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Black Pine Animal Park

1426 W. 300 N.

P.O. Box 02

Albion, IN 46701

(260) 636-7383

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©2008 Professional Animal Retirement Center, Inc.

Three Tigers Rescued

Click here to read the newspaper account of the rescue.

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	This is one of several photos taken by officials from the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) just a couple of weeks before Black Pine come to rescue cats.  The wet habitats were flooded with feces, urine, and mud.  Several cats were suffering from skin burns from the urine. (Summer, 2005.)
	Framing began just four days after receiving the call asking for help.  Our Healthcare Committee and Board of Directors acted quickly in approving the building plans, determined to save two of the distressed cats.  (Sept. 16, 2005)
	Six days after receiving that initial call fpr help, Black Pine's volunteer staff, led by Joshua Price, had finished the framing, siding, roofing, and began finishing the inside of a four-den building that would house them.  Donated materials and a cash contribution got the construction underway quickly.  (Sept. 18, 2005)
	The indoor den areas were completed, as well as a "squeeze box" to enable easy vet care, then arrangements were finalized to make the trip to rescue the cats.  The warm, dry dens were just the beginning of a new life for the much anticipated new arrivals!  (Sept. 29, 2005)
	Upon our arrival at the rescue site, we observed a small compound housing about a dozen tigers.  Most cages were approximately 10'x10', with no toys, water, or foilage for enrichment.  Straw had been spread to mask the muddy conditions, but the smell of urine and feces couldn't hide the reality of the situation.  Within minutes, we agreed to adopt not just two, but three tigers from this compound. (Oct. 2, 2005)
	This cage housed Darly, a 2 1/2- year-old Bengal tiger born at the facility to a white (heterozygous) male and orange Bengal female.  The white substance around the edges in the photo is lime, sprinkled to help kill bacteria and prevent flies from laying eggs in the urine and feces-soaked ground.  A small cook pot bolted to her den box was Darly's watering bowl.  (Oct. 2, 2005)
	Montrose, an easy-going five-year-old male, was the first loaded up on transfer day, and the last to unload at Black Pine.  On both ends of the move he remained calm and curious.  Just a week after his arrival at Black Pine, he was still enjoying exploring his new digs and getting to know the sites and sounds of the two females, Darly and Luna, sharing the new building.  (Oct. 9, 2005)
	Finally, just four weeks, hundreds of volunteer hours, thousands of donated dollars, and tons of contributed materials later, several senior staff members stood to witness Luna's first foray into the partially completed outdoor habitat.  Happy Halloween, Luna! (Oct. 30, 2005)
	While Darly made her debut in the new outdoor habitat during the park's Zoo'per Halloween celebration, it was too dark to capture her curiosity on camera.  Luna, however, got to take her first Black Pine outdoor stroll on Sunday morning, October 30.  She peered out from the safety of her den for several minutes before stepping into the habitat. (Oct. 30, 2005)
	It wasn't Halloween ghosts and goblins that had Luna spooked in her first few minutes of exploration, but the first sight of a field full of llamas, camels, emus, and others checking out their new neighbor! (Oct. 30, 2005)
	Curiosity never does stop a cat!  Luna quickly got the courage to stare back at her onlookers.  And for the rest of the afternoon she explored, played, and began settling in to the new outdoor habitat. (Oct. 30, 2005)
	Darly and Luna are enjoying rotating into the new outdoor habitat.  Today was Darly's day, and she's captured in a rare quiet moment.  At just two and a half years of age, she's a lot like Tigger, very active!  (Nov. 9, 2005)
	Darly explores the new habitat, which features two levels of ground, one where the grass can grow tall, and the other with undulating ground and wood.  Later, platforms will be added, too.  (Nov. 9, 2005)
	Montrose, the 5-year-old male, receives a physical examination while under anesthesia in his den.  In addition to castration, Montrose had his claws trimmed, teeth examined, and overall, looked to be in good health.  Shown with Montrose are William Kerley, DVM, and Jessica Price, Senior Zookeeper.  (Nov. 9, 2005)
	While examining Montrose's mouth, Dr. Kerley was able to show the camera that he has a broken canine (his upper right).  Even so, he doesn't appear to have any serious complications.  No additional care will be given to his teeth unless he begins to show problems eating, which so far, he has not.  (Nov. 9, 2005).
	Some of Black Pine's senior staff gathered for this photo at the "Tiger Open House" held Sunday, November 20 to thank volunteers and donors for making the rescue, and habitat, possible.  From left:  Mark Thaler, Anna Lytle, Lori Gagen, Jessica Price, and Josh Price.  (Nov. 20, 2005).
	Dozens of people came out to meet the new tigers, see the habitat, and enjoy a beautiful, mild and sunny day.  Conditions were perfect for a local television news-crew camera man to shoot some fresh video of Darly romping with a "boomer" ball, footage that aired later that evening on Fort Wayne ABC affiliate WPTA 21-Alive.  (Nov. 20, 2005)
	Darly romped and played with a large boomer ball, entertaining those who helped give her this new home, and seemingly to say thanks in her own young tiger way!  Later, she relaxed in the sunshine.  (Nov. 20, 2005).
	Luna has become so relaxed that taking her picture is a challenge because she keeps following the photographer, chuffing, and too close to capture!  Here she was enjoying a light, fluffy snowfall.  (Nov. 23, 2005).
	The BPAP staff has come to really love Montrose.  He has such a beautiful face, and is putting on weight.  By the time you meet him, he'll be one big, beautiful boy!!  His disposition is laid back most of the time, so he's sure to capture a lot of hearts.  (Nov. 23, 2005).
	Late Saturday afternoon, December 17, Montrose made his outdoor debut at Black Pine.  Volunteers Josh Price and Dan Lytle worked all day to install a new holding and shift area making it possible to rotate all three tigers, enabling Montrose to be outside, too!  Saying their first "hello" as Montrose checked things out were Dan and Anna Lytle.  (Dec. 17, 2005)
	As might be expected, Montrose didn't hesitate to blast outside and check out his new neighbors... the camels, llamas, goats, and others grazing at the hay feeder just outside his "reach" but not his line of sight!  (Dec. 17, 2005)
	Another milestone... with the completion of the secondary holding area recently, we now can run cats together for enrichment and socializing.  Today, Darly and Montrose were introduced into the large outdoor area.  After a couple of "cheap shots" and some hissing, the two settled in and spent the afternoon together.  (Jan. 7, 2005)
Darly and Montrose are continuing to get along very well.  Lots of chuffing and talking!  Luna (five years old) is well, too, but won't be sharing habitat space with the other two.  This is because history shows a better success rate with introductions between cats of the opposite sex (even if "fixed") and when they are just two to three years old.  Darly is under three years of age, still young enough to not challenge an older adult.  Our introducion of her to Montrose, a neutered) male, has worked well.  Success!  (Jan. 17, 2005)

