Electra Caracal
Electra’s Story
Electra was born at Carolina Tiger Rescue as part of the former breeding program. Carolina Tiger Rescue started in the late 1970’s as Carnivore Preservation Trust (CPT). Our goal back then was to breed keystone species, such as caracals, to one day release them back into their natural habitats when it was safe to do so. When Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) accredited facilities began breeding in accordance with the Species Survival Plan, CPT turned its focus to rescuing. Those animals who were born here will live out their lives at Carolina Tiger Rescue.
Electra’s Passing
December 20, 2019
Many months ago, Electra Caracal began having seizures. Unfortunately, when older animals (Electra was over 19 years old) suddenly start having seizures, it indicates a major health concern. We of course kept a close eye on her and started her on medications to help control her seizures. She did very well for many months, but recently began to have more seizure activity and generally was not feeling as well. Unfortunately, even with assistance, she was no longer interested in food and we made the decision to euthanize her.
Electra’s sassy personality was hard to miss. From the day that she was born, she was never shy to demand what she wanted. If things didn’t go her way, she was quick with a hiss and a spit. But all of that spunk was wrapped up in a tiny caracal frame. Even in her prime, Electra never depended on her stature to get what she wanted. Many years ago, she got into a pretty nasty tussle with her enclosure mate that ended with us needing to suture up some remarkable lacerations on her abdomen. We were concerned about how well she would recover. How silly of us! Of course she bounced back with style and never missed a beat.
I have known Electra for her entire life. I watched her grow up from a tiny kitten to a beautiful adult. I have laughed at her antics when she got excited over enrichment and worried about her through the night when she was injured. Caracals have always been one of my favorite cats. I’m not sure how much of it is their beautiful coat and fancy ear tufts or if it’s their confident personalities, but Electra certainly ticked all of the boxes for me. I know that I will not be alone is missing her in the sanctuary.
We know that loss is to be expected when you work with animals. They don’t live as long as we do and many of them come to us as older animals with health issues, but it doesn’t make the grief any less heartbreaking. But today is a new day and many animals still depend on us to care for them. We regroup, take an extra deep breath, and take extra special care of each other.
