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Apr 15, 2008 8:56 pm US/Central
Big Cats Rescue Organization In Need Of Funding
WISE COUNTY (CBS 11 / TXA 21) ―
At the
Center for Animal Research and Education (CARE), lions, leopards, cougars and tigers find refuge.
The site is home to 53 exotic felines who, according to CARE Director Heidi Berry, need "about 5,000 pounds of meat a week."
Most of the big cats have been rescued from abuse and neglect. About a dozen volunteers work to nurse the animals back to health and save them from an uncertain future.
But the Wise County organization is beginning to notice a big drop in funding. Donations and visitation are also down.
"We've always been able to run on a shoestring budget, but it's starting to be less of a shoestring and more like the hairy gum on the bottom of the shoe," said Derek Krahn, President of CARE.
CARE organizers say the volunteers are also strained. Driving to and from the remote location, which is near Bridgeport, is difficult considering the price of gas.
With veterinary, electric, water and food bills mounting, the facility plans to readdress their finances.
If nothing gives, CARE directors say they'll be forced to fold in the coming months, and many of the cats will likely be put down.
Click here if you would like to learn how to donate to the rescue organization.
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