Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge has announced a collaboration with Wildcare Oklahoma, based in Noble, Okla., to rescue a young bobcat in need.
“This joint effort underscores TCWR’s ongoing commitment to protecting and providing sanctuary for exotic wildlife,” according to a release on the project. “The bobcat, a young male estimated to be around one year old, was taken from the wild under unfortunate circumstances. A private individual came across a litter of three bobcat kittens and presumed they were orphaned, taking possession of them. Tragically, only one young male survived.”
WildCare staff suspected the citizens were not entirely truthful about how they came into possession of the bobcats and considered they could have obtained them by other illegal means, the release said.
“It is important to emphasize that wildlife encountered in the wild should be left alone,” TCWR’s release said. “Individuals are encouraged to contact local wildlife authorities or a rehabilitator when in doubt.”
The collaboration marks the second partnership between TCWR and Wildcare Oklahoma, following the successful transfer of Jake, a serval confiscated by Oklahoma law enforcement from a private owner in Norman, Okla., in December 2021.
After the court case, Wildcare Oklahoma needed to find permanent placement for the African serval.
“These alliances are critical in addressing the ongoing small cat crisis and ensuring the well-being of these magnificent animals,” the release said. “The veterinary team determined the bobcat was likely habituated during his time with the private individual. He was initially housed with other bobcats when Wildcare Oklahoma first received him to help expose him to other bobcats and wild behaviors. The goal was to undo the habituation so he could eventually be released to the wild. As he was still quite young, he followed the bobcats around and interacted with them, but he never became fearful or lost interest in people.
“Wildcare Oklahoma tried various methods to discourage the bobcats’ interest in people without effect. His questionable history and lack of fear of people were some of the reasons their veterinarian considered placement in a sanctuary instead of release.”
Wildcare Oklahoma is a rehabilitation facility not set up for the lifelong care of an animal and requested Turpentine Creek’s assistance with placement.
The recent rescue of the young bobcat follows two other urgent interventions by Turpentine Creek to help the smaller exotic cat breeds.
On March 7, the Turpentine Creek rescued Tigger, a serval, from Mississippi, only to tragically lose him to complications following surgery. One week later, TCWR president Tanya Smith traveled more than 1,000 miles to rescue Emma, a caracal living in a basement in Peoria, Ill.
“Emma is now settling in and doing well at the sanctuary, where she is in temporary quarantine,” the release reports. “Each of these three animals has a vastly different story. Yet, all share the same urgent need for care and protection, highlighting the growing issue surrounding the smaller exotic cat species. Whether taking native bobcats out of their natural environment or getting an exotic breed like a serval or caracal from a breeder, these cats do not make good pets.
“Once owners realize the complexities of keeping a pet like this, they quickly learn that their options are limited. You cannot surrender a bobcat or exotic cat to your local humane shelter; you must find an accredited facility like Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge with space to provide lifetime sanctuary.”
