In a dramatic change, the once vast pen that housed over 200 tigers has now shrunk to just 39. And for Howard Baskin, that’s exactly what he was hoping for.
“It was an enormous amount of work,” reflects Baskin, reflecting on the journey that led to this momentous moment. “An enormous amount of expense.”
During a recent tour of Carole and Howard Baskin’s Big Cat Rescue in Tampa, the couple showed how they have ingeniously connected the remaining cages, creating a more spacious environment for the cats living inside their sanctuary.
However, a significant deadline awaits for private owners of big cats. The Big Cat Public Safety Act, which was recently passed, requires them to register their animals with the US Fish and Wildlife Service on Sunday, effectively ending the era of unregulated private ownership.
“They’re not allowed to breed more or get more,” Baskin explained, emphasizing the need for accurate documentation. “Well, how do you know if they did or not? The only way to do that is to have a baseline of what animals they own.”
While the government doesn’t intend to take any cats from private owners immediately, the long-term goal is to eliminate private ownership entirely, potentially leaving the Baskins with more cages than cats.
“If they’re not registered tonight by midnight, then they’re breaking the law,” Baskin warned. “If they are discovered, their cats will be confiscated and face other penalties.”
Despite some reservations about the Netflix documentary series ‘Tiger King’ and its portrayal of their organization, Baskin acknowledged its role in raising awareness for their cause.
“It built awareness that we had no other way to develop,” Baskin acknowledged, acknowledging the impact of the series. “So when we talked to legislators and staff, at least they were aware of this issue.”
Baskin went on to say that his first conversation with Carole, his wife, revealed a broader desire to make a difference beyond the confines of Big Cat Rescue.
Last week, Representative Kathy Castor, who represented the Baskins in the early stages of their journey more than 20 years ago, visited the sanctuary to commemorate the passage of the law.
“I watched this shelter grow,” Castor recalled of his involvement. “Unfortunately, this has escalated because so many people are abusing these big cats.”
Going forward, the Baskins have plans to move all of their cats to a shelter in Arkansas by the end of the year. They also intend to sell the Big Cat Rescue land, using the funds to further their advocacy efforts.
As the deadline approaches for private owners to register their big cats under the new law, the landscape of big cat ownership and care is on the verge of change. The unwavering dedication of the Baskins and the passage of the Big Cat Public Safety Act marks a step toward protecting these majestic creatures and promoting responsible stewardship for years to come.
