Friday 28 February 2014

INTERVIEW: Derek Gibson Head Keeper at Exmoor Zoo

Hi Mark,

My daily routine for the big cats at the zoo are quite straight forward, 8 am prepare the food, head on down to the pen, shut both Leopard out of the inside dens and then proceed to clean them, place the food in the main "show den" both cats will then come in both are then separated into their own den so that they don't fight over the food while the cats are eating it gives me a chance to go in the outside enclosure and spot pick and wash windows at this point it is also possible to use our enrichment program and depending on the day implement whatever enrichment is due. The cats are fed again at 4.15 in the summer and 3.30 in the winter again the food is placed inside the house they bring it outside while i do a public talk that can last anywhere from 15 to 60 minutes depending on what the cats are doing and also how interested the public are.

What is daily life like for the cat? well i would like to think it is stress free, with plenty to do if they so wish and above all safe from all the trials and tribulations of their wild counterparts. When it comes to conservation i think it very much depends on ones own personal definition of what conservation actually is, i know its a vague answer but it is such a huge topic and personally i think if you can "spark" an interest in a child about the majesty of the Leopard by simply taking time to show and to talk is conservation, on the flip side being involved in breeding programs and providing the "safety net" to safe guard a species is also conservation.

Hopefully the answers i have provided are ok for you please feel free to email me on this thread any other specific questions you have, and i will do my very best to answer them for you.

VIDEO: BBC Documentary Animals - Wild Cats The Leopard BBC History Essential

VIDEO: Natural World Snow Leopard - (Beyond the Myth BBC)

VIDEO: Man Eating Tigers Of The Sundarbans - BBC

Thursday 27 February 2014

NEWSLINK: Now at Big Cat Rescue Feb 25 2014

Now at Big Cat Rescue Feb 25 2014
Now at Big Cat Rescue Feb 25 2014. Faux fur the future in Africa? by jasonmiks. Officials display the tiger skins seized in the northern Malaysian state ...

VIDEO: What Do You Think A Wildcat Is? - Big Cats For Kids -- Amazing Animal Bo...

NEWSLINK: Funny Crazy BIG CAT SOUNDS!

NEWSLINK: Big Cats + Mirrors = Funny!

VIDEO: Big Cat Walk About 2014 01 11

VIDEO: THE JAGUAR BIG CATS - AnimalsNatureWildlife (documentary) new HD 720p

CAUSES: https://support.wwf.org.uk/adopt-a-tiger

Your tiger adoption pack:

A cuddly toy (optional)
My Tigers and Wild World magazine 3 times a year
Factbook, certificate, bookmarks, stickers and more

Adopt a tiger »

In the past 100 years, wild tiger numbers have plummeted by around 95%, to as few as 3,200. Help us protect the future of the world's largest big cat.

How you're helping the tigers

  • Restoring fragmented areas of habitat so tigers can move between them
  • Strengthening anti-poaching patrols around nature reserves
  • Establishing programmes to increase prey numbers
  • Reducing poaching and illegal trade of live tigers and tiger parts
  • Your support will also help fund other essential WWF conservation work around the world
You can adopt Kamrita, a female Bengal tiger. Kamrita is one of the last 150 Bengal tigers left in Nepal. Kamrita represents all the tigers we help.

NEWSLINK: Adopt a Big Cat Gift Pack

The People's Trust for Endangered Species (PTES) is a registered charity devoted to the conservation of wildlife that is vulnerable or under threat. By adopting a big cat, you can help the PTES provide a safe and healthy future for these wild and majestic creatures. Upon adoption receive an explanatory welcome letter, big cats risk booklet and PTES Wildlife Encounters leaflet. Upon registration decide which big cat you would like to adopt (from a choice of five) then get a personalised supporter certificate, big cat photograph and a big cat souvenir poster, along with a ten per cent PTES Wildlife Encounter discount voucher and regular newsletters to keep you up to date. Ten per cent of the RRP is donated directly to PTES.read more

NEWSLINK: Leopard spotted in Dehradun, creates panic

Leopard spotted in Dehradun, creates panic
The big cat was reportedly seen in the Kolagarh area adjacent to the Forest Research Institute on Monday. A day later, it was spotted at Mall Road in ...

NEWSLINK: A Leopard Runs Wild Through Meerut, India

The Atlantic

A Leopard Runs Wild Through Meerut, India
One police officer was treated for a large gash in his shoulder. The big cat ran across rooftops, and into a movie theater, a hospital, and construction ...

