01
Apr
2018
Safari (2026)

Safari (2026)

Farewell, beautiful friend – June 2026

SafariWildCat Ridge’s beloved serval resident, Safari, has passed away at the age of 18.

In the days before his passing, our care team noticed Safari’s appetite was slightly diminished. While it is not uncommon for our older residents to have an off day now and again, is was a subtle change that we, nevertheless, watched closely. Safari showed no other signs of distress or illness and his passing came naturally and unexpectedly. A post-mortem exam later revealed that Safari had been living with a difficult to detect form of cancer, despite his bright and active demeanor. While this news was difficult to receive, it offered us a measure of peace in knowing that Safari did not suffer and that his quality of life remained strong through his final days.

Safari and his sister, Tamika, were surrendered to WildCat Ridge in 2016 after spending nine years with a private owner. As is so often the case when people decide to try to make wild animals pets, Safari and Tamika’s owner found themselves unable to adequately meet their cats’ needs nutritionally, physically, mentally, and medically. Wild animals do not and cannot cease to be wild just because they are raised in a domestic setting.

Safari found a home at WildCat Ridge where we were able to offer him a small taste of the wild. At the sanctuary, Safari dictated the pace of his days, experienced raw meat and whole prey for the first time, and made friends with Sable and Tanzi after Tamika passed in 2019.

Safari’s personality was bright and infectious. His quirky pre-breakfast tippy-happy dance was a source of daily joy to the animal care staff. On sunny days he could be found curled up in a puddle of sunlight and in the winter, unlike most of his serval brethren who detest the snow, Safari loved a good snow ball fight with the keepers (PSA: in case you’re wondering, a snowball fight with a cat consists of tossing snowballs for them to smack out of the air or pounce on).

Safari’s story is, sadly, far from unique. WildCat Ridge firmly believes that wild cats belong in the wild and while our captive-born residents cannot be returned to their native habitats, we do our very best to provide a home that reflects the complexity and richness of the live they were born to live. We can only continue our mission with ongoing support from you. If you would like to make a donation in honor of Safari, please click the button below.

Posted by Stefanie Kraus in Memorials
01
Mar
2018
Shambles Bobcat (2019)

Shambles Bobcat (2019)

Good-bye, sweet Shamie – March 27, 2019

ShamblesIt seems every time we lose a beloved wildcat it becomes more and more difficult to put the words together sharing the loss. On March 12th, 2019 we had to make the heartbreaking decision to let Shambles move on to her next journey ????

Shamie was born in 1998 and came to us in 2008 from a older couple in Oregon who had decided they wanted to travel and a bobcat did not fit into their plans. She had severe ear mites that hadn’t been treated, was overweight, covered in fleas with a matted coat, declawed and an attitude that made us sit up and notice ????

We provided all the necessary vet work for this girl and she settled in at the Sanctuary. She was introduced to Robert, the oldest bobcat at WCR and from that moment on Shamie was smitten ❤️She adored Robert, following him everywhere and as he got older and more fragile she became very protective of him.

Robert passed away on September 27th, 2018 at 24 years of age and Shamie grieved for him. She was 20 years old when she lost Robert and we watched her health steadily decline after that. When we noticed she was starting to have trouble walking as easily as she had been we took her to Compass Veterinary Clinic and Dr. Connolly did an exam and x-rays. Results showed that her kidneys had started to mineralize and when she pulled urine it was completely clear indicating that she was in final stage kidney failure ????

Knowing it was the right decision to let her go didn’t make it any easier, but it was the right thing to do for Shamie. If there is another life after this, I hope that she’s greeted by her best friend and companion Robert and they are sharing headbutts and naps together in a lush, green meadow with the sun shining overhead. Sweet dreams Shamie and safe travels on your next adventure ????

Shambles’ History

Shambles came to WCR in 2008 from a couple who had owned her for ten years. They decided that they wanted to travel, and a bobcat did not fit into their plans. She came to us with severe ear mites, overweight, covered with fleas, a matted coat, and quite an attitude! As with all new rescues, Shambles went to the vet for a complete exam. She was treated for parasites, spayed, and her mats were shaved off.

She thrived at WCR and lived with another bobcat rescue, Robert. They spent the next 10 years together until Robert passed away on September 27th, 2018. He was 24 years old. We know she misses him very much but we tried to keep her busy with enrichment, catnip toys, and cardboard boxes.

Posted by Cheryl Tuller in Bobcats, Memorials
01
Feb
2018
Sheba Bobcat (2018)

Sheba Bobcat (2018)

Good-bye, Sheba-Girl – January 30 2018

ShebaIt’s impossible to put into words the feeling of loss that floods over us when we lose a loved one. This past week on January 30th, 2018, we lost little Sheba, a bobcat who has lived with us since 2003. This feisty girl was born in 1996 in Minnesota. She was a ‘pet’ that lived isolated in a corncrib in a backyard. When the owners decided to sell their house, our friends at The Wildcat Sanctuary stepped in to rescue her. They, in turn, asked if we could provide a home for her which we were happy to do.

