Week in Review--And What A Week!

Another exciting week at In-Sync Exotics comes to a close! 

We started the week off with news about the much anticipated In-Sync Exotic calendars!  We expect the calendars to be ready from the printers today, so if you live the local area you should be able to pick-up your calendar this weekend!

We'd like to extend a very special thank you to Motheral Printing for donating their printing services and to Clampitt Paper Company for donating the paper for our 2012 calendar!  Their tremendous generosity made this calendar possible--so two big and small cats' paws up to both companies!  We cannot thank you enough!

On Tuesday, we covered the introduction of Aramis and Eve, two former Poetry lions, as they finally meet nose-to-nose in the same quarters for the first time at In-Sync Exotics!  For the last few weeks, Aramis  spent quite a bit of quality time with Aurora and Layla without incident.  We were a little anxious about the introduction of Eve to the boy because she does have her fangs and claws, while Aramis does not.  But fear not!  It looks like Aramis and Eve are getting along just fine!

Aramis and Eve!

Wednesday, we provided an update on the cheetahs' "Fast Track" habitat fundraising project on Razoo.  With the combined funds raised on the project site, private donors, and Chase Community Giving Program, we are only short about $5,000 to make the cheetahs' dreams of a specialized habitat just for them come true!  We pray we can raise the needed funds by the end of the year so we can start breaking ground in January. 

If you can make a contribution towards this very special project, no matter what the size of the gift, we would truly appreciate it and the cheetahs would love it!  Thank you!!

Great news was abound on Thursday!  First, we reported on the health status of Crimson and Chloe.  We were blessed to learn that both Crimson and Chloe are doing so much better than originally expected! 

Veterinary care is an important part of our animal care program, so whenever we can catch a potential health issue before it becomes a major problem, we know we are fulfilling our mission in providing the animals with top-notch health care!

Next came the great news that Global Federation Animal Sanctuary's director, Patty Finch, stated in yesterday's press release that "The veterinary care at In-Sync is beyond great.’ Not surprising news to us, but it was certainly welcoming recongition of our efforts as we provide our wild ones with the best medical and enrichment care possible!

Needless to say, we will have more exciting animal updates to share with you next week, so be sure to check back with us daily!  Also, if you haven't noticed, we have added more wonderful products to the gift store.  Have you seen our Otis and Keenan mugs yet?  They're adorable!  We'll be adding more products to the store each week, so be sure to check back often! 

In the meantime, don't forget about the fabulous bake sale fundraiser event benefiting our animals on Monday!  Great gifts for your family, friends, boss, co-worker, client, etc, are waiting for you to purchase at the Premier Place Building's Lobby from 8am to 6pm!

If you haven't had an opportunity to see the wild cats under the twinkling Christmas lights, then you're in luck!  You still have several days left to see our firsky wild ones at play--click here for the "Christmas with the Cats" tour schedule! 

Everyone here at In-Sync Exotics hopes you have a wonderful and safe weekend!
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‘The veterinary care at In-Sync is beyond great’ says GFAS director!

December 8, 2011  

In-Sync Exotics Earns Verification from Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries 

The Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS) is honored to announce that In-Sync Exotics has achieved GFAS Verification.

"One thing that really stands out for us about In-Sync Exotics is the great veterinary care, and the deep commitment of staff to the big cats housed there," states Patty Finch, executive director of GFAS. “Safety is also stressed, with a second fence not just around the compound, but around each enclosure. There is also a unique form of enrichment, in which cats rotate in and out of a number of playground areas, giving each cat a chance to explore the smells of the previous cat in the playground. Each cat receives at least 7 to 12 hours in the grassy playgrounds every day, complete with large swimming pools and waterfalls.

The GFAS Verification means In-Sync Exotics meets the comprehensive and rigorous definition of a true sanctuary and is providing humane and responsible care of the animals, meeting thorough and peer-reviewed standards established by GFAS, which is the only globally recognized organization providing standards for identifying legitimate animal sanctuaries and rescue centers. The verification status also provides a clear and trusted means for the public, donors worldwide and government agencies to recognize In-Sync Exotics as an organization that is worthy of support for sustainability and development.

