Sioux's Story

Sioux and another bobcat, Lakota, were rescued by an accredited Florida sanctuary from the Mobile Zoo in Alabama in 2017. Authorities arrested the facility’s previous owner on 28 counts of animal cruelty, and the Mobile County Animal Control seized the neglected animals in his care in 2017. Unfortunately, this was not the first time the zoo had been cited for neglectful conditions and was known as a repeat offender by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). At the Mobile Zoo’s peak, it housed more than 75 animals, including lions, tigers, bears, monkeys, and birds.
Upon arriving at the Florida facility, Sioux was severely underweight, and a unique wire had to be used around her enclosure due to her ability to fit through the regular 4×4 fencing due to her size. At four years old, she was half the weight of a full-grown female bobcat. Despite her occasional pickiness around meals, Sioux became known for her stealthy hunting skills and enjoyed periodic feasts of lizards, frogs, birds, and snakes. The Florida facility provided a complete veterinary exam, including preventative vaccinations, and spayed Sioux. After the procedure, they united her with Lakota.

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). Sioux and Lakota were among those 33 animals. Sioux enjoys spending time with her companion, Lakota. The two often nestle together or take walks throughout their habitat. She is very vocal and opinionated with her keepers, frequently chirping or growling at them for treats. Her keepers describe her as “Small, but Mighty.”