Little Sheba was a tiger in a bobcat suit, and as small as she was, there was no question that we did what Sheba wanted or face the consequences! She took no prisoners and we were very respectful of her space. Howie and Casper (two bobcats) became her companions and she loved bossing them around.

While we didn’t know much about her previous life before, we learned she had very strong maternal instincts. Shortly after she arrived, we found that she loved stuffed animals. She would carry them around, groom them and sleep with them, showing a dedication to their care that was both astonishing and sweet.

She was very protective of them and the boys, Howie and Casper, knew that those were her babies, and they never crossed that line. We don’t give stuffed animals to the wildcats, but Sheba was the exception. When they become too worn out from her love we replaced them with something as close as possible.

In the past year, she had been showing signs of slowing down and when we did blood work it showed she had renal failure. We had been monitoring her very closely and in the last month, it was obvious that time was short. She was eating less and less and sleeping most of the time in her hammock with her babies. Last Wednesday morning when I checked on her, she opened her eyes and told me it was time.
We helped her cross over to her next journey even though we wished we could have had more time. We are grateful to our friends at The Wildcat Sanctuary for allowing us to care for this very special girl and things just won’t be the same without her. Safe travels little Sheba, we hold you close to our hearts, always.

Posted by Cheryl Tuller in Bobcats, Memorials
01
Feb
2018
Sebastian Serval (2020)

Sebastian Serval (2020)

Safe travels beautiful boy – April 10, 2020

Sebastian

Sebastian came with Carrie, a Caracal back in July of 2010. Wild Animal Orphanage was shutting down and all the animals needed to find new homes. We offered to take both Carrie and Sebastian and also two tigers, Mac & Shirley. Paperwork showed he was ten years old and when they arrived Sebastian came out of his crate happy and purring.

He was the most social of all the servals and had different companions over the years but Spizz was the serval he was with the longest. Sebastian was always happy, he loved the water, painting and any sort of enrichment that included a box. He would play for hours with feather toys and carried them around as keep away with Spizz. Over the past few months, we watched him slow down but his attitude never changed, he was still our precious Sebastian.

This past week he decided that he wasn’t hungry and we did everything to stimulate his appetite but nothing worked. We called Dr. Connolly on Friday and she came in on her day off to do an exam and what she found on the exam was fluid in his chest indicating heart disease. We made the painful decision not to wake him up.

It’s heartbreaking to lose any of the wildcats and it’s especially hard when they’ve been part of the WildCat Ridge Family for so many years. We miss his sweet nature and playful attitude and wish we could have had more time. Safe travels beautiful boy, things won’t be the same without you . . . ????

Posted by Cheryl Tuller in Memorials, Servals
04
Jan
2018
Simba Bobcat (2018)

Simba Bobcat (2018)

Safe travels, Simba – January 30 2018

Simba

I was hoping against hope that we would get through the rest of 2018 without any more losses but sadly on Nov 6th, we helped Simba move onto his next journey. He had declined dramatically just over the past week, and we knew it was time. Simba came to WCR in August of 2006 when he was eight years old. Purchased as a kitten from a Montana fur farm his owner thought having a bobcat would be great. As Simba grew out of his cute kitten stage and his owners started having children he was banned to their garage where he lived for the next seven years. His owner found us on the web and contacted us many times to take Simba and we finally agreed even though we had no room. A new enclosure had to be built for him but seeing how much he enjoyed the fresh air and sunshine, we knew it was the right thing to do. During his time at the Sanctuary, he lived together with Cleo, Bobby and Bailey Rae. Moving to Scotts Mills we were able to break up the foursome into two pens, with Simba and Bailey Rae together.

Despite being declawed on all four feet, Simba reminded us every day over the next twelve years that although captive bred and born, he was certainly no pet and remained our most aggressive bobcat until the end. But he lived comfortably with Bailey Rae and they were rarely apart. While we all feel the loss of Simba, there is no doubt Bailey Rae will be the most impacted. Having lived with a companion the entire time she’s been with us, we worry about her and hope that as time goes on she will adapt to being alone. Over the past year, we have lost four bobcats who each left behind a companion. Not only is losing them heartbreaking but knowing their companions will live the rest of their lives alone is the most heartbreaking of all ???? Safe travels Simba, we will miss your ferocious attitude and growls but know you’re finally free for the first time . . .

Posted by Cheryl Tuller in Bobcats, Memorials
01
Jan
2018

Spizz Serval (2019)

Farewell, sweet boy – December 30th, 2019

Spizz

Spizz

Spizz came to us from Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center (SWCC) in Scottsdale, Arizona. He was confiscated from a breeder in New Mexico and placed at the Scottsdale rescue center. Executive Director Linda Searles contacted Wildcat Ridge, because they can only house indigenous animals. We have worked with Linda before on rescues, so we were happy to help. Her vets did all the work needed, including a physical exam and neutering him so he was ready for his new life at WildCat Ridge.

