The sad situation from which Sasha is being rescued is a textbook example of why Congress must, once and for all, pass the Big Cat Public Safety Act." Individuals and unqualified entities simply cannot meet these wild animals' complex needs. Sara Amundson, president of the Humane Society Legislative Fund, said, "A majestic species native to the United States and much of the Americas, cougars thrive in their natural habitats, not in a city home. Officials said the cougar was being transported to Turpentine Creek in Arkansas on Monday afternoon. The owner's tears and nervous chirps from the cougar as we drove her away painfully drives home the many victims of this horrendous trade and myth that wild animals belong anywhere but the wild." "This cougar is relatively lucky that her owners recognized a wild cat is not fit to live in an apartment or any domestic environment. I've also seen the heartbreak of owners, like in this case, after being sold not just a wild animal, but a false dream that they could make a good 'pet,'" said Kelly Donithan, director of animal disaster response for the Humane Society of the United States. "I've never seen a cougar in the wild, but I've seen them on leashes, smashed into cages, and crying for their mothers when breeders rip them away. It was the cougar's still unidentified owner who first alerted the sanctuary after realizing an urban apartment in America's largest city is just not a good fit for a big cat carnivore that started to show signs of aggression. Investigators said the owner purchased the cougar out of state and had the nearly full-grown animal since it was a cub.
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The big cat was taken to the Bronx Zoo where she was cared for by veterinarians and animal care staff over the weekend. Once they reach the age of two, they are generally on their own.The Humane Society of the United States, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, NYPD and the Bronx Zoo all worked together last week to rescue the animal. The kittens are blind and helpless at first, but soon they accompany their mother on hunts.
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The mothers deliver one to four kittens, though most of the time, two babies are born. The gestational period for the cougar is about 92 days. Most cougars reach adulthood by the time they are two years old. Once the female becomes pregnant, the male plays no role in raising the baby. Male and female cougars spend very little time together before and after mating. A hollowed out pumpkin will give them hours of fun. Balls and toys will get their attention, too. Rocks, logs, or ledges give cougars a place to sun themselves. Introducing new items or food will pique the animal’s curiosity. Enrichment for CougarsĬougars in captivity thrive when provided with mental and physical stimulation and enrichment. These mixtures typically contain ground chicken, bones and added vitamins. Commercial feline, or large cat, food can also be given.
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Cougar DietĬougars are carnivores and require a large amount of raw meat every day. Enclosures should have a roof over them to prevent the animal from escaping. Doors and gates on the enclosure should be securely locked at all times. Because cougars are wild, predatory animals, safety of the keepers is paramount. Big cats like cougars need large, spacious outdoor cages, or enclosures.