Kewlona's Story

Kewlona and her sibling, Dryden, were rescued by an accredited sanctuary in Florida in October 2016 from Spirit of the Hills Wildlife Sanctuary in northern Black Hills, South Dakota. What started with a routine USDA inspection resulted in the agency revoking the sanctuary’s license and forcing them to surrender their animals. There were concerns regarding the animals’ conditions, significant enough to issue for their removal. The Florida facility took in Kewlona, who arrived with three other bobcats (including Dryden) and two cougars. Shortly after her arrival, she received a complete veterinary exam, including preventative vaccinations, and was microchipped.

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). Kewlona and Dryden were among those cats and have now found their forever home at Freedom Field. Kewlona and Dryden are very shy and reserved. Kewlona’s care team can typically spot her hiding among the objects in her habitat. Dryden, however, is an expert hider and can be difficult for the Animal Care Team to locate during daily check-ins. As the two settle in and grow comfortable in their new home, they can often be seen snuggling together on their wooden platforms or napping side by side on their bench.