My Nonprofit Reviews

This will be lengthy so be prepared You won't be disappointed, I promise. The minute I found out about BCR I started making plans to visit. I wasn't sure what I'd see, but just being near those beatiful creatures was enough for me. My friend and I took the whole package, which included the tour, the opportuniy to go inside some of the lesser cat enclosures (befoe the government stepped in for the protection of both peaple and animals), went on the night tour (there was a 9 year old boy that made a tempting treat for one of the lionesses. He was totally safe!!!), stay overnight in a modified B&B. Hearing the morning sounds of lions and tigers as they wake for the day is something I will always hold dear in my heart. I was able to pet, yes PET, Rosie the Caracal, a cerval (name escapes me right now) and a bobcat named, I think, Little Feather. We heard facts than almost no one in our group knew, which gave me a whole knew perspective on privately owned exotic animals, roadside zoos and canned hunts )this makes me crazy!). During the enrichment period we all made toys for the cats. I never knew that cardboard TP and paper towel rolls, covered in spices and with chicks inside (humanely euthanized) could make a great toy for the lesser cats. Then, we took large cardboard produce box and did the samed for the greater cats. It was so much fun watching the cats rip into those things. We contined wth opperant training, where we were taught how to ask the animals to stand up on hind feet for a treat. This is how the staff is able to check every cat out for fleas, sores, illness, etc without going into the enclosure. We were, also, part of the feeding tour, where we were taught how to make nutritious and healthy meals, how much they eat (wow), and then we were able to feed some of the cats. I got to feed Shere Kahn (very well protected!!) He's a Bengal-Siberian mix, weighing in at a hefty 850 lbs! I remember that day like it was well, last week. My friends got tired of me asking if they had seen my pictures. I believe I came away from that experience a better person than when I went in. I've only been able to go back once more, but it is on my bucket list for 2013. Please donate whatever you can to give these animals a place to retire and get away from any form of mistreatment. All the cats are loved by all who see them up close, not in a boxed cage with only cement under their feet. BCR is filled to the brim with rescued cats, but in an emergency they find room. Carole Baskin is one of my heros, along with all the volunteers and staff that give their all.

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