More New Furry Faces at IEAS

The eleven bears who were just rescued from bear pits in North Carolina and brought to IEAS are not the only new faces at the Sanctuary! IEAS just became home to two other new residents, including a new species for the Sanctuary! We are now home to another white-nosed coatimundi (just like Mork and Mindy) and a ring tailed lemur! 

These two amazing animals found their way to IEAS after their owners were found to be without proper permits. They contacted the Sanctuary hoping to ensure that these ex-pets would be afforded the best care possible. We are so happy to have these new residents here, and they have already won us over and become part of the family.  We will be sure to keep you updated on how these two are settling in. You check out their pages on our website - click here to see the coati's page and here to see the lemur's! 

More Info on the New Bears!

 DFW-AREA EXOTIC ANIMAL SANCTUARY TO NURTURE AND CARE

FOR 11 ABUSED, NEGLECTED NORTH CAROLINA BEARS

Abused bears to find recovery in Texas’ International Exotic Animal Sanctuary’s Emotional Enrichment Program; DFW now home to Texas’ largest collection of bears

BOYD, TX (July 9, 2013) – The International Exotic Animal Sanctuary (IEAS) announced today that 11 bears from North Carolina will now call IEAS home; two Asian species (also called Moon) bears, six black bears and three grizzly bears. Until now, the bears have lived in concrete pits at a roadside zoo in North Carolina. As a result of continued complaints by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) over many years, and a 2012 PETA undercover investigation of the pits, the bears’ former owner was cited repeatedly by the U.S. Department of Agriculture for failing to meet minimal federal standards established in the Animal Welfare Act, and had its exhibitor license suspended in January. The bears will recover from that experience under the direction of the IEAS resident Animal Behaviorist with both Behavior and Emotional Enrichment Programs designed to care for the animals’ physical and emotional needs. The bears (known as the Cherokee bears) have been featured on internet campaigns for years by celebrities such as the host of the Price Is Right, Bob Barker, seeking to save these animals from their existence in pits of concrete, seeing only the sky directly above.

With the bears’ relocation, IEAS now houses the largest population of bears in Texas, and more species of bears than any other facility. IEAS is also the only facility in Texas housing Asian species of “Moon” bears, named for the white crescent moon shape in their fur across their black chests.

“We’re excited that these 11 bears are now free to live like bears here at International Exotic Animal Sanctuary. There is a subculture in the animal world that does things that are either frowned upon, inappropriate or actually illegal. Some places offer photo shoots at shopping malls and other events, allowing people (including children) to have their photo taken with a young cub for a fee such as $20 or more. Roadside zoos and attractions at truck stops and country stores use the bears to attract customers. As the bears grow, they become too large to be used profitably and that is when their lives are really in danger,” said Louis Dorfman, Animal Behaviorist and Chairman of the Board for International Exotic Animal Sanctuary. “We will make sure that they are not only physically well cared for, but that their emotional needs are met as well. But getting the bears to IEAS was just the beginning. The real work begins now and we need your help.  It’s only $125 per month to adopt one of these bears and that pays for their well-balanced meals, cleaning out their habitats, giving them fresh water every day, putting hay in their caves and helps with medical care. All assistance is appreciated.”

“The International Exotic Animal Sanctuary will provide these bears with the best quality of life possible in large, naturalistic habitats. It’s a dramatic contrast from the life they knew before,” said Richard Gilbreth, Executive Director of International Exotic Animal Sanctuary. “Thanks to dedicated employees, contractors and volunteers working seven days a week, each habitat is over one acre in size and provides the resident bears with a natural home, complete with innumerable trees to climb, brush and thickets to venture through, and even ponds and water tubs where they can cool off. The team placed 2.5 miles of piping and put up 1.5 miles of fencing to prepare space for these bears and they are responding well. They are already forming companionships with each other.  While bears are considered solitary animals in nature, at the sanctuary they play with each other frequently and truly enjoy the company of their companions and human caregivers. In the summer months, bears like lying in the large stock tanks filled with water and enjoy scouring the woods and thickets they have present in their habitat to find treasures like twigs, leaves, small insects and even grasshoppers. Their diets are very similar to that of humans. They enjoy meat, fish, and all varieties of fruit and vegetables, with some of their favorites being avocados, grapes, peanuts and watermelon.”

