Visited the Carolina Tiger Rescue today for my On the Road with Mac and Molly radio show, this blog and the Rubber Hobos book. Lots of stories to share in the coming days!

The sanctuary, in Pittsboro, North Carolina, is a true sanctuary not only for tigers but also for binturongs, lions, cougars, bobcats, caracals, kinkajous, ocelots and servals.

Carolina Tiger Rescue is working toward the day when “wildcats are not owned by individuals as pets; wildcats are not used for entertainment purposes; no trade exists for wildcats or their parts; and all wildcats prosper in sustainable, native habitats.”

In working toward these goals, “Carolina Tiger Rescue rescues wildcats; provides lifelong sanctuary for wildcats; educates the public about the plight of wildcats in captivity and in the wild; conducts non-invasive research to further understand and aid wildcats; advocates for action to maintain wildcats in sustainable native habitats, or when that is not a viable option, for the respectful, humane treatment of them in captivity.”

Photos by Donna Hailson.