In-Sync Exotics has been a nonprofit organization since March 2000. States founder Vicky Keahey," In-Sync Exotics is unique because the facility provides a loving home for animals that most other sanctuaries are unable or unwilling to accept due to health or age-related problems.  We are well-known for taking on challenging medical animal cases, giving cats, which others have given up on, a second chance at a rich and fulfilling life.”

Finch adds, “It is important for the public to know that donations are just as needed years after a big cat is rescued, as at the time of the rescue. Too many donors only give when a cat needs rescuing. I hope more people consider automatic monthly donations from a credit card. That is the kind of ongoing support these cats need and deserve….so that In-Sync Exotics can continue to provide the same high quality of care that they do now, for the lifetime of each cat in their care.”

About Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries
Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to the sole purpose of strengthening and supporting the work of animal sanctuaries worldwide.  The goal of GFAS in working with and assisting sanctuaries is to ensure they are supported, honored, recognized and rewarded for meeting important criteria in providing care to the animals in residence.  GFAS was founded in 2007 by animal protection leaders from a number of different organizations in response to virtually unchecked and hidden animal exploitation of animals for human entertainment and financial profit.  These founding leaders sit on the GFAS Board of Directors to continue guiding the organization’s work in a collaborative manner.  They represent top leadership from Born Free USA, The Humane Society of the United States, World Society for the Protection of Animals, American Anti-Vivisection Society, National Anti-Vivisection Society, and International Fund for Animal Welfare.

www.sanctuaryfederation.org

About In-Sync Exotics 
Established in 2000, In-Sync Exotics is a non-profit organization dedicated to the rescue of neglected, abused and unwanted exotic felines. In-Sync Exotics believes that all God’s creatures should be protected and not destroyed due to problems with the animals’ ownership circumstances (albeit with private owners, zoos, or other animal zoos or sanctuaries). It is our dream that one day there will be no need for rescue facilities, but until that day happens, we will continue to educate the public on the unique attributes and characteristics of our residents; the realities of irresponsible and/or illegal exotic wild animal ownership and captive breeding; and the need for stronger and enforceable legislation against those who abuse exotic wild animals. In-Sync Exotics' board of directors consists of 12 directors dedicated to the care and operations of the sanctuary; ensuring sanctuary management is as transparent as possible for the general public's review and consideration.

http://www.insyncexotics.org/

Contact:  Patty Finch
patty@sanctuaryfederation.org
1-928.472.1173

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Time for A Medical Follow-up on Crimson and Chloe!

On November 16, 2011, In-Sync Exotics' Cat Tales reported Crimson's battle with a devastating kidney disease known as renal failure.  At the time, we didn't know for sure if she an acute or chronic condition.  Blood work tests led us to believe that Crimson suffered from chronic renal failure--a progressive, irreversible deterioration of kidney function--as her creatinine and BUN levels were significantly elevated.  However, there was a chance she had treatable acute renal failure, resulting from perhaps a bacterial infection.  

Since her original visit with the vet on November 10th, we've been drawing and submitting her blood for testing to see if her creatinine and BUN levels improved or worsened. 

On Wednesday, we received news from the vet.  Her last blood draw revealed...

...her creatinine and BUN levels were elevated--but just slightly!  Based on the improved creatinine and BUN levels,  her vet now believes Crimson may have had acute renal failure, possibly from a kidney infection!  It appears the medication Crimson took destroyed her bacterial infection and she is now medicine-free.

Needless to say, we are thrilled with the good news.  Crimson is now eating with gusto, enjoying everything placed in front of her. 

Thankfully, our cougar is happy and playful once again!

Now for Chloe's medical update:

One week ago, Cat Tales reported on Chloe's trip to vet for an ear hematoma.  While she was there, her vet did a full body check, at Vicky's insistence, because of the slight "pooch" extending around the mid-section of her body.  The vet did not feel any lumps or abdominal distension, deciding that the "poochy" look was due to "air belly."

On Sunday, Vicky noticed the "poochy" look appeared to be slightly larger, so a vet appointment was scheduled for yesterday.  Once again, Chloe was placed in an animal transporter and taken to the vet where she was sedated.  Seven x-rays were taken of Chloe's mid-section in the hopes of discovering why her tummy area appeared "poochy."  Her heart, liver, and kidneys were thoroughly examined.  Finally, the vet rendered his medical diagnosis and you will NOT believe what he discovered!

