There once was a "backyard zoo" in Moulton, AL. It was run by the owner of a house who forced beautiful exotic animals to live in terrible conditions. The zoo operated with a USDA license up until 2006 when it was revoked, after which there was no government oversight. At the time, Alabama had no laws regulating the private possession of wild animals. By 2014, conditions were so deplorable that the county revoked the owner's contract and the Big Cat Rescue group went in to save the animals. When the team of heroes saw Mickey the Cougar, they didn't think he'd make it out alive.
Who could do this to such a magnificent creature?! Both of Mickey's back knees suffered from torn ligaments. When he walked, the bones would roll and slip. The staff says it was painful to even look at him. 11-year-old Mickey was also underweight, malnourished, and lost nearly all of his muscle mass, but Big Cat Rescue took a risk and made the difficult decision to sedate Mickey and properly evaluate the damage.
At first, the team feared euthanasia was the only way to ease the cat's suffering, but the determined vets wanted to do everything in their power to give Mickey a second chance at life. They tailored special surgeries for both of Mickey's back legs, using artificial ligaments to stabilize his knees and helping him learn to walk again through physical therapy. It was a long, painful and exhausting process, but Mickey's legs are now healing.
Note: This video contains content that may be disturbing for some viewers.
The video below, narrated by Dr. Boorstein, reveals how this miracle cat is able to get around on his own, and is finally living a happy, pampered life. What a brave, beautiful boy. If you agree, please SHARE Mickey's inspiring story with your friends on Facebook!
A horrific "backyard zoo" operated in Alabama until its USDA license was revoked. The owner forced a group of beautiful exotic animals to live in terrible conditions. By 2014, conditions were so deplorable that the county revoked the owner's contract and the Big Cat Rescue group went in to save the animals. They were shocked by what they found.
This is Mickey, just one of the many animals struggling to survive in this backyard zoo. Mickey was 11 years old when he was finally saved by Big Cat Rescue in Tampa, FL. He hadn't had medical care in many years, despite the fact he needed it desperately.
Mickey had been neglected to the point that both of his knees deteriorated, leaving him unable to walk without pain. He was also underweight, malnourished, and lost nearly all of his muscle mass. His saviors feared euthanasia was the only way to ease Mickey's pain.
Ultimately, the staff members decided to do everything they could to give Mickey a second chance at life. They tailored special surgeries for both of Mickey's back legs, using artificial ligaments to stabilize his knees and helping him learn to walk again through physical therapy. They also placed him in a smaller cage to restrict his mobility while he recovered.
It was a long, painful and exhausting process, but Mickey's legs are now healing!
God bless the folks at Big Cat Rescue for giving this beautiful boy a second chance at life. We hope that by seeing his story, people will be inspired to help put a stop to these terrible "backyard" zoos that should in no way be operating.
