Running a wildlife rescue isn’t just about food (though our grocery bill is impressive). It’s about forever care. Once an animal comes to us, they have a home for life. That means every day, every week, every year—we’re there with clean water, fresh diets, medical attention, and safe, secure spaces.

The Big Picture

In our current budget (FY26):

• Annual Income: ~$669,820
• Annual Expenses: ~$589,528
• Cushion for emergencies & growth: ~$80,292

It takes nearly $600,000 a year (or about $1,600 a day) to keep Cat Tales running.

Where Your Dollar Goes

Every single dollar is stretched to meet the daily needs of more than 40 animals in our care. Here’s how it breaks down:

• Animal Care (Food, Vet, Supplies): 24%
• Staff & Training: 14%
• Animal Homes & Utilities: 18%
• Education & Guests: 13%
• Other (Insurance, Marketing, Travel, etc.): 31%

What That Looks Like in Real Life

• Feeding just one tiger costs about $5,000–$6,000 a year.
• A single vet procedure (like X-rays or bloodwork) can be $500–$1,000.
• Heating and water pumps in winter push utility bills into the thousands each month.
• Insurance is non-negotiable: $30,000 annually just to protect the sanctuary and animals.

Why Small Gifts Matter

Even though the budget feels big, here’s the hopeful truth: most of our donors give $20 or less. And those gifts? They add up beautifully.

• $20 = a week of chicken for the bobcats
• $50 = keeps the bear pool clean and filled
• $100 = arthritis meds for a tiger for a month

Your support covers more than bills—it creates forever homes for animals who had nowhere else to go.

Be Part of the Rescue

Every gift—large or small—is a lifeline. Together, our community of givers makes forever homes possible.

Donate Now

The post 🐾 What It Really Costs to Care for Rescued Wildlife appeared first on Cat Tales Wildlife Center.

A Tiger’s Toe Troubles
This August staff noted Nalin favoring his left front paw. He was grooming it more than usual and shaking it often as if to shake something out. Soon the staff were able to capture a picture of the culprit. Nalin had a claw growing too curved, causing it to curl back and into his toe pad on that foot.

A Unique Procedure for a Unique Patient
Tigers aren’t typically welcome into clinic, so his procedure took place here. Despite his early years showcasing his tiger abilities, presenting paws for nail trims was not part of Nalin’s training. This manicure would require sedation.

When a Dremel Becomes a Claw Tool
If you aren’t familiar with it, tiger claws are STRONG. Standard nail clippers are not up to the task. Thus, farrier tools and a nail file in the form of a cordless Dremel were our go to. Once safely under sedation we entered his space and began to tackle the problem claw. With a loud crunching snap the vet clipped the claw and pulled the tip from Nalin’s toe pad. We trimmed the rest of his claw tips, checked teeth, did an overall physical exam, and drew some blood before waking Nalin up.

Fast Recovery and Positive News
From the initial injection to back on his feet, the entire process was completed in an hour. The toe pad healed beautifully in a few days. Also, we are happy to note his bloodwork shows Nalin’s kidneys are performing better than expected.

Thanks for Making This Possible
Thank you, Dr. McConnell, for your professional care. And thank YOU! Your support makes veterinary procedures possible.

More about Nalin the White Tiger

The post When a Tiger Needs a Manicure: Nalin’s Medical Journey appeared first on Cat Tales Wildlife Center.

I grew up in Spokane and have enjoyed the beauty that each season brings to our region. I am also accustomed to the seasonal challenges, from springtime allergies to snow shoveling and driving in slush. It took moving onsite at Cat Tales and experiencing the seasons, and all the tasks that come with them here to truly appreciate the hard work and commitment that caring for our outdoor occupants require. 

Summer is gone, and winter will be here far too soon, so what does that mean to the animal care and maintenance teams here at Cat Tales?  Let’s see…

Preparing for Winter

Shade tarps that provide relief from the heat in the summer need to come down.  Snow weight is nothing to joke about, so exhibit roofs need shade tarps removed before the fluffy white stuff arrives.

Hoses that help us run sky sprinklers, clean and fill pools, and keep the animals refreshed stop working when filled with ice.  Hoses removed, drained, and stored.  Spiggots locked for the season and sprinklers stowed away.  Our arms, already muscled from hauling basalt, fencing, and compost, are about to get a new workout in hauling water buckets while spilling as little as possible from our winter water source to all the animals through the chilly months ahead.

Tackling Winter Maintenance

Stock up on torches, butane, and lock lube to keep our padlocks functioning all winter.  Nothing can quite describe the (sarcastic) joys of thawing a padlock to open it, doing your task, and then needing to thaw it again to get it to close properly.  Do you know how many padlocks we open and close each day?!

Water bucket swap time!  Each animal gets a heated water bucket installed for the winter, which of course requires running power supply, splitters, and installing the species suitable bucket or bowl for the animals.  I always remind my current winter crew of how easy they have it with these heated buckets, where most previous students enrolled in our program had to haul, thaw and replace heavy ice buckets daily for all of the animals.  Perspective is a great tool to counter complaining.

Stocking Up for Winter’s Unpredictability

Pool skimmers, bleach pans at our safety gates, and all other non-winter tools are stowed for the season.  Cleats and torches are added to our staff’s daily equipment gear, and basic supplies – straw, animal food stores, bleach, gloves and paper products for sanitation, are stocked up to have on hand, just in case… (Just in case could be interruptions to supply chains, weather affecting supply access, and potential winter weather closures.  We also stock up as we prepare for the decrease in our visitors each winter, which means a decrease in financial support to cover our normal expenses, so we stock up while we can… just in case.) 

