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Search Underway For Exotic South American Cat Missing From Molino Animal Sanctuary
June 6, 2025
A Molino animal sanctuary is searching for a missing exotic cat that they believe may have been intentionally released or stolen.
Jack is not just any cat — he’s a Geoffroy’s cat, a small wild cat that is native to the southern and central regions of South America. It’s an ordinary-sized cat; Jack is about seven pounds (about the size of an ordinary cat) and does not have a tail.
“His exhibit was vandalized,” Sunset Wildlife Director Margaret Lynd said Thursday evening. “He was either taken or was purposely released.” She said the top of his exhibit definitely appeared to have been pried open.
“We likely think he was released; there is a possibility that he has been stolen and taken by wildlife traffickers,” Lynd said. “However, we mostly believe it was probably maybe local teenagers or somebody in our area how wanted to just come in and cause havoc.”
Lynd has placed traps and cameras in the area around the sanctuary, which is located at 997 Cotton Lake Road, not far from the Camp o’ the Pines on Highway 29. She’s also reported Jack’s disappearance to the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), and she’s attempted to contact U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).
She stressed that Jack is not dangerous to the public, but he may bite very forcibly if someone tries to capture him. The best thing, she said, is to report a sighting of Jack to Sunset Wildlife Connection at (850) 490-6917 or call the ECSO at (850) 436-9620, or FWC at (850) 488-4647.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Comments
10 Responses to “Search Underway For Exotic South American Cat Missing From Molino Animal Sanctuary”
REGARDING:
“Start cutting hands off from people who burglarize or steal someone else’s property.”
Let’s not. We aren’t of Islamic culture yet.
Punish them, yes. Despoil their bodies? No.
Too many chances for error and irrevocable nature of the punishment involved.
Higher taxes — say ten percent on top of existing –.punish longer and repay costs. Just a thought.
@Johnny – advocating for someone to have their hands cut off is just plain stupid. You want to support them on the welfare plan for the rest of their lives? It isn’t like they skinned the animal and left the pelt to dry. They pried to top of its cage open – not vandalize the entire compound. Try to stop over reacting and control your emotions.
@SAM, 30 days in jail? What is wrong with you? If people broke in..vandalized the cage..intentionally let the cat out…they need a lot more than 30 days in jail.
Start cutting hands off from people who burglarize or steal someone else’s property.
30 days for breaking into someone’s residence or employment….you need to wake up.
There is an Exotic Pet Store in Pensacola. Contact them and ask if they will keep an eye out for someone wanting to sell Jack.
Poor little guy
I hope he makes it back safe! That’s so scary that someone could have just released or stolen him. I would put up so many alarms and cameras around the enclosures.
Very pretty cat.
I pray that Jack is found and returned unharmed. As for the individuals responsible for his release, if they are found guilty, I hope they get 30 days in jail fiollowed by a years community service at the animal reserve.
I would put several large live traps around his cage with dfood.
Prayers he is found safe! Beautiful baby! I sure hope Noone harmed him!
Pray that Jack is found soon! I’ve seen you with him and know how much you love him and he loves you as well!