RUMI (Bobcat, Lynx rufus)

Born in 2000, Rumi was four years old when she arrived at our ARK 2000 sanctuary in January 2024. She came to us from WildCat Ridge in Oregon, a refuge that cares for wild cats of all sizes and which, like PAWS, is accredited by the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries.

Due to circumstances beyond their control WildCat Ridge was forced to rehome Rumi, and PAWS was happy to help. When she arrived at PAWS Rumi was accompanied by two WildCat Ridge staffers who spent the day with us, sharing information with PAWS' carnivore supervisor Renae about Rumi's personality and care. Clearly, Rumi was well cared for and loved by her caregivers. 

When Rumi was eight months old, she was surrendered by a private individual to WildCat Ridge. Her "owner" was concerned that Rumi was becoming aggressive and might injure her pet dogs. We will never know exactly how Rumi came into private hands, but one thing we do know is that wild animals belong in the wild, not in people's homes.

Rumi makes up for her small size with a spitfire personality! Bobcats are notoriously feisty and fierce, and they usually are not fond of people. When she first arrived at PAWS, Rumi kept her distance, preferring to hide in her cozy den while peeking out and growling at caregivers. However, with each passing day she is becoming more comfortable in her new home and with the dedicated staff who care for her.

Rumi's enclosure is in a quiet, private area of the sanctuary and includes a large area with oak trees which she loves to climb and hide in. When she first entered her enclosure, Rumi explored every inch of it, pounced and rolled in the grass, and promptly climbed up a tree and went to sleep on a comfortable branch. She loves to play in water, so we ensure she has ample opportunity to splash to her heart's content.

GEORGETTE (Emu, Dromaius novaehollandiae)

In late December 2016, residents of the California foothill community of Valley Springs began reporting sightings of an emu running loose in their town. On a rainy morning in early January, after more than a week of roaming through local neighborhoods, yards and pastures, Calaveras County Animal Services (CCAS) received word that the big bird had wandered into an enclosed maintenance yard near New Hogan Lake. It took three hours to finally corral and gently herd the bird into a horse trailer.

PAWS agreed to provide a home at our Amanda Blake Memorial Wildlife Refuge in Herald, California. "Georgette", as she is now called, arrived at the refuge in late January, and now lives with a flock of 10 emus and two Simitar Horned Oryx in a very large enclosed pasture area filled with trees, grass, natural vegetation, covered shelters and a winding creek.

MOJO (Muntjac, Muntiacus spp.)

One of the shyest residents at our Galt sanctuary is Mojo, an Indian (or Common) muntjac. Mojo arrived in the summer of 2007, an illegal pet confiscated by a nearby county animal control agency. Mojo was estimated to be about 7 years old when he arrived.

Wild muntjac live in forests and dense vegetation in many parts of Asia where they are hunted for their flesh and skin, and killed as “nuisances” due to their appetite for eating tree bark. Muntjac are sold in the U.S. in the exotic pet trade for $1200 - $2000. In the early 18^th century, exotic Reeve’s muntjac were released into England for hunting. This invasive population is expanding, and sadly, many are killed every year by hunters, hit by cars, and again as nuisances for their love of eating rosebuds and other flowers.

These dainty deer are only 18-20 inches tall and weigh 15-25 pounds. Muntjac have a delicate digestive system, eating grasses, leaves, and tender shoots in the wild. Our dedicated keepers feed Mojo a balanced mixture of hay, pellets, vegetables, and hand-selected tender, leafy branches. Also known as the “barking deer”, muntjac are constantly alert for predators and emit a loud, piercing bark when they feel threatened. Their constant state of vigilance and special dietary requirements make them difficult to care for properly, and they are illegal to own in most states without a permit.

Mojo spends his days grazing in his grassy enclosure, nibbling on tender willow branches, and lying in the sunny grass or under the shade of his trees. At night, he sleeps in his own cozy, straw-bedded shelter. Skittish and suspicious when he first came to PAWS, now he is friendly and inquisitive and looks forward to visits from the keepers to see what delicious leaves and branches they bring.