Frankie
Male Bobcat
DOB appx. 1/1/06
Date of Arrival at Big Cat Rescue 6/14/18
Date of Death 11/22/2023
When the Busch Wildlife Sanctuary in Jupiter, Florida asked Big Cat Rescue to rehab Lucky and Clover in February 2018, and give a permanent home to Hutch the serval, I (Carole Baskin) noticed an old bobcat in the cage next to Hutch. I asked if I could take him too. Keepers said he was much too old to make the trip to Tampa and estimated he was 18-20 years old. I did my best to talk them into letting him go with me, but they stood firm.
On the way down to pick up Echo, another rehab bobcat kitten, on June 14, 2018, I asked again if I could bring the old bobcat home to Big Cat Rescue. Timing was on our side this time because they had tried putting him out in their display area, but all he did was pace. They said he really wanted to get at another male cat they had on display and he just couldn't settle down. Apparently he'd managed to get into it with a neighbor, and I don't know the details, but this time I guess they figured if he was that feisty, he'd survive the trip to Tampa.
His name is Frankie and they said he was only about 12 and had a similar story to Hutch, in that he'd been a relinquished pet, who had just ended up staying at the sanctuary, even though he was off mission for a place that is dedicated primarily to rehab and release.
Frankie moved into Cheetaro Leopard's old enclosure, which had been made bobcat proof for Running Bear and Little White Dove. Running Bear and Little White Dove had moved into a huge quadraplex, so this duplex was left vacant. I think Frankie will breathe some new life into this quiet corner of the sanctuary.
January 30, 2019
Frankie the bobcat, one of our newer residents, got a routine exam and was neutered yesterday. He is in good health and was vaccinated and microchipped. Bad news is he has some dental work in his near future.
May 18, 2019 Frankie sees the dentist
See the photo album at https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=oa.477548289649883&type=3
Frankie Bobcat sees the dentist
Update May 18, 2019 - Root Canals
Frankie Bobcat received root canals by Dr. Wade Gingerich and Dr. Justin Boorstein. Frankie Bobcat's weight today is 23.2 pounds. Dr. Gingerich said that little Frankie Bobcat's 3 root canals would have been $3,000.
March 11, 2020
The many faces of Frankie bobcat
November 18, 2020
Sweet little Frankie bobcat was noticed to be limping and had a cut on his foot so he will spend some time on cage rest in the recovery hospital.
July 3, 2021
Frankie keeping his paws dry. ~photo keeper Bree
December 29, 2021
Frankie bobcat on Funcation!
January 13, 2022
Frankie got pretty darn close to enjoying his first big enrichment!!!
June 13, 2022
I know legend has it that there is a pot of gold at the end of a rainbow. I don't know about that but I do have proof that at the end of colorful Sun Ray's there is a golden Bobcat 
( It was a beautiful sight that day to walk upon Frankie laying right in the Sun Ray's coming down in his enclosure). I'll take a golden Bobcat over a pot of gold any day! 
December 19, 2022
Frankie on Funcation!
January 12, 2023
Jamie Veronica~
Frankie getting crazy for a stick sprayed with perfume lol 
September 19, 2023
Our hearts are heavy today as we share some challenging news about our beloved Frankie Bobcat. Frankie is experiencing some tough times navigating his living space, showing signs of a severe head tilt. Our first thoughts go to neurological issues that could be affecting his well-being.
We've moved Frankie to a special recovery cabana, a cozy and quiet place where our medical team can observe him closely. Our dedicated vet, Dr. Justin Boorstein, has started him on medications aimed to stabilize his condition, and will be vigilantly monitoring his progress. We've also noticed Frankie stumbling, and it's evident he may be facing vision problems.
Frankie isn't just a bobcat to us; he's a part of our Big Cat Rescuers family, and it's hard to see one of our own go through this. We promise to do everything in our power to help him recover, leaning on the expertise of our vets and staff.
November 22, 2023
Dear Friends of Frankie the bobcat,
It is with extremely heavy hearts that we inform you our beloved Frankie Bobcat has passed away. After suffering a rapid decline in health over the past few months, including seizures that progressively worsened, we made the difficult decision to humanely euthanize him today to prevent further suffering.
As many of you know, Frankie's health issues first arose in September when he developed a severe head tilt and trouble navigating his enclosure, indicating possible neurological problems. Our medical team led by Dr. Justin Boorstein immediately began supportive treatment and close observation. Although he stabilized briefly, Frankie continued to deteriorate over the following months and his heart murmur became more pronounced.
Despite our best efforts and constant care, Frankie's condition was not reversible. After apparently suffering a very bad seizure, followed by several smaller ones today, and being found mostly unresponsive at feeding time this morning and with his quality of life rapidly declining and seizures causing him more distress, we decided the compassionate choice was to let him go peacefully.
He was a cherished member of our rescue family for many years.
We find comfort knowing Frankie spent his final days surrounded by people who loved him. Your support and well wishes these last few months have meant so much. Please keep Frankie and our staff, especially our vet team, in your thoughts.
His spirit touched us all and will be greatly missed. Thank you to whoever it was the captured this poignant photo of Frankie.
Today our hearts are full of sorrow, but also of gratitude for his time with us and your love for him.
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