Feline Conservation Federation
Encyclopedia
The Feline Conservation Federation (FCF) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization
based in the United States dedicated to the preservation, protection, and propagation of all species of wild felines. The members are a wide range of exotic cat enthusiasts such as professional breeders, educators, sanctuary and zoo
owners, and individual "pet" owners, although ownership of an exotic feline is not required for membership.
in 1956 by Catherine Cisin. In 1979, the organization was incorporated as "LIOC - Endangered Species Conservation Federation." By 2002, the organization changed its name to the present "Feline Conservation Federation". A group of members split off, and re-formed the "Long Island Ocelot Club
", a completely separate organization mostly focused on the smaller species.
Primarily focused on captive breeding to protect against extinction
, the Feline Conservation Federation has developed a Feline Facility Accreditation program. In response to the issues that surround big cats, the FCF board of directors
approved a Policy on Big Cats that discourages ownership by novices and those lacking proper facilities, knowledge and resources.
Concern for wild cats extends beyond those in captivity and the Feline Conservation Federation awards grants for research and conservation of felines in the wild.
This course was professionally developed in accordance with a nationally recognized standard for technical training known as the Systematic Approach to Training (SAT). The course is an instructor led, multi-media presentation, with an 83-page student text, workshops, and final exam. Students who pass the exam receive a decorative certificate denoting successful completion of the course.
Topics covered include:
Non-profit organization
Nonprofit organization is neither a legal nor technical definition but generally refers to an organization that uses surplus revenues to achieve its goals, rather than distributing them as profit or dividends...
based in the United States dedicated to the preservation, protection, and propagation of all species of wild felines. The members are a wide range of exotic cat enthusiasts such as professional breeders, educators, sanctuary and zoo
Zoo
A zoological garden, zoological park, menagerie, or zoo is a facility in which animals are confined within enclosures, displayed to the public, and in which they may also be bred....
owners, and individual "pet" owners, although ownership of an exotic feline is not required for membership.
History
The history of the FCF originates with the founding of the Long Island Ocelot ClubLong Island Ocelot Club
The Long Island Ocelot Club is an organization that promotes lawful ownership and responsible management of non-domestic felines in the private sector with special emphasis on the smaller species such as ocelot, serval, bobcat, lynx, and caracal....
in 1956 by Catherine Cisin. In 1979, the organization was incorporated as "LIOC - Endangered Species Conservation Federation." By 2002, the organization changed its name to the present "Feline Conservation Federation". A group of members split off, and re-formed the "Long Island Ocelot Club
Long Island Ocelot Club
The Long Island Ocelot Club is an organization that promotes lawful ownership and responsible management of non-domestic felines in the private sector with special emphasis on the smaller species such as ocelot, serval, bobcat, lynx, and caracal....
", a completely separate organization mostly focused on the smaller species.
Communication and activities
The Feline Conservation Federation publishes a bi-monthly magazine, hosts a private Yahoo chat list and web site. An annual convention is offered in July and locations are rotated around the country (USA).Primarily focused on captive breeding to protect against extinction
Extinction
In biology and ecology, extinction is the end of an organism or of a group of organisms , normally a species. The moment of extinction is generally considered to be the death of the last individual of the species, although the capacity to breed and recover may have been lost before this point...
, the Feline Conservation Federation has developed a Feline Facility Accreditation program. In response to the issues that surround big cats, the FCF board of directors
Board of directors
A board of directors is a body of elected or appointed members who jointly oversee the activities of a company or organization. Other names include board of governors, board of managers, board of regents, board of trustees, and board of visitors...
approved a Policy on Big Cats that discourages ownership by novices and those lacking proper facilities, knowledge and resources.
Concern for wild cats extends beyond those in captivity and the Feline Conservation Federation awards grants for research and conservation of felines in the wild.
Wild Feline Husbandry Course
The Feline Conservation Federation teaches a Wild Feline Husbandry Course. This 8-hour course focuses on responsible captive husbandry of wild felines. It is suitable for both novices and "old hands" who want to improve their level of knowledge. State G & F officials and USDA Animal Care Inspectors have attended this course giving FCF favorable reviews from both agencies.This course was professionally developed in accordance with a nationally recognized standard for technical training known as the Systematic Approach to Training (SAT). The course is an instructor led, multi-media presentation, with an 83-page student text, workshops, and final exam. Students who pass the exam receive a decorative certificate denoting successful completion of the course.
Topics covered include:
- Natural History of Wild Felines
- Regulatory Agencies & Permits
- Facility Design
- Handling Equipment
- Diet / Nutrition
- Health Care Basics
- Disposition & Handling
- Behavior Conditioning