“PETA fought for many years  to free these bears from the barren concrete pits and a non-life that drove them mad and deprived them of everything natural and nice,” said PETA Foundation Director of Captive Animal Law Enforcement Delcianna Winders. “We are so happy that they can finally just be bears in a caring, permanent home at International Exotic Animal Sanctuary. What a wonderful moment for these bears!”

Care for the bears is paid for by donations. It costs approximately $125 per month to adopt a bear and ensure it has adequate food, a healthy living environment and medical care. To learn more about each individual bear and to donate to the International Exotic Animal Sanctuary, please visit www.bigcat.org/donate. To adopt an animal, please visit www.bigcat.org/adopt-an-animal. All donations are 100% tax deductable.

About International Exotic Animal Sanctuary

The International Exotic Animal Sanctuary is the only Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) accredited animal sanctuary in the United States. The purpose and goal of IEAS is to provide a permanent sanctuary for exotic animals that have been abused, abandoned, neglected, confiscated, or previously owned by people unwilling or unable to provide for these magnificent beings. IEAS gives the resident animals the best quality of life we can give them in captivity through our Emotional Enrichment Program, which deals with the emotional well-being of each individual animal and its individual emotional needs. We do this to fill the need to reduce stress and agitation, give each animals the best life it can have in captivity, and by understanding what is required to achieve that goal. Currently, 46 felines, 2 coatis and 28 bears call IEAS home, with spacious habitats, pools and houses. To learn more about IEAS, or to make a donation, adopt an animal, please visit www.bigcat.org.

Media Contact:

Kristin Welsh

214.871.7723

kristin@allynmedia.com

Multi-colored Bears!

With this heat, winter is a distant memory, and we're watching as the IEAS bears shed their last bits of winter fur and turn a whole new shade of their former hue. The seasonal fur change of the bears is one of our favorite indicators of the new season. Right now, the bears are all in different stages of shedding. The largest bears, like Dakar, tend to shed their winter fur the fastest. Their large size aids in this process as it causes them to be "combed" by the brush that they tend walk through more than smaller bears, who brush by less as their move through their habitat.

Additionally, we provide the bears with Omega-3 Fish Oil in their diets, which promotes coat growth and health. This helps them in growing in their summer coats! In a few weeks, we are sure that all of the IEAS bears will be looking spectacular, but for now, we've got some multi-colored bear residents!

Welcome to the Summer 2013 Interns!

The new interns of Summer 2013 have arrived at IEAS, and their hard work has already begun! They've been doing a great job in their first two weeks, and we're excited for them to continue to take on the challenges that this internships brings. So far, they've already been preparing diets, weedeating/mowing, painting, helping with habitat construction, picking up habitats, cleaning animal houses, sorting bear produce, learning about pool pumps/motors, and so much more! It's been a busy few weeks for them, and we hope they are excited for what the rest of their internship will bring!

Welcome to the IEAS team 

Adam, Kristen, Lexi, Jess, Jen, and Taylor! 

Heartbreaking Day at the Sanctuary: Remembering Misha

We have been struggling to find the right words, to find the strength, and to accept the need to tell you all that several days ago, we lost Misha in an unexplainable accident. She was found in her habitat when we arrived for her morning feeding the night after a thunderstorm. We have poured over and dwelled for hours on end about what may have happened and can come to no certain conclusion. There were no clues as to what may have caused this heartbreaking and untimely loss. Whether by some accident of nature or an underlying physiological complication, this amazing cub, who touched each of our lives in a different way, was taken from us far too soon and now, we find it difficult to express how much grief we feel.