The story doesn't end here!  Now all three cats can be outside, but the outdoor habitat is only a fraction of what we hope to build.  We continued to seek contributions to purchase or otherwise acquire the following items:

• Magnetic tank (or engine block) heaters

• Large stock water tank / pool (for next summer)

• Cattle panels and/or corn crib panels

• Cash contributions

Unfortunately there was a history of dental problems among the cats that were housed at the former home.  Both Luna and Montrose have evidence of tooth damage, and all three cats had worms upon arrival.  None had been vaccinated, so since arriving they have been treated, at our expense.  Donations are accepted online by clicking on the link at left.  Or, if you would like to contribute via mail, note "tiger project" on your contribution (noting if your donation is in honor of someone, or a gift please) and mail to us at:

Black Pine Animal Park

P.O. Box 02

Albion, IN 46701

We will mail certificates and/or cards to recognize your contribution to anyone you wish.  

You may also support our efforts by contributing to our Non-Permanent Fund at the Noble County Community Foundation.  You can write to them at 1599 Lincolnway South, Ligonier, IN 46767.  Be sure to note "Black Pine's Fund" on any contributions made.  Or call the Foundation at 260-894-3335 to discuss a variety of giving options.  All donations to Black Pine, or to the Community Foundation in Black Pine's name, are tax deductible.  

We are so grateful for all the donations received thus far.  Thank you all! 

Contributors:

Barbara Lough

Beverly DuCharme
Carla S. Dekoninck

Carolyn McNagny
Cathie Kreigh
Christina Magnuson
Corporate Construction
Dan & Margo Phillips
Dave & Sarah Knopp
David & Tenley Lippie
Delores Peck
Delores Keesee
Diane & Mark Jarmus
Don Landers
Donald & Shirley Korn
Doug & Cris Hensley
Dr. John Lovell
Elle Justice
Eye Pro, Inc.
Gloria Fink
Jack & Judith Evans

Jean Babcock
Jean Stuztman
Jeanette Inlow
Jeffery & Gail Rosen
Jeri Turley-Pennybaker
Jerry & Sonja Holloway

Kathleen Zawacki
Leatherman Construction
Linda L. Witwer
Linda Ulrich
Lisa Wright
Lowe's
Mark & Carolyn Warsco
Mark & Dianne Jarmus
Marsha Heller
Mary Ann Creigh
Mary Knopp

Mary Koons Foundation
Mary Wanke
Muriel Kdan
Noble County Highway Department

Rodka L. Dammeyer
Shirley & Fred Bachrodt

Steven & Mary Paige Abbott
Tim Hine
Truelove Brothers, Inc.
Virginia Post

...and growing!

Volunteers:

Joshua Price

Dan Lytle

Jessica Price

Mark Thaler

Lori Gagen

John Toles

John & Dianne Lengerich

Paul Cureton

Ryan Cureton

Colby Cheney

Click here to learn more about tigers.