Travellers' Choice™ Best of the Best
Denali's life began as a privately-owned pet and later rescued from an unaccredited sanctuary. He was originally purchased by a man who claimed to have acquired a litter of Serval kittens from a roadside zoo. As Denali rapidly grew, reaching double the size of a domestic cat, his family soon realized that they could no longer manage him in their home. Consequently, they made the decision to place him at the Spirit of the Hills Sanctuary in South Dakota when he turned one year old.
Denali's story unfortunately mirrors the common challenges associated with private exotic animal ownership, serving as a poignant example of why private ownership of exotics often proves detrimental for both the owners and the animals. While the fortunate ones find their way to reputable sanctuaries, the scarcity of true sanctuaries means that many of these animals face the grim possibility of being sold to breeders, roadside zoos, or even worse, ending up in canned hunting ranches or facing euthanasia.
Denali's journey took a brighter turn when he was rescued alongside his "best friend," Sadie, a Bengal-hybrid mix, who continues to share his habitat. Denali is an energetic and sociable cat who seems to genuinely enjoy people.
Placement at Spirit of the Hills Sanctuary (2011):
At just one year old, Denali's original owners recognized they couldn't manage him as he grew and placed him at Spirit of the Hills Sanctuary in South Dakota. This move marked a shift from private ownership to life in a sanctuary setting.
Rescue from Spirit of the Hills (October 2016):
Denali became part of a major rescue operation led by Lions Tigers & Bears after Spirit of the Hills was shut down due to unsafe conditions and regulatory failures. This rescue was a turning point, ensuring Denali's safety and future well-being.
Relocation to Lions Tigers & Bears (October 26, 2016):
Denali found his forever home at Lions Tigers & Bears, where he began living in a spacious and enriched environment tailored to his needs alongside his best friend, Sadie.
Advocacy Symbol for Exotic Animal Ownership Issues (Ongoing):
Denali’s story has become a powerful example of the challenges and dangers associated with private exotic animal ownership, raising awareness about the need for stricter laws and the critical role of accredited sanctuaries.
Ph: 619.659.8078
Fx: 619.659.8841
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24402 Martin Way, Alpine, CA 91901
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