Posted: April 29, 2008 2 a.m. EDT
 |
| Thor the tiger lives at the Wisconsin Big Cat Rescue and Educational Center. |
Visitors strolled through the grounds of the Wisconsin Big Cat Rescue and Educational Center in Rock Springs for the first time this past weekend, as the sanctuary opened its doors to the public.
Founder Jeff Kozlowski and volunteers led tours through the refuge, showing off a
Bengal tiger, a black leopard and a pair of lions, among other animals, the Baraboo News Republic reports.
The sanctuary is the result of Kozlowski’s efforts to meet zoning regulations and rules for operation for the center. Two years ago, Kozlowski butted heads with neighbors and county officials because of the big cats he kept on his land east of Rock Springs. He worked with the Village Board to meet all rules governing exotic animals.
 |
| Big cat sanctuary founder Jeff Kozlowski poses with a tiger cub. |
Now, large pens house several big cats including Isis, a white Bengal tiger; Dozer, a black leopard; and Pebbles and Bam Bam, sibling lions. Many of the animals came to Kozlowski from owners who mistreated them or decided they could no longer care for them. The new sanctuary gives the big cats a comfortable home.
“The animals are happy, they’re in a safe area,” Kozlowski said. “Everybody’s getting along.”
Wisconsin Big Cat Rescue and Educational Center is open to the public. Admission is $8 for adults, $4 for children and $3 for children and chaperones in school groups. For more information, visit the sanctuary’s website.