Maya and the cubs

My niece Maya, visiting with the cubs (that's me with her). These are some of the younger cubs which came from the big USDA raid some months back. Three of the big cats came in pregnant and one got that way right after they arrived (before the males could get their vasectomies. That's been taken care of so there won't be any more!!!) These cubs are 7 weeks old in this picture (taken a week ago.) We have a total of 15 cubs from 4 litters: 4 tigers and 11 lions.

Wow! What neat pictures...your niece is so lucky to have contact with these great animlas at such an age! Thank you so much for sharing!

Oh wow! Look at the sheer joy on her face. What an experience...one I'm sure will live with her forever. What a lucky little girl!!

Awww.. BTW, I didn't know there was a wildcat rescue around here?!

OMG!!!!! MORE, MORE, MORE!!!!!

George?

Did you hear anything about a white tiger cub that has a bad hip problem and no one wants her because of the expensive surgery? Is that something your organization might be able to help with? If so would you email me please?

Aw how cute! And she looks so happy too!

Originally Posted by turtlecat

Awww.. BTW, I didn't know there was a wildcat rescue around here?!

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There are at least three that I know of.

1. One is very small and for small cats only in Chatham County. Don't know them personally, but I have indirect contact with them.

2. Carnivore Preservation Trust, also in Chatham County. They have had some rather serious issues over the past few years but have a new board and seem to be doing a good job of getting themselves back together.

3. Conservators' Center, in Caswell County (just north of Mebane) (that's the group I'm with.) This is a close second in size and growing. If you're interested in seeing the facility I will be glad to give you a tour, but it must be scheduled. Sunday afternoons are the best for me.

George

Originally Posted by pinkdaisy226

Aw how cute! And she looks so happy too!

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When they visit (from Oregon) Maya always wants to "see the animals", so we usually try to spend a couple of hours out there during one of their visits. Since we don't breed the big cats it's unusual for us to have cubs, so this is probably a once in a lifetime thing for her. She was thrilled.

George, seeing as I am in North Carolina as well, is there any way I can get a tour and meet those beautiful creatures before I go home to NZ?

I love the look on your neice's face, she looks so happy to see them!

Originally Posted by Kiwideus

George, seeing as I am in North Carolina as well, is there any way I can get a tour and meet those beautiful creatures before I go home to NZ?

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Where in NC are you and when do you leave? We're located just north of Mebane (near Chapel Hill.) I'm always happy to give tours. As I mentioned, Sundays afternoons are generally best for me. I WILL be there this Sunday (the day after Christmas.)

I am in Asheville and I am not leaving til August, 05. Plenty of time to figure something out.

Originally Posted by Kiwideus

I am in Asheville and I am not leaving til August, 05. Plenty of time to figure something out.

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OK, let me know and I'll be happy to show you around. If you'd like to see the cubs up close it will have to be when they're small, once they get to a certain size the direct contact will be stopped. Our youngest, and should be last, litter is only 3 weeks old (the ones in the picture are 7 weeks.)

You're about 4 hours away up there in the mountains. Pretty country up there.

George

Thanks for sharing those pictures.

Originally Posted by CharmsDad

OK, let me know and I'll be happy to show you around. If you'd like to see the cubs up close it will have to be when they're small, once they get to a certain size the direct contact will be stopped. Our youngest, and should be last, litter is only 3 weeks old (the ones in the picture are 7 weeks.)

You're about 4 hours away up there in the mountains. Pretty country up there.

George

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George - thanks so much for the offer - we can't make it this sunday because hubby has to work at church, but is the Monday or the following Sunday available?

Originally Posted by Kiwideus

George - thanks so much for the offer - we can't make it this sunday because hubby has to work at church, but is the Monday or the following Sunday available?

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I can work with either. I'll send you a PM.

George

Lovely pics, the little girl is cute!
Thanks for sharing.

turtlecat,
Since you're also here in NC, Kiwideus and her husband are meeting me on Monday (Dec 27) in Mebane to get a tour. If you're interested in joining us PM me and I'll give you directions. Not sure how old you are, but if you're under 18 you will absolutely need a parent with you. (If you're over 18 please disregard and accept my apology, this is not intended as any kind of slam or criticism, just our policy.)

If you're more comfortable bringing a friend, please feel free, just let me know. But anyone under 18 must have a parent or guardian with them who can legally sign a waiver and be responsible for them.

Of course, if we get slammed with snow we'll have to reschedule.

George

awww... i wish i was there to go. I nearly had the opportunity to pat a white baby tiger in Australia (dreamworld) but when the 2 year old patted it, it went vicious and i lost my turn i was really upset. because they are the few left white tigers in the world!!

What gorgeous pics, and your niece sure does look happy!