UK SIGHTINGS: Fact of the week: the 'Beast of Balmoral'

Fact of the week: the 'Beast of Balmoral'
SCOTLAND has no shortage of big cat sightings with many of the native wildcat known to grow well beyond the size of their domestic cousins.

Wednesday 26 February 2014

NEWSLINK: Jaguar gains new protection in Belize

February 2014: The future of the jaguar in Belize is looking brighter following the signing of a conservation agreement between the Government of Belize, the Environmental Research Institute of the University of Belize and the wild cat conservation organisation Panthera.

The trio agreed to work together to implement science-based conservation initiatives that secure and connect jaguars and their habitats in Belize and beyond, facilitate land development that is both ecologically sustainable and economically profitable, and lesson human-jaguar conflict throughout the country.

NEWSLINK: Cougar & Caracal/Serval Hybrid Rescued! - Sanctuary Closes - Big Cat Rescue - Animalist

Cougar & Caracal/Serval Hybrid Rescued! - Sanctuary Closes - Big Cat Rescue - Animalist
Big Cat Rescue is the largest accredited sanctuary in the world dedicated entirely to abused and abandoned big cats. We are home to more than 100 ...

NEWSLINK: Leopard on the loose: Wild big cat sparks panic - Videos - MetaTube

Leopard on the loose: Wild big cat sparks panic - Videos - MetaTube
A wild leopard sparks panic in the Indian city of Meerut, after entering a local hospital and attacking a man. Tags: Leopard on the loose: Wild big cat ...

US SIGHTINGS: Big Cat in Sunset Park

Big Cat in Sunset Park
(Riverton) — The Wyoming Game and Fish Department has identified tracks near Sunset Park in Riverton as those of a small Mountain Lion or a large 

Tuesday 25 February 2014

VIDEO: LION filmed strolling around the back seat of a car in Dubai

Ammon News

Video: LION filmed strolling around the back seat of a car in Dubai
The big cat is seen pacing around the back seat of a Nissan Armada in a video which has gone viral after being shared on YouTube. The footage is ...

UK SIGHTINGS: The Unexplained North: Big cats and beasties roam the region


Ian Bond is convinced that there are big cats at large in the region¿ countryside


A big cat was said to be responsible for ripping off the heads of new-born lambs in the North East countryside It was 2005 and a farmer at Iverston, County Durham, found a dozen lambs in as many days had been slaughtered by a mysterious predator. They were all savaged and some were decapitated. Farmer Andrew Spence ruled out a fox or badger - and initially blamed the infamous Durham Puma.

USA SIGHTINGS: Vacaville Mountain Lion Sightings Prompt Warnings From City

Vacaville Mountain Lion Sightings Prompt Warnings From City
Hikers spotted a mountain lion near Cherry Glen Road, and people who live near Lagoon Valley also recently reported seeing the big cat.

NEWSLINK: Gazette inspires big cat tale

Gazette inspires big cat tale
An author was inspired to write a book about big cat sightings after reading the many reports about the phenomena on the Galloway Gazette website.

NEWSLINK: Big cat enters Meerut hospital, sparks panic

Times of India

Big cat enters Meerut hospital, sparks panic
MEERUT: A leopard entered the Meerut Cantonment Hospital on Sunday, sparking panic among patients and hospital staff. The Army has cordoned ...

NEWSLINK: Big cats survive another day as second hunting season opens in Nebraska

Big cats survive another day as second hunting season opens in Nebraska
The second round of Nebraska's inaugural mountain lion hunting season opened during the weekend with the home team cougars skunking dozens ...

Sunday 23 February 2014

Big Cat Experience


During this one hour experience you will be guided by one of our cat keepers and given a behind the scenes tour of our big cat facilities, where you will be able to get closer to many of the endangered felines in our care. The keepers will show you how they enrich and care for the animals and you will be given the opportunity to feed some of our big cats and learn about their fascinating lives.

Participants must be 14 years or over - available throughout the day. Maximum 2 people per session. Available daily all year round.

This experience must be booked in advance.
£110 Single. (Price includes admission for the participant, a commemorative photo and a framed certificate of participation).
£165 Joint - Buy one experience and get a second half price! (This unique experience is available for two people to enjoy together.  Price includes admission for the participants, commemorative photos and framed certificates of participation.).

