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(Click on photo for larger image.)

Captured tiger at McCarthy's Wildlife Sanctuary.
(FWC photo by Gabriella Ferraro)

Captured lion at McCarthy's Wildlife Sanctuary.
(FWC photo by Gabriella Ferraro)
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FWC finds missing tiger
August 20, 2008
Contact: Gabriella Ferraro, 772-215-9459
Swift response by Florida Fish and Wildlife
Conservation Commission (FWC) law enforcement and other officers
averted potential tragedy when a lion and Bengal tiger escaped
from their cage at McCarthy’s Wildlife Sanctuary in Palm Beach
County. The adult tiger and lion escaped sometime late
Tuesday or early Wednesday. Officers captured both animals by
Wednesday morning and returned them to secure cages.
McCarthy’s Wildlife Sanctuary has been operated
by Mark McCarthy as a traveling educational exhibit since the
mid-1980s. McCarthy also holds a wildlife rehabilitation permit.
The FWC last inspected the facility on Jan. 29
and found no problems, except for an unlocked venomous reptile
cage.
“The sanctuary has a good record with the FWC,”
said Capt. John West, FWC’s captive wildlife coordinator. “They
have met caging and sanitation requirements and have the
required permits.”
McCarthy’s Wildlife Sanctuary houses one lion,
six tigers, five cougars, five leopards and other cats.
Representatives from the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office and
Busch Wildlife Sanctuary also assisted in securing the tiger and
lion. The FWC is investigating how the animals escaped their
cage.
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