Little was known about Spizz other than the fact that he’d been used for breeding. He now lives with Sebastian the serval and is doing great. We have even caught him cuddled in one of the dens with Sebastian! He’s settled in and seems to be more relaxed. That is until dinner time, when he makes sure he’s at the head of the line.•

*Sadly we lost Spizz on December 30th, 2019

Posted by Stefanie Kraus in Servals
01
Dec
2017
Tamika Serval (2019)

Tamika Serval (2019)

Safe travels, beautiful girl – December 13 2019

Tamika

On Tuesday of this week, we lost Tamika, one of the servals at WildCat Ridge Sanctuary. She seemed off for about a week but still eating so we scheduled a vet exam on Friday. She got a physical, meds, fluids and an enema. She still seemed sluggish so Tuesday we took her into Compass Vet to have an ultrasound and X-rays done. Sadly we found that her liver was hard, filled with fibroid tumors and her gall bladder was ruptured. We had no choice other than to let her go. It’s never easy to lose one of our rescues and especially tough when it’s unexpected. We never get the opportunity to really prepare for it and the fact that she was only twelve years old makes losing her even more sad.

Tamika came with her brother Safari in 2016. Their original paperwork showed they were sold as F1 Savannahs, which of course was not true. They were both nine years old when they came to us and they were very bonded. Tamika was the brave one of the two and she was the boss, no question! Safari was as laid back and calm as Tamika was in your face, letting us know she didn’t suffer fools lightly. She was very clear that we were only good for one thing and that was bringing food. She was very protective of Safari even though he didn’t need protecting, it was her job and she took it seriously!

Now, we’re left knowing that Safari is missing her and it’s so sad, having lived their entire lives together. We are hopeful that we’ll be able to provide him with another companion in the future, but Tamika leaves huge paws to fill. Tamika you are truly wild now, no longer earthbound, but free from the confines of captivity and we will never forget your fierce spirit and sass, safe travel little girl.

Posted by Cheryl Tuller in Memorials, Servals
01
Dec
2017
Tashi Bobcat (2021)

Tashi Bobcat (2021)

Safe travels Tashi, we were honored to love and care for you …

It seems never-ending, but with many of our residents older, losing them is inevitable. However, it doesn’t make the loss any less painful. Last week we had to say goodbye to Tashi ????

Tashi came to us in 2003 after living in a crate in a basement the entire three years of her life. Originally from a fur farm, the owner purchased her to use for breeding to try to create bobcat hybrids. She was anemic from fleas, had an upper respiratory infection, and was underweight. But the saddest thing about Tashi is when she arrived at WCR is she moved as if she was still in that tiny crate she had lived in. It was months before she actually broke that pattern ????

Thankfully with a proper diet and lots of room to roam she settled in and enjoyed her life. In her later years, she shared her space with little Isis another bobcat, and they adored each other. When we lost Isis over a month ago, Tashi changed. She mourned for her friend and the keepers did all they could to help her. They sat with her so she would eat and watched her closely but she continued to go downhill. A trip to see Dr. Connolly showed Tashi was in advanced renal failure and there was nothing we could do but to let her go peacefully ????

The bond that the wildcats create with each other is so strong and it feels like Tashi gave up after losing Isis. In my heart of hearts, I’d like to believe that she’s found Isis and they are cuddling in a beautiful meadow without a care in the world. Safe travels Tashi, we were honored to love and care for you . . .

Posted by Stefanie Kraus in Bobcats, Memorials
01
Oct
2017
Uche Serval (2023)

Uche Serval (2023)

Safe travels beautiful boy – January 2023

UcheLosing a family member is never easy and all the animals at WildCat Ridge Sanctuary are absolutely family, even though they might not feel the same way. On January 7th, we said goodbye to Uche.

Uche was born in 2003 at the San Diego Zoo and hand raised. He then went to a private facility that did educational programs. When their funding ended they reached out to WCR to see if we could provide a lifetime home for Uche and two other wildcats, Bobby, a bobcat, and Dot, an F1 Asian Leopard Cat hybrid. They arrived at the Sanctuary in August 2008. Uche became fast friends with Chirpy & Cha-Cha two servals that lived together. They were a perfect trio, always together, and loving sanctuary life. As the years went by Uche outlived his best friends but was always happy to have a new companion to share his habitat with.

Uche was a calm, stoic boy who liked his enrichment and food very much. Over the past year, we started to see that his age was catching up with him. We keep a close eye on him and had regular vet visits to determine just what was needed but this past month was different. He was slowing down and wasn’t very interested in eating. He was moved into the wellness center when he started showing signs of an upper respiratory infection, and he was monitored daily by Natasha, our Animal Care Director, and Tiffany, the Operations Manager. He had good days that were encouraging but the bad days started happening more and more. Despite trying all we could Uche finally let us know it was time.  Dr. Penny Jacobs came out late Friday night and with Tiffany and Natasha by his side released him to move on to his next journey. Providing care for a captive-born wildcat is an honor we never take for granted, it’s sad and bittersweet letting them go, but knowing after 20 years he is finally free is something we keep close to our hearts. Safe travels beautiful boy we are grateful to have had you in our lives and we miss you every day.

Posted by Stefanie Kraus in Memorials, Servals

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