For more information or to book this experience please call our Experience Bookings Team on 01953 715344 Monday to Friday between the hours of  8am and 4.30pm (excluding bank holidays) or alternatively email: info@banhamzoo.co.uk

All experience gift vouchers are valid for 12 months from the date that the voucher is to be presented as a gift, so no actual experience date is required at the time of purchase. Once the voucher has been presented to the recipient they can phone the experience bookings team at Banham and book a date at their convenience.

read more

Big Cat experience

Tiger Encounter at Dartmoor Zoo

· Lunch and refreshments
· Souvenir certificate
· Available all year round
£249.00

BIG CAT RESCUE: Gift Republic, Adopt A Big Cat Gift Box

3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)

RRP: £19.99
Price: £16.00 & eligible for FREE Delivery. Details
You Save: £3.99 (20%)


In stock.
Dispatched from and sold by Amazon. Gift-wrap available.
Want it Monday, 24 Feb.?
Order it within 21 hrs 8 mins and choose One-Day Delivery at checkout.
Details
  • Adopt a big cat for 12 months
  • Receive a supporter certificate and a big cat photo
  • Your gift will help to protect endandgered big cats
  • Help support the People's Trust for Endangered Species, a registered charity
  • Receive conservation updates directly from the charity
read more

UK SIGHTINGS: Have you seen the Lindsey Leopard?

Eyes.Have you seen a big cat in Lincolnshire? Let us know if you have and we'll add it to our sightings list.

If you have a sighting tell us about here >>


Sometime last year I was with two of my friends and one of the them said, "Come look at this", and two of us looked over a fence and I said, "What, there is nothing there", but then a huge black cat got up from near a log and started jogging towards us and we ran away fast as we could it had pointed ears and big bright yellow eyes only two of us saw the cat my third friend was further down the lane towards the road.

READ MORE

VIDEO: Tiger Surgery - Big Cat Rescue

VIDEO: BIG CAT RESCUE: Big Cat Video of the Week

please help

VIDEO: Mystery big cat caught on video

AUTHORITIES are investigating a rash of big cat sightings in the south of France A spokesman for the prefecture of the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence said: “We are studying all hypotheses, including that of a big cat and that of a black panther.” The national office for hunting and wild animals has set up a trap near a village where the beast was spotted, but hunters have been ordered not to shoot it. Several sightings have been reported over a few months: the cat has been spotted drinking from a swimming pool, crossing a road and sleeping in a bush. Footprints of 10cm diameter have been discovered in the hills near the village of Oraison. According to a specialist interviewed in the local newspaper La Provence the footprints “are indeed the tracks of a big cat.” La Provence has obtained video footage of one sighting, although it does not make the most convincing case for a panther.

 
AUTHORITIES are investigating a rash of big cat sightings in the south of France

A spokesman for the prefecture of the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence said: “We are studying all hypotheses, including that of a big cat and that of a black panther.”

The national office for hunting and wild animals has set up a trap near a village where the beast was spotted, but hunters have been ordered not to shoot it.

Several sightings have been reported over a few months: the cat has been spotted drinking from a swimming pool, crossing a road and sleeping in a bush.

Footprints of 10cm diameter have been discovered in the hills near the village of Oraison.

According to a specialist interviewed in the local newspaper La Provence the footprints “are indeed the tracks of a big cat.”

La Provence has obtained video footage of one sighting, although it does not make the most convincing case for a panther.

READ MORE

NEW ZEALAND NEWS: Does a group of Large Mysterious Cats roam the wilds of Canterbury

A relatively unknown New Zealand cryptid is the South Island Panther. Sightings of these cats are confined mainly to the Canterbury area and have led to the suspicion that the animal or animals are escapees from a private collection.

Sightings began in 1996 when a large black cat, about the size of a Labrador was seen by a woman who was mountain biking in the Twizel area. The cat was seen at a distance of about 30 metres. MAF was notified of the sighting and it was explained away as a misidentification of a large feral cat. However, the cat problem was to come back and haunt them when in August 1998 another large cat resembling a Mountain Lion was observed in the Dunstan Ranges near Cromwell, once again the animal was described as the size of a Labrador and having a dark orange – mustard coloured pelt. MAF dismissed it once again as another feral cat sighting. At the same time these sightings were coming in people in the Mataura area were seeing and animal similar in appearance to a Bobcat.

