The arrival of Suisun, a 7-week-old bobcat at the Wildlife
Education and Rehabilitation Center (WERC), will offer animal
lovers a one-of-a-kind adventure
– a chance to take part in her eventual release back into the
wild.
The arrival of Suisun, a 7-week-old bobcat at the Wildlife Education and Rehabilitation Center (WERC), will offer animal lovers a one-of-a-kind adventure – a chance to take part in her eventual release back into the wild.
At auction is a unique opportunity to witness the release of the bobcat. The package will allow the winner to witness the preparation that goes into releasing one of these majestic animals back into its natural habitat.
It will be auctioned on E-Bay from June 1 to 14. Minimum bids will start at $500. All proceeds from this auction will be used to benefit the center’s rehabilitation and education efforts.
A local noted photographer will be on hand to capture this magical moment. As a memento of your experience, the winner will be presented an official color photo and also, a photo album and the personal story of the bobcat.
The package includes two nights’ accommodations (maximum of one room) for up to four people at an upscale California hotel in the area of the release. Hotel choices will be specified at a later date. Limited transportation to the release site from designated location will be provided. Other transportation will be the sole responsibility of the purchasing party. Food, airfare (where applicable) or other travel expenses are the responsibility of the purchasing party.
The bobcat release is tentatively scheduled to take place sometime in the fall of 2004 or 2005. The exact release date will be determined by WERC Once this determination has been made, the purchasing party will be notified. A minimum of two weeks notice will be provided.
The release package is not intended to be a “hands-on” experience. Rather, the purchasing party will have the opportunity to view the release process first hand. The bobcat can only be handled by trained staff members and volunteers. The center offers no guarantee about the length or duration of the actual release.
Auctioning the bobcat release experience is meant to underwrite partial costs of raising the animal.
While the veterinary care is free and the center, founded in 1990, has many volunteers, it does have a paid staff and costs to cover. The team needs special food, mammal formula and medicine. Director Sue Howell said the center can use any and all donations – of food and, especially, of money.
The center is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the care and preservation of native wildlife. Funded by private donations, the center is both an acute-care facility for sick and injured wildlife, and a nurturing center for orphaned wildlife too young
Details on the E-Bay auction: Cheryl Ajluni at ca*****@****on.com/
