Tiger cubs often spend their lives confined in circuses, zoos, or even in cub-petting businesses. However, the mission of the Wildcat Sanctuary is to change that. They strive to rescue these cubs and provide them with a space where they can live more freely, making their own decisions and exploring their natural instincts.
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Tammy Thies, the founder of Wildcat Sanctuary, shared that during a routine rescue of four large cats, they stumbled upon an unexpected surprise – a tiny cub named Dash. Weighing only between 3 and 3.5 pounds, Dash was the smallest tiger cub they’d ever rescued. He was still so young that his eyes hadn’t opened yet, and his ears were still folded down.
Despite his small size, Dash quickly made his presence known. He had a vocal personality, often letting his caretakers know when he wasn’t happy or when he was throwing a tantrum. But as time passed, he began to show his playful and happy side. He started putting on weight and even learned how to roll over, a big step for a little cub!
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By his third week at the sanctuary, Dash had made remarkable progress. Not only could he now crawl and walk, but he had grown significantly. In just four weeks, his eyes had opened wide, and his ears were starting to stand up. He wasn’t the tiny cub he once was, and it was clear to see how much he had changed. His once-beloved stuffed tiger toy, which used to be bigger than him, was now overshadowed by Dash’s newfound size.
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As Dash neared two months old, his playful nature became even more evident. His caretakers had to keep a close watch as he became more mischievous, playing with everything from tissue paper rolls to his bed and various toys. With his increasing size, now over 20 pounds, he was moved to a larger space – his “big boy” room. His energy and playfulness earned him the nickname “Dash the Destroyer,” as he explored every toy as if it were prey, testing how to break it apart.
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By his ninth week, Dash was fully embracing his tiger instincts. Every object he encountered became his target, and he loved figuring out ways to destroy them. His natural predator behaviors were emerging more with each passing day, as his time was almost entirely consumed by play.
When Dash ventured outdoors for the first time, he wasted no time adjusting. The cold didn’t faze him at all. He thrived in the snow, dashing across the white blanket, climbing on logs, and leaping with excitement. His name, Dash, couldn’t have been more fitting, as he made the most of every moment outdoors, always full of energy and life.
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It’s hard to believe that just two months earlier, Dash was a tiny cub in need of rescue. Now, he’s a lively and independent tiger who has grown significantly. With the help of Tammy and the team at Wildcat Sanctuary, Dash is thriving in his new environment. The sanctuary will continue to guide him and keep him safe as he gets ready to eventually join other tigers in his habitat. For now, Dash is on an exciting journey, and it’s clear he’s enjoying every step. Keep dashing, Dash!
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