Mark with Raja and Job	Tina with Hope and Charity

Between December 1997 and March 1998 seven cats were entrusted to the care of an animal facility in Missouri. These cats were transferred with the promise that they would reside in a peaceful and secure environment. The owner of the facility assured the staff of the Last Hope Animal Preserve that her only interest was the well being of exotic large cats.

In the Fall of 1997 the staff at the Last Hope Animal Preserve (LHAP) was in the process of habitat reconstruction and decided that it was in the best interest of the cats that several of them be transferred to another facility. LHAP searched for a facility that shared similar objectives and concerns for the welfare of large exotic cats that were held by the staff of LHAP. After much research a facility was found in Missouri that claimed the same views on animal care. After extensive phone conversations and written correspondence, LHAP decided that the Missouri facility provided a viable solution to its temporary problem of large cat housing during habitat reconstruction.

In December of 1997 two female tigers, Hope and Charity, and one young lioness, Faith were received by the Missouri facility. All went and seemed well. One month after the transfer, two LHAP staff members paid a surprise visit to the Missouri facility and to their satisfaction found the three cats healthy and in good condition. This encouraging report led to the transfer of three additional male lions, Raja, Job, and Daniel. Daniel had at one time been very ill. The staff of LHAP worked continually with Daniel and restored him to his original healthy condition. Daniel's cost of recuperation was approximately $15,000, all of which was paid for by donations by private individuals. Daniel was restored to nearly perfect health at the time of his transfer to the Missouri facility.

Approximately three days after the three male lions had been transferred, an additional female lioness, Shala, was delivered to the Missouri facility. Initially all seemed well. After approximately one month, several LHAP members expressed an interest in visiting the cats to witness their progress. Repeated attempts to visit the seven cats were denied by the Missouri facility for various, seemingly legitimate, reasons. The usual excuse was a claimed second site that was currently inaccessible. After numerous attempts over several months were continually denied, the staff at LHAP became suspicious and concerned about the well being of the seven cats.

These concerns materialized into dread fear when an ad in the Animal Finder's Guide expressed an interest in unwanted and homeless exotic large cats. The staff at LHAP immediately recognized that the number was the one and the same as the Missouri facility! The LHAP staff began investigating. After Freedom of Information requests and USDA reports were requested, it was found that there was no second site, nor were these animals found on the initial site. Sadly, the remains of two lion carcasses were found in a burn heap, with the incredulous story that these two gentle lions fought to the death! Most of the evidence gathered seemed to suggest that the remainder of the cats went to either taxidermists, hunts clubs, or breeding facilities for the express purpose of further exploitation of these species.

As saddening and disheartening as this story is, it has not distracted LHAP from its mission. On the contrary it has strengthened our resolve to fulfill our mission and rescue these animals from further exploitation and abuse.

Shala	Mark with Faith

Action was finally taken in response to this heinous crime.  Read the Lost 7 Follow-up for details of the actions taken by the USDA on behalf of the Lost Seven.  While the penalty was relatively light in regards to the offense, we are glad that an effort was made to keep this tragedy from occurring again.

Eulogy to the Lost Seven

A poem dedicated to five lions and two tigers who captured so many hearts and were destroyed so needlessly. In memory of Raja, Shala, Daniel, Job, Faith, Hope, and Charity.

A million times we have needed you,

A million times we've cried.

If Love alone can save you,

Then you will never die.

In life we have loved you dearly,

And even in death we love you still.

For in our hearts you all have a place,

That no others will fill.

It broke our hearts when we had to place you,

In trust we thought you'd be back home.

Never did we intend any harm,

Or to leave you all alone.

It's unbelievable to think someone could hunt you,

When you've learned to trust us so.

But please know how very much we are sorry,

If you should have to take that deadly blow.

In dedication to my precious seven, which up until now I always believed was my lucky number. May God see this poem in my heart and know my love for you. May he number the hairs on the head of the one who hurt you and prove truly "vengeance is mine saith the Lord".

All my love, Shannon