PROJECTS 2019

WildCat Ridge Sanctuary

Scotts Mills, Oregon
 
Bunker/Mounds for Large Cats
 

Trees for Tigers is helping fund two brand new enclosures for big cats needing a forever home.  A hill in each enclosure has been created with dirt, culvert pipe and a large flat stone slab on top to be a resting place where a cat can survey his/her surroundings from an elevated position.

Each enclosure has a large tree native to Oregon that will eventually branch out allowing the cats to lounge in the branches.  (We’ve all seen the pictures of the big cats straddling the branches in trees with all four legs hanging down – hopefully this will happen in a few years!).

One tree is a Big Leaf Maple and one is a Northern Red Oak which should have low growing horizontal branches for the cats to access.

 

Trees for Tigers is excited to provide the funds to build this creative enrichment structure and we can’t wait to see the trees leaf out and the new cats arrive.  We think they will love their new home at WildCat Ridge.  Project Completed

 

CLEVELAND AMORY BLACK BEAUTY RANCH

Murchison, Texas
Remodel of Bobcat Habitat

Lil Boy, a bobcat at Cleveland Amory Black Beauty Ranch is going to enjoy a new remodel of his current habitat. The Wildlife Team has again created a wonderful species-specific habitat which they will build themselves. The project will include various ramps, platforms and a new house. The team wants to provide variety for Lil Boy including a skywalk around the top part of the habitat, platform steps
around a tree stump, and a fire hose hammock swing. What a lucky bobcat! We appreciate the Wildlife Team’s creative ideas and construction abilities. Thank you so much for offering us this great project.

Lar Gibbon Habitat Renovation

Princessa, the sole lar gibbon at Black Beauty Ranch, will have her habitat enclosure modified to provide a more enriched environment and will allow for more possibilities for socialization in the future.  Her habitat will get corner platforms to increase the nesting areas in the canopy; a multi-level structure including a treehouse with windows and internal platforms; a moveable platform structure; and a Looky Lou hanging mirror.  The lar gibbon, also known as the white-handed gibbon, is an endangered primate in the gibbon family. Project Completed

Capuchin Habitat Improvements

The largest group of primates at CABBR are capuchins comprising four different species: tufted, weeper hybrid, white-faced and black-capped.  The five capuchins are the most active and social primates at the “ranch” and enjoy a 4-yard enclosure.  Improvements planned will create complexity of their habitat, allow for more visual barriers, increase foraging time and will provide healthy social interactions within the group.  Structures planned include corner platforms to increase nesting areas in the canopy; a series of moveable platforms and a Holy Moly Feeder Puzzle Box. Project Completed

New In-Ground Pools for Black Bears

Tibor and Sammi are two American black bears retired from the entertainment industry.  With their advanced age, it will become increasingly more difficult for them to climb into their stock tanks to cool off during the summer.  The two new in-ground pools (10’x10’x3′ deep) will replace the stock tanks and give the habitat a more natural-looking space.  We are once again delighted to fund these projects for the wonderful sanctuary Cleveland Amory Black Beauty Ranch. Project Completed

Primate Habitat Renovation
Trees for Tigers is providing funding for a habitat renovation for two primates named Valentino and June Bug. These two Siamang Gibbons are a brother and sister rescued from the exotic pet trade. Caregivers at Black Beauty Ranch have collaborated in the design of a species-specific habitat that will include a swing, platform, suspended bridge, ladders, shaker box puzzle and live trees. Everyone is excited to see Valentino and June Bug enjoying their new beautiful habitat. (COMPLETED)


THE WILDCAT SANCTUARY

Sandstone, Minnesota
Skywalks for Bobcats
Claude and Benson have been patiently awaiting the completion of their habitat (the only one remaining in WildCat Pines) with skywalks.
 
We have provided the materials for all the other skywalks and rock caves in WildCat Pines last year, and everyone has been pleasantly surprised at the success of the skywalks with much improved socialization and all-around happiness.
 