July 1999 and another sighting of a large black panther was reported, this time however in the Mackenzie Country. A report also came in from a Pest Destruction Officer from Banks Peninsular. Also in July, a Mountain Lion was photographed crossing a paddock near Omarama, once again government officials investigated the sightings and once again, the conclusion reached was another case of mistaken identity involving the giant feral cats of the area, which they assured people could reach a weight of up to 14 kg in the wild.

December of 1999 saw sightings of what has come to be known as the “Moeraki Mountain Lion”. This cat was seen by Canadian tourists as it sunned itself on rocks near Moeraki, South of Omaru. It was described as being distinctly Mountain Lion-like, which these tourists had themselves seen in their native habitat, about 3 metres long and golden coloured. The cat on being spotted sauntered from the rocks and disappeared from view. The tourists were met with some ridicule; the sighting was however given some serious consideration by a local restaurateur, who offered a reward for conclusive proof of the creature’s existence, none was ever forthcoming. Another cat to gain fame and a name was a large Mountain Lion-like animal seen in the Lindis Pass area in 1999. It was hiding in the undergrowth and photographed by a pair of British tourists and came to be known as the “Lindis Lion”.

Early 2001 and the Ashford Black cat was once again seen in the Bushside area of Ashford Forest.  The winter of 2001 brought renewed sightings on a farm in the Winterslow area of the Ashford Forest, it was another sighting of the big black cat, this time it was seen in a deer enclosure at twilight. A similar animal was also seen in the Anama area, and made this area its home for the next two years, creating sporadic sightings until 2003. A Black cat was also sighted in the Mayfield area near Ashburton in October. 2001 also saw the Fairlington area become the home of a large Black Cat. 


READ MORE

UK SIGHTINGS: Steel sculpture revealed as source of Charlbury 'panther' sightings

THE man behind the mysterious Charlbury ‘panther’ has revealed the true story of the beast which has prompted a number of recent big cat sightings.

Art collectors Philip Reid and David El Kabir have spoken for the first time about why they decided to put the black puma-like sculpture in their back garden eight years ago.

The beast has puzzled the public, with train commuters reporting seeing a big cat in the fields near the railway line.

The most recent sighting was by Isabel Oakeshott, political editor of The Sunday Times, who tweeted: “I just saw something very like a black panther in woods near Charlbury.”

But the creature is not a big cat. It’s a steel sculpture in a garden in Church Lane.

The Priory house and garden is owned by a trust led by Dr El Kabir, 87.

He is one of six people who live in the house.

The gardens are regularly opened to the public.

Dr El Kabir, 87, said: “It’s funny that it’s causing this commotion. People shouldn’t be scared of it.”

Dr Reid, 49, added: “It’s quite fun. We wanted to put it in an area that would catch people’s eyes.”

Charlbury resident Darren Taylor, 41, said: “You can see it as you pull out of the station. It’s quite big and there’s quite deep foliage around there.

READ MORE

Friday 21 February 2014

NEWSLINK: Five pictures of the lynx-about-town

February 17th, 2014 at 8:07pm | Last Updated at 8:44pm

This morning a loyal Local 2 viewer called in another sighting of a what she believed was a lynx.

The lynx or bobcat was seen at the end of Sutton Place not far from other lynx sightings so it would seem it may be the same big-footed cat roaming the area.

It seems the lynx managed to get around a lot today.

Taylor Trecroce discovered the big cat cruising on the Hub Trail behind Texas Avenue and managed to snap more than a couple good pictures of the cat-about-town.

But the big paws can also do big damage, especially to smaller pets.

Read on...
Feb 18 - Lynx 5- Taylor Trecroce.jpg

NEWSLINK: BIG CAT: Zoo's Amur Tiger 'Kavacha' Dies


The Blank Park Zoo has lost one of its most popular animals to heart failure. The zoo announced Tuesday Amur male tiger Kavacha died of heart ...

History & Evolution of Big Cat Rescue

Big Cat Rescue did not start out as what it has become today.  My beliefs, and the sanctuary that reflects them, evolved over time.  It involved lessons that came from what I view today as horrible mistakes, and sometimes I feel terrible about how long some realizations took.  But I take great pride in what we have become and are accomplishing, and feel great excitement about what I believe we will accomplish in the future.