In only three weeks, Misha showed us so much of herself and put her entire being in her new life at the Sanctuary. She embraced every new opportunity and was eager and curious to learn and explore what her home had to offer her, including her new friends. Misha found nurturing and comfort in her human caregivers at IEAS, forming unique bonds with each of us individually. Whether she viewed us as a friend, mother, father, or sibling, Misha showed us just how intelligent, bright, and thoughtful she really was. Her confidence grew by the day, and it took little more than looking into her expressive eyes to fall in love with her. The understanding and acceptance she had for her new family and the security that she found in each of us gives us reconciliation in that we are truly confident that Misha knew that she was cared for, treasured, and, above all, loved during her time with us. To say that we feel it is a privilege to have known Misha, even for a short time, is an understatement. It is one of the greatest honors we’ve had, and a time that will undoubtedly stay with each of us forever. We will never stop loving this amazing little cub, and though she can no longer be with us, she will always be in our hearts and a part of the IEAS family. 

Meet Misha!

The Sanctuary has an adorable new resident! 

Meet Misha! 

Misha, whose name means "teddy bear" in Russian, is an approximately twelve week old brown bear cub who was confiscated from an individual in Maryland and brought to the Wildlife Center of Virginia (WCV). It is suspected that she is, more specifically, a Syrian brown bear, but DNA has been sent out to confirm her exact subspecies. Given that she has been raised, up to this point, by humans, it was deemed that she was not suitable for rehabilitation and release. Instead, the WCV, Department of Game and Inland Fishers, and/or the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service arranged for her placement with us! After a short bout with ringworm, she was ready to come to her new home! 

Misha was flown to Texas by friends of WCV (and now friends of IEAS!), Dr. Larry Patterson and Mrs. Jessica Patterson from Tennessee. We can't thank them enough for their donation of transportation for this special little cub. We'd also like to extend our gratitude to the staff and supporters of Wildlife Center of Virginia who have already become our new friends! We look forward to seeing you all out in Texas to visit Misha!

So far, Misha has been doing amazingly well in her new home. Her confidence grows by the hour, and with the help of our Emotional Enrichment Program, she's making leaps and bounds in her security and trust. There will be plenty of pictures, videos, and updates to come so stay tuned for more about this gorgeous new cub on our website, Facebook, and Blog! 

Donate to help us with the cost of Misha's special care (formula, baby food, habitat adjustments, etc.) by clicking here! 

Stormy Weather

We've always known that Texas weather was somewhat unpredictable, and we've been experiencing it first hand the past few weeks. We've had a few people touching base to see how we were doing, so we wanted to let everyone know that all is well at the Sanctuary. Yesterday, we were under a tornado watch for most of the evening into the night. Twisters touched down in regions to the north and west of us here at IEAS, but we were fortunate enough as to stay safe.

While we remain under a tornado watch today, we will be keeping a close eye on the weather. Luckily, the animals are enjoying the cooler, cloudier day and are napping peacefully in their habitats. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of those who have been affected by these scary storms the past few days. Stay safe all! 

Take Action for IEAS!

Some of us put a great deal of effort into conserving energy, gas, and other resources - and that's an amazing thing! What if all that effort had a reward that was more obvious and immediate than what you're used while STILL helping the environment? Well, now it can!

By signing up with myactions.org, each of your daily resource saving actions can raise money for IEAS! Here's how...

First... go to www.myactions.org! 

Then, click "Sign Up" 

Next, fill out the form to join myActions!

Then, click "Team" in the upper right portion of your screen.

After that, click "Find Team" and search for "IEAS"

Click our logo, and when the team page 

pops up, click "Join This Team"

Once you confirm, you're a member of the IEAS team and all of money you raise by conserving resources will automatically go to IEAS! Yay! So, now it's time to start TAKING ACTION! 

Go back up to the top right corner of your screen, 

and click "Actions"

Now, start helping! You can come back daily, weekly, or whenever you can and log all the action you've taken. Each one raises money for IEAS. It won't seem like much at first, but it will DEFINITELY add up! So, TAKE ACTION for IEAS! 

Awesome! We can't wait to see how many of you join our team to help the Earth AND IEAS! It's definitely win-win for everyone! 

Questions? Ask us on Facebook or e-mail education@bigcat.org!

Virtual Visitors from New York!