The skywalks have basically added a second story to their enclosures basically doubling the living space for them to enjoy. Project Completed
 
 
 
Cougar Caves
The “5-Wild Group” of cougars (Andre, Donoma, Langley, Carlo and Noah) are getting two huge rock caves, specially designed structures that will provide privacy and perching places on top.  Giant rock slabs will be used to create these caves.   Thank you WildCat Sanctuary for the wonderful living spaces for your cats. Project Completed
 

ANIMAL DEFENDERS INTERNATIONAL

ADI Wildlife Sanctuary
South Africa
More Platforms and Shelters for Lions and Tigers
Six lions and twelve tigers have been patiently waiting (as we speak this Nov. 2019) in a temporary rescue center in Guatemala for many months while ADI prepares for their transfer to the ADI Wildlife Sanctuary in South Africa. The roadblocks in this mission are too numerous to mention (see www.ad-international.org for harrowing stories of the rescue and relocation efforts). It took seven months to rescue the animals from circuses in Guatemala. And then two more moves into temporary facilities while waiting for permits and meeting regulations to transfer them to So. Africa.
While the lions and tigers are patiently waiting for their trans-Atlantic adventure, Trees for Tigers USA is happy to provide the materials to build 8 large platforms/shelters (some with floors) for these beautiful animals who have endured lives of misery in the circus. As soon as they arrive at the sanctuary they will have spacious habitats with platforms and shelters where they will be able to rest, take naps, check out their surroundings, stay warm on cool nights, and join in the roaring at 4:30 a.m. with the lions already residing there. Perhaps the roaring from their platforms in the early mornings is their way of welcoming a new day with gratitude for their rescuers.
 
Platforms and Shelters for 27 Lions

Trees for Tigers is happy to help Animal Defenders International in establishing their new sanctuary that is now already home to the famous “27 Lions” who were rescued from circuses in Peru and Columbia over a two-year mission completed by the brave and determined team of ADI.  Each lion has a personal story to tell as each is also very brave to have survived the ordeal of rescue and then a long flight over the Atlantic to their forever home in South Africa.  What an incredible feat for all involved!
We provided the funds last year for 42 indigenous trees to help reclaim the sanctuary property.  Much work still needs to be done, and we are pleased to fund some platforms and shelters that the lions are already enjoying.  The pictures tell the story – freedom shining from their eyes.

WILD FELID ADVOCACY CENTER

Shelton, Washington
Wild Felid Advocacy Center experienced a horrific storm this winter that dumped two feet of snow and damaged many habitats. Fortunately, all the cats were safe, but some had to stay in their lock-outs for awhile.  We are joining many other people in helping fund new structures for the habitats.
 
Once the repairs are made, we hope that Suri and Tabbi will get their swimming pool that they are patiently awaiting.  Thank you, Wild Felids, for the great habitat enrichment that you provide for your cats.
 

SAFE HAVEN WILDLIFE SANCTUARY

Imlay, Nevada
This past January 2019 we provided topsoil for the half-acre habitat that we have been working on since last year.
Grass will provide the cats lots of soft spots for their paws and places to hide.
The habitat has been divided in half:  Khan the tiger lives on one side and Tangassi the lion on the other.
The habitat is looking beautiful with trees, multi-level climbing platform and a huge swing.
Project Completed


KEEPERS OF THE WILD NATURE PARK

Valentine, Arizona

Repairs to Platforms and Shelters

Trees for Tigers USA provided funds for repairing several structures including platforms for tiger Zeus; new shelter for Mazi the lion; bear pen hammocks repairs; leopards Daisy and Bug’s den box and platform; Bowie the tiger’s platform.

Project Completed

 


LIONS TIGERS AND BEARS

Alpine, California
 

Interactive Multilivel Platform for Bear Habitat

In addition to providing a home to abused and abandoned exotic animals at their beautiful sanctuary, Lions Tigers and Bears also rescues and relocates exotic animals in need. With their state-of-the-art Rescue Hauler truck, LT&B has provided veterinary care and safe transport for hundreds of exotic animals to qualified sanctuaries.

Trees for Tigers USA is pleased to fund a large multi-level platform for five black bears currently enjoying a 4-acre habitat. This multi-functional platform will provide the bears with a place to exercise and climb, play, find hidden food and treats, and lounge in comfort on soft floors with fire hose webbing.
We are excited to see these bears enjoy this structure designed specifically for them to exhibit their natural behaviors.

 

CHIMPANZEE SANCTUARY NORTHWEST

Cle Elum, Washington
 
Enrichment Toys, Etc.
 
This last summer (2019) we were fortunate to visit Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest in Cle Elum, Washington. They had just recently taken in three
chimpanzees from a sanctuary closing down in California. Immediately upon seeing the chimps, we were made aware of the intensity and complexities of caring for chimpanzees in captivity. Their intelligence, energy and size are forces to be reckoned with.
 
