TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

Animals, Expenses Squeeze Rescue Founder

Sarasota Herald-Tribune photo by DAN WAGNER

Zingfu, a white Bengal tiger, shows his teeth after a show at Big Cat Habitat and Gulf Coast Sanctuary on Sunday

ADVERTISEMENT

By TODD RUGER

Sarasota Herald-Tribune

Published: February 23, 2009

SARASOTA - Tank the tortoise was the size of a doughnut when a woman bought him and sectioned off part of her backyard for him.

But when the woman lost her house to foreclosure six months ago, Tank also lost his home. Having a now-60-pound tortoise was against the rules at the apartment complex where she moved.

So Tank makes his burrow these days at the Big Cat Habitat and Gulf Coast Sanctuary, along with other animal orphans, like Darwin the monkey, Bud the Clydesdale and Bandit the raccoon.

People who purchased or raised pricey exotic animals during good economic times are losing their homes or their jobs and can no longer take care of them, sanctuary founder Kay Rosaire said.

"Our population has increased, and the need for animals to find a home is increased," Rosaire said.

At the same time, donations have been harder to find, and every animal means more costs for the nonprofit. Bills add up for food, building habitats, veterinarians and heating - many of the exotic animals cannot withstand Florida's nippy February nights.

"It was $2,000 for last month's electric bill," Rosaire said.

This year's Animal Extravaganza fundraiser shows, going on for the next three weekends, are even more important than those in previous years.

Set on the sanctuary's 30 acres on Palmer Road, the big top tent show gives visitors an up-close look at tigers, an elephant and trained dogs.

Darwin, whose owners are moving out of state, is doing his part to help pay for his diapers and food. For $5, he will sit on your neck and pose for photos.

"It's animals helping animals," Rosaire said.

Bandit's owner raised the baby raccoon in her back yard until she lost her house. Bud's owners could no longer afford $40 or so daily for hay.

And Tank can eat $30 in lettuce, eggplant, tomatoes and fruit in a few days, Rosaire said.

"They eat a tremendous amount of food, so they're very expensive," Rosaire said of sulcata tortoises. "Exotics are complicated and you have to know what you're doing."

The habitat is a no-kill shelter, and exotic animals can have long lifespans and get even more costly.

Tank's life expectancy is up to 90 years, and he could triple his current size. Some parrots there can live up to 100 years.

Rosaire does not disclose who donated the animals. She calls them all by name as she walks through the property, creating a bond she feels is important for animals to thrive.

The habitat has grown to 35 tigers and lions and 15 bears, including two grizzly bears still in quarantine who were being trained for movie work.

The sanctuary spends up to $3,000 a year in meat for those animals. Tank's former owner still visits him and Tank comes when she calls, Rosaire said. Bandit's former owner comes every day to help care for him.

"We just give them a home," Rosaire said.

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT