Report on March 2008 FCF Wild Feline Husbandry Course

On March 15, 2008 Tiger Safari in Tuttle, Oklahoma was the site where 21 people attended the Wild Feline Husbandry Course.  Those in attendance were a little cold in the building where it was held, but everyone was a trooper.  Carol and Mindy did a wonderful job presenting the information and added some humor to each topic, which we all know is needed when you are dealing with animals. 

The featured topics included: Natural History of the Felines, Nutrition, Health Care Basics, Handling Equipment, Facility Design, Behavioral Conditioning, Contingency Planning and the “dreaded” Regulatory Agencies. 

This course is a must for anyone who has wild felines or is thinking of getting one.  We must band together to form a common goal for the safety of the animals.  Since there is more and more legislation being introduced against private ownership, private owners need to continue to educate themselves in the areas mentioned above.  Taking courses like this will show that we are dedicated to our animals as well as being responsible caretakers of wild felines. 

I came away from the course pleased to see that the people who attended were dedicated to what they are doing.  Hearing stories about what they have to deal with reminded me that we are all in this together. 

After 8 long hours we had to take a test to receive our certificate and to everyone’s relief we all passed.   A lot of time and effort went into this program and I applaud those who compiled the information and traveled to present it. 

Kurt Beckelman