The co-directors are passionate about properly caring for their chimps in addition to being highly experienced and educated in chimp behavior. We are planning to help with an expansion project next year. In the meantime, we sent some barrels, chairs, benches and hammocks for the chimps to enjoy. Project Completed

 

OUR FIRST PROJECT

Keepers of the Wild Nature Park

Valentine, Arizona

Barn for Hodor (Casa Camelot)

Our first project has begun! Hodor the Dromedary Camel at Keepers of the Wild Nature Park in Valentine, AZ. is getting a new barn (a.k.a. Casa de Camelot) which will keep him warm in the winter, and will provide privacy for him when he chooses to have some “alone time.” This is not just any regular barn but one very large structure, because Hodor is a very large animal. You can see the project unfold in our Video section. 

Hodor’s barn will have a wood floor, plywood on inside and on the ceiling, will be insulated and will have a steel exterior.

Trees for Tigers is happy to provide a warm shelter for Hodor at this amazing sanctuary. Please visit their website www.keepersofthewild.org. (Project completed Dec. 2017).

Shade Complex

Hodor has a new roommate named Hoover. Hoover is a Bactrian Camel with two humps while Hodor is a Dromedary Camel with one hump. They are getting along very well in their habitat together. With the Arizona heat in the summer along with monsoon storms, Keepers of the Wild is building a shade complex with fencing, gates and feeding stations to keep their food dry. Trees for Tigers is pleased to provide the funds for this new addition to Hodor’s and Hoover’s habitat. (Project Completed)

 

Multi-Level Platforms for Mazi and Bowie

Mazi the lion and Bowie the tiger along with Cleo the leopard were recently (Sept. 2018) recsued from a back yard on private property in rural Nevada where they had lived in small cages for 10 years. We were privileged to be able to provide a multi-level climbing platform specially made for Mazi and Bowie.

Mazi and Bowie have been seen loving their spacious habitats and quality food that they have never experienced. Thank you to Keepers of the Wild for providing a loving home for them.

(Project Completed)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PROJECTS IN THE WORKS FOR 2018

WILDCAT RIDGE SANCTUARY

Scotts Mills, Oregon

www.wildcatridgesanctuary.org

In-Ground Swimming Pool

Trees for Tigers will be paying for an in-ground swimming pool for Calvin and Hobbs, two amazing tigers who are so lucky to live at WildCat Ridge. There is much infrastructure to be completed before the pool can be constructed, so this project is scheduled to be completed in 2019.

Hybrid Cat House and Outdoor Habitat

In December 2017 WildCat Ridge began construction of a 12’x24’ insulated and heated building for their hybrid cats. Hybrid cats (i.e. Bengals, Savannahs, and Chausies) are created by crossing a wildcat species with a domestic cat. Hybrid cats do not make good pets due to their wild nature, behavioral problems, and health issues, and WildCat Ridge does not support the breeding of hybrid cats. For more information on hybrid cats, see their website www.wildcatridgesanctuary.org

Since the tiger pool project has been tentatively moved to next year, Trees for Tigers is helping with the hybrid cat project. We have purchased the building and will be paying for most of the materials and habitat enrichment items such as perches, walkways and climbing structures for the inside of the house, as well as a system of platforms, decks, shade structures and bridges throughout the 2000 sq. ft. outdoor habitat with existing vine maple trees. The “labor of love” for this endeavor is being provided by WildCat Ridge staff and their talented volunteers. We can’t wait to see the pictures of this completed habitat – it is sure to be a creative work of art. (Project Completed)

Cougar Treehouse

WildCat Ridge plans to expand their cougar enclosures in 2018, and Trees for Tigers would like to build a treehouse for one of the habitats. We are all brainstorming ideas for a natural-looking treehouse that will provide shade and sun, as well as privacy and a high place for a cougar to crawl up to and hang out.

WILD FELID ADVOCACY CENTER OF WASHINGTON

Harstine Island, Shelton, WA

www.wildfelids.org

In-Ground Pool

Wild Felid Advocacy Center is planning to build in 2018 an in-ground pool for their two beautiful tigers, Suri and Tabbi. This sanctuary doubles as a botanical garden and provides wonderful scents for their feline residents. Trees for Tigers is happy to provide funds to help make this project a success.

Update July 2018: Suri and Tabbi the tigers will soon welcome a new pool with decks to lounge on. The original plan for an in-ground pool has changed, and an above-ground pool is now planned. The new pool will surely be appreciated by Suri and Tabbi.