Turns out Chloe has gas! 

Chloe is at home and resting comfortably after her trip to the vet.  Again, we are very thankful Chloe is A-okay and that the gas will eventually work its way out of her body.  We will be monitoring Chloe's gassy condition to ensure the offending air eventually leaves her body!

It is very important to closely monitor the health condition of each and every animal at In-Sync Exotics.  Since cats of all sizes tend to hide their illnesses from others, any changes in behavior or diet must be taken seriously--often this means a trip to the vet's office.   By taking a proactive medical approach with our cats' health care, we are able to reduce or alleviate any pain or suffering the cats may try to hide from us and we are able to address the causes of their health issues. 

Thankfully, we were able to address Crimson's acute renal failure before it became irreversible and needless to say, we are relieved that Chloe only suffers from gas! 

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An Update on the Cheetah's "Fast Track" Habitat Project!

You may have noticed that the matching grant of $5,000 quietly went away from the cheetah habitat fundraising site as we were unable to raise matching funds by November 24th. 

 

The new site of the "Fast Track" habitat!

But all is not lost!   We will still be able to apply the $5,000 donation towards Sam and Kodi's new enclosure thanks to our kind and generous donor!

Thus far, we have raised $2,930 on our Razoo fundraising site, plus an additional $2,500 from 3 private donors, giving us a grand total, as of today, $10,430.00!

Thanks to the Chase Giving Program, we plan to apply $15,000 towards the Cheetah's habitat project and $10,000 towards the water reclamation project.  That just leaves us to raise approximately $5,000 for Kodi and Sam's new home! 

This is where you come in...

By making a gift towards Kodi and Sam's new home, no matter what the gift size, you are contributing towards the health and well-being of these two handsome exotic wild cats!  We want to break ground early next year, but we cannot reach our goal without your help.

All proceeds raised in the project will go directly towards the cheetahs’ home improvement project. Please, please make your end of year tax-deductible contribution towards this most worthy project today!

Anyone contributing $1,000 or more will be publicly recognized on a dedication plaque attached to the outside of the cheetahs’ brick house. The name dedication may be made in your name or that of an honored loved one.

Kodi and Sam can’t wait to move into a brand new enclosure built especially for them—and only you can make this happen!  Please make their dreams come true by either :

• Contributing towards out special Cheetah "Fast Track" habitat at our Razoo project site -- $10 minium (you will receive a tax-deductible receipt from this site at the conclusion of the donation transaction);
• Making a donation through our Paypal site (you will receive a tax-deductible receipt from our sanctuary via email within a few days);
• Mail your gift to In-Sync Exotics, PO Box 968, Wylie, Texas 75098 (you will receive your tax deductible receipt via mail)!

At the start of the new year, we'll provide you with an update on our final fundraising efforts.  Meanwhile you can keep track of the amount raised for cheetahs' new home by visiting our cheetah home improvement project page often! 

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Uniting A Lion Family?

It's hard to believe that just over five months ago we met Aramis, Aurora, Layla, and Eve at their former home in Poetry Texas.  Our goal, at that time of the rescue, was to give these animals a loving and caring home where they could they could live out their lives not having to worry about unsanitary living quarters or poor dietary conditions not befitting these magnificent lions, ever again!

Today, our goal is to assist the four lions into a lion pride, if they so desire it!  You may recall in our July 2011 Poetry In Motion -- Saving 20 Big Cats! blog posting, our four lions are actually related to another.  So far, we have been able to group all three lionesses together; now our challenge is to introduce the male lion to the "ladies." 

For the last few weeks, Aramis  spent quite a bit of quality time with Aurora and Layla without incident.  Yesterday Aramis spent about 40 minutes with Eve.  We saved Eve's meeting with Aramis last because out of all the three lionesses, Eve can be the most challenging.  Eve is a powerful cat, with fangs and claws, while Aramis was declawed and defanged years ago.  Eve is also built like a "linebacker" weighing just about 50 or so pounds less than Aramis, so we had to take extra precautions to ensure Eve did not provoke Aramis into a fight.