As detailed in How We Started, the sanctuary began when the search to purchase a pet bobcat kitten brought us unwittingly to a “fur farm” that sold a few  cats as pets, but primarily raised them to turn into fur coats.  We bought all 56 kittens to save them from being slaughtered.

read more

Thursday 20 February 2014

VIDEO: Hunting big cats in the UK 2014

VIDEO: Leopards in the UK? Truthloader goes big cat hunting

VIDEO: Face To Face With A Black Panther

VIDEO: IS THE BLACK LION REAL?

VIDEO: Black Panther - Panthera onca at Xcaret Riviera Maya Mexico - YouTube

FEATURELINK: http://www.panthera.org/

A Species Under Threat

Tiger hiding in the brushThe tiger (Panthera tigris) is the world’s largest cat and is one of the most threatened with extinction. As recently as 100 years ago, there were as many as 100,000 wild tigers living in Asia. Today, fewer than 3,200 remain.
Six subspecies of tigers continue to persist, but three have gone extinct in the last 80 years.

The existing subspecies are the Bengal, Indochinese, Sumatran, Amur, Malayan, and the South-China subspecies (although no signs of the South-China subspecies have been recorded in the wild in the last 10 years).
The three extinct subspecies include the Javan (last recorded in the 1970's), Caspian (lost in the 1950's) and the Bali subspecies (lost in the 1930's).
Wild tigers are still found in 11 countries in Asia: India, Thailand, Nepal, Bhutan, Malaysia, Russia, Bangladesh, Indonesia (Sumatra), Myanmar, China and Lao PDR. Eight of these countries are read more

FEATURELINK: Big Cats

Revered for their beauty and vitality, the five species of big cats include tigers, lions, leopards, jaguars, and snow leopards. Despite the cats’ reputation for ferocity, these majestic predators face more danger than they pose: All are endangered, due mainly to habitat loss, poaching, and dwindling populations of their prey. WCS conservationists with the Great Cats program are working on the ground to protect the big cats and safeguard their habitats from the Himalayas to the Horn of Africa.
amur leopard

Amur Leopard

Leopards are highly adaptable cats, and all nine subspecies of leopard were once common throughout most of Africa and Asia. Today, however, the Amur leopard is considered the world’s rarest cat, with just 25 to 40 individuals remaining in a sliver of habitat along the Russian-Chinese border.
leopard

Cheetah

The cheetah is the fastest land mammal on Earth, capable of running 64 miles per hour. These cats range widely and need large areas of undisturbed land with sufficient wild prey to survive. Suitable cheetah habitats, however, are becoming increasingly scarce.read more

NEWSLINK: www.bornfree.org.uk

Since 1995 Born Free’s Big Cat project has been dedicated to helping lions, tigers and leopards in need.

Wild lions (c) Ace Wildlife Photograpy
Protecting lions in the wild in Africa
Our Big Cat project is dedicated to helping lions, tigers and leopards in need.  Born Free rescues lions, leopards and tigers from tiny cages; gives individual big cats lifetime care at sanctuaries in South Africa and India; protects wild lions in Africa and India; campaigns to end hunting lions and leopards for ‘sport’; funds a major wild tiger conservation initiative in India; and develops humane solutions when people and big cats come in conflict
Born Free's Big Cat Project
  • Investigates and alleviates the suffering of captive big cats
  • Rescues big cats from appalling captive conditions
  • Supports big cat conservation in the wild
  • Develops humane solutions when people and big cats come in conflict

Born Free achievements:

  • The high-profile rescue of 34 lions, tigers and leopards from appalling captive conditions and their lifetime care in suitable sanctuaries (1995–2006). Including the Three Lions rescued from a French circus (November 2006).
  • Exposing Europe’s unregulated exotic pet trade in tigers and other species (1998)
  • The launch of our Animal Rescue and Education Centre in memory of Julie Ward, at Shamwari wildlife reserve, South Africa (1998)
  • The creation of a Tiger Sanctuary at Bannerghatta Wildlife Sanctuary, India (2002)
  • Launching a major tiger conservation initiative in India (2003)
  • Helping develop a conservation project for India’s rare Asiatic lion (2004)
  • Launch of the Lion Fund to secure a future for Africa’s lions (2005)
  • Creation of a second Animal Rescue and Education Centre at Shamwari, South Africa, created tread more

