Boozen with the big cats
Back in August of 2021, I wrote an article about the Wisconsin Big Cat Rescue and Educational Center, located in Rock Springs, Wisconsin, 20 minutes Southwest of Wisconsin Dells. For those that may have not read the article, let’s give you a short introduction to this amazing place.
Jeff and Jenny Kozlowski founded the rescue in 2006. Knowing it would be a lot of hard work and take unrelenting dedication, both noted they are happy making a difference in their cats’ lives- lives that would certainly have ended in euthanasia.
According to their website, the mission of Wisconsin Big Cat Rescue is to provide a safe place and a comfortable home for abused, neglected, and unwanted big cats, and to educate the public about these extraordinary animals, and the actions that necessitate the need for a Wisconsin Big Cat Rescue & Educational Center.
The rescue and center, a non-profit organization for large predatory cats such as lions, tigers, and leopards, depends on donations and volunteers to provide a safe and healthy home to live out the rest of their lives in peace. Holding events has always been paramount in their fundraising efforts to ensure the organization’s future. One of those annual fundraisers is called “Boozen with the big cats”.
The fundraiser the Kozlowski’s started a few years ago has become quite popular, drawing locals, people from all over Wisconsin and surrounding states. Although, the Kozlowski’s had to postpone the event during the pandemic. “We ended up not doing it 2020 because of the pandemic, and then in 2021 we did it once. Then in 2022, we held it in May, and again in September. This year, again, we're doing two. We're holding another one September 9th,” said co-founder Jenny.
Boozen with the big cats is not only one of the center’s largest sources of fundraising, but the event supports local businesses that come to showcase their beer, spirits and food. Guests purchase tickets for $50 and in return get to sample a variety of beer, wine, and spirits. Food was also available for purchase from Sissy’s Catering and Los Sombreros Grill.
The event was highlighted by a short birthday celebration for one of the female tigers named Daytona. With the tigress turning 13, Jenny said now they have another teenager to deal with. Jenny and Jeff provided Daytona with her own special birthday cake, complete with raw chicken legs stuck in like candles. After Jenny brought the cake into Daytona’s enclosure (while Daytona was kept in a holding cage), Daytona sauntered over to her cake, took a few sniffs, and went to lay down. I like to think she was savoring the moment and saving her cake to enjoy after the event.
Roger and Vicky Degrand of Adams, Wisconsin and their friends Johnny and Lori Taylor from Darien, Wisconsin, came out to support the rescue and center to enjoy Boozen with the big cats. “I think it's fantastic that they're able to rescue animals that are in distress. That's very nice to see, that somebody cares,” said Roger. Vicky added, “I totally agree. I mean, if there's something that we can do as visitors, it's great. It's a wonderful thing.” Johnny and Lori see it as a win-win situation. “The event raises money to care for the cats, and local businesses benefit too,” Lori said.
Jeff and Jenny’s organization is going strong no doubt, but Jenny stressed they still have daily needs they need help in meeting to properly care for their cats. When asked about what they need the most, she replied, “I would say meat donations. I mean, we used to have some good contracts where we got meat for a cheaper price. We don't anymore ever since the pandemic. So, we have been having to buy it at full price, the same price that anyone would pay for their meat. We don't get a discount on it. So, if you're cleaning out your freezers, anything like that, definitely keep us in mind. They'll basically eat any type of raw meat.” She also shared that they have a huge need for rubber or latex gloves that are used daily in meat preparation and cleaning around the facility. Those that make a scheduled drop off Jenny said, are welcome to view the cats.
These beautiful animals never asked to be born, never the less, they are here. They too deserve respect and the freedom to live the best life they can be afforded. The Kozlowskis strive for just that, every day.
To make a monetary, meat, or supply donation, or if you are interested in volunteering at the rescue, contact the Wisconsin Big Cat Rescue and Educational Center via email, or call them at (608) 524-LION (5466).
Businesses that participated in the event (click on the name to visit their web sites): Fawn Creek Winery, Driftless Glen Distillery, Narrow Creek Winery, Al Ringling Brewery, Tumbled Rock Brewery, Broken Bottle Winery, Baraboo Bluff Winery, Dells Distillery, Drumlin Ridge Winery, Bevy Brewery, Prairie Hawk Winery, Hillsboro Brewing Company, Balanced Rock Winery, Moosejaw Pizza and Dells Brewing Company, Northfork fin and filet, Mead King Meadery, Sissy’s Catering, Los Sombreros Grill, and Window Depot USA.
