How We Began

Shelleen Mathews, Director

Like most facilities such as the Wild Felid Advocacy Center it started with one animal.  In my case it was 'Demetreus'  - a male bobcat - who came to live with me in 1971.  Being a cat lover, I had a passion to share my life with a bobcat.  When he arrived he was a six week old kitten on a bottle.  Over the years he taught me many things about what it means to be a bobcat and what he needed to be healthy and happy.

And, over the years many other wild felines (from lions down to tiny Gordon's Cats) found a home with me when their previous home (private owner, facility or zoo) needed to place them.  My passion for each one's diginity and being gave me no choice!

It is no different today.  Each one is special and has a need for a safe and comfortable place to live out its life peacefully. Contrary to a common belief, captive wild felines can not be released into the wild.  They are not equipped to survive in that setting.

At the Wild Felid Advocacy Center of Washington each one can serve as an ambassador for their wild cousins and provide valuable education that will protect their right to exist in this world. 

The Wild Felid Advocacy Center of Washington is run by a Board of Directors (totally volunteer) and has an active Volunteer Program to assist in most phases of our operation. 

WFAC is all 'about' the cats! 

 Photo by: Sebastian Keijmel

To See Us Is To Love Us!

The magnificent cat above is a Pallas Cat.  It is native to central Asia.  

The Wild Felid Advocacy Center is dedicated to the survival of this and all other species of wild cats.  There are many species the average person does not even know exist.  Nor do they know that these cats' very survival is in peril throughout the world.  The Wild Felid Advocacy Center hopes that by introducing you to them (through our various educational programs) that you will want to help in their protection and the vital roles they play in nature.

We hope that touring our website will inspire you will take up the cause!  We invite you to visit us, become a volunteer at the Center or have us present an educational program to your school/group. 

Purrs to you!

 Cheetah - Africa