Safe Haven sanctuary east of Reno takes in 1 white, 1 orange tiger

Nov 5, 2013 | Written by Mark Robison

Christopher at Safe Haven sanctuary between Reno and Winnemucca.

White tiger Christopher and tiger Caroline, arrived at Safe Haven on October 30^th from a private owner in Missouri when he could no longer afford to care for him. Christopher and Caroline’s previous owner was a backyard breeder and so this is now the second time they have lost their home.

Caroline outside her den at Safe Haven sanctuary.

Many people don’t realize that white tigers do not exist in the wild.  They are the product of repeated inbreeding with siblings and parents to attempt to produce a blue eyed white tiger, often showcased around the country and in the entertainment world.  But what the public doesn’t realize is that all of those imperfect white tigers are cast aside, to produce that one profitable perfect cat.

Saving big cats is expensive.  One tiger averages approximately $10,000 per year for food and veterinary care.  We are asking our donors, businesses and corporate sponsors to help fund these rescues.

Safe Haven is proud to be included in the only six percent of US sanctuaries that is verified/accredited with both the American Sanctuary Association and the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries.  Safe Haven’s mission is to provide lifelong care for exotics that are surrendered by their owners or illegally owned and confiscated.

We are also an approved rescue facility/sanctuary with www.tigersinamerica.org that was established to have as many qualified facilities available to help with many number of tiger that will be in need of new homes.

But with that wonderful recognition comes the expectation that we will continue to provide rescue services and “forever homes” to the many surrendered and unwanted tigers being kept in US backyards.

It is anticipated that there will be a tremendous number of tigers and other big cats surrendered once several new key pieces of legislation are passed.  The first will affect Ohio as early as January 1^st, followed by the Big Cats and Public Safety Protection Act.  Although new protective legislation is a welcome change, it will also increase the demand on sanctuaries such as Safe Haven to help provide new homes.

Safe Haven works continuously to educate the public about the current epidemic of unwanted big cats in the U.S. – most housed in backyards or roadside zoos in miserable, deplorable conditions.   Join us in supporting the Big Cats and Public Safety Protection Act HR 1998 – S 1381, to end all breeding, selling and private possession of big cats.

But we need your help!

We are asking our donors, businesses and corporate sponsors to consider a gift toward their rescues.  Your commitment is what ensures our ability to provide their care.
We will recognize donors on a special plague in our building, in our video productions and in our newsletters.

$500.00 IndoChinese Tiger Level:  Safe Haven Merchandise Gift Package, Private Tour and Two Tiger Sponsorships.

$1,000 Sumatran Tiger Level:  Safe Haven Merchandise Gift Package, Private Family Tour/Guest Tour, Two Tiger Sponsorships and Plaque Recognition.

$2,500 Bengal Level: Safe Haven Merchandise Gift Package, Private Full Moon Tour, Two Tiger Sponsorships and Plaque Recognition.

$5,000 Siberian Level: Safe Haven Merchandise Gift Package, Private on-site family/business day including a barbeque for employees and families, Two Tiger Sponsorships, Press Release and Plaque Recognition.

Please contact Lynda Sugasa at (775) 538-7093 or email: safehavenwildlife1@gmail.com for additional information.

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