Lions, Tigers and Cows?

It was a rip roaring day for the campers who took part in the 4-H Animal Science Day Camp. Day three was filled with lots of information and sweet surprises. We started the day with a trip to a little known but wonderful place in Chatham County. Carolina Tiger Rescue (CTR), formally known as Carnivore Preservation Trust, is a rescue center for various wild animals that have been raised in domestic captivity. They also house animals that no longer have a home in zoos due to funding. Here the animals have room to roam, are kept from danger, and taken care of with feedings designed for their personal health needs.
On our tour we learned about each animal, their story of where they came from and how they got here, and even though they are cute it is not a good idea to get close. Some of the animals were allowed to have treats as we visited such as a chicken leg, piece of banana or in one case a jar of baby food. Each treat was given to the animal by specially trained volunteers who work with CTR.
Tigers and lions are just two types of animals that live here. Our youth also got to meet a bob cat whose previous owner declawed him. Three caracals also made an appearance on our tour. Three cervals especially Elvis made a big impression on our youth. An ocelot and two binturongs also made appearances for us despite the heat of the day. Of course hanging out with the Kinkajou was probably the most fun. He is adorable and devious all at once and smart as he showed off swinging from his tail for our day campers.
Some of our day campers brought items or funds to donate to CTR to help take care of these special guests. They are always in need of simple things such as paper towels, old phone books, plastic storage containers and more. If you would like to know more about helping the animals at CTR just click this link to view the organization's wish list.
After lunch at the S&T Soda Shoppe in downtown Pittsboro (an ice cream of course), we headed to Siler City. There with the help of North Carolina Cooperative Extension Chatham County Center, County Extension Director Sam Groce we toured Carolina Stockyards. There were learned how the stockyards work and how cattle sales take place. We also learned that cattle are not the only things sold at the stockyard. Goats, rams and other livestock also go up for auction at this facility which is considered the largest one in the state with more than 200,000 head of cattle going up for sale each year.

Today we learned about large animals, and businesses that animal lovers can be involved in. Tomorrow we will continue the fun by visiting some local business with different animals and a new way for our youth to rope the animal business world if they want to in the future.