The Wildcat Sanctuary

The Wild Cat Sanctuary is a phenomenal sanctuary. They rescue abused, orphaned and owner turnovers. They do not allow the public into the sanctuary which allows the animals to be themselves. The Wild Cat Sanctuary is a GFAS accredited sanctuary. They must abide by strict rules. They cannot buy, sell, trade, breed or touch (with the exception of a medical procedure) the animals. They provide the best food and Veterinary care. I donate and will continue to donate to this wonderful sanctuary.

I cannot think of a better place for a cat. The sanctuary sends out reports all the time to let us know what is going on. They truly care. I invite others to donate as the cause is a great one. Cat lover or not, this is a place you need to donate to for the love of animals.

Carol

I have always loved cats, big and small. It’s so sad to hear how our laws are so lacking in protecting the wild cats that don’t belong in homes or exploited for money. The Wildcat Sanctuary has taken in so many of these cats, big and small and given them their forever home. They can’t be free, but they are cared for medically and each one loved for who they are; providing them with shelter proper shelter and space. It’s so wonderful to have sanctuaries like this.

I can't say enough good things about The Wildcat Sanctuary! Each time I go, I am so touched by the love the staff and volunteers show towards these beautiful cats. They are always working to better the lives of the cats and to make room for more so that other mistreated animals will get the chance to live out there lives with respect and love!

The Wildcat Sanctuary is an amazing place for wildcats in need. The safe space, out of the public eye, enrichment programs, health care and love received is something many of them never received. Their love of their residents and other wildcats in need is evident in the care they provide.

The Wildcat Sanctuary does a great job balancing the needs and privacy of the residents while keeping the public engaged in the daily lives of the wildcats. I have learned so much from them about the pay-to-play industry and have appreciated Information they have provided in how to engage in combating the exotic pet industry. They keep us informed of upcoming legislation we can support or protest as well as sharing stories of communities saying “no more” to traveling tours that treat wildcats horribly and allow the public to touch them.

I had opportunity to volunteer at TWS last summer and the experience really opened my eyes to the amazing work this organization does. From medical attention to nutrition to living structures - great attention has been given to ensuring these beautiful animals have a high quality of life for the remainder of their years. I am so glad this organization exists - both for the sake of the animals in their care and for the education they provide to the public on the issues and needs facing wildcats today.

I volunteered for a 1-day work day at TWS a couple of years ago. After our workday we were given a tour of the sanctuary which was extremely interesting. The planning that goes into providing proper nutrition for each of the cats along with the designs of the habitats and their medical care is top notch. Also TWS goes to great lengths to educate the public at large about not trying to keep wild cats as pets. TWS is not open to the public so the only way people can see the big cats is to be a part of a work day crew and even then TWS is careful about who is allowed to be a part of those crew days. I am glad there are places like TWS for these big, beautiful creatures to live out their lives and not be exploited.

Hi! The Wildcat Sanctuary in Sandstone, MN has a great story to tell. It is an amazing place with all of the great work it has done since it has been open. I have volunteered on a couple of work days. The work has been good and you really feel good to give back to this important endeavor. I have also attended a few of the fundraising events. It is great to see and hear the positive ways that the Wildcat Sanctuary has given and gives to so many cats -big and small, a second chance at life. The cats have a chance to have a space that they can roam, play, and enjoy the life that they deserve. They get the medical care and appropriate nutritional food that helps them grow and survive with dignity. Tammy Thies, the staff, the volunteers and all of the support given from donations do make a great difference and saves lives of these special wildcats.

I’ve been a volunteer and donor of The Wildcat Sanctuary for over 13 years. I’ve seen them grow from their original location near Isanti with about 20 cats to their current location with over 100 cats. From their humble beginnings to their current facility with large free roaming habitats, they have always gone the extra mile to see that each animal has all their needs met in the most natural environment. I’ve had the great opportunity to work with the small bengal cats in cleaning habitats and providing enrichment for them. TWS does so much in educating the public about the captive wildlife crisis. Tammy Thies is an excellent spokesperson on this topic. And even though they are not open to the public, they are great in using social media to keep their supporters informed - if one has the time, one can get to know each cat personally through the TWS website.

