycoflex for healthy joints, vitamins to keep their bodies healthy and other things like renal support and electrolytes. Other things we can do for our aging residents is help them relax more easily with low lying perches, stairs or ramps to their perches and a calm environment where they can just be a cat. Every animal is important to us from the big to the small and the young to the old. It is our mission to create a better world for animals in need. Preventative care, including examinations, and specialty procedures kept our vets busy and residents healthy in 2011. Tractor the bobcat received innovative hip surgery for his degenerative hip disease. Several cats received dental procedures donated by The Peter Emily International Veterinary Dental Foundation. Ciega the blind Bengal underwent a procedure to release the air in her eye socket to make her more comfortable. Dr. Noemi Plantz and Dr. John Baillie spent several days at TWS throughout the year performing annual exams. A huge thank you to Nordic Naturals and Primal Pet Food company for donating products to help keep our residents feeling good. Diablo Guapo
Growing Support Sustainability was a key focus in 2011 and it began with revamping our brand. A new website launched becoming a destination for information on the captive wildlife crisis and how people can make a difference. New brand brochures and outreach materials were created to motivate the public to keep the wild in their heart, not their home. HDMG created a beautiful new brand video that can be seen on YouTube and our website. Facebook became a wonderful connection point with approximately 10,000 fans as well as helped raise funds for the cats. Through Facebook, TWS was awarded a $5,000 Pepsi Refresh Grant and $25,000 Chase Community Grant. Eight hundred and sixty-three of you came together for one day during Give to the Max Day to raise more than $64,000 for the cats. This event was only second to the Miracle Match Program in 2011. Our two big off-site fundraising events continue to be successful and fun! Our attendence and net income for the 2nd Whiskers and Waves at the Greysolon Ballroom in Duluth both increased, and we raised $7100 for the cats. Jungle Boogie 2011 Roaring 20 s had 177 attendees and grossed approximately $58,670. Our work was covered by many media outlets including BBC s American Tiger as well as several local media outlets. The award winning episode of Fatal Attractions: Big Cats re-aired on Animal Planet. Director Tamm Thies was a keynote speaker for the Iowa Humane Society Conference and Voices of St. Croix Valley. Sierra
Max
Cats By the Numbers... George TWS provided a home for life for 126 animals: Bengal tigers 8 African lions 3 Black leopard 1 Black jaguar 1 Cougars 17 Lynx 9 Bobcats 18 Servals 15 Caracal 1 Caraval 1 Jungle cats 2 Hybrid & Domestic cats 47...and 3 dogs! Total residents = 126 Rescued in 2011: Hybrid & Domestic cats 3 Total rescued = 3 Diablo Guapo The Need Our focus on sustainability was reaffirmed with the closure of so many sanctuaries and small zoos. All 17 of the closing sanctuaries were open to the public, something we have never allowed. Here is the list these organizations: Little River Zoo in Oklahoma; Keiki Zoo, Hawaii; County Zoo, Maui; Wolf County USA, Alaska; Plumpkin Zoo; Pigtales, Bunnell Fl (many pigs were destroyed); Great Cats of Indiana; Midwest Potbellied Pig Association, Wisconsin; Darlynn s Darlins, Florida; Montana Large Animal Rescue; Douglas Wildlife Zoo, Arizona; Wild Animal Orphanage, Texas; Zanesville, Ohio (police killed 49 exotic animals); Poetry, Texas with 29 big cats; and Marley Farms Petting Zoo. The Tucson Zoo has two female elephants that have been together for 29 years. The zoo is separating them for economic reasons. Bosco Requests from individuals within the US: Tigers 38 Lions 7 Cougars 13 Lynx 6 Bobcats 7 Servals 11 Leoaprd 1 Hybrid & Domestic cats 68 Total requests = 151
Financial Statement Income Contributions 541,640 Fundraisng (Net) 21,137 Revenue 1,365 Merchandise Sales 17,136 Total Income $581,278 In Kind Donations $96,278 Expense Program Services: Animal Care 488,124 (86%) Administrative 31,766 (6%) Fundraising 47,114 (8%) Total Expenses $567,004 Assets Cash 78,884 Fixed Assets 831,731 Total Assets $910,615 Liability & Equity Current Liabilities 18,902 Long-term Liabilities 12,940 Unrestricted 845,073 Temp Restricted Funds: 33,700 Total Liabilities & Equity $910,615 Board of Directors Bella Dr. John Baillie / Director of Animal Care Dr. Courtney Blake / Director Jeffry Hoogerhyde / Director Gail Plewacki / Communications Director Sarah Sederstrom / Treasurer & Secretary Tammy Thies / Executive Director Tax ID #22-3857401
PO Box 314 Sandstone MN 55072 320-245-6871 WildcatSanctuary.org The Wildcat Sanctuary is a 501c3 non-profit organization. Donations are tax-deductible. Copyright 2012 The Wildcat Sanctuary. All Rights Reserved.