First Quarter 2010—New Tiger Enclosure

Construction is underway on the new enclosure that will house Timber, a Siberian tiger that we rescued from a private facility in Washginton State in March. We accepted Choi-Hu, a female Siberian tiger, from the same location in November 2009. We had emergency enclosure space available to accommodate one tiger—but not both.

Aided by a gratifying response from Newmont Mining, Black Rock City LLC, Barrick Mining/Turquoise Ridge, and individual donors (including supporters of the Wild Felid Advocacy Center in Washington), we were able to begin the costly new construction for Timber's enclosure in February 2010.

We did the ground preparation in the first week of February. On February 10 we used a tractor and auger to drill the holes for the fencing support posts. A small group of prisoners on work release began placing the posts in concrete. Volunteers from Newmont Mining continued the work on the weekend of February 13. We were able to bring Timber "home" on March 9.

The security fencing stands against a dramatic mountain backdrop (below left). Chuck Garbinski, a Gardnerville supporter who drove over three hours to volunteer, helped align the fence line (below right) and placed posts in concrete.

Newmont volunteers (below) continue work on the fencing and den.