Willow is the daughter of Bajrami (who passed away in February 2022) and Kiko at Wingham Wildlife Park, she was bred as part of the co-ordinated breeding programme.
She arrived at The Big Cat Sanctuary in 2017 after being injured whilst in her enclosure with her two brothers. A decision was taken by the team at Wingham that having all three cubs back with mum could be hazardous as Kiko could be overly protective of Willow due to her injury and potentially harm the two male cubs.
Willow had physically recovered from her fractured front paw by the time she arrived at the Sanctuary, it was a few confidence issues and familiarisation that needed attention.
It wasn’t long before Willow’s cheeky nature but gentle nature shone through with her keeper carers. In no time at all Willow was enjoying lots of playtime.
Willow is a very content cat with the loudest purr, she really does win the heart of all who are lucky enough to get the opportunity to meet her and hear her motor-like purr. She is an excellent ambassador for her species and it is hoped that being born into the co-ordinated breeding programme that she will one day become a mother herself. This can only happen once the Sanctuary have a recommendation for her to reproduce.