Toys, Toys, Toys

With the extra funds that had been budgeted for the in-ground pool, Wild Felids requested some toys for their feline residents. Everyone is excited to see how the cats will react to their new toys soon to be delivered.

Habitat enrichment is well evident at Wild Felids with wonderful scents from the botanical garden-like property to the creative and abundant climbing structures and hiding spots for all the felines. Our picture page will soon be showing the happy wild cats playing with their toys. (Project Completed)

SAFE HAVEN WILDLIFE SANCTUARY

Imlay, Nevada

www.safehavenwildlife.com

Swing for Half-Acre Habitat

Prototype Swing

The first prototype swing designed by Wildlife Toy Box will be featured at Safe Haven. The large 53” round platform swing is suspended by ropes allowing the animals to climb onto the platform and play with this new toy.

We are excited and curious to see how various animals will react to the swing. Pictures and videos will be posted as soon as they are available.  (Project Completed)

 

Multi-Level Climbing Platform

Safe Haven Wildlife Sanctuary has completed a new half-acre habitat for several big cats, and Trees for Tigers provided the funds to build a multi-level climbing platform for shade, lounging, scratching and viewing of the landscape and beautiful snowcapped mountains from the three-level structure. We are all looking forward to seeing some lucky cats enjoying their new habitat soon. (Project Completed)

Rock & Waterfall Feature

Safe Haven provides several tigers (and many other species) with a loving home, large enclosures and a swimming pool for each tiger enclosure. So Trees for Tigers has offered to construct a rock formation in an enclosure where a tiger can sleep on a rock, sunbathe on a rock, climb around on rocks, and keep cool and/or hide under a rock. This project is currently in the planning stages, so please stay tuned.

Update July 2018: Coordinating the rock and waterfall feature at Sybre the Tiger’s existing pool has been challenging. But we’re not giving up!

Topsoil and Trees

Safe Haven Wildlife Sanctuary has begun planting grass and trees in their existing habitats and in a new habitat that is under construction. Since the rock and waterfall feature is still in the planning stages, Trees for Tigers was happy to help with the purchase of topsoil for the grass planting and several large Austrian Pine trees. See the beautiful trees in our Picture page. The sanctuary is looking amazing with the trees and grass growing and those snow-covered mountains in the background. (Project Completed)

Climbing Platform for Cooper

Cooper the cougar got a brand new spacious enclosure, and Trees for Tigers provided a multi-level climbing platform and two beautiful Austrian Pine trees.

Next door to Cooper is Patty Kay, another cougar, who also got a large tree for her habitat.

 (Project Completed)

 

Rope Scratching Post

A very simple natural substance such as rope can provide stimulus to many wild cats’ senses.

On our Video Page you can watch tigers Carli and Lili enjoying their new scratching post as they smell and rub their faces on the rope and scratch it with their paws.

 (Project Completed)

 

 

The WildCat Sanctuary

Sandstone, Minnesota

www.thewildcatsanctuary.org

Catwalks and Rock Caves

The Wildcat Sanctuary’s newly renovated habitat for bobcats and Canadian lynx, called Wildcat Pines, is featuring a large central temperature-controlled building that can be accessed by all of the cats. There are 8 separate habitats surrounding the building (like spokes of a wheel) that provide for separation of the cats as well as their access to the building. Trees for Tigers is excited to help fund this project by providing materials for raised catwalks to allow access in and out of the building and provide a place for bobcats and lynx to hang out when there’s snow on the ground. We also provided the funds for stone-enclosed caves in the habitats. Check out the new innovative and functional design of Wildcat Pines at www.thewildcatsanctuary.org.  (Project Completed)

ADI WILDLIFE SANCTUARY

SOUTH AFRICA

www.ad-international.org

Trees for ADI’s New Wildlife Sanctuary

Animal Defenders International’s new wildlife sanctuary in South Africa will be home to rescued lions from circuses in Central and South America as well as around the world.

We had the privilege of meeting Jan Creamer and Tim Phillips whose boundless energy, enthusiasm and dedication to saving circus animals, as well as other animals, inspired us to want to help them with their new sanctuary in South Africa.

The timing was perfect for us to provide 42 indigenous trees for the new sanctuary. We’re looking forward to seeing lions napping and resting under these beautiful trees. (Project Completed)

ADI Mission Statement:

To educate, create awareness, and promote the interest of humanity in the cause of justice, and the suppression of all forms of cruelty to animals; wherever possible, to alleviate suffering and to conserve and protect animals and their environment.