Wild Cause, Local Impact

One of Carolina Tiger Rescue's tigers basking in the safety of sanctuary life in Pittsboro, NC. (Photo courtesy of Carolina Tiger Rescue)

Speaker Profile

Mitch Haber

In this volunteer leadership role, he helps guide the sanctuary’s finances and strategic direction all while passionately advocating for its mission. Mitch might crunch numbers behind the scenes, but he’s also a public ambassador for the cause, frequently speaking to community groups to raise awareness about wildlife conservation. During his talk, he answered our members’ questions with deep knowledge and genuine enthusiasm, reflecting a true personal commitment. It’s clear that for Mitch, helping rescued animals isn’t just a board duty; it’s a calling he is proud to share with others.

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Organization Background

Carolina Tiger Rescue is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit sanctuary dedicated to wild cats and other carnivores. For fifty years, the organization has been devoted to rescuing big cats from dire situations, educating the public, and advocating for their protection. It was founded in 1973 as the Carnivore Evolutionary Research Institute by Dr. Michael Bleyman, a UNC-Chapel Hill geneticist, originally aiming to breed and study endangered species. By 1981 it became known as the Carnivore Preservation Trust, and in 2009 it was rebranded as Carolina Tiger Rescue with a renewed focus on rescue and conservation education

Today, Carolina Tiger Rescue’s mission is “saving and protecting wild cats in captivity and in the wild” – working toward a world where wild cats live free in their native habitats and are not exploited by humans. The sanctuary provides a forever home to over 50 animals representing 12 species, including tigers, lions, cougars, caracals, servals, bobcats, coatimundis, kinkajous, and even endangered red wolves. No animals are ever bred, sold, or touched by the public – instead, each rescue lives out its natural life with top-notch veterinary care, enriched habitats, and the freedom to choose how to spend their days

Behind the scenes, a small team of staff and many volunteers keep the sanctuary running smoothly. (The Fall 2024 Paw Print newsletter even highlighted the Site Team – Toby, Brian, and Brandon – as the “unsung heroes” who maintain the grounds and facilities to keep the sanctuary safe and functioning

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Ways to Get Involved

• Volunteer: Contribute your time and skills on-site. Carolina Tiger Rescue welcomes individual volunteers to help with animal care, tour guiding, construction, grounds maintenance, gift shop duties and more (College students can apply for summer internships, and corporate or school groups can schedule one-day service projects for team-building.)

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• Visit & Learn: Book a guided tour of the sanctuary for an unforgettable experience. Tours are the only way to see the animals and often sell out, so reserve in advance – and bring friends or family to spread the word

• Donate or Sponsor: Make a financial contribution to support the cats. You can give one-time or monthly, symbolically adopt a favorite animal, or even contribute supplies from the sanctuary’s wishlist. Every dollar goes directly toward animal care, food, habitats, and veterinary needs

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• Attend Events: Join Carolina Tiger Rescue’s special events like the annual Black Tie & Tails Ball fundraiser or community open houses (for example, their 50th Anniversary celebration in Pittsboro). These fun gatherings raise critical funds and awareness for the cause

• Share & Advocate: Follow Carolina Tiger Rescue on social media and share their posts to educate others about the plight of captive big cats. Encourage friends to visit, volunteer, or donate. The more our community knows, the more we can all help end the exploitation of these majestic creatures.

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From left to right: Trevor Chambers – Rotary President. Mitch Haber - Treasurer/Secretary on the board of Carolina Tiger Rescue, Booth Kalmbach -Vocational Services/Programs

Why We Serve

Let’s face it; most of us didn’t join Rotary thinking we’d end up learning the difference between a lion’s oof and a tiger’s chuff. But here we are.

Thanks to Mitch’s visit, we were reminded that service doesn’t always come in the form of canned food drives or park cleanups. Sometimes, it looks like hand-scooping meat for a 400-pound tiger. Sometimes, it’s helping a blind big cat feel safe in his own space. And sometimes, it’s standing up and saying, “No more cub petting selfies. Not on our watch.”

We serve because it matters, because when we lift others (even the four-legged, whiskered kind), we lift ourselves too. We serve because the world needs people who choose compassion, even when it’s messy, inconvenient, or smells a little like wet lion. We serve because dignity shouldn’t be a luxury not for humans, and not for wild animals.

 

Want to Join Us?

If you’ve ever wanted to make a difference, not just talk about it over coffee, but actually do something, we’d love to have you at the table. Or the fence line.

At Rotary, we believe that service comes in all shapes and species. Whether you’re building a ramp, mentoring a student, or learning how to respect a tiger’s personal space, there’s room for you here.

Come for the service. Stay for the purpose. Roar with us. Wild Cause, Local Impact.

7:30 AM every Tuesday at Carolina Country Club: Coffee, conversation, and community service guaranteed

We’re growing. We’re energized. And if you’re still reading, we suspect you might just be one of us. Come visit. Come serve. Come laugh.

Rotary Club of the Capital City – People of Action in Raleigh

Because service isn't something we talk about. it's something we do.