Frequently Asked Questions for Volunteer Test

WHERE DO THE ANIMALS COME FROM?

Private individuals, government agencies, zoos, and other refuge organizations. Once an animal comes to live at T&D’s, it has a home at T&D’s for life. T&D’s opened for the public in 1990.

HOW DO PRIVATE INDIVIDUALS GET THESE ANIMALS?

Each state has different laws regarding private ownership of exotic animals. Most states are now requiring people to have experience/education with the species before issuing the person a permit. Still in some states anyone can own these animals without the proper training. There are exotic animal auctions and breeders that will sell these animals. PA now requires experience before anyone is allowed to own an exotic animal.

WHAT PERMITS DOES T&D’S HAVE?

State and federal license to house and exhibit the animals. Both permits need to be renewed each year and both governments inspect our facility several times a year.

WHAT DO THE ANIMALS EAT?

12,000 pounds of meat each and every month! This is like eating 10-12 cows every month! Farmers donate cows, calves, or horses that have died from natural deaths. Road-killed deer are donated by the game commission and Penn Dot. However, even with this help, chicken and/or beef is purchased for the animals. The carcass diet is nutritional and provides enrichment for the animals. No animals are fed alive. The public may bring freezer burnt meat and vegetables as long as they call us before dropping it off.

 HOW IS T&D’S FUNDED?

Local, state, or federal governments do not fund the animals. T&D’s is not funded by any business or organization. Terry’s pension goes directly into the care for the animals.  His children, who care for the animals full-time, and his wife have other incomes.Donations are less than $200.00 per month. Admission fees help, but do not provide enough funding. Inform the visitors about the Adopt-An-Animal program, Adopt-A-Pole, donating lumber, money, etc.

 ARE THE ANIMALS TAME/DO YOU PLAY WITH THEM?

Wild animals will never be tame. A better word is "imprinted". An imprinted animal is not afraid of humans and may rely on humans for food/water/care, but they are still wild animals...you can never trust them. T&D’s owners can carefully touch the large cats through the fence. They do NOT go into the pens with the cougars, tigers, lions, leopards or bears. These animals could kill someone just in playing. The animals do not realize their strength. Some of the animals were declawed and/or teeth have been removed prior to arriving at T&D’s. We do not recommend such practices. They are still wild animals.

VETERINARIAN CARE?

Veterinarians need special training to care for exotic animals. Our veterinarians are in State College and Lewisburg. The owners also consult with other zoo veterinarians.

Last updated 2/06

We can not continue our efforts without help from the public. The animals need generous
people,like you, to help provide food, large enclosures, enrichment, and veterinarian care.

Copyright © 2006 T&D's Cats of the World. All rights reserved.