Carson Springs Wildlife Conservation Foundation have some Geoffroy’s cats at their sanctuary. They’re based in Florida. They are a not-for-profit organisation. They are dependent upon donations. They are described by Big Cat Rescue as a “pseudo-sanctuary” which in their view exploits exotic cats by taking them off site to be handled by the public.
Carson Springs Wildlife Conservation Foundation have decided to work with a restaurant in Gainesville, Florida called Paramount Grill. The idea is to raise funds for Carson Springs and I presume to generate business at the same time for the restaurant (see below).
You will see a photograph on this page of three, sweet, Geoffroy kittens. They’re currently at Carson springs in their care. This medium-sized wild cat species is found in the southern half of South America. It typically preys on rabbits and frogs and has a spotted coat. The numbers of this cat are diminishing year-on-year. They actually live in Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Paraguay and Uruguay. The species suffers the usual threats from human activity such as persecution, loss of habitat and at one time killing it for its fur.
Paramount Springs are advertising an anniversary and benefit dinner on August 20 which includes a six course meal and in attendance will be “ambassador animals”. Included will be the Geoffroy’s kittens. This is commercial exploitation of a vulnerable species of wild cat. Especially kittens. It is not clever. It is in no way part of conservation which is what they they say they is their raison d’être.
Big Cat Rescue have tried to talk with both Paramount Grill and Carson Springs to change their minds about exploiting these kittens, without success. In fact a lawyer representing Carson Springs responded to the request with a threatening letter.
My thanks to Big Cat Rescue for notify me of this story. I think it is just so typical of what is wrong with so-called conservation organisations. They’re more about exploitation than conservation. They’re about making money. In fact, the existence of Carson Springs is about the exploitation of vulnerable exotic cats in my view. This has been compounded by this distasteful money making promotion at a restaurant.
If you wish you can write to these organisation protesting by using a letter drafted by Big Cat Rescue on this page.
Real zoos limit exposure of infant animals to reduce exposure to germs and some disease. They are fragile. The USDA needs to shut these places down.
DE-I have just went over this post again, and you can rest assured that I feel the same as others about this preposterous exploitation of these beautiful cats. It is an ALL-For-PROFIT scheme in the final analogy.
Why else would they be using these animals as a side show attraction and charging $175-per person?
I didn’t read mention of how they plan to utilize the funds for the cats, either. or did I miss that? All wild cats are still in danger and will remain so , due to mankind’s indifference, stupidity and greed.
Eva
OK DE-certainly I will.
Eva-
WHAT THE HELL!
“Pseudo-sanctuary” is just a fancy term for “show for profit”. That any restaurant would even buy into this is appalling. I hope that patrons are smart enough to complain and boycott.
A note on the above story. It is possible the wild male was a Bay/Geoffreys mix, due to the black coat under spots and swirls. As to the many cat breeds I’ve encountered, rescued, etc. in Florida; this cat was one to demand respect and frightened me.
Eva says
Hi Eva.
Please read this article again.
What is being done is appalling.
This is an exceptional wild breed that is found in the wilds of southern Florida, rarely. When a species is left to roam freely, they inbreed and new mixes are seen. These cats are strong and aggressive as adults. Their genetics are resilient and they live a long life [ if we protect them ]
When I resided in Florida, I had one stalking my Maine Coon/Ragdoll when she went into heat. One night he entered our sun-room and was crouched directly over my head in the ceiling rafter, ready to jump on me !!
This wild Geoffreys cat was spotted with a black background large chest, thick tail and stocky body. Clearly not afraid of anything. I grabbed a broom and finally managed to get him out of my house. The next day when I let “Mama-Robin out to hunt, she went off with the male and I hunted them down two blocks away under a neighbors abandoned trailer. He had already copulated with her many times and was going to keep her there, even if it meant a bloody fight. I crawled under the trailer, scooping up a handful of sand and threw it in his eyes, at the same moment my other hand was on my cats neck.I quickly placed her in my car trunk and brought her home. She was pregnant and gave birth the usual allotted time to One Large orange/white/spotted Male Kitten I named Samson. He lived a very healthy & happy sixteen years. was only ill during the last segment of his life. A truly awesome cat & undeniably intelligent, loyal [for a cat] and one of a kind. Still miss him , even though he left us 12+yrs ago.
I would not recommend this breed to just anyone.
Eva_