I have first hand experience with the organization so I have no hesitancy donating to this organization since I know that every dollar will be so well spent.

Being a long time volunteer and donor it is very satisfying to see how and where my money and time is being utilized. Having a diverse Board of Directors, excellent Vet with on-site hospital and a partnership with the U of M and relationship with the Minnesota Zoo makes this a Top Notch Sanctuary. Every cats needs are met whether it be diet, enclosures or daily enrichment by the knowledgeable staff and interns. Proud to be a part of it. Thank you.

I've volunteered at least 4 times for day-long work days at TWS and continue to be amazed at the quality of medical and nutritional care, attention to detail, personalized plans/habitat/enrichment that each and every cat receives. These folks have an unwavering focus on the cats and their care and are passionate. Further, they educate the public through social media channels to change attitudes around keeping wild animals as pets or props for profit. They live up to their reputation as global experts in collaboration with other sanctuaries, students who want to intern/learn how to care for these animals and partner rescue groups. I'm proud they call MN home and that I can donate, volunteer and support TWS.

As a long-time volunteer at The Wildcat Sanctuary (TWS), I have witnessed the natural, spacious and well-kept enclosures provided to each of the more than 100 residents. The TWS staff truly care about the physical and emotional well-being of its cats; it’s a delight to see the many cats enjoying challenging and fun enrichments, made by dedicated volunteers.

Even though offering public tours would provide a steady stream of revenue, TWS is not open to the public. This preserves the dignity of the cats and ensures the grounds remain a peaceful safe haven.

TWS has built much support and public awareness. TWS has nearly three million fans on Facebook and uses social media not only to build support for the sanctuary, but to raise awareness of the captive wildlife crisis through its No More Wild Pets campaign.

The staff at TWS learn the personalities of each cat, and with their broad knowledge of felines, this gives them the ability to recognize even the slightest change in their behaviors. When medical care is warranted, staff take immediate action with the TWS veterinarian and seeks further outside services as needed.

Minnesota is very fortunate to be home to this sanctuary that provides the best home-for-life possible for formerly unwanted and abused big cats.

I was introduced to this non-profit by a friend a few years ago. I have volunteered my time for TWS, as well as donated, and have found the sanctuary well-run with great care taken of the animals. They have taken in hybrid cats (inappropriate pets), as well as the traditional wild cats referred to in its name. Not stopping at providing sanctuary, they provide excellent health care to their charges, doing their best to make the rest of their years pain-free and happy. It is gratifying to see an organization willing to take that extra step to improve the lives of their charges.

I have been a volunteer for the Wildcat Sanctuary and have had an opportunity to tour the property and meet the director and staff on several occasions. The mission of the Wildcat Sanctuary is critical. The staff and volunteers are simply the best. I know that the animals are well cared for and all of their needs are met.

It is a privilege to have The Wildcat Sanctuary here in Minnesota.

My husband and I have been donors to The Wildcat Sanctuary for many years now. We volunteer for another Wild cat sanctuary in another State where we live, so the best we can do to help such a wonderful organization and woman that we admire as Tammy is to give our support through donations. My husband uses his company matching program (X3) every year. We know how close Tammy is to all the cats and how much she cares for them. We love her news letter and website which brings us even closer to her and all the animals. We specially appreciate her handwritten personal thank you notes for our contributions.
We wish The Wildcat Sanctuary all the best and hope one day we can make it to help them as well.
Marie S

I have been a fan and a donor of The Wildcat Sanctuary for about 10 years now. This organization is the epitome of what a exotic cat sanctuary should be. The care and love the cats receive is next to none and I am particularly fond of their ever expanding enrichment program. They also help educate people that these animals belong in the wild and not in our homes. If we are to save wild cats, we need to save where they live and not breed for captivity.

