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PAWS Welcomes A New Resident: Bobcat Rumi

From PAWS Performing Animal Welfare Society
February 2023

When Rumi was eight months old, she was surrendered by a private individual. Her 'owner' was concerned that Rumi was becoming aggressive and might injure her pet dogs. We will never know exactly how Rumi came into private hands, but one thing we do know is that wild animals belong in the wild, not in people's homes.

PAWS is pleased to introduce our newest resident, four-year-old bobcat Rumi. She came to us from WildCat Ridge in Oregon, a refuge that cares for wild cats of all sizes and which, like PAWS, is accredited by the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries.

Due to circumstances beyond their control WildCat Ridge was forced to rehome Rumi, and PAWS was happy to help. She arrived at ARK 2000 in January accompanied by two WildCat Ridge staffers who spent the day with us, sharing information with PAWS' carnivore supervisor Renae about Rumi's personality and care. Clearly, Rumi was well cared for and loved by her caregivers.

When Rumi was eight months old, she was surrendered by a private individual to WildCat Ridge. Her "owner" was concerned that Rumi was becoming aggressive and might injure her pet dogs.

We will never know exactly how Rumi came into private hands, but one thing we do know is that wild animals belong in the wild, not in people's homes.

Rumi makes up for her small size with a spitfire personality! Bobcats are notoriously feisty and fierce, and they usually are not fond of people.

When she first arrived at PAWS, Rumi kept her distance, preferring to hide in her cozy den while peeking out and growling at caregivers. However, with each passing day she is becoming more comfortable in her new home and with the dedicated staff who care for her.

Rumi's enclosure is in a quiet, private area of the sanctuary and includes a large area with oak trees which she loves to climb and hide in. When she first entered her enclosure, Rumi explored every inch of it, pounced and rolled in the grass, and promptly climbed up a tree and went to sleep on a comfortable branch. She loves to play in water, so we ensure she has ample opportunity to splash to her heart's content.

We appreciate our friends at WildCat Ridge for the excellent care they provide to the animals at their sanctuary, and we are honored to give Rumi a home. We look forward to getting to know this beautiful bobcat. Welcome to PAWS, Rumi!

"This physical world has no two things alike.
Every comparison is awkwardly rough.
You can put a lion next to a man,
but the placing is hazardous to both."
~ Attributed to Rumi, Persian poet and Sufi mystic (1207 - 1273)

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