PUMARAMA Conservation Center
Celebrating Cougars
America's Greatest Cat
Leah Aufill with Zinnia
Bobby Aufill (ah-FILL) of Perkins, Oklahoma, has devoted himself to exotic cats for over 50 years. His wife Leah, was "chosen" by the cats in 2004 when the Aufills acquired their first cougar, Zinnia. Since then two more cougars, abused and confiscated by the state and headed for euthanasia, have joined the family.
They chose us: The Aufills have founded The Pumarama Conservation Center as a sanctuary and educational center. Building began in 2006. "We have met many people who are eager to learn about the cougars," says Leah, "and they are amazed to see their beauty and grace. They're surprised that the cougars are nothing like the negative image people have of the big cats and the ways they are portrayed in the media." You can help create a more positive image and a more respectful relationship with America's Greatest Cat by supporting The Pumarama Conservation Center. Please donate now: Magical Child Foundation
Cougar Crisis Members of the cat family, or Felids, worldwide include 37 species, 2/3 of which are endangered over all or part of their native range. While the main cause for an endangered species is habitat reduction, other contributing factors include hunting and trapping, killing for the protection of humans and livestock, and the introduction of disease. Therefore, these top carnivores of the food chain are slipping into a hairy predicament. Cougars are now "extirpated," meaning that they are no longer found in a portion of their historical range. At one time cougars ranged through the entire western hemisphere, but as we continue taking away their home and food source throughout North and South America, three subspecies are now endangered. The relationship between humans and these predators is complex. Our pattern over the last 200+ years has been to kill them all and we have done a great job. However, the ecological balance in nature is damaged by this simple approach. "Considered an 'umbrella' or 'keystone' species, the cougar's presence measures the health of the ecosystem where it exists. Since the cougar lives at the top of the food chain, all animals beneath them must be present for their survival. The presence of the cougar represents an intact ecosystem that is healthy and replete with all species upon which the cougar and its prey need to survive. Wherever there is cougar, there exists the essence of the wild." -- Cougarfund.org In Oklahoma we are the home of various wildlife species that work together for ecological balance. Visualize the cougar chasing a deer or buffalo whose hooves break the soil surface, which allows seeds to germinate, which feeds soil microorganisms that feed our plants, which in turn feed the mice and rabbits who are hunted by the eagle, fox, wolf, coyote, etc. Zoos and Sanctuaries While zoos historically have helped with education, research and conservation of many species, they have pressure to display animals that attract visitors and they have limited cage space. For these reasons, teamwork between private owners and zoos has increased over the years, which is one answer to making more progress in helping Felids worldwide. We have the rich opportunity to be filled with the wonder of nature. What part of nature’s wonderment have you let touch your heart? Once we made the decision to buy Zinnia in August 2004, we have not looked back. 405-880-7645 The winner of SPIRIT OF THE MOUNTAINS on July 31, 2208 was Mrs. Frank Lyons. We thank all who participated in our first annual fundraiser |
Cougar
Also known as the Puma, Mountain Lion, Ghost Cat, Panther, Catamount and Painter. The kittens are called cubs. Weight: Up to 200 lbs
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