Needless to say, the cat watchers were tense when Aramis was released from the vet chute into Eve's living quarters; no one knew what to expect when these two powerful cats finally came face-to-face with one another.  When Eve first approached Aramis, she leaned in as if to sniff him on the nose.  When he reciprocated, Eve promptly slapped him across the face.  Aramis, surprised by this action, loudly proclaimed his displeasure with her, to which she immediately retreated away from the boy.

For the most part, the two lions paced around the quarters under the careful supervision of the lion watchers.  Thankfully, no more "slapping" incidents occurred, to the immense relief of the staff! 

In fact, the lions seemed more interested in all the people quietly watching them intently for any signs of aggression, than in each other! 

Towards the end of the 40 minute visit, the two lions eventually laid down about 4-5 feet away from each other with Aramis facing the people and Eve facing Aramis.   When the visit was over, Aramis left Eve without a backwards glance.




Take a look at how the two lions reacted to each other later in their visit:



To reinforce the positive visits between Aurora and Layla, Aramis was then moved to their quarters where he spent most of of time in the lions' den.  Concerned, Layla poked her head in the den to check on Aramis.  Noting that all was well, she waited until he came out several minutes later for a quick close-up visit with the boy.

So for the next week or so we will continue to monitor Aramis and Eve's visits, allowing them to spend more quality time together.  Hopefully, if all goes well, we will be able to unite these lions into one family pride before the end of the year.  We'll keep you updated on their progress!
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The Wait is Almost Over!

The wildly anticipated 2012 In-Sync Exotics Calendar will be in the In-Sync Exotics' onsite store very soon!  We are accepting pre-payment of the calendar so you can secure your very own copy or copies of this beautiful calendar highlighting some of our most photogenic cats! Here is just a teaser of what you can expect!  



Kazuri (front)                                Sabu (back)



Each calendar costs $18 if you pick it up in person from our sanctuary's gift shop.  If you'd like to have a calendar shipped to you by standard mail, then the cost of the item is $18 + $2.50 (mail cost) for a total of $20.50 a piece.  So, for example, if you purchase a calendar for yourself and friend plus have them mailed, then the total cost would be $20.50 x 2 = $41.00. 

The In-Sync Exotics' 2012 calendar makes a terrific gift...so are you ready to order your special In-Sync Exotics calendar today?  Yes?  Great!  Here's how you can order:

1. Click here to pay by credit card (MasterCard, Visa, Discover, American Express). Credit card payments can be made using our secure PayPal processor, so click on the "Donate" button to start the credit card transaction!
2. In the "purpose" box, please indicated the number of calendars purchased and where we should ship the calendar(s).  If shipping calendars to more than two destinations, you may have make separate purchases on-line so as to accommodate the text size of the addresses typed in the "purpose" box.
3. Remember, during the holiday season, mail takes a little longer in reaching its destination, so you'll want to order your calendars before December 16, 2011 so it will arrive before the start of 2012! 

If you want to pay by check, you can mail your calendar payment to: 

In-Sync Exotics

PO Box 968

Wylie, Texas 75098

Remember to include the name and shipping address of the calendar(s)' recipient(s). 

And just in time for winter we have hoodies and caps available!  In-Sync Exotics' volunteer, Karin Saucedo, models our latest additions to the on-site Gift Shop:  

Thank you Karin for your help in showing off one of our caps and hoodies!  Our incredibly warm hoodies are $55 each and our hats are $20 a piece!  If you'd like to have one mailed to you, please contact Insync Exotics for shipping costs; else they are available at our on-site Gift Shop, while supplies lasts!

It's not too late to purchase Christmas cards, ornaments, and other beautiful gift items from our on-line Gift Shop.  Here are just a few samples from the store (some which are now ON SALE)!

 

You can find the following items ON SALE today:    Okemo, Lydia, Tobias & Duchess cards, ornaments and mugs are ON SALE!  Plus the Smuggler and Okemo Stockings are ON SALE!  So order your In-Sync Exotics Christmas gifts today! 

Again, thank you for supporting In-Sync Exotics!  All proceeds from the sale of gift store items, whether it's from our on-site or on-line gift store, benefits the animals of In-Sync Exotics!

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