A few days ago, students from Bemus Point Elementary School in Bemus Point, New York visited the International Exotic Animal Sanctuary – without ever leaving their classroom!

The first graders took a virtual tour of IEAS via Skype, and they had the opportunity to meet and learn from some of the Sanctuary’s many amazing residents! The students were virtually guided around the Sanctuary by Nissa Marione, the IEAS Education Coordinator. They had a blast being “sniffed” and chuffed at through their computer screen. It was a wonderful opportunity for these students from across the country to be able to meet the amazing IEAS animals and learn about their species, stories, and needs! 

We had some great feedback from both the teachers and the students. Our favorite responses were those in the form of handwritten notes and drawings from the first graders! Here are a few of our favorites! 

Her favorite animals, Akbar, Arusha, and Kumar - three white Bengal tigers! By Stephanie D. 

Her favorite animals, Baby and Cookie the bobcats! By Hannah B.

Mork and Mindy, two white-nosed coatis beside their hammock! By Caleb B. 

His favorite animal, Ron, a male lion, eating from his pan! By Jack

Her favorite cat, Titan, a white Bengal tiger! By Melody S. 

We are so happy to have had the opportunity to introduce these youngsters to the amazing animals who call IEAS home. As they may not have had the chance to see the animals any other way, it was a great experience! Thanks for "visiting" IEAS Bemus Point Elementary! 

Is YOUR school interested in a virtual tour of the International Exotic Animal Sanctuary? E-mail us at education@bigcat.org for more information! 

Does your child already know and love IEAS or animals in general? Check out our Exotic Animal Adventure Program and schedule an adventure at IEAS for your child this summer! 

Calling All Kids! EXOTIC ANIMAL ADVENTURE!

WATER WEEKEND WAS A HUGE SUCCESS!

WOW! The 3rd Annual "Quench Our Thirst" Water Weekend was a huge success! We saw lots of people out at IEAS, some new visitors and some old friends. We couldn't be more thrilled with the outcome, and we want to thank each and every one of our visitors who donated a case of water to tour IEAS!

We collected over 100 cases of water, totaling exactly 2,273 bottles! With the hot, Texas summer on the horizon, we will be providing these cold, refreshing bottles to tour goers for a $1 donation, so these cases of water will help bring in over $2,000 for IEAS this summer!! 

We've always known it, but this is just another indication that our supporters are amazing! Thank you all so much for being a part of this year's Water Weekend, and we hope you enjoyed your tour!

Flat Stanley Visits IEAS!

If you have kids or know some, you may have heard of Flat Stanley. Flat Stanley, a book written by Jeff Brown, has become a very popular learning tool in schools. Years after the original book was written, The Flat Stanley Project began, encouraging students to create their own Flat Stanley and send him to friends, family, and others around the world. When Flat Stanley returns, he comes with photos and other tid-bits from his travels, immersing students in new places, cultures, and adventures. 

Recently, a Flat Stanley made it to IEAS all the way from Elizabeth, Pennsylvania. So far, he has had some awesome adventures and has met some truly incredible animals! Check out a few of his IEAS adventures...

Flat Stanley met Sajani, a Bengal tiger!

Stanley got to eat lunch with Rascal, an American black bear!

Flat Stanley even got a few sniffs from a friendly coati, Mork!

We can't wait to send Flat Stanley back to Pennsylvania, and we are so happy to take part in this educational project and experience for the students!

 

Our Mission: High Quality Nutrition!

A popular question on IEAS conservation education tours is how we determine how much to feed each of our residents. Believe it or not, there is no formula to use. Each animal is different, and their individual traits have to be taken into account.

When an animal arrives at IEAS, we start them on a diet consisting of 2% of their body weight. We then consider their age, metabolism, and activity level. Nala, an approximately 300 lb., 16 year old lioness, eats 3 to 5 lbs of meat per day. Allie Kat, a 300 lb, 7 year old Bengal tiger average 12-14 pounds per day. This difference is accounted for by the fact that Allie has a much higher metabolic rate than Nala, and is significantly more active. Additionally, diet amounts fluctuate with the season. During the winter, the amounts tend to increase as the cats exert more energy to stay warm, while during the summer, the heat brings a decrease in appetite for IEAS residents.

