There's A WHAT In The Lobby??

Today, at the law firm in Atlanta where I work, I got an email that simply said, "Lynx" in the subject line, and in the body of the email "in the reception area in 2 minutes." Huh?? I walk downstairs, round the reception desk, and sure enough, I see this sight . . .

Meet Taz, a 16-year old Canadian Lynx (or Northern Lynx) which is a mid-sized wild cat between the smaller Bobcat and larger Puma. Taz weighs between 40 and 50 pounds, and is one of the oldest known living lynx in captivity. They usually have a life span of 12 years in the wild.

Sweet Taz was born in a captive breeding program in Wisconsin without inner ear drums and was unable to be released into the wild. Since Taz was genetically not suitable for breeding, The Wildlife Sanctuary adopted this animal. Taz is blind due to degenerative retinitis, is cared for daily and has become the Sanctuary's wild cat mascot.

Silly me, I didn't realize how short a lynx tail is, and their fur is somewhat coarse and very thick.

The attention that Taz gets is part of the normal routine. This cat has been touched by over a half million school children alone, since rescue.

Taz knew when it was time to head home, and let out a low guttural meow/purr when it was time to "kennel up."

The Ellijay Wildlife Rehabilitation Sanctuary in Georgia, is a 40 acre rescue, rehab and release facility for the wild indigenous animals of Georgia and the southeast. From the smallest mammals and reptiles to the largest carnivores and birds of prey, they medically care for all species of orphaned and injured wildlife. Currently, the sanctuary cares for 3 of the rarest “big cats” on the North American continent, the Eastern Panther. This represents 10% of the known population. These cousins of the Western Cougar only exist in the wild in a small area of the Florida Everglades and were recently declared extinct in Georgia.

This endeavor began 30 years ago when a young boy named Craig "Grizzly" Cylke (in the hat) began rescuing and caring for injured animals that he found in the wild. It wasn’t long before the surrounding community learned that Craig would take care of any wild animals in need that were brought to him. Today, the sanctuary is a state and federally licensed facility that remains under the guidance of Craig and his wife, Debbie, who are both certified in wildlife rehabilitation.

All of these activities require funding and many dedicated hours by volunteers. If you believe you can help financially in some way, and are wary about whether or not your donations are actually getting to big government rescue organizations, please visit the folks at "2 Wild 2 Tame" (at the top of my margin notes) or www.thewildlifesanctuary.com. Your donations will get in their hands, and will be greatly appreciated. Tell them your friends at "First Draught Farm" sent you!

Good Kitty!