I have been both a donor and a volunteer for TWS for many years. I’ve seen them go from a small organization in Isanti County years ago to the large, nationally recognized and accredited sanctuary they are today in Pine County, MN. Having been a Senior Keeper at one of the top sanctuaries in the country, I have had a lot of personal experience knowing what helps rescued wild cats thrive. For TWS, that has always been their #1 goal. Their cats enjoy huge natural, free-roaming habitats – something few sanctuaries have the luxury of providing. They receive excellent preventative veterinary care and no expense is spared when a cat is sick or in need. Habitat improvement, expansion, and new construction to provide even more for the cats is never-ending. When TWS went through a rapid growth cycle, there were management issues that could have been handled better. As with so many sanctuaries, it’s difficult to be an expert at caring for wild cats and be an expert business manager, too. But, new much-needed policies have been put in place to assure donors that sound business practice management is a priority. Many have watched the organization grow, watched the rescued cats thrive, watched the education and lobbying efforts pay off, and watched the social media fanbase top one million. For those, it’s been extremely rewarding to support this wonderful charity. For those who have just found TWS, I truly believe the best is yet to come!

http://www.ag.state.mn.us/PDF/PressReleases/AssuranceOfDiscontinua20140422.pdf

This organization is a great advocate for neglected, abused and abandoned wildcats, however, its reputation has been tarnished by this investigation. By removing the people responsible for this mess, then and only then can this wonderful organization rebuild its reputation and become the sanctuary it used to be. New people, more structure and accountability, and full transparency are needed in order to regain the trust of its loyal donors and the general public.

The reason for the rating is that I will not donate to this organization until there is trust that the donations will not be used inappropriately, but The Wildcat Sanctuary has and will eventually have a great impact in the future.

A great group whose priority continues to be what's best for the "critters".

The Wildcat Sanctuary does so much for so many animals with the most effective use of resources I've seen in my decades of philanthropy. I will never forget hearing the lead keeper describe how Sabrina the tiger, who was found unconcious after her (private) owner passed away and arrived at the Sanctuary terrified of people, turned to her one day and "chuffed" a greeting. Just one of many miraculous rescues they have accomplished. Truly a privilege to be connected to them.

I first learned about TWS from the Best Friends magazine, after which I looked into the organization myself. Around the same time, I watched the documentary, "The Elephant in the Living Room," and I was so moved by plight of those captive wild animals and TWS' mission to not only find a better "home" for animals in similar conditions but to end the practice altogether that I immediately became a fan. I particularly like the fact that TWS is not open to the public, endeavoring instead to give those animals as close to a wild existence as they can get. They are no long gawked at or used as some sideshow exhibit to make money, but actually get the chance to be wild cats. I also checked TWS on Guidestar before donating, and it is a very transparent organization that puts donations to good use.

This organization truly deserves recognition for all that they do and for that which they have accomplished. Their philosophy and goals are mirrored in all that they do, not merely words. I am honored to help in whatever manner I can at this sanctuary, as the dedication of staff, interns & other volunteers is a reflection of true compassion for these animals, not as ownership, but genuine care for their needs and best interest. In addition to the hard work & endless demand of caring for these cats & others in need, the Director & staff make very effort to make opportunity to help educate the public on the problems caused by the exotic pet trade and their repercussions. This is an organization that I hope to be involved with as long as I am capable!

I hope to get to volunteer there the next time Scott Lope is helping you out and I will be bring my camera to get the most awesome photo for you and your super big hearted place for these beautiful animals!!!! Thank You!!!

TWS is an amazing place with such dedicated staff and volunteers. Although each cat has a sad tale, they are the lucky ones to end up at TWS. Love their commitment to give all their cats wonderful enclosures and enrichment. Love the effort they put into promoting the sanctuary through social media with their FB posts, videos, PSA's, etc. Also, they are a leading and credible voice in the effort to ban exotic pets.

So often; people, organizations and cities call the Wildcat Sanctuary, "Can you? Will you?" And the answer is always "Yes". They will rescue, feed, support and give a protected life to numerous felines of every possible description". And not without sacrifice.....and not without a struggle....and not without great financial burden. This organization demonstrates one of the simplest principles of a great humanitarian, the care and preservation of our vulnerable, priceless wildlife.

This organization is doing a very important work to educate people that owning exotic pets is not ok. Too many people get in over their heads when they think an exotic pet is such a great idea. When it doesn't work out, they are lucky if they can find someone to give their exotic pet sanctuary. Room is limited! Don't own exotic pets!