NEWSLINK: Wild Cat Conservation


  • 21st Century Tiger A partnership between the Zoological Society of London and Global Tiger Patrol which raises funds for wild tiger conservation projects.
    "...21st Century Tiger supports projects in many of the 13 tiger range countries. Core projects receiving long-term support are in Russia, India and Sumatra...Almost 100 grants have been awarded since 1997, and more are currently being assessed by our advisors..."
    RSS
  • African Wildlife Conservation Fund Promotes the long-term sustainability of healthy wildlife populations via research and educational partnerships.
    "...The Gonarezhou Predator Project was established in 2009 acknowledging the need for information on the status of the park’s large carnivore populations ((lions, leopards, cheetahs, wild dogs and spotted hyenas).. The project is a joint initiative by the Frankfurt Zoological Society and the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority and part funded by the African Wildlife Conservation Fund..." The group is also assisting with anti-poaching and snare removal and engaged in other conservation efforts.
  • African Wildlife Foundation The African Wildlife Foundation, together with the people of Africa, works to ensure the wildlife and wild lands of Africa will endure forever; online gallery profiling various wild cats.
    African Wildlife Foundation, 1400 Sixteenth St NW, Suite 120, Washington, DC 20036read more
  • VIDEO: Hunting big cats in the UK 2014

    Jane Marney-englishbig​catresearch-interviewed by mark antony raines for mysterycats.blogspot

    Q1 WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO GET INTO BIG CATS?

    For as long as I can remember Id always been interested in the stories about big cats being out there, it wasn't until getting the internet a few years ago that I was able to look at the subject in more detail and found it all completely fascinating. I tried to join several big cat groups but never got any response back from them, I found Merrily Harpur on Facebook who I knew had written a couple of books on the subject and asked if she could recommend any groups which had more up-to date information and who answered emails. I joined Big Cats In Britain and became an active member until it closed down in 2013, where upon I set up a new group- British big cat research with Ian Foster and Paulo Nicolaides.
    Q2-WHAT IS TH AIMS OF YOUR RESEARCH?
    The aim of BBCR is to continue to be a community where researchers and enthusiasts from all over the country can come together to discuss and collate all aspects of the British big cat situation, including latest sightings and new ways of collecting evidence. We follow up all sightings of suspected big cats wherever possible and are always happy to speak to anyone wanting to learn more or that has had an experience with these cats themselves.

    Q3-BIG CATS IN GREAT BRITAIN HAVE YOU AN OPINION OR EVIDENCE?
    I most certainly believe we have large cats out there. Whether there are enough numbers out there to sustain a viable breeding population is another question though.
    Over the past few decades plenty of evidence has been gathered and verified, bodies of lynx have turned up- a live one was even captured in a garden in London! a puma was captured in Scotland- various stories of where the puma actually came from abound, but, nonetheless it was still wild in the Scottish countryside for a time. Smaller exotic cats too have turned up as unfortunate fatalities - jungle cats ran over and leopard cats shot. Escaped large cats from zoo's in the past have managed to evade capture for many months, and even in their native countries bodies of melanistic leopards remain extremely scarce on the ground, with only two -possibly three incidents being documented.

    All this information is out there in the public domain and available for anyone to view. A great book for anyone wanting to learn more is, Rick Minter's-  Big Cats: Facing Britain's Wild Predators
    .
    Q4-HAVE YOU ANY FUTURE PLANS OR PROJECTS WITH BIG CATS?
    Yes, due to the positive reaction to last years Dorset Big Cat Weekend another will be held this year in September- it is hoped it will become a yearly event on the calendar of all serious and active researchers. If anyone would like more details please feel free to contact me on englishbigcatresearch@gmail.com

    Wednesday 19 February 2014

    NEWSLINK: Will Big Cats Survive in the Wild? - Scribol.com

    Will Big Cats Survive in the Wild? - Scribol.com
    The world is facing a crisis in the shape of plummeting numbers of big cats. Information on the problem and National Geographic's Big Cat Week…

    NEWSLINK: Bobcat with collar living in plano | Big Cat Rescue

    Bobcat with collar living in plano | Big Cat Rescue
    Bobcat with Collar Roaming Plano TX. Came across this bobcat today living in the back yard of an unoccupied home in Plano. Has been seen in the

    NEWSLINK: Scent of a tiger: Census hinges on scat in no-go areas

    Indian Express

    Scent of a tiger: Census hinges on scat in no-go areas
    Those volunteering to help sniff out the presence of the big cat have to first be trained by forest officials on the procedure for collection.

    NEWSLINK: On the big cat trail in Brazil

    On the big cat trail in Brazil
    Sadly, luck is not on our side and we return home without seeing one of the big cats. The journey back, though, is far from disappointing. Silhouetted ...

