#United States #Minnesota #Mango #TWS #Wildcat Sanctuary

The Wildcat Sanctuary: A Beacon of Hope for Orphaned Big Cats

The Wildcat Sanctuary (TWS), located in Minnesota, has become a leading organization in the mission to rescue and rehabilitate wild cats, including big cats like lions and tigers. For years, TWS has been actively involved in international rescue operations to save these majestic animals from neglect and exploitation. Recently, TWS has again sparked global attention by taking on the daunting task of rescuing orphaned lion cubs and other big cats in dire situations.

A History of Rescues

TWS is not new to the challenges posed by international animal rescues. Their past successes include the relocation of trafficked lion cubs from conflict-ridden Ukraine and the recovery of the last tiger from a notorious zoo in Argentina. The sanctuary's commitment has never faltered, guided by their desire to provide a safe haven for wild cats with nowhere else to turn.

The latest operation involved a collaborative effort with Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge (TCWR) and Aspen Valley Wildlife Sanctuary, where they successfully rescued seven African lions from a roadside zoo in Canada. The situation these lions faced was dire; they had endured prolonged neglect, inbreeding, and multiple closures of the facilities that were supposedly meant to care for them.

The Heartfelt Story of Mango

Among the rescued big cats was one particularly poignant case: a lone orphaned lion cub named Mango. Born to a lioness who tragically passed away shortly after giving birth due to complications from her own exploitation, Mango's origin story highlights the grim realities of unethical breeding practices faced by such wild animals.

Tammy Thies, Executive Director of TWS, expressed the heart-wrenching situation, noting, "Sadly, the lions were being bred for profit and exploitation before we were able to rescue them. One of the rescued lionesses, Kiwi, died post-labor complications, leaving us with her sole surviving cub, Mango. We named her after her mother to honor Kiwi's legacy."

Such heartbreaking outcomes often stem from the poor living conditions and lack of proper care that many big cats endure under human control. Poor breeding choices and inadequate veterinary services can lead to tragic complications that not only threaten the lives of these majestic animals but also leave lasting effects on their offspring.

The Journey Ahead for Mango

Although Mango is now safe at TWS, her journey is still fraught with challenges. She faces significant health concerns that necessitate specialized medical treatment. Thies has revealed that Mango requires immediate surgery to correct a genetic defect—a herniated umbilical cord that could severely restrict her movement and cause serious health issues if left unaddressed.

TWS is calling for public support to cover the cost of Mango's surgery and the ongoing care she needs. The sanctuary is committed to ensuring that Mango receives the best possible care and eventually, will be able to socialize with other lions as she matures. TWS aims to pave the way for her path to recovery, hoping to provide her with the companionship and love she deserves.

Mango's story is just one of many that reflect TWS's commitment to wildlife conservation and protection.

Get Involved and Stay Connected

As a nonprofit organization, TWS relies heavily on donations and public support for their initiatives. They encourage animal lovers and the community to get involved by making contributions that directly assist in the care of rescued animals like Mango. Interested individuals can follow her journey on TWS's Facebook page and Instagram, where updates will be regularly posted.

With their accredited and comprehensive care standards, The Wildcat Sanctuary is not only committed to the individual cases of animals like Mango but aims to inspire broader change in global attitudes towards wild cats and the captive wildlife crisis.

For more information on how to help or for additional updates on their rescue missions, visit WildcatSanctuary.org.

Conclusion

The Wildcat Sanctuary stands strong as a testament to the impactful work of rescue organizations confronting the challenges faced by wild cats globally. Their story, highlighted by the rescue of Mango and other big cats, reinforces the importance of compassion, awareness, and support in the fight against exploitation and cruelty towards wildlife.