11/03/2026
T’challa, our beloved non-releasable bobcat, is missing.
I need to be honest with everyone: this is my fault. I was stressed and sick, and I didn’t see how close he was to the gate when I went to feed him, and he must have slipped past me while I was entering his pen. It took me a moment to realize he wasn’t in his pen, and then I saw him jump over the perimeter fence. It has a hot wire specifically meant to prevent him from actually leaving the property in the event of an escape, but, despite getting popped, he kept going.
Escapes from sanctuaries, nature centers, and even AZA-accredited zoos are common, but that doesn’t mean this is normal or acceptable. I am responsible for what happened, and I will carry that responsibility regardless of the outcome. I know how much T’challa means to the people who know him. He is a special animal and I love him more than I knew it was possible to love any animal. I know the fear and concern and anger this news will cause because I feel it myself. I am deeply sorry.
We are doing everything we can to find him and bring him back safely. We have traps and cameras looking for him, and his pen has been set as a missy trap so he will be recaptured if he comes back to his pen. We do not need assistance in capturing him.
I know people will have questions, and I understand that people will be angry, but please don’t contact us except if you have information about a sighting. I am beyond panicked and deeply ashamed and I am struggling on a level I can’t even describe. I’m in no position to chat on the phone or give media interviews right now.
If you are in the East Brainerd area, please keep an eye out and report any sightings of a bobcat to [email protected], especially if you have photos.
Please do not chase, corner, or attempt to capture him. He is tame but may panic and scratch if handled by a stranger. He is not a danger to humans or pets.
T’challa could never even begin to imagine how loved he is, not just by me, but by all of you. I need him to make it home safe.
