FINLAY VIDEO AND HAPPY CHRISTMAS 😻

Hi All

We hope you are all winding down on the run into Christmas. As promised, we wanted to post this very special video of Finlay. We know how much Finlay means to so many of you, who have followed his life from a tiny orphan, to the truly magnificent animal he is today. After he recently turned up again, we had a nostalgic look back at his first few weeks in our care and there is so much beautiful footage that we still have to show you.

As you know, Finlay had lost his mum and siblings and came into our care at around 3 to 4 weeks old. At that stage, our only focus was on his survival. Given the early trauma and stress on his little body, it is not uncommon for animals to deteriorate quickly. What is often forgotten is that as well as nourishment, care and warmth, orphaned animals  also need Love. The love that they would receive from their mother, needs to be provided by their human carers. They need to feel safe and secure and they need to learn how to be happy and content again. An orphan’s ( and indeed any living being, human or animal) psychological wellbeing, is as important as their physiological health.

Finlay was indeed shown love, he was nurtured, treated gently and with kindness and he thrived because of it. He felt safe again and happy. Finlay also had a great deal of stimulation and enrichment and his own indoor forest. But sometimes, all he wanted to do was rest in a place he felt safe with someone who he trusted. That is why this video is so special.

He is only 6 to 7 weeks old at this stage and this video was taken after an energetic play session in his indoor forest. He is in a deep state of REM sleep. Look closely as his eyelids move and his paws twitch. We can only imagine what he was dreaming of, but we hope that by living the free life he was born to live, those dreams have come true. One thing is for sure, his safe and successful return to his Highland home has certainly made our dreams come true.

He is a truly magical animal that has enchanted and inspired so many people to care for the iconic Scottish wildcat.

His is a journey of triumph over adversity and of optimism and determination. His journey and his adventures carry on today and we will always share any privileged glimpses that we get of him.

But for now, enjoy this video. HIs beauty is mesmerising. 15 seconds of calm and tranquillity in a hectic world. Pure Finlay Magic. Here is the link:

Thank you so much for your unwavering support after what has been another action packed year. We have shown as we do very year, that the Scottish wildcat is living and breeding in the wild and we will continue to fight for every single one of them. That is our promise to you.

We wish you all a wonderful Christmas and we have HUGE plans for next year so please keep watching.

Very best wishes as always

Emily and a Wildcat Haven Team with happy Finlay tears in our eyes.