Chaos' Story

In 2017, Chaos was acquired by an accredited Florida sanctuary when the Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) learned about an Ohio breeding facility that illegally possessed exotic small wildcats. Chaos was rescued with another caracal, Cyrus; both had been declawed. Declawing a wild cat like Chaos can result in adverse effects such as arthritis, impacting the animal’s long-term well-being. The ODA found these two living in a basement with limited light and outside access. Chaos was spayed upon her arrival at the Florida facility to eliminate breeding between the two. After some time, aggression between the two caracals arose, and to prevent any further injuries, Chaos and Cyrus were separated.

In early 2023, Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge (TCWR) agreed to take 33 wild cats from the Florida sanctuary accredited by the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS). Chaos and Cyrus were two of those cats, and they now call the Refuge their forever home. We house Chaos next to Cyrus, who are better as neighbors than as roommates. During the day, Chaos avoids people, spending most of her time in her igloo or night house. Her habitat is filled with other enrichment items, such as natural rocks, artificial nooks, and vegetation, encouraging her to use her natural instincts.