Q: Where do the animals come from?  

A: The animals come from various locations around the US.  Some are rescued from the private sector, others come to Cat Tales through exchanges with other zoos and facilities.  Occasionally some cats are born at Cat Tales to assist in repopulating other qualified facilities, and to help keep the captive species gene pool healthy.

Q: Can the animals ever be set free in the wild?

A: Typically this is not possible as the survival skills are not inherently known, but are taught by their parents in the wild.  We have been successful in reintroducing some animals native to this area, including bobcats and birds.

Q: How much do to feed them each day?

A: Most of the cats are feed around 2 to 4% of their body weight. A Cub eats 5%.

Q: Do they get fed every day?  If no, why not?

A: The animals are fed 5 days a week. The other two days are “fast” days, meaning they do not eat on those days. The reason is to keep their digestive system more to what is meant to be. In the wild, they seldom, if ever, eat every day since only 1 out of 10 hunts are normally successful.

Q: Why do they pace?

A: The cats at Cat Tales seldom pace as they are often referred to as “the most laid back” animals anyone has ever seen in a zoo setting. When an animal is happy or at ease, they don’t spend a lot of time pacing back and forth. We spend time with the animals doing enrichment through physical items placed in their habitats or working on natural training providing personal interaction. About the only time you see our cats pacing is if it is near feeding time, or they are really “tuned in” on something, i.e. brightly dressed person, running child, someone with a strong smell (perfume, after shave, etc.)

Q: What type of enrichment do you provide for the animals?

A: There are many forms of enrichments, from physical objects (cardboard tubes and boxes, paper bags) sprayed with scents they like, to specially designed toys (giant balls, swings, platforms, etc.). One of the favorites in the summer are balls of ice with food or blood from the food frozen inside.

Q: Do you breed the animals?  Do you sell the animals?

A: It is very seldom that we allow our animals to breed. The only time we breed is to fill a request from another facility (known to be very reputable by ourselves and the zoo system) that have a need. Normally they have lost an animal due to old age and are replacing it. (Note: We do not sell animals. Normally, animals are donated, and the receiving institution covers the cost of transporting the animal to their facility.)

Q: Why do the cats sleep so much in the summer?

A. When it is hot, they rest because they are wearing fur coats. Would you exercise in a fur coat? The animals are the most active on cool days.

Q: Does the zoo receive any government money or support?

A: No. We do not receive any funds from any federal, state, or local government since there are normally many “strings” attached or “hoops” to go through. I have never come across a politician who was a good zookeeper.

Q: How about Grants from foundations; have you tried apply for Grants?

A: We would if anyone had the time, but running the zoo and zoo school are very time consuming tasks. Grants are tough and are usually obtained by professional Grant Writers. If you are one or know one, and are interested in helping in this field, please get in touch with us.

Q: Is the zoological park ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessible and compliant?

A: Yes we are.  Anything that is built at the zoo, and is open to the public, is “test driven” to make sure there is access for everyone.

Q: Do you offer discounted admission?

A: Yes, we offer discounts for groups of 12 or more guests (please call ahead for reservations).   Active duty military are always free.  Also law enforcement officers and firefighters are free as are the handicapped.  Additionally each year we give away thousands of dollars worth of free admissions to numerous charities and other types of non-profit organizations.

Q: Which one of the animals is your favorite?

A: That is like asking a parent “which child is your favorite.”  Every creature from a tiger to a parrot has their own personality that makes them special.  We love them all the same and differently at the same time.