The Never-Ending Battle with Pine Needles

Pine needles.  The bane and time suck of our lives in the fall, and throughout much of the year.  Raking leaves is fun, as it provides enrichment supply for the animals, and some pine needles as well.  But the amount we manage is far more than we need or want.  Pine needles just keep on giving.

The Physicality of the Job

Believe it or not I love it all.  The process, the seasonal tasks and To Do lists  which seem endless until the weather changes and the new To Do list takes its place.  I missed each of the four seasons that the Spokane region enjoys annually enough to move back home from Hawaii to experience them again.  And I love the physicality of the job.  Never before have I had to watch my back while raking to avoid being sprayed by a tiger, or time my zip-tie removal (shade tarps) and zipping on new zip-ties (power cords) while carefully avoiding being snagged by a bobcat or serval. 

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoyed my first attempt at blogging the world of wildlife rescue and zookeeping, and that it didn’t come across as a complaint list.  I do love the job, and being able to teach it to each new student in our program keeps it entertaining.  Until next time, enjoy the autumn and watch out for tigers lifting their tails at you.

Lisa G. – Executive Director, Lead Keeper

The post Changing Seasons Through the Eyes of a Zookeeper appeared first on Cat Tales Wildlife Center.

At Cat Tales Wildlife Center, our mission is to provide a safe haven for wildlife in need, giving them a second chance at life in their natural habitat.

On June 28th, we welcomed two adorable raccoon kits into our care, setting in motion a heartwarming story of resilience and hope. These little ones, approximately 7 weeks old, had been orphaned and found their way to Washington Fish and Wildlife for rehabilitation. As the only wildlife rehab in northeastern Washington equipped to care for raccoons, we were asked to provide a home where they could learn to thrive and eventually be released back into the wild.

A New Beginning:

The two raccoon kits were in dire need of nurturing, having lost their mother at such a young age. They had not been weaned, but at their age, they were ready to learn how to eat solid food. From the moment they arrived, our dedicated team of rehabilitators sprang into action, creating a safe and supportive environment for their rehabilitation.

Hands-Off Approach:

To ensure their successful release into the wild, we decided to adopt a hands-off approach. This means that we intentionally do not handle them, allowing them to retain their natural instincts and avoid becoming habituated to human presence. Our goal is to instill vital survival skills, which will empower them to thrive once they return to their natural habitat.

A Learning Journey:

While the raccoon kits may not be accustomed to human interaction, they are surrounded by our experienced staff, who provide them with the necessary care while minimizing their exposure to humans. Our priority is to give them the tools they need to become self-sufficient in the wild.

A Glimpse of Hope:

Though their rehabilitation journey may not be visible to the public, it is a powerful testament to the strength and resilience of these young raccoons. Each day, they grow stronger, learning to forage, climb, and navigate their surroundings—all crucial skills for survival.

A Future in the Wild:

Our commitment to these raccoon kits extends beyond just their physical needs. We are determined to give them the best possible chance at a future in the wild. Our team meticulously observes their progress, ensuring that they are developing the instincts necessary for life in the wild. When the time comes, we will joyfully release them, knowing that they are well-equipped to embrace their newfound freedom.

Successful Release:

The raccoons were released in mid-September, having developed survival skills. We wish them well in their wild world.

Your Support Matters:

As a non-profit organization, we rely on the support of compassionate individuals like you. By contributing to our cause, you become an integral part of the story of these raccoon kits. Your generosity enables us to provide the specialized care they need for their successful rehabilitation and future release.

The journey of these two raccoon kits embodies the very essence of hope and resilience. Through our hands-off approach and dedicated care, we are committed to empowering them to become wild raccoons once more. We are incredibly grateful for the opportunity to be a part of their story and look forward to the day when they can return to the wild, thriving and living life on their terms. Together, we can make a lasting impact on the lives of these remarkable creatures and contribute to a brighter future for wildlife in our region.

If you see a baby deer, raccoon, or rabbit that seems to be alone, the first thing you should do is stay calm. It is important to remember that these animals are often left alone by their mothers for long periods of time, so just seeing them alone does not mean that they are orphaned.

Here are some things you can do if you see a baby deer, raccoon, or rabbit that seems to be alone:

• Observe the animal from a distance. This will help you to determine if the animal is truly orphaned or if the mother is just out hunting or foraging.
• Check for injuries. If the animal is injured, you should contact a wildlife rehabilitator immediately.
• If the animal is not injured, leave it alone. The mother will likely return for the animal soon.
• If you must move the animal, place it in a safe location near where you found it. Do not touch the animal or try to feed it.

If you are unsure what to do, you can always contact a wildlife rehabilitator for advice. They will be able to assess the situation and determine the best course of action.

Here are some additional tips:

• Do not touch the animal. Human scent can scare the mother away.
• Do not bring the animal home with you. It is illegal to keep orphaned wildlife without a permit.
• Do not feed the animal. This can make it sick.
• Do not give the animal water. This can drown it.
• Do not leave the animal in direct sunlight or in extreme temperatures.

By following these tips, you can help to ensure the safety of the animal and its mother.

The post Rescuing Hope: A Tale of Two Raccoon Kits on Their Journey to Freedom appeared first on Cat Tales Wildlife Center.

Gray squirrels are native to this particular area thus we are an ideal location for acclimation and “soft release”. It has been found that outdoor overwintering of juvenile gray squirrels provides for a higher survival rate than an indoor environment for squirrels of this age. We will continue to provide food for them through out the winter and monitor the squirrels for any health concerns.

The post Overwintering Gray Squirrels appeared first on Cat Tales Wildlife Center.

• We highly recommend getting to know Barbara Heidenreich and this animal training program!
• Our students of The Wildlife Academy utilize this virtual learning as part of their professional studies.
• If you sign up through our affiliate link it benefits our educational programs!

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