The Wildcat Sanctuary does an extraordinary service to helpless felines. They've made a huge impact on the community considering they've been pushing for knowledge about what is a pet and is not a pet. They truly understand the concept of humaneness and compassion.

An awesome place for exotic cats. Simply the best of the best. Donate Donate Donate and help those animals in need Please.

I have been a longtime friend of Tammy Theis who started the Wildcat Sanctuary and have seen it continue to grow. It is amazing what Tammy and her staff do for these cats when the take them in and help give them as much as a fulfilling life they can. I have seen cats when they first arrive at the sanctuary and then months and years down the road. These cats have changed from being very scared, afraid and untrusting to very happy cats. I know this may seem weird to say but you can tell by their face how happy they are. You can tell they know they are safe! It's sad that there has to be Wildcat Santuaries out there, but they are amazing for the care they give these cats to help them through the rest of their lives. I can't say enough about this because The Wildcat Santuary is an amazing place for these cats!

I just learned of the Wildcat Sanctuary through a friend. What they are doing for the wildcats is awesome. The no-kill cat rescue in Sandstone sounds like a safe haven for these cats. I especially am impressed with the free roaming habitats they supply so the cats can live the wild at heart. I know these cats are safe there. AMAZING!

I interned at The Wildcat Sanctuary in 2011 and have kept up with the sanctuary ever since. The work they do for the cats is fantastic, as well as their efforts in raising awareness about the captive wildlife crisis and related current events. The Wildcat Sanctuary is a place where the best interest of the animals is the final determining factor in every decision. Despite the sanctuary being closed to the public, they keep their supporters engaged in the cats' lives with frequent updates to their website and various social media pages. They inspire people to care about cats they can never meet, which is a truly impressive feat. Interning at the sanctuary changed my career goals and increased my participation in animal advocacy. I plan to continue to support this sanctuary as long as it exists. Hopefully someday their mission will be accomplished and we'll run out of captive wild animals needing to be saved!

I admire the Wildcat Sanctuary for their heroic work in saving exotic cats from bad situations and providing them loving lifetime care. Perhaps even more important is their dedication to educating the public about the issues surrounding the inappropriate use and keeping of exotic animals. Thank you, Wildcat Sanctuary, for all that you do!

I learned about the Wildcat Sanctuary a few years ago and I have nothing but love for Tammy Thies and ALL of the staff and volunteers that make TWS a home for these beautiful creatures. I hope and pray that TWS is able to provide help to cats in need for many years to come!

This sanctuary is truly devoted to the welfare of these big cats. It costs so much to feed and are for them all, but, somehow, TWS does it. Daily. Weekly. yearly. I don't worry too much about the big cats because I know, that come hell or high water, these magnificent creatures will be taken care of. I'm disabled and on a very limited income, but I do what I can to help. If only more people would!

YA'LL ARE AWESOME!!!! TAKING CARE OF THESE ANIMALS TAKES ALOT OF DEDICATION. AND YA'LL HAVE IT. KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK FOR THESE ANIMALS!!!

Wild Cat Sanctuary is amongst the top facilities in the United States for their advocacy of exotics animals. They have done a fabulous job providing permanent homes to abused, or unwanted exotic cats of the world! They are the voice of the animals, and exceed over and above in the care of these animals!

I fell in love with the Wildcat Sanctuary from the moment I heard about it. Within a week, I had attended a volunteer orientation and was volunteering at my first event. The TWS mission is to, "Provide a natural sanctuary to wild cats in need and inspire change to end the captive wildlife crisis." Everyone associated with TWS believes that wild/exotic animals belong in the wild, and dedicates their time to living that mission. No More Wild Pets. Keep the wild in your heart, not in your home.

