Bobcats - East
You are now visiting another bobcat habitat, home to Oakley and Ricky.
Like people, every bobcat has its own personality, habits, and story. These two residents each arrived at Cat Tales under very different circumstances.
Oakley was born with bowed front legs, which inspired her name after the famous sharpshooter Annie Oakley. As a young bobcat, she later lost one of her eyes due to an injury, earning her the nickname “pirate cat.” Despite her physical challenges, Oakley remains fast, playful, and full of personality.
One of Oakley’s favorite comforts is her stuffed teddy bear known as “Bear Bear,” which arrived with her and continues to be part of her daily routine for naps and quiet time.
Nearby is Ricky, whose story began with tragedy but ultimately led to a second chance. After losing his family as a kitten, Ricky passed through several hands before eventually being placed with a wildlife rehabilitator in Oklahoma. Because Ricky is cross-eyed, he struggled to track and catch prey accurately enough to survive in the wild and was eventually considered non-releasable.
Through cooperation within the zoological community, Cat Tales agreed to provide Ricky with a permanent home, and he arrived here in 2024. His full name, Ricky Wild Thing Vaughn, comes from a character in the movie Major League.
Although Ricky’s vision affects some of his depth perception, it has not slowed his curiosity, intelligence, or personality. Like many bobcats, he remains alert, playful, and deeply aware of his environment.
Take a moment to compare the personalities and behavior of the bobcats you have seen today. Even within the same species, every animal responds to the world in its own unique way.
As you continue around the sanctuary loop, you will soon arrive at the serval habitat.