Carolina Tiger Rescue

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Carolina Tiger Rescue is a wildlife sanctuary located in Pittsboro, North Carolina, dedicated to the rescue and conservation of wild cats. The organization focuses on providing a safe and permanent home for wild cats that have been abandoned, abused, or neglected. It also aims to educate the public about the plight of these animals and the importance of conservation efforts.

History

Carolina Tiger Rescue was founded in 1973 by Dr. Michael Bleyman, a geneticist from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Originally named the Carnivore Evolutionary Research Institute, the organization initially focused on breeding programs for endangered species. Over time, the mission shifted towards rescue and sanctuary work, and the name was changed to Carolina Tiger Rescue in 2009 to better reflect its current focus.

Mission and Goals

The primary mission of Carolina Tiger Rescue is to save and protect wild cats in captivity and in the wild. The organization has several key goals:

• Providing lifelong sanctuary for wild cats in need.
• Educating the public about the issues facing wild cats and the importance of conservation.
• Advocating for stronger laws and regulations to protect wild cats.
• Supporting global conservation efforts to protect wild cat species in their natural habitats.

Facilities and Animals

Carolina Tiger Rescue is home to a variety of wild cats, including tigers, lions, leopards, cougars, bobcats, and other species. The sanctuary spans over 55 acres and includes large, naturalistic enclosures designed to meet the physical and psychological needs of the animals.

Programs and Activities

The organization offers several programs and activities to engage the public and promote its mission:

• **Guided Tours**: Educational tours are available to the public, providing an opportunity to learn about the animals and the sanctuary's work.
• **Volunteer Opportunities**: Volunteers play a crucial role in the daily operations of the sanctuary, assisting with animal care, maintenance, and educational programs.
• **Adoption Program**: Supporters can symbolically adopt an animal, helping to fund its care and the overall mission of the sanctuary.
• **Educational Outreach**: Carolina Tiger Rescue offers educational programs for schools, community groups, and other organizations to raise awareness about wild cat conservation.

Conservation Efforts

In addition to its rescue and sanctuary work, Carolina Tiger Rescue is involved in various conservation initiatives. The organization collaborates with other conservation groups to support efforts to protect wild cat populations in their natural habitats. This includes participating in research projects, advocating for habitat preservation, and supporting anti-poaching measures.

See Also

• Big cat rescue
• Wildlife conservation
• Endangered species
• Animal sanctuary
• Captive breeding