I recently sponsored a serval named Mesa with the sanctuary. I have been getting emails sent to me that specifically give me updates on how she's doing with her enclosure mates and what she did with her recent enrichment. It's a lot of fun being involved in something you care about. Also, any non profit group that is able to with just one picture, convince me to give them $250 for a feline sponsorship is also going to get a five star review. Can't wait until I get to go there, and it is definitely in my book of potential careers

Living in Oklahoma, I have not personally attended any events held by the sanctuary but as an animal lover, I LOVE the email updates they send out! I do not recall how I found out about The Wildcat Sanctuary but I am so glad that I did. I really enjoy the emails about the enrichment they provide the cats every holdiays like "St. Catrick's day" and videos of them playing in paint to creat artwork! They even have some great sounding fundraiders events like a Mardi gras themed dinner. And although it is sad to read an email about a cat passing on, the memorial text they write makes it VERY obvious that they truly care and love these beautiful animals.Thank you Wildcat Sanctuary for all the hard work you do to provide a safe and loving haven for the cats. Christina

Just looking at The Wildcat Sanctuary's website and facebook you can tell that they really care about the animals in their care. They often post pictures and updates on all of their animals to keep people up to date and the goings on at the shelter. It's amazing to see all of these animals happy and having a good life with people that care about them.

The Wildcat Sanctuary Is Doing Such Important Work With These Animals And Does NOT Allow The Cats To Be Exploited Like Animals In The Zoo. I Love The Enrichment Activity The Provide For Them And The Always Improving Habitat Space. I Love This NON PROFIT It Is My Favorite In Minnesota!

The Wildcat Sanctuary provides excellent care to their rescued cats as well as enrichment to prevent boredom. Although they do not allow visitors, they have a fabulous website and youtube videos where you can really see inside the sanctuary and get to know the cats!

The people involved with The Wildcat Sanctuary wonderful and the facility is excellent. I highly recommend either volunteering or making a donation - I've done both and am proud to be a part of a group of people that truly care for the animals. Awesome place!!

We met Tammy just as she was moving her Wildcat Sanctuary from GA up to MN a little over 10 years ago. We weren’t familiar with what she was doing at the time, but were very impressed by her giving nature (she was rescuing 2 Siberian Huskies from a rescue group we were volunteering with at the time).

On our first visit with her, we saw the passion and professionalism she exhibited with her organization. Over the years we have witnessed how the Wildcat Sanctuary has expanded and has overcome some major obstacles (emergency rescues, a major site relocation) all without compromising her principals and doing what’s best for the residents at the Wildcat Sanctuary. We feel very fortunate to call her a friend and know there are many very lucky wildcats to call the Wildcat Sanctuary their home.

I have been volunteering since I was a small child and The Wildcat Sanctuary is by far one of the best groups I have ever worked with. The volunteer "staff" is like family to each other and we are all so proud to be associated with this organization. TWS is run with an incredibly high degree of professionalism and humanity; the staff is truly in tune with the animals we care for and it is a joy to be a part of something that makes a difference for the lives of these animals. Not only does TWS assist in rescuing and caring for wildcats of all shapes, sizes and colors, we also educate the public on the captive wildlife crisis and play a role in current and future legislation on this matter. We don't like that there is a need for places such as ours but until the day comes when all wildcats are left to be wild, The Wildcat Sanctuary is truly a slice of kitty heaven here on earth.

Fabulous sanctuary for these amazing animals. I cannot imagine where these precious cats would be without them.

I volunteer on-site at The Wildcat Sanctuary once a month and also occasionally work at a booth during an event off-site. Every dollar and volunteer hour that I have seen offered to TWS has been taken gratefully and used to its fullest advantage to help the cats. I can honestly say that this organization is 100% about putting all of their effort towards providing the best life possible for their residents as well as spreading knowledge to end the captive wildlife crisis.

The Wildcat Sanctuary is a wonderful organization. As a donor, I have been pleased to fund new enclosures and help to bring big cats in crisis situations to a far better life at the Sanctuary. I enjoy the beautiful videos taken of the cats at various times throughout the year.

The Wildcat Sanctuary is such a wonderful place. The cats are so lucky to have people like the volunteers, staff and owner to take care of them. They deserve the BEST. They are always in my mind!

I have been volunteering with the sanctuary for about a year and a half. I always look forward to heading out there. My only regret is that I don't live closer so I could go more often. They do wonderful work providing forever homes for wildcats in need and educating the public about the captive wildlife crisis.

