An 11-month-old cougar, recently rescued from a New York City apartment, is adapting to life at a wildlife sanctuary outside of Eureka Springs.
The cougar, named Sasha, is quarantined while she gets used to her surroundings at the Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge. Sasha was moved to a new, spacious habitat on Thursday while she receives vaccinations. It is the first time she’s ever been able to roam.The Humane Society of the United States, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, NYPD and the Bronx Zoo all worked together to rescue the animal. The big cat was first taken to the Bronx Zoo where she was cared for by veterinarians and animal care staff.
Investigators said the owner purchased the cougar out of state and had the nearly full-grown animal since it was a cub.
After she finishes quarantine, Sasha will move to a 400-by-30-foot habitat where she will have space to run and also be introduced to other female cougars.
There is no federal law prohibiting the ownership of such animals as pets. However, legislation is going through the Senate making the sale and domestic ownership of big cats illegal.
For more information on Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge, visit turpentinecreek.org.
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