Home

Center for Animal Research and Education (CARE) was created for many reasons. The primary purpose was to create a beautiful sanctuary for big cats. Creating this wonderful home was not enough. CARE can save many animals from lives of unjust cruelty and indifference, but this only saves this single generation of big cats. We at CARE made a decision to not only commit our resources to the big cat issues of the present, but to issues affecting their future.

Ongoing Research

CARE is working on several ongoing research projects. Present issues being addressed are diet and nutrition, dental health, and the administration of anti-anxiety “human” medications to big cats in order to reduce aggressive behavior and anxiety. All studies are conducted on site at CARE. We are extremely fortunate to have other sanctuaries and zoos offer photos and data, which are pivotal in accumulating unbiased research projects. The additional information from other institutions gives CARE researchers a sample big cat population of over 500.

CARE has also been involved in the shooting of two onsite programs for National Geographic Television. Both of the programs were lead by Dr. Frank Mendel, of the State University of New York at Buffalo (UB). The research conducted was on jaw mechanics and killing techniques of both living and extinct big cats. The more we learn about the big cats’ past, the greater understanding we have for the cats’ futures. Dr. Mendel and the CARE staff, volunteers, and interns work closely (what do you mean by “closely”?) as we continue to formulate new research ideas.

CARE is currently in the process of obtaining a permit and funding for a research project that could be very vital to the future of lions. Currently lions around the world are perishing from what we believe to be a Vitamin A deficiency. We hope to explore this theory more through research here at our facility. CARE has begun preparing for this possible exciting project that could make a difference in the survival of Lions as a species...

Sampson, Sprinkles and Layla are the wonderfully wild African Lions of CARE. During initial contemplation of a research program involving Vitamin A deficiencies in Lions, CARE's own Lion Whisperer, Curtis Hutson, stepped forward to start the training. Curtis has been a long term volunteer with 8 years experience

at CARE. He, and his family, sacrifice many hours a week to prepare these three lions for this exciting project. Curtis says, "You have to start of slow and be patient. Feeding Sprinkles a bottle and brushing Sampson's mane are somewhat miracles in themselves."

Last year Curtis allocated initial resources in building specially designed enclosures which allow him to do his amazing work. "We hear about people being injured and even killed by big cats. At CARE safety always comes first", says Curtis. He does not go into the enclosure, but is able to work with the Lions from the outside reaching in carefully, which reduces risk immensely. "To complete this study we must determine Vitamin A levels through blood samples. Sedation is dangerous to the cats and must be minimized", he said. Curtis is hoping to train survivors, like Sampson, who has had vitamin A deficiencies as a cub, to give blood without being sedated. We are all so excited about the next couple of years at CARE. We hope to be making a difference in the future survival of Lions as a species.

If you would like to contribute to this project please contact us! Check back for updates on our progress and thank you for your interest!

Home		Donate
____________________________________________________________________________________________

	Center for Animal Research and Education (CARE) was created for many reasons. The primary purpose was to create a beautiful sanctuary for big cats. Creating this wonderful home was not enough. CARE can save many animals from lives of unjust cruelty and indifference, but this only saves this single generation of big cats. We at CARE made a decision to not only commit our resources to the big cat issues of the present, but to issues affecting their future. *Ongoing R*esearch CARE is working on several ongoing research projects. Present issues being addressed are diet and nutrition, dental health, and the administration of anti-anxiety “human” medications to big cats in order to reduce aggressive behavior and anxiety. All studies are conducted on site at CARE. We are extremely fortunate to have other sanctuaries and zoos offer photos and data, which are pivotal in accumulating unbiased research projects. The additional information from other institutions gives CARE researchers a sample big cat population of over 500. CARE has also been involved in the shooting of two onsite programs for National Geographic Television. Both of the programs were lead by Dr. Frank Mendel, of the State University of New York at Buffalo (UB). The research conducted was on jaw mechanics and killing techniques of both living and extinct big cats. The more we learn about the big cats’ past, the greater understanding we have for the cats’ futures. Dr. Mendel and the CARE staff, volunteers, and interns work closely (what do you mean by “closely”?) as we continue to formulate new research ideas. Upcoming Research Projects CARE is currently in the process of obtaining a permit and funding for a research project that could be very vital to the future of lions. Currently lions around the world are perishing from what we believe to be a Vitamin A deficiency. We hope to explore this theory more through research here at our facility. CARE has begun preparing for this possible exciting project that could make a difference in the survival of Lions as a species... Sampson, Sprinkles and Layla are the wonderfully wild African Lions of CARE. During initial contemplation of a research program involving Vitamin A deficiencies in Lions, CARE's own Lion Whisperer, Curtis Hutson, stepped forward to start the training. Curtis has been a long term volunteer with 8 years experience at CARE. He, and his family, sacrifice many hours a week to prepare these three lions for this exciting project. Curtis says, "You have to start of slow and be patient. Feeding Sprinkles a bottle and brushing Sampson's mane are somewhat miracles in themselves." Last year Curtis allocated initial resources in building specially designed enclosures which allow him to do his amazing work. "We hear about people being injured and even killed by big cats. At CARE safety always comes first", says Curtis. He does not go into the enclosure, but is able to work with the Lions from the outside reaching in carefully, which reduces risk immensely. "To complete this study we must determine Vitamin A levels through blood samples. Sedation is dangerous to the cats and must be minimized", he said. Curtis is hoping to train survivors, like Sampson, who has had vitamin A deficiencies as a cub, to give blood without being sedated. We are all so excited about the next couple of years at CARE. We hope to be making a difference in the future survival of Lions as a species. If you would like to contribute to this project please contact us! Check back for updates on our progress and thank you for your interest!