Zucari's Story

In 2017, the Ohio Department of Agriculture learned about a breeding facility illegally possessing exotic small wildcats. Zucari’s entire story is unknown due to the lack of information shared with the Ohio Department of Agriculture. However, they suspect that he lived with up to 15 other cats in hopes of continuing to create exotic hybrid wildcat species. The Ohio Department of Agriculture found Zucari living in a basement with limited light and outside access. Of the 15, an accredited sanctuary in Florida rescued Zucari and two caracals.

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). Zucari is one of those cats, and he now calls Freedom Field his forever home. Zucari is a blend of cautious curiosity and gentle mischief. By day, he prefers the serene comfort of his shaded grass hideaway, where he can effortlessly blend into his surroundings and remain unnoticed. In the evenings, his demeanor shifts to one of playful vigilance as he stalks the staff and interns with a mix of intrigue and distance. Zucari loves his neighbors and will sit across from them in his habitat. Occasionally, he’ll tentatively approach and sniff at the animal care staff or interns, his cautious nature evident as he carefully assesses their presence.