While in the city of Saint Francis, patron saint of all living creatures, I discovered my passion for one of the most beautiful cats on the planet - The Ocelot. I, Loreon Vigne, have been working with Ocelots since the mid-1960’s and have created a vibrant family tree of Ocelots. To my knowledge I am the only one at this time to have bred a seventh generation domestic born Ocelot, and it is my hope to continue to create more of this highly endangered feline species of North America for future generations to enjoy.

There are some that believe that Ocelots should stay purely in the wild to live or to die. Commonly held knowledge shows the difficulties that this amazing species faces in the wild - Poachers who hunt them for their beautiful fur, although it is an illegal practice, and the deforestation of their habitats.

Therefore I believe that a population of Ocelots kept in captivity is the only way to ensure their continued survival, for in ten years there may no longer be any Ocelots left in the wild in North America.

Although there is a program sponsored by our federal government to keep and maintain the last pocket of Ocelots in North America - Lower South Texas, it seems doomed to failure as the Ocelots are victims of roadkill and farmers who shoot them out of fear that they may attack their livestock.

is to ensure the public knows about the plight of the Ocelot and to peak their interest through safe interactions with living Ocelots.

Zoos traditionally keep the larger well known felines like Lions, Tigers, and Cheetahs for public viewing and tend to neglect the smaller wild feline species. Private sanctuaries shoulder the burden of keeping these rare and exotic cats for the public to see as well as educating them on their

Twice the size of the average house cat, the ocelot is a sleek animal with a gorgeous dappled coat. These largely nocturnal cats use keen sight and hearing to hunt rabbits, rodents, iguanas, fish, and frogs. They also take to the trees and stalk monkeys or birds. Unlike many cats, they do not avoid water and can swim well.

Like other cats, ocelots are adapted for eating meat. They have pointed fangs used to deliver a killing bite, and sharp back teeth that can tear food like scissors. Ocelots do not have teeth appropriate for chewing, so they tear their food to pieces and swallow it whole. Their raspy tongues can clean a bone of every last tasty morsel.

Many ocelots live under the leafy canopies of South American rain forests, but they also inhabit brushlands and can be found as far north as Texas. These cats can adapt to human habitats and are sometimes found in the vicinity of villages or other settlements.

Ocelots' fine fur has made them the target of countless hunters, and in many areas they are quite rare, including Texas. Ocelots are protected in the United States and most other countries where they live.

In addition to Ocelots, there are 3 other species of cats in the sanctuary, Servals (right and bottom left), jungle cats (left), and bobcats (bottom left)