Joe and Shirley Wolf

Joe and Shirley Wolf have been TWS donors for almost five years and support the Sanctuary because of their love for wild cats.

"I have always been fascinated by tigers: they are beautiful but at the same time powerful," Joe says. "They will always be wild, no matter how they might be contained by humans. There are tiger posters and photos all around my workshop because it is such a joy to see them."

Shirley is very fond of all cats, large and small, wild or not, and is especially touched by the story of Titan and Lilly, the Bengal tigers.

In 2007, the Wolfs discovered that there was a sanctuary for wild cats in Minnesota, right in their backyard, by reading the TWS newsletter of a family friend.

"We were excited and happy to learn that these cats would have a place to live free from human exploitation and curiosity," Shirley says. "That's when we started with a modest donation and over the next couple of years, we learned more about the residents and excellent management of the Sanctuary."

The Wolfs continued their support for the Sanctuary and when Director Tammy Thies reported that fundraising for Tiger Splash (the in-ground pool for Titan) had fallen short and construction would have to wait for another year, they knew they had to act.

"Joe came to me and said that we should cover the shortfall so Titan would not have to use that plastic kiddie pool ever again," Shirley says. "I didn't have to think about it because we knew it was the right thing to do."

The Wolfs told Tammy that afternoon that they would support immediate completion, and Tiger Splash became a reality several months later.

Joe and Shirley say that they are impressed with and grateful for the work of the Sanctuary staff in protecting and caring for the big cats that come to TWS. The Wolfs provide continuing support with sponsorships for Titan and Lily and matching grants for annual fundraising efforts.