PRESS RELEASE
Serenity Springs Wildlife Center to Rescue Remaining Tigers from Missouri
By Caz Oswald, Director of Public Relations, Serenity Springs Wildlife Center
Calhan, Colorado, September 4, 2008 – Serenity Springs Wildlife Center has stepped up to provide a new home for 15 tigers still remaining in Warrenton, Missouri, after a tragic accident ultimately led to a decision to close Wesa-A-Geh-Ya. The call went out to sanctuaries nationwide, and Serenity Springs is one of only three sanctuaries that stepped up to help. A deadline of September 16 was set to find new homes for all the animals, otherwise any remaining would be euthanized.
“This is what we do, rescue animals that have no where else to go” said Serenity Springs Wildlife Center’s Assistant Operations Director, Julie Walker. “We can’t sit by and do nothing.” Walker has been working with G.W. Exotic Animal Park, after they took in about half the animals from Wesa-A-Geh-Ya, to insure all the animals would have a home.
Serenity Springs Wildlife Center (formerly known as Big Cats of Serenity Springs) has been taking care of non-domestic felines since 1993. Originally established as an education program for mountain lions, Serenity Springs’ mission turned to saving big cats when Owner and Director Nick Sculac was asked to rescue a dozen animals after another sanctuary in southern Colorado closed. Serenity Springs is licensed by both state and federal authorities, and is the only facility in Colorado to carry a zoological license.
According to Walker, the rescue costs associated with relocating the 15 tigers will run upwards of $14,000. At a cost of $4.10 per mile, and 1502 miles roundtrip, it will be over $6,000 just to make the trip to Missouri and back home with their new charges. Then there’s the dens – at a cost of about $500 apiece for the materials, that’s almost $8,000.
Personnel from nearby Peterson Air Force base have agreed to help Serenity Springs build any remaining enclosures that will be needed, and all the necessary chain link fencing has already been donated. Sculac stated that with the support of the nationwide network of animals lovers, the local community, the donation of time and labor from the base and a team of dedicated volunteers, “we will get it done, we always do!”
To make donations to help with the rescue, please visit their website at www.serenityspringswildlife.org and click on the “donate” button, or mail donations to 24615 Scott Road, Calhan, Colorado, 80808.Contact for more information: Julie Walker, Assistant Operations Director at julie@serenityspringswildlife.org or by phone at 719-761-1120.
We are now participating in the Combined Federal Campaign! Our CFC code is 88594.
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SUMMER HOURS
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Labor Day: tours at 9 am and 11 am
Fall hours coming soon...
Calling all volunteers!
We are in need of volunteers! Adults over 18 years of age, with any skills, but especially the following:
Grant Writers
Brick Layers, Masons, Carpenters, Welders
Teachers
People who are just dedicated to helping the cats!
Please email volunteer@serenityspringswildlife.org to find out when our next volunteer orientation is.
New support programs now available! Choose from either the "Adopt a BCSS Cat" or "Member of the Pride" link from the Menu at the left or click on the buttons above!
Opened in 1993, Big Cats of Serenity Springs is home to well over 120 big cats, including lions, tigers, ligers, cougars, leopards, and servals. We are the largest State and Federal licensed placement facility in Colorado, located east of Colorado Springs.
Over the years, with dedication and determination, we've become Colorado's premiere big cat facility. We are proud to be the only facility in the entire state (including government funded zoological parks!) to have qualified for, and be granted, a state of Colorado Zoological License.
It is with great joy that we provide care, love, and compassion to the "exotic" cats in our care and we want to share that joy with you. Click here or on the “Visit Us” link at the left to see all of the opportunities we offer for you to spend time with us and these majestic animals.
A sanctuary of this size cannot survive without your help. YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE. We have several ways for you to directly impact the lives of the cats that call Big Cats of Serenity Springs home, including volunteer and donation opportunities. Click on the “How to Help” link at the left for more information or click here now to make a donation.
Please enjoy your visit to our website. Just as our facility is always growing and changing, this site will continue to grow and change. Bookmark us and come back often to see what is new and exciting at Big Cats of Serenity Springs!
Our Mission Statement:
Big Cats of Serenity Springs is a non profit organization dedicated to providing a safe, stable, permanent home for non-domestic felines, regardless of prior history or physical condition in accordance with our code of ethics. Through the generosity of our donors and volunteers, our goal is to provide such a place to big cats in need.
If you are thinking about getting an exotic cat, read this first.
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site updated: 9/6/08
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