Nala

As these animals would not eat every day in the wild. Instead, they may feed on up to 60 lbs in one sitting. Several species, including cougars and leopards, will cache what they don't eat and finish it later. To simulate their wild nature, we only feed them their normal diets 6 days a week. On the 7th day, we have a Bone Day. Beef bones are provided to the cats to exercise their jaws. They also provide benefits to their teeth and digestive tract, while simultaneously functioning as an enrichment device.

Here at the Sanctuary, we have seen the consequences of a poor diet in animals upon their arrival. When Noel, a male Siberian tiger arrived at IEAS, his bones were soft and riddled with hairline fractures as a result of poor nutrition. He was unable to walk or even stand up for the first two or three weeks at IEAS. Nala, a female lion, was malnourished and suffering from severe osteoporosis when she was rescued. At just four months old, all of her major bones except a front leg had hairline fractures as a result of improper diet. Fortunately, both of these amazing animals have made incredible recoveries with the help of proper care and nutrition.

Noel

Proper nutrition can deter other health problems such as loose stool, feline urinary syndrome, taurine deficiency, poor reproduction, tooth and gum disease, metabolic bone disease, and obesity.

At IEAS, we know that health and happiness go hand-in-hand, and we ensure that each and every resident animal is provided with the proper diet, thereby ensuring their happiness, comfort, and well-being! 

3rd Annual "Quench Our Thirst" Water Weekend at IEAS!

Rise and Shine Bears!

Bear Orphanage is bustling once again! Winter is always a quiet time down in Dorfman Bear Orphanage, but with spring time here at last  (well, supposedly - the temperature is telling us otherwise), the American black bear residents are up and about!

It is wonderful to visit the Orphanage and see our favorite black bears again. The whole group of them is eager and hungry after their long winter torpor. Their appetites are wonderful, and everyone is exploring to see how their habitat has changed in the past few months! Now is a great time to come out and see them on tours. They'll be eager for visitors and happy to say "hello!"

Get Your Garden Ready!

Spring is right around the corner, and many of you are probably thinking about your starting up your gardens! Well, we've got an awesome way to help keep those pesky garden pests from ruining all of your hard work - Big Cat Scat!

Researcher's have found that a predator's feces, like that of a tiger, may help to drive away garden pests. Just the smell of a predator is enough to keep them at bay. It's been proven for goats, feral pigs, kangaroos (though we don't imagine these are much of an issue for you), and rabbits. We've also gotten feedback from past buyers that the Big Cat Scat has deterred deer as well (though it's not guaranteed)!

While we realize that you probably don't have much tiger poop laying around, here at IEAS, we've got plenty to share! We've got a fresh supply of tiger scat that we are ready to process for use in your yard. That all natural pest repellant is separated, dried, and packed safely in childproof buckets.

This spring, save your sapling, seedling, or garden AND support IEAS as all Big Cat Scat proceeds go directly to the animals!

1 Gallon Bucket    $15.00

2.5 Gallon Bucket    $35.00

5 Gallon Bucket   $50.00

(1 Gallon of Scat should be enough to cover 100 square feet)

Remember, we can SHIP the SCAT to you (please contact us to determine shipping and handling costs)! To order, call 940-433-5091 or e-mail us at richard@bigcat.org.

Spring Break!

Spring Break week is always a busy one for us here at IEAS. We welcome lots of folks from all over who come to the Sanctuary for a tour and to meet the animals who call it home! 

Are YOU looking for something to keep the kids busy this week?! Bring them out to the International Exotic Animal Sanctuary! They'll have an awesome time and learn a little something along the way! Our conservation education tours are designed to bring conservation to life and instill a respect for nature, as well as introduce the IEAS animals and teach about the plights of their wild cousins! We promise you'll enjoy your time and so will the kids!

Tours are every day at 11 AM with an 

additional 3 PM tour on Saturday only. 

Remember, kids must be at least 7 years old to tour IEAS. 

We look forward to seeing you here this week!

For more info or to book YOUR tour, click here!

