I live in the North Carolina piedmont, just outside the state capital, Raleigh. I always figured that if I wanted to see a tiger I either had to drive over to the NC zoo, deliberately but inconveniently for me located in the exact center of the state at Asheboro, or buy a plane ticket to Africa or Asia. I was wrong.
Last month I learned that there were tigers no further away than my chiropractor (admittedly my wonderful chiro is in Pittsboro, a good 40 minutes drive, but still). So, how come there are tigers just 35 miles from downtown Raleigh? They are there because they are living at Carolina Tiger Rescue, a non-profit wildlife sanctuary, where the loving care may ease if not erase their memories of previous sub-standard living conditions. With the tigers so close, I rounded up some friends and half a dozen of us met at the preserve for the 10:00 am tour on June 1st.
I grew up close to one of the first “open” zoos – Whipsnade – and have always been uncomfortable with urban zoos with smaller enclosures, so I was a bit worried about the conditions I would find. I was also worried about the weather, with a predicted high for the day of 88. No need. While it was too hot and humid for me in the sun by the time we finished, it was still pleasant in the shade, and although the enclosures weren’t as big as I might have liked, they were infinitely better than those I saw last year in Buenos Aires, or previously in Beijing or Budapest, and much better than the horrible conditions some of the animals had endured as pets or marketing attractions.
Our tour group was taken round by two volunteers, who were full of interesting information. We learned, for instance, that in NC it is perfectly legal to own exotic animals, such as lions and tigers, as pets, but not native animals like squirrels or deer. We also learned that the rare white tigers are not albino “sports” but the product of drastic inbreeding.
Although the tigers may be the stars, there are other animals in residence, including several lions, some charismatic smaller breeds, and a couple I had never heard of: binturongs and kinkajous.
Used to be, when I drove over to see my chiropractor, I would eat lunch on the way back at Daniel’s, enjoying grape, pear and blue cheese salad with chicken, and a cup of their admirable seafood bisque. But recently I discovered Oakleaf, in Pittsboro itself. I still eat lunch at Daniel’s every so often, but when I drive to Pittsboro I eat at Oakleaf – I was so impressed with lunch there I was moved to write a review. So, naturally, we stopped at Oakleaf after visiting the animals, for their weekend brunch. Unfortunately, while the food was pretty good, the service was anything but, and I’ll probably be writing another, less flattering review. Still, it was a good outing, and I recommend a visit to the Tiger Rescue if you’re in the area (you need to book your tour ahead of time).
Kathy.
Don’t think I will be in the ‘hood but a nice writup
Thanks! Sorry you’re not thinking of heading south.
Very good report. the next time I am in the area I want to go there
Hope you’ll be well enough to make it soon.
Hello, nice story but I still be saddened by large animals in confined spaces. The link to Carolina Tiger Rescue wouldn’t open on my iPad. How is the renovation going? Not thinking of moving to Tasmania?
Nice to hear from you! How are the alpacas? Any trips coming up? I agree about the confined spaces, but at least these enclosures are better than the places many of the animals came from. Thanks for letting me know about the broken link – should be fixed now.
I am making progress with de-cluttering, and am in the middle of collecting estimates. Not thinking of moving to Tasmania, but I am thinking of revisiting Australia, as four days in Sydney hardly counts. Some time next year or early the following year, maybe.
Rajaji looks like he wants his neck scratched (not that that would be a very good idea, I’m sure). You never know what you might find so close to home.
Very bad idea, I would think! The non-volunteers weren’t allowed anywhere near that close, we had to stay behind a rope. They also had “people” cages for refuge just in case any animals escaped.
Yes, you get used the idea that you know what there is to visit around you, and don’t keep up with the changes.
These two animals are a pure pleasure to see. I have been to BCR many times over the years and they do magnificent work for the big cats that have been rescued. Well worth a donation from anyones purse. They rescue some extremely sad and upsetting animals but are always there to help in all situations. We all know just how bad the people in the USA are for keeping these big cats as pets . Some of them are kept in horrendous conditions inside cages that are no bigger than the actual cat and BCR will step in. I have stood facing a tiger about 8 inches from its face and looked into its eyes and I can tell you now there is nothing on this planet as beautiful as this cat. I cannot speak highly enough about BCR , caring, kind,thoughtful people all of them .