Build Habitats for Rescued Lions, Tigers, & Bears

As many of our supporters may have recently heard, there was a woman who was killed recently by a Mountain Lion here in Colorado as she was out running on a trail located in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. Her death was only one of only 29 fatal attacks within North America over the past 100 years – and the first one in our state this century.

Given more than 3,800 of these big cats still exist within Colorado, as well as many times that number living in other areas of North America, the low number of deaths may seem surprising. Of course, any attack on a human, whether it ends up being fatal or not, is tragic.

Yet, since there is a significant difference between Mountain Lions and other big cat species when it comes to attacking humans, it is important to note that Mountain Lions (also known as Cougars, Pumas, Panthers, Catamounts and many other regionally based names) are the least dangerous of the bunch.

This may be good news for those of us who happen to live in North America… but for people living in the country of Nepal, this fact is far less comforting. Why, you may ask?

Let’s just say Tigers are not found anywhere within the American continents – but they do live within the country of Nepal. And as such, they represent a far greater threat to human life than Mountain Lions do!

Historically speaking, Tigers have killed far more humans than most other big cat species. In fact, between 2019 and 2025, more than 60 people died from Tiger attacks in Nepal, according to government data.

Yes, this is a far more alarming number for sure, however, we are talking about a completely different apex predator. Both Tigers and African Lions have evolved over time to be significantly larger than many of the other big cats - such as Jaguars, Leopards and Mountain Lions - for a very good reason.

Simply stated, the prey animals that Lions and Tigers hunt and kill are much larger than what smaller species of big cats deal with. Thus, when it comes to encounters with humans, these larger predators are much less confused by or intimidated by humans.

Of course, this is not to say they prey on humans in the same manner as they do with the animals they normally eat. Instead, they will respond instinctively when humans venture into their territory and behave in certain ways that can draw their attention.

Things like venturing into areas filled with dense foliage and bending down to cut grass or collect firewood – which can easily trigger a reaction from most any predator – let alone a Tiger. The same would be true if someone chose to run quickly along a path or jumped up and down while trying to grab a piece of fruit, a tree limb, or any other elevated item of interest.

It could also be as simple as someone walking through the forest in a manner that generated sounds similar to a deer or other animal doing the same. No matter what the attraction happens to be, once a Tiger locks on and feels as if the subject is vulnerable, it will take advantage of the situation.

In similar fashion, most other predators can make the same mistake. Yet, no matter the situation, the human usually ends up with the bad end of the deal.

This is why it is so hard to coexist with large carnivores and other highly dangerous animals. Although no one wants to end up as Tiger food or severely injured, it remains a true possibility within countries like Nepal.

So, when we first heard there were quite a few “conflict” Tigers that were being held in captive settings within Nepal, we wanted to learn more about the situation. It turns out these “Man-eating” or “Man-attacking” Tigers were being removed from the wild and placed into make-shift enclosures around the country.

Instead of being killed, they were kept alive for very important religious reasons. With Buddhism having a focus on protecting sentient life (beings capable of experiencing pain and suffering) from harm, it was crucial for these conflict Tigers to be saved.

Yet even though they were not being killed for the act of viciously attacking and killing a human… they were also not being kept in facilities that would be considered appropriate for Tigers. Knowing this, we felt compelled to see if there may be a better solution to the problem.

Thankfully, with the help of Dave Johnson and the Katie Adamson Conservation Fund, we were able to travel to Nepal so we could evaluate the issue first-hand – as well as gain the opportunity to meet with top government officials. As a result, it became apparent the Tiger conflict problem was being discussed by many individuals and entities, but the long-term humane holding of captured Tigers needed additional help.

Thankfully, we were very fortunate to be able to visit a number of the captive Tigers and evaluate their overall health and accommodation. Both the Nepal government officials and the National Trust for Nature Conservation (NTNC) leaders were incredibly helpful toward enabling us to understand the situation – as well as the potential assets that may become available for use in creating a more viable long-term solution.

Since the current human-Tiger conflict had already resulted in 19 Tigers being accumulated, and with the possibility of more entering the system moving forward, it was very obvious that both Nepal and its Tigers could benefit by creating a centralized facility where they would be held and cared for in a more natural setting.

In addition, by doing so, there would be an opportunity to educate children and adults from all over about ways to avoid physical conflicts and the unnecessary deaths – as well as how both Tigers and humans can find a way to peacefully coexist.

The challenge now is to explore the possibility of building a Conflict Tiger Sanctuary within Nepal. We now know there is a distinct possibility that it can be done… and there are truly dedicated people on both sides of the world who are willing to make it a reality.

The ultimate goal would be to have The Wild Animal Sanctuary use its knowledge and experience to enable this kind of incredibly positive outcome… as we are willing to offer our help in the coming months (and possibly years) to see Nepal create their own worldclass facility where innovation and humane problem solving come together for the benefit of humans and Tigers alike.