Meet the Spring 2013 Interns of IEAS!

Today was the first official work day for the Spring 2013 Interns at the International Exotic Animal Sanctuary. Lots of information, as always, was presented to the six new interns, but they took it all in and seem ready to work!

We're happy to have these interns at the Sanctuary, and with the weather warming up, we're excited to have them help us with lots of maintenance and construction projects! Once they complete training and pick up the routines here at IEAS, the new (human) faces at the Sanctuary will have the chance to take part in projects involving, cementing, mortaring, PVC piping, working with pumps and more. They will also have the opportunity to be instructed in several intern classes including Laws & Regulations, Firearms Safety & Training, and Grant & Proposal Writing.

We'll be sure to keep you updated on how these new interns are spending their time here at IEAS. Soon, they'll be able to take part in our Emotional Enrichment Program and bond one-on-one with some of the animals we all know and love!

More About Rio!

Most you have probably already heard that IEAS recently became the home to a beautiful ocelot named Rio. Well, we just wanted to let you all know that she's settling in well! 

Being that she only arrived less than one week ago, she still has some settling in to do. She's shy for now, but her appetite is great! So far, she has been coming out to eat at night, once everything has quieted down, and we imagine that she's also taking that time to explore her habitat. Soon enough, we're sure to see her poking out during the day as her confidence and comfort increase!

Rio's habitat has plenty to keep her occupied and enough environmental enrichment to make her feel right at home. Rio has plenty of high perches, ramps, and even a platform that encircles her entire habitat. There is a heated house for this warm weather loving girl, a fire hose hammock to lounge in, a large log to lay on and hide behind, plenty of grass to roll and relax in, and plenty of nooks and crannies for privacy! Rio also has several behavioral enrichment items such as toys and a hanging buoy to bat around.

As she settles in, we are taking the time to provide Rio with Emotional Enrichment to give her the confidence, security, and comfort she needs to thrive in her new home. We are eager for the steps she will take towards opening up to her new home. As always, it takes time for a new animal to adjust to the change, and we will allow her as much as she needs! For now, Rio won't be seen on IEAS tours as we don't want her to feel overwhelmed, but once she's up for it, visitors will walk right past her habitat and see this amazing endangered Texas native happy, content, and enjoying her life at IEAS!

The Bear That Started It All

Up until 2007, the International Exotic Animal Sanctuary was known as the International Exotic FELINE Sanctuary. The Sanctuary rescued only exotic cats. This was until we heard about Bill, an American Black bear.

Bill, a 600 pound bear, spent the first thirteen years of his precious life in a 4x9 foot cage on a concrete floor inside a barn. He was denied his instincts and the life he deserved. He never saw the sun or sky, never felt grass beneath his paws, and never knew compassion. Bill was, in all actuality, a prisoner. After over a decade in this setting, Bill and a number of other animals were confiscated by authorities and taken out of those deplorable conditions. Bill was then sent to the North Texas Humane Society until a home could be found for him. When IEAS heard about this special bear, we knew we needed to help.

Bill's First Tree Climb

When Bill was finally brought to IEAS, he wasn’t sure how to be a real bear. In his new home, Bill found 3,500 square feet of grass, trees, open sky, and fresh air. With a pool to cool off in, trees to climb, and quiet, private cave to sleep in, Bill found love, kindness, safety, and comfort, along with proper care. 

Since his arrival, Bill has truly flourished. After about a month, he made his first big "bear" step; he climbed a tree. His natural instincts have been nurtured and encouraged, resulting in a bear living as just that – a bear. There is nothing more gratifying to us than seeing Bill in his pool, walking in the grass, or lying on his perches in the sun, feeling the warmth that he had been denied for so many years.

Since Bill's rescue, IEFS became IEAS and has rescued 15 more bears, providing them with as wonderful and as natural a life as possible. With our ten acre Dorfman Bear Orphanage habitat and the Emotional Enrichment Program, the IEAS bears are some of the happiest, most secure bears you can find. We are so proud of how far Bill has come in the past six years, and we can't wait to continue to help this wonderful bear!