News Release
ALBION — Black Pine Animal Sanctuary is gearing up for its opening day Saturday, May 4.
Black Pine is Indiana’s only exotic animal sanctuary accredited by the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries.
Thursday, May 16, is Black Pine Animal Sanctuary night at the TinCaps, and the sanctuary will be the featured community organization of the game. Fans age 21 and older can join in the Thirsty Thursday fun with $2 domestic draft beers and other drink specials. After the game, you can line up to run the bases.
Follow this link https://fevo-enterprise.com/event/Blackpine to purchase tickets along the third baseline, because a portion of sales only through this link will be donated to Black Pine. Gates open at 5:35 p.m., and the first pitch is at 7:05 p.m. as the TinCaps take on the South Bend Cubs.
Friday, May 24, kicks off the first of the Hot Summer Nights series at the sanctuary. Sponsored by Three Rivers Federal Credit Union and Andy’s Car Wash, the theme for the evening is: There be Tigers. Guests will be able to purchase $10 general admission tickets and visit the sanctuary from 5-8 p.m. The evening will be cat themed, focusing on the resident cats big and small. This may be your only chance to get a glimpse of the nocturnal animals who call the sanctuary home. You’ll also see some new faces when you visit. Since last year, five new animals have come to Black Pine.
Whiskey (African serval)
Whiskey is a 2-year-old male African serval who became a resident in February. He was surrendered by a private owner. He was not getting along well with the other animals — a domestic cat and a Savannah cat — at his former home. The main reason for his surrender was because of his urine marking around the home, although urine marking is a normal behavior in exotic cats. Upon arrival at the sanctuary, it was discovered that Whiskey loves hiding in huts, shredding cardboard and napping by his windows. In April, he was introduced to longtime resident Josey, another African serval who is a female. They are becoming acquainted in their shared space.
Mowgli (ring-tailed lemur)
Mowgli is a 2-year-old ring-tailed lemur who was also rescued in February. He was confiscated by New Mexico Game and Fish when he was discovered being illegally kept by a private owner. He was not given a proper diet, so despite being 2 years old, he is the size of a 6- to 9-month-old lemur. Mowgli spent some time at the Albuquerque Zoo for holding until he found permanent refuge at Black Pine. He already had been quarantined and received a full medical workup, which allowed Black Pine to introduce him to the Primate House as soon as he arrived. At first, he seemed overwhelmed by all the animals and sounds in the Primate House, but he warmed up quickly and now seems to be enjoying himself. He loves food, and currently his diet has been increased to help him gain weight and muscle. Guests can often find him enjoying his outdoor space.
Marilyn and Julianne (snow macaques)
Marilyn, age 27, and Julianne, 22, are mother/daughter snow macaques who came to Black Pine from a facility that needed to rehome them. Former breeding females, they were removed from the breeding program because of their age and dominant behaviors.
Prior to their arrival at the sanctuary, their holding area was strictly inside, with only a small window for them to see outside. The prior facility did not think it provided them with a good quality of life and chose Black Pine to be their new home.
Marilyn and Julianne were quarantined and given full medical exams at the previous facility, so they, too, could be immediately introduced to the Primate House. They were given some time get used to their surroundings and then were introduced to resident Tucker.
It took a few days for them to figure out their dynamics. Tucker, who was a former “pet,” quickly learned normal primate behaviors, and the girls accepted him as part of their group. They are all protective of one another, and keepers say it has been wonderful to watch their relationships grow.
Marilyn and Julianne are still very timid but are getting more and more comfortable with their new habitat.
Susan (Savannah cat)
The newest resident at the sanctuary is Susan, an 11-year-old female Savannah cat. Susan arrived at the end of April. She was a previous ambassador animal and used for educational programs. In her previous environment, humans were in free contact with her.
Due to the increase in popularity of exotic pets, especially exotic cats, the education team of the facility wanted to change their messaging. They, like Black Pine, think that showcasing exotic pets in a “friendly” or “pet-like” manner perpetuates the myth that exotic animals make good pets. To find the best placement for Susan, they reached out to the Big Cat Sanctuary Alliance, which then reached out to Black Pine.
Susan is very food-motivated. She loves stuffed animals and to shred cardboard and paper, especially when her food is hidden inside. Susan is currently in quarantine for a few more weeks.
Thanks to donors’ support, Black Pine Animal Sanctuary is able to rescue animals like Whiskey, Mowgli, Marilyn, Julianne and Susan and provide them sanctuary for the “Rest of their lives.”