Join us as we explore the possibilities and work together on behalf of all the Tigers that deserve a better life! Thank you for your support and for caring about all animals in need!

Links:

• Learn more about The Wild Animal Sanctuary
• Learn more about this rescue
• Ways to Help

When people think of Alaska, they often picture rugged mountain peaks, endless pine forests, and the kind of fresh air that makes you want to breathe a little deeper. What they probably don’t imagine is a rundown wildlife facility with a sagging Bear fence, a Moose on the loose, and the lingering smell of animal waste.

But that was the scene at the now-defunct Kroschel Wildlife Center near Mosquito Lake, Alaska- a so-called “wildlife experience” that became a welfare nightmare. Among the many animals kept there were two red Foxes named Lupine and Clooney, just two of several species that visitors were allowed to hold, pet, and feed - an incredibly unnatural situation for wild animals.

Thankfully, their story has taken a hopeful turn. Just recently, Lupine and Clooney made the long journey from the Last Frontier to their new forever home at The Wild Animal Sanctuary.

For years, the Kroschel Wildlife Center drew tourists with the promise of “up-close” encounters with iconic Alaskan wildlife. From the outside, it may have looked like wilderness magic - but behind the scenes, the truth was far from picturesque. Complaints piled up over time, prompting investigations by both the Alaska Department of Fish and Game and the USDA. What they uncovered was disturbing: deteriorating enclosures, inadequate shelter, little to no veterinary care, and animals suffering in silence.

Adding to the concern were publicly shared photos showing the facility’s owner parading a Wolverine around on a leash - an image that starkly illustrates just how deeply the line between wild animal and roadside attraction had been crossed. It wasn’t just unethical - it was dangerous and emblematic of the disregard for the animals’ natural behaviors and needs.

The final straw came in June 2025, when state officials executed a search warrant and seized dozens of animals. The conditions had gone from bad to horrifying. Filthy bedding, rotting food, and animals confined to dangerous, collapsing enclosures. One pen barely contained a Kodiak Grizzly Bear. A Moose had previously escaped entirely. And in the middle of this chaos were two Foxes - used in countless tourist photos but never truly seen for who they were.

Like many smaller animals in roadside zoos, Lupine and Clooney were regularly handled, passed around, and posed with visitors. Though they were part of the public experience, they were never treated as the wild animals they truly are. Their personalities, needs, and well-being were overlooked in favor of entertainment. But thankfully, someone finally saw them as more than just photo props. And that’s when the wheels of rescue began to turn.

After the facility was shut down, Lupine and Clooney were moved to a temporary holding center in Alaska while permanent placement could be arranged. When we received the call to help, we didn’t hesitate.

With careful planning and coordination with officials, the Foxes finally arrived at our Sanctuary just a few weeks ago. They’re the first of four Foxes we’re welcoming from this case, with the remaining two expected to arrive soon.

As for the facility's former owner, the legal process is still underway. He’s currently facing multiple counts of animal cruelty - both felony and misdemeanor. Justice may take time, but for the animals, the healing has already begun.

Lupine and Clooney are both red Foxes, though each has a unique color morph. Lupine, the female, is spunky and outgoing. The moment she stepped into her new habitat, she eagerly explored every corner - prancing around, checking out her water feature, and digging in a specially curated sandbox made just for Foxes.

Clooney, the male, is more cautious and reserved, so his adjustment took a little longer. Becca Miceli, our Chief Animal Welfare and Science Officer, recognized that Clooney needed space and time. She asked the rest of the care team to step back while she quietly stayed nearby, to offer gentle encouragement and a few specially formulated Fox treats. Gradually, Clooney grew curious and began exploring, settling in at his own pace.

Today, Lupine and Clooney share their large habitat peacefully. They enjoy natural substrates and the freedom to dig, forage, and rest on their own terms. We often place treats in dens and throughout the habitat to help new arrivals feel safe and welcome. For these two, that meant dehydrated shrimp, chicken gizzards, and blueberries - all instant hits. Already, their coats are shinier and healthier - a sign of their growing well-being.

We’re hopeful that the remaining two Foxes from the Alaska case will join them soon. Once reunited, the four will have the chance to form their own Fox family - free to play, nap, explore, and simply be foxes.

Their story is a reminder that animal cruelty doesn’t always look the way we expect. It can happen behind the scenes, hidden under the facade of education or entertainment. And it can affect animals of all sizes - not just the iconic Lions and Tigers, but also the smaller species like Foxes who often suffer silently in the shadows.

But not anymore.

At The Wild Animal Sanctuary, we believe every animal deserves a life that reflects their natural instincts, behaviors, and dignity. Lupine and Clooney now have that chance - thanks to your compassion and support.

We invite you to learn more about this rescue and our ongoing rescue efforts in our Sanctuary Newsletter.

Links:

• Learn more about The Wild Animal Sanctuary
• Read more about this rescue
• Ways to Help