The Wildcat Sanctuary in Sandstone has announced that they will be taking in several of the big cats that were seized from the infamous Tiger King Park in Oklahoma.
According to a press release from the sanctuary, federal law enforcement led by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service seized 69 protected lions, tigers, lion-tiger hybrids, and a jaguar from Tiger King Park during a major rescue effort.
This follows three inspections conducted by authorities that left the park owners, Jeff and Lauren Lowe, with multiple citations for inadequate veterinary care, nutrition, and shelter.
Tiger King Park was brought to the attention of many following the 2020 docuseries "Tiger King: Murder, Mayhem and Madness" on Netflix.
“This is a historic and important seizure of 69 big cats. I am thankful for the coordinated effort of several accredited sanctuaries and federal agencies to ensure these cats were safely removed,” said Tammy Thies, Founder and Executive Director of The Wildcat Sanctuary. “The Endangered Species Act is a federal law designed to protect endangered animals and I, along with the entire accredited sanctuary community, am very relieved that these big cats will receive the care and nutrition they desperately need and deserve.”
All of the big cats have been taken in by accredited US sanctuaries.
The Wildcat Sanctuary has also offered to transport and provide a permanent home to any of the smaller wild cats that remain at Tiger King Park if placement is needed.
Photo courtesy of Wildcat Sanctuary.