Paws and Claws Animal Encounters welcomes Bobcat brothers to Bremen, Ohio

Paws and Claws Animal Encounters, located in the scenic countryside just outside the historic village of Bremen, Ohio, is celebrating the arrival of two new residents. Bobcat brothers Canyon and Forest have joined the growing family of animals at this unique facility. 

For owner Sara McClaskey, a 2021 graduate of Ohio University Lancaster, the addition of the bobcats feels deeply personal.

“It definitely feels like a full circle moment,” said McClaskey, who studied communications at OHIO. “I would not have the skills I have today without my time spent at Ohio University. My professors really helped guide me and encouraged me through figuring out what to do with my life and to follow my passion. Having the bobcats here now feels even more meaningful.”

Canyon and Forest have quickly adapted to their new home, and visitors are already captivated by their playful personalities.

“It has been so much fun,” McClaskey shared. “I absolutely love watching them play and interact with each other and our staff. The public has had really great reactions to them as well. We have not done much hands-on with guests yet because they are still young and like to play rough.”

McClaskey hopes that guests leave the experience with a newfound respect for native wildlife.

“I hope Canyon and Forest teach people to have a love and respect for local wildlife,” she said. “Ohio is seeing increases in native species like bobcats, and I do not think people realize the importance of that. Seeing an animal in person and not just on a screen creates a lasting connection, and we want those encounters to inspire care and conservation.”

OHIO professors provided guidance, helped her follow her passion

Neighbor and longtime supporter Tricia Denny, coordinator of Regional Higher Education Workforce Initiatives and Support at Ohio University Lancaster, recalls witnessing McClaskey’s passion from the very beginning.

“When our family moved to Bremen, our children were 2, 4 ½ and 5 years old, and Sara quickly became one of their favorite babysitters,” Denny said. “Even as a high school student, her passion for animals and children was clear. She’d let our kids visit to see the new animals she’d rescued, and she was always great at introducing them in a fun, educational way.”

Paws and Claws Animal Encounters was founded nearly eight years ago out of McClaskey’s love for animals and her desire to share them with others. Her goal from the beginning was to protect exotic species and educate the public about the importance of conservation.

“Every encounter is designed to be both fun and educational,” said McClaskey. “We want our visitors to connect with these animals and leave with a deeper appreciation for protecting them and their habitats.”

Denny said her family has experienced that education firsthand over the years.

“We were so fortunate to meet so many animals—from monkeys and kangaroos to porcupines and a coatimundi,” Denny said. “Sara taught us about both exotic and local species. I remember when she rescued baby opossums; she taught us that they aren’t aggressive toward people and are important for keeping the tick population down. Once I understood that, I didn’t mind holding one. We all learned, and continue to learn, so much from her.”

Dr. Candice Thomas-Maddox, professor of communication studies at Ohio University Lancaster, remembers McClaskey’s passion vividly from her time as a student.

“I still remember when Sara brought a baby kangaroo to our COMS class,” Thomas-Maddox said. “It was evident she had a passion for animals that was really special. It's been amazing to watch her use her COMS degree to build awareness for the sanctuary. The skills she learned about crafting messages and reaching audiences have been perfect for what she's doing now.”

McClaskey’s passion for animals began long before Paws and Claws became a reality.

“I have always had a love and passion for animals,” she said. “Steve Irwin was my idol growing up, and I grew up in the country without many neighbors and friends. The local wildlife became my friends. From raccoons to deer and even an owl, I spent most of my younger years watching and sometimes interacting with them.”

She recalled a special bond with a wild red fox during her childhood.

“Every night I would sit out in the pasture and wait for him,” McClaskey said. “It took about a year, but he eventually started sitting right next to me. One morning I came out to find him on our porch curled up, and he had passed away. That is something I carried with me from middle school and really inspired me to help advocate for animals.”

Turning a dream  into a thriving business

What started as a small dream has grown into a thriving business. McClaskey shared that during her time at Ohio University Lancaster, her career path shifted.

“I started as an education major, but during one semester I taught a lesson that incorporated animals, and I felt more confident than ever before,” she said. “Then I created a media project using videos of my own animals, and it hit me that I did not want to be in a classroom for the rest of my life. When I learned zoos often hire communication majors, I switched, and everything clicked.”

Her first kangaroo cemented the vision for what Paws and Claws would become.

“I started taking him to libraries, schools, and nursing homes, and I was so excited to teach others about different species,” McClaskey said. “That is when Paws and Claws officially started.”

Paws and Claws eventually became nationally recognized for its otter encounters, which are now one of its most popular attractions.

“Our first two otters, Timber and Sage, arrived at the beginning of the pandemic,” McClaskey explained. “I spent so much time with them and just knew that I wanted others to experience the joy I felt from them and to learn more about them. Once things opened back up, the response from the public was incredible.”

The signature experience, swimming with the otters, combines education and adventure.

“We start by teaching guests about the species, the threats they face, and the organizations we support with ticket proceeds,” McClaskey said. “Then we let our guests step into their indoor habitat with a large pool where the otters are free to interact on their terms. It is magical to watch them swim right in front of you and around you.”

Education and conservation are at the heart of Paws and Claws. Many animals on the farm were once unwanted pets but now serve as ambassadors to teach guests about the realities of exotic animal care.

“Social media often makes owning exotic animals look like it is all fun and games, but people do not always realize the challenges,” McClaskey said. “I hope that when people meet our animals, they leave with a new respect for them and an understanding that they are not pets, but unique creatures that deserve proper space, diet, and care.”

Caring for such a diverse range of animals is no small task. “Every species has unique needs,” she said. “Between vet care, diets, and habitat requirements, it can be very overwhelming. Taking care of the animals and meeting their needs is a full-time job, and managing the public experience is like having a second one. But it is worth it every single day.”

As a neighbor, Denny has watched that dedication for years.

“Sara is a true inspiration and a testament to turning your life's passion into a career you love,” Denny said. “My husband and I are Ohio University graduates, and our three children are now following in our footsteps. We're all Bobcats through and through, and we're so excited for her new animal family members, Canyon and Forest. Go Bobcats!”

Paws and Claws gains national attention, plans for the future

Paws and Claws continues to grow in popularity, drawing visitors from across the state and beyond. McClaskey envisions even greater things ahead.

“I would really like us to go a step further and become an accredited zoo,” she said. “Accredited zoos participate in Species Survival Plans that help maintain genetic diversity and even release animals into the wild to help save entire species. It is amazing to connect people with animals in captivity, but the ultimate goal is to see these animals thriving in their natural environments.”

Recently, Paws and Claws even caught the attention of travel and entertainment personality Zane Lamprey. Lamprey is known for his shows on the Travel Channel and Food Network, as well as a comedy special on Amazon Prime. He is also an avid animal lover and rescuer who raved about his visit to the facility.

Paws and Claws Animal Encounters is located in Bremen, Ohio, and offers guided tours and interactive experiences with a variety of exotic and domestic animals. Most importantly, it is dedicated to fostering conservation awareness while providing educational and unforgettable adventures. 

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