Tres was brought to us by her owner after Hurricane Rita destroyed their home.  Tres’ owner said that her new residence did not allow exotics so she needed to find a home for this ocelot.  Since Tres had lived primarily as an indoor cat, we were initially concerned that she might have a difficult time adjusting and saying goodbye to her owner.  However, Tres must have felt welcomed and loved since she quickly warmed up to us.  She is one of the sweetest ocelots at Panther Ridge and looks forward to her early evening “lovin” time," which consists of her letting us know where she wants to be scratched and rubbed.  She also loves her late night treat of chicks; it probably lets her feel like a little hunter.  We’re glad 15 year old Tres has joined our family and that she was able to adjust to the major change in her life.

Monty will be 11 in 2009, and came to Panther Ridge at the age of 1. The Florida Fish and Game Commission called, saying they they were going to confiscate him from his former owner in Miami.  Monty’s previous owner had played quite roughly with him and consequently Monty only knows rough play – very rough.  Actually, it’s not play.  Unfortunately, as a result of his rough treatment, Monty is quite unpredictable.  He will look at you with big expressive eyes and rub his body against the fence to get you to come close to his enclosure, but then, watch out!  He will try to grab you, just so he can take a taste of you.  He is the ultimate con artist – the Artful Dodger with a touch of Hannibal Lecter.  During the summer, Monty can be found every afternoon lounging in his kiddy pool.  Monty is a good example of why it is so difficult to keep an exotic animal as a pet.

Cody, who turns 16 in 2009, came to Panther Ridge in 2003 when his owner decided she didn't want him anymore. He had been raised in her house with several other domestic animals, but when she added German Shepherds to the mix she didn't have room in her heart or home for Cody, and moved him to a backyard cage, where he was largely ignored. He came to Panther Ridge depressed, aggressive and angry, but obviously with no way of knowing what was going on... and we couldn't blame him. It has taken several years to win back his trust, and since he is becoming more playful in our interactions through the cage, we are almost ready to go in with him. He is seeking out attention, and clearly enjoys his brushing and enrichment sessions. He loves to hang out in the suspended tube at the top of his cage, where he can keep an eye on the horses in the distant barn.

As the son of Delilah and Macho Man, Manolo is the first endangered species born at Panther Ridge.  He was originally going to go to the Gulf Breeze Zoo, where he was to be introduced to a totally unrelated female, thus improving thediversity of the gene pool.  However, Manolo has been and continues to be a medical challenge since his birth, and we feel that his daily medical needs are best served at Panther Ridge.  Manolo has required sophisticated eye surgery to repair entropic lids and subsequent damage to his right cornea.  In addition to his eye problems, Manolo has a chronic skin condition that requires weekly baths – so Judy gives him his Sunday morning “spa” treatment as well as daily face washing, which he tolerates like a little trooper (although sometimes it’s a toss-up who gets the bath!).  Manolo is truly our “special needs” cat.  He will not be leaving Panther Ridge because only here can we guarantee his level of care – and besides, he has earned a special place in our hearts.

See video footage and learn more about ocelots