MEAD, Wash. — After more than three decades of serving families and rescuing animals in the Inland Northwest, Cat Tales Wildlife Center is at a crossroads.
The Mead-based facility, which has become a regional destination for families willing to drive hours to visit, is forming a community committee to determine whether to relocate or improve its current location.
“A lot of people that don’t like zoos like the rescue element. They like that we’re giving these animals a second chance so that they don’t get euthanized,” said Lisa Grey, executive director of Cat Tales.
The zoo operates as both a family attraction and animal rescue, housing bobcats like Oakley, who came to the facility as a cub with health issues when her original owner could no longer care for her.
“She’s our pirate bobcat. Mighty and fierce,” Grey said of Oakley.
Grey’s parents started Cat Tales in what used to be their family home. The facility wasn’t originally planned as a zoo but evolved into its current form over the years.
For families like the Driessen’s, who traveled from Brewster, Cat Tales has become a cherished destination.
“We’re coming from Brewster and our kids just, they love cats,” said Eli Driessen, visiting with his family. His wife, Sydney has watched the center through different stages of her life.
“I came here as a field trip, growing up,” she said. “It’s always different, you know, than seeing it as an elementary kid. To be able to see it through your kids’ eyes is pretty fun.”
However, the current location presents ongoing challenges. Grey points to highway noise, and space limitations as factors driving the consideration for relocation.
“That is annoying. Motorcycle background,” Grey said, referring to the noise issues and pointing at the highway.
The decision isn’t straightforward. Grey questions whether a move is financially feasible while maintaining current operations.
“Could we do that and still keep this place running in the meantime? Because we can’t put this on pause and put all the money there. It’s got to take a big community effort to make that happen,” she said.
The newly formed community committee will weigh the options of either relocating to a new facility or investing in improvements to the existing location.
“We are a unique draw that I think could definitely do better,” Grey said.
You can find more information on how to get involved with the relocation feasibility committee here.
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