I have never asked for donations. I started this adventure in 2008 because I wanted to make a difference. I wanted to give something back to Mother Earth. I wanted to touch the lives of children in hope that they would care about our wildlife and the environment. For the most part I have been managing with program fees covering the animals and their care. Of course, animals get sick or old and the vet bills are high. This all comes with owning animals and I’m not complaining. It’s a responsibility I was and still willing to accept. My animals will always come first. Covid cancelled all my programs in 2020. In 2021, we only had a few and 2022 was definitely better in regards to programs, but I lost two ambassadors and my mother. I have accepted aid for the last few years. However, my dear mother left me her retirement fund and I feel I no longer need to lean on our followers. If you would still like to help support our mission… you can purchase a Max book which has two formats to choose from (see page I am MAX ), purchase an art print or note cards from Lorise, or choose a gift from our Amazon list. We love you!

To give you some idea into the costs of owning and educating with a lynx, I’ve listed annual costs for Max along with what I’ve spent in customizing his home. This doesn’t include everything. I have not been faithful in keeping receipts. Wood gets replaced when necessary and I don’t give it much thought. He has gone through 5 sizes of travel kennels as he has grown. There are also program supplies, toys, etc. The figures below are costs just for Max. I have other exotic animals to house and care for along with the many touch specimens I use for our programs.

Annual Costs: ($2,560 without medical)

• Meat – $655 (As of 9/2022, meat has gone up .25/lb. so this number increased by $125)
• Carnivore Vitamin Supplement – $125
• Enzymes for pancreas – $350
• Licenses Renewals – $40
• Vet Inspection – $100
• Mandatory $2m liability insurance – Was $915; Now $1,002 for 2022-2023!
• Winterproofing with straw; cleaning & replacing mulch – $35
• Premium Website & Domain – $121
• Pdf Software (for Book, etc.) – $128
• Vet Checkup is every 3 years now – $100; bloodwork, if needed is $500

Max’s vet bills to date – $2,500 + Recent Microchipping & Bloodwork on 9/3/21 – $540 = $3,040

• 2011 – First 6×10 enclosure (free), 5×10 addition, double entry system, wire roofing, etc. – $500
• 2011 – Inside enclosure, housing, etc. – $280
• 2013-2014 – 10×15 enclosure addition, shelving, roofing, etc. – $425
• 2017 – 15×60 enclosure addition – $1,900
• 2018 – Pole Barn – $2,100
• 2019 – Corner Cubby – $250
• 2019 – Cat Walk – $45
• 2020 – Cat Loft – $1,100
• 2020 – Mandatory perimeter fence & double-entry system expansion – $815
• 2021 – Electricity to Pole Barn and security lighting – $558 not including light fixtures cost
• 2011/2015/2017 – Freezers for meat – $1,000
• 2021 – Chest freezer to replace upright for meat – $237
• 2014-2020 – Plexiglass as a urine guard for rust prevention – $1,525
• 2012 – Travel cart – $155
• 2017 – Squeeze kennel – $188
• 2018 – Bench – $90
• 2019 – Fake Boulder, bamboo fencing – $280
• 2021 – Fountain & Pond – $338 (However, may not continue to use because he constantly marks it)
• 2021 – Sturdy ladders (6′, 8′) for enclosure repairs – $450
• 2021 – Additional solar lights – $50
• 2021 – Exhibition supplies – $71
• 2021 – Promotional supplies – $374
• 2021 – Book: ISBN $125; New software $102 = $227
• 2022 – Metal Roofing for 6×10 & 3 12′ braces for other areas – $325
• 2022 – Car Ramp $125
• 2022 – Kennel Wheels – $16
• 2022 – Additional ISBN’s for new book formats…softcover, abridged, French – $295
• 2023 – Wood roofing support braces $43.20 and framing angles $44.17 – $87.37