‘Does not have the skills needed to survive on his own:’ Local zoo owners continue bobcat search
Posted Jun 9, 2021 11:48:00 AM.
The owners of an animal sanctuary near Kemptville say they are overwhelmed by support and efforts from the public in locating their missing bobcat.
The cat, named Brett Cody, went missing from Saunders Country Critter Zoo on Friday, June 4.
The owners believe the bobcat was let out of his cage and was not taken.
On Facebook, they said their staff have driven hundred of kilometres from one potential sighting to another to no avail, but are asking residents to keep their eyes open and check their outbuildings and barns.
“We have also had offers from people to come out with flashlights and help look. This is his home and has been his safe spot and we’d like to keep it that way without many strangers walking around with lights so if he is near he will feel safe enough to come back,” said the post.
They're also asking anyone who may hear a strange sound to record it and send it to Saunders Country Critter Zoo and Sanctuary at saunderscountry@gmail.com.
Sanctuary officials say Brett Cody was hand-raised and formerly kept as a pet so he doesn't have the skills needed to survive on his own.
“Normal wild bobcats, which do also live in Southern Ontario, have a home range of about 5.2 km and may occasionally travel distances of up to 11 km in a night. Brett Cody does not have the physical fitness or the stamina of a wild bobcat — he will tire easier with activity and is less likely to travel those distances unless being chased by something,” said Saunders Country Critter Zoo.
The sanctuary is offering a reward for the safe return of bobcat Brett Cody and for any information that leads to the conviction of the person(s) responsible, if foul play is discovered.
Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact Ontario Provincial Police Officer Scott Carrigan or any other officer with the Kemptville Ontario Provincial Police at 613-258-3441.