    UK SIGHTING: Could 'large, black dog' spotted in Cleethorpes last night be the 'big cat' seen last week at ...

    Could 'large, black dog' spotted in Cleethorpes last night be the 'big cat' seen last week at ...
    There has been another sighting of an animal which may be the same creature some believe to be a 'big cat' on the run in North East Lincolnshire.

    NEWSLINK: Why we should just let Machhli, world's oldest tigress, die in peace

    Why we should just let Machhli, world's oldest tigress, die in peace
    For the past few years, officials of the Ranthambhore national park in Rajasthan have kept a tigress on life-support system. Reason: The big cat is a ...

    Tuesday 18 February 2014

    NEWSLINK: Russia Mulls Neurosurgery for Crippled Tiger

    Russia Mulls Neurosurgery for Crippled Tiger
    The big cat was found crawling across the taiga in the far eastern Amur ... experts struggled to find a CAT scanner big enough to support his weight.

    NEWSLINK: INVESTIGATION: Skin of Endangered Animal for Sale

    WKEF ABC 22

    INVESTIGATION: Skin of Endangered Animal for Sale
    CENTERVILLE -- The skin of a big cat you'd expect to see at the zoo is on sale at a local antique mall. What's worse, that cat is an endangered species ...

    UK SIGHTINGS: BREAKING NEWS: Woman reports sighting of 'big cat' in Cleethorpes

    BREAKING NEWS: Woman reports sighting of 'big cat' in Cleethorpes
    THE mystery of the “big cat” sighting on the Lincolnshire coast has taken a new twist – after a woman reported seeing the animal in Cleethorpes last ...

    UK SIGHTINGS: IDENTIFIED: Mystery 'big cat' on Lincolnshire seafront

    IDENTIFIED: Mystery 'big cat' on Lincolnshire seafront
    Barking up the wrong beach? The suspected big cat, taken by Stuart Law at Horseshoe Point between Tetney and North Cotes. Inset, Dora, the ...

    US SIGHTINGS: Ohio Big Cat??? | Trapper Talk | Trapperman.com Forums

    Ohio Big Cat??? | Trapper Talk | Trapperman.com Forums
    Legs are too short for a cougar , and the tail isn't long enough. It runs and walks like a house/feral cat. All cats are feral as far as I'm concerned , if they ...

    NEWSLINK: Tiger evades hunters, kills 10th person in India

    San Francisco Chronicle

    Tiger evades hunters, kills 10th person in India
    The big cat mauled a 50-year-old man as he was collecting firewood on Sunday night near the village of Kalgarh, near the border between the states ...

    NEWSLINK: After grief and loss, life goes on at big-cat rescue center

    Dallas Morning News

    After grief and loss, life goes on at big-cat rescue center
    In-Sync Exotics in Wylie recently took in several big cats, who were being taken care of Monday by volunteers such as Andrea Torina. Last summer ...

    Sunday 16 February 2014

    NEWSLINK: Volunteer with Lions

    Lion and big cat conservation projects are perfect for those who have a passion for the wild and a desire to conserve lions and other big cats in their natural habitats.  Volunteer with lions on your gap year and you could help these animals who are at risk of extinction, observe their behaviour whilst on safari and assist the local community; educating them on how to live peacefully together.
    Lion and big cat conservation volunteers will work varied days taking on different tasks as required. This might include data collection, research, monitoring, feeding the cubs, enclosure cleaning, enclosure maintenance and more.  Most volunteers can expect to work long hours on a Monday–Friday working week with weekends off to explore the local area. Some projects however ask for a 5 day working week on a Monday-Sunday rotating rota to keep abreast with the sporadic actions of these animals.
    If you have an interest in lions and big cats or are considering a career in the veterinary field then volunteering on a lion and big cat conservation project could be for you.