I interned at The Wildcat Sanctuary and they are a wonderful organization who is focused on taking amazing care of their resuced cats as well as public education about the captive wildlife crisis. The staff will do anything for their cats and are constantly raising funds to improve cat enclosures. As an intern I was able to make many unique enrichment items that I had never seen given to big cats before but was clearly enjoyed by them. The creative and forward-thinking staff take this charity to the next level.

I have attended several Wildcat Sanctuary events and the work they do is amazing!!!!!

This is an amazing sanctuary with dedicated and compassionate staff. The large, natural enclosures are designed with the animal in mind. Heated dens! How awesome!

We need more wonderful people in the world like the volunteers/owners of this great place! They work so hard every day all day to make a great home to these rescued big cats! I encourage everyone to donate to them!

I have been a volunteer for The Wildcat Sanctuary for 6 years and have watched this place grow into a top notch facility. They manage their funds very well and put the needs of the cats first. They are a sanctuary for animals, not a zoo for people. Many of the cats have come from abusive backgrounds and need time to heal. They get excellent veterinary care, good food, spacious enclosures with room to run, perches and heated and cooled enclosures to escape extreme temperatures. What impresses me is the quality of care they are able to give with the limited funds they receive. They work so hard and truly care for these animals. Their role in educating the public about the captive wildlife crisis is so important. I highly recommend this organization.

It's a shame that a place like this is needed but thank goodness they are around! These people are truly angles for all of these animals and the many more out there! I have been a monthly donor for 4 years now and I will coontinue to support the wonderful work they do!

The Wildcat Sanctuary takes in abused and neglected big cats and provides them with an environment as close to that in nature as possible. If not for TWS these animals would have no other place to go and would most likely be put down. Caring for such large animals as wild cats is expensive and difficult, and is something that not many sanctuaries can do. TWS does an amazing job of making a success of such a difficult mission. The animals have large spacious enclosures so they can run and play. They receive any medical care required, no matter how expensive. They of course are fed on a daily basis, and we all know how the price of food has skyrocketed in the last few years. TWS deserves all the support we can provide, so it can continue with its difficult, but critically important mission.

TWS is the next best thing for these awesome animals. Since they cannot be returned to the wild, sending them to a sanctuary such as TWS where they can live out their lives in dignity and peace is the best alternative. They are all living in enclosures that duplicate their natural habitats. Are cared for with love and concern. Health needs are meet immediately. Enrichment is provided so the animals do not get bored or stressed. This is an awesome sanctuary.

I have been working with the cats at The Wildcat Sanctuary since 2004 and I have been on the board of directors since 2005. This is a truly unique and wonderful organization. Our executive director, Tammy Thies, started this facility with the best intention possible-to provide a home for life for exotic cats that have been abused, neglected or exploited. We do not breed, exhibit or sell these cats that have been through so much. The staff and volunteers that aid the organization help these cats to live out their lives in peace and allow them to be as wild as they can. I feel TWS is an example for all other sanctuaries to emulate!

I am so impressed by Wildcat Sanctuary....the tigers, lions, cougars, servals, Lynx and other great cats always look happy & well fed in the videos and photos....I really like the philosophy of those who run Wildcat sanctuary....the problem of captive exotic cats in private hands is serious in the USA and Wildcat Sanctuary is one of the few that truly understands the best way to care for a tiger or lion cub illegally smuggled into this country who may face death or torture at the hands of the ignorant.....We should support Wildcat Sanctuary and perhaps others like it so that the tragedy which took place last fall in Zanesville Ohio never happens again.

I've been a volunteer for many years and watched this organization grow and mature into a very effective, self-sustaining non-profit. Even though they still work extremely hard for every dollar, more and more donors and philanthropic groups are seeing the difference TWS is making and jumping on board. This is an amazing group of the hardest working people I have ever encountered. Their mission has never waivered, they have a clear vision of what needs to be done and are taking all the right steps to make it happen.

My husband and I have been watching this sanctuary almost from its beginning and have been so moved by the evidence of the kindness and the ability of these people to take in wildcats that have been damaged by other humans and bring them to health and trustfulness that we have always put them in the top list for our donations, even when we have had very little to give. Tammy Theis' determination to help these cats began this whole beautiful effort and, over the years, many other people have been inspired to help. We expect to keep donating to The Wildcat Sanctuary as long as we can.