Everyone invited to Bobby’s Birthday Bash at Wildworks

The Nature of Wildworks Care Center in Coarsegold is celebrating one of its most esteemed residents as Bobby the Bobcat turns 20 — and the public is invited to attend his party.

Bobby’s Birthday Bash is set for Sunday, April 19 from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. at the animal sanctuary located at 32115 Road 416.

Which begs the question: What does a mature, handsome, friendly bobcat want for his 20th?

Bobby’s story

Bobby’s spokesperson is Mollie Hogan, founder of The Nature of Wildworks. It’s a nonprofit dedicated to the lifetime care of non-releasable wild animals including mountain lion, fox, owl and many other birds, reptiles and mammals mostly native to the environment — like Bobby.

“Bobby loves people but not other animals,” Hogan explained. “He was raised as a pet and handled a lot.”

Bred at a fur farm to become a fur coat, sweet boy Bobby instead became a cherished house pet. He loved to ride in cars and was living with cats and dogs in the home until he was seen by a passerby and reported to animal control.

That was in 2008 when Bobby was two years old. He was transported to a shelter and Hogan was called to re-home him. But, said the experienced wild animal advocate, she brought him into her bustling brood because he was so cute and affectionate.

Hogan said Bobby’s previous family took very good care of him except for one thing: he was declawed.

“In the process, not only were the claws removed but the tips of the paws as well, making it impossible for him to climb and very uncomfortable to jump or walk very far,” Hogan shared.

Now, at 20, Bobby loves not only people but a good meal of raw chicken and Fancy Feast cat food. He basks in the sun and looks forward to treats of whole prey like dead rats, mice, chickens and — especially — quail.

He doesn’t care for ground beef but enjoys a good steak and other raw meats.

“Bobby continues to play an important role at Wildworks, educating people about why animals should not be turned into fur coats and why wild animals do not make good pets,” Hogan said.

“He also gives the important message of why you should not declaw any cats including your house cats.”

According to the Smithsonian, the average lifespan for a bobcat in the wild is around 10-12 years but in captivity they can live significantly longer — even more than 30 years.

Bobby’s in good shape for a guy of his seasoning. He receives the medications Solensia for controlling osteoarthritis and Gabapentin for the nerve pain in his feet.

The wildcat enjoys cozy blankets, straw bedding, a good ear scratch and wagon rides. He sometimes goes for short walks on a leash. His roomy enclosure at Wildworks is equipped for comfort including a ramp up to a sleeping shelf.

The plan for Bobby’s birthday party is to have everyone be able to visit in his enclosure, depending on how many people attend.

Also on tap for the big day is cake, of course, for both Bobby and his guests — though the ingredients will be vastly different between the two.

The Nature of Wildworks is home to a multitude of creatures and offers programs onsite and offsite, along with scheduled tours and other events. Donations and volunteers are appreciated.

For more information and tickets to Bobby’s Birthday Bash, visit www.natureofwildworks.com