    READ MORE

    NEWSLINK: Big Cat & Wildlife Research, Masai Mara Kenya


    Big Cat & Wildlife Research, Masai Mara Kenya

    As a volunteer on this project, which borders the famous Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya, you will have the unique opportunity to get involved in vital conservation and wildlife research in the Mara Naboisho Conservancy.
    Assist with exciting lion and elephant research, the development of a local wildlife guiding school for sustainable development and a rural primary school - all within sight of the breathtaking wildlife-filled Mara plains.
    The highlights
    • Big Cat research and monitoring.
    • Diverse data collection guided by experienced field staff. This is particularly exciting during the months of July-October during the Great Migration.
    • Learn from experienced Masai guides about life in the African bush.
    • Work alongside local Masai expert instructors in training and educating students from the surrounding Masai community to be safari guides.
    • Assist in efforts to empower the local Masai communities to value their environment through conservation education.
    • Be involved in helping and improving the facilities of a Masai school located on the edge of the Masai Mara ecosystem.
    • Get a taste of the Kenyan / Maasai culture; learn a bit of Swahili & Maasai (Maa)!
    • Make friends for life.READ MORE

    VIDEO: TIGERS FOUND AT 3000 AND 4100 METRES IN BHUTAN MOUNTAIN RANGE

    VIDEO: Snow leopard cub

    Saturday 15 February 2014

    VIDEO: Mystery Big Cat Sighting South Island NZ.mp4

    VIDEO: Mystery Big Cat Filmed in large field in Milton Keynes

    VIDEO: National Geographic Wild - The Lion Army HD 1080i

    VIDEO: Incredibly Rare Siberian Tiger Release - GoPro Video of the Day

    VIDEO: IFAW Tiger Cub Rescue, India.

    US SIGHTINGS: The Legendary Cat of the Mountains and the Swamps is Just That, a Legend

    Have you seen this picture in an email or on Facebook lately?  We have! This photo has been passed around to numerous folks over the last month with claims that it has been taken in various locations across North Carolina.

    More recently, some attention was given to a few reports of “a black panther” in Stokes County. There were no photographs or other verifiable evidence to support those reports. While very rare, jaguars, leopards, the jaguarundi and even bobcats can have black coats but there has never been a documented occurrence of a melanistic phase (black) cougar in North America.More recently, some attention was given to a few reports of “a black panther” in Stokes County. There were no photographs or other verifiable evidence to support those reports. While very rare, jaguars, leopards, the jaguarundi and even bobcats can have black coats but there has never been a documented occurrence of a melanistic phase (black) cougar in North America.

    READ MORE

    Wednesday 12 February 2014

    UK SIGHTING: UPDATE: Coastguard warning after big cat sighting | Grimsby Telegraph

    UPDATE: Coastguard warning after big cat sighting | Grimsby Telegraph
    THE Coastguard in Lincolnshire has issued a warning to members of the public after a reported big cat sighting this morning. As reported on ...

    US SIGHTING: Cicero Man Surprised by Bobcat Photo - Big Cat Rescue

    Cicero Man Surprised by Bobcat Photo - Big Cat Rescue
    Cicero Man Surprised by Bobcat Photo. Rick Amato, of Cicero, was surprised last week when he checked his trail camera and discovered it had ...

    UK SIGHTINGS: Reader's letter: Takes right place and time to spot a big cat

    Gloucester Citizen

    Reader's letter: Takes right place and time to spot a big cat
    I READ with interest the reaction experienced by CR Miles when he observed one of our British big cats – in this instance a black leopard-type animal, ...

    UK SIGHTINGS: Mysterious 'big cat' spotted at Horseshoe Point could be missing dog

    Mysterious 'big cat' spotted at Horseshoe Point could be missing dog
    THE big cat spotted on the Lincolnshire coast on Saturday could be a missing dog from the area. As reported, the animal was spotted at Horseshoe ...

    Tuesday 11 February 2014

    US SIGHTINGS: Ohio "big cat" video - Kentucky Hunting Forums

    Ohio "big cat" video - Kentucky Hunting Forums
    http://www.10tv.com/content/stories/2014/02/06/Canal_Winchester_Big_Cat.html I really hope the news is reporting it wrong because if a dnr officer ...

    NEWSLINK: A Bobcat Love Story - The Purrfect Match? - Big Cat Rescue - Animalist

    A Bobcat Love Story - The Purrfect Match? - Big Cat Rescue - Animalist
    Both cats were fixed (we DO NOT breed at Big Cat Rescue) then we moved Mary Ann to the other section of Max's enclosure so they could "date" for a ...

    UK SIGHTINGS: Big Cat Spotted in Canal Winchester

    Fox 28

    Big Cat Spotted in Canal Winchester
    Related Stories. Big Cat Spotted in Canal Winchester · Man Shot in Neck Flees From Attacker · Man Accused of Stealing Limo Driver's SUV and Hiding ...