SHARON, Wis. – An exotic cat captured in Chicago’s northwest suburbs has been taken to an animal sanctuary in Wisconsin.

The Valley of the Kings Sanctuary and Retreat posted on Facebook Thursday that the female caracal, now named “Kabokey,” will be housed there permanently.

Kabokey was found unharmed on Oct. 15 hiding under a resident’s deck.

It’s still unknown where she came from, but according to Valley of the Kings, they believe Kabokey was either released or managed to escape.

“This poor cat was either released by the owner or she escaped. Kabokey is a very young cat and still has her baby teeth,” Valley of the Kings said. 

Caracals are typically native to Africa, the Middle East, and other areas. Kabokey was spotted last week in Hoffman Estates.

The exotic cats can weigh up to 45 pounds and are known for their extreme athleticism.

Though the cats are adorable and sweet as kittens, they can pose dangers if raised in a home, the animal rescue organization said.

“They are adorable and sweet as kittens, yet as they age, and the way they are treated or raised, can kill families pets, and severely injur small children. They simply are not pets and majority do not use the litter box. Most states require county permits or federal permit to own one, Valey of the Kings said. 

Caracals are not illegal to own in Illinois; however, House Bill 4446, currently pending in the state legislature, could change that.

Kabokey’s forever home will be at Valley of the Kings. However, they need to build new spacious outdoor enclosures for their smaller exotic animals, including Kabokey.

The cost for these enclosures can range from $35,000 to $50,000, the animal rescue organization said.

To learn more about Valley of the Kings, follow this link. 

David Braun began his tenure as Northwestern’s head coach unceremoniously, receiving the interim tag after Pat Fitzgerald was fired before last season. Despite remarkably low expectations, Braun led the Wildcats to an 8-5 record and he’s now on a 5-year contract as the program’s full-time head coach.

Heading into this week’s matchup with the Badgers, Braun has been impressed with Wisconsin’s improved passing attack and offensive performance with quarterback Braedyn Locke, who took over for injured starter Tyler Van Dyke.

“They’re certainly a group that have found their groove. Well-coached, scary passing attack. They’re finding ways to run the ball really effectively right now, playing good defense, very sound on special teams,” Braun said this week. “You know, our group understands that we got a great challenge in front of us, but we’re excited for that challenge and excited to be at home.”

Wisconsin’s offense has averaged 47 points and 569 total yards per game in their last two games, which were blowout wins over Purdue and Rutgers. A big reason for the improved success has been Locke’s performance. He looks like he has found his confidence as the team’s full-time starter.

“I think the quarterback play continues to trend in the right direction for them. (Braedyn Locke) came in against Alabama. That’s a tough situation to be thrust into. But you can tell that he continues to play with more and more confidence,” Braun said. “You know, the O-line play is something that has certainly stood out and been impressive. The backs are running hard, running well. They’re creating some explosive opportunities in the run game.”

Over the last two weeks, Locke has completed 65.5 percent of his passes and averaged 299.5 passing yards per game with five total touchdowns and three interceptions.

The emergence of wide receivers Vinny Anthony II and Trech Kakahuna as legitimate deep threats has given Wisconsin fans a glimpse at the potential passing offense they were promised by offensive coordinator Phil Longo. Braun and the 3-3 Wildcats sound prepared for the Badgers’ best on Saturday.

Wisconsin comes into its game against Northwestern after two dominant wins.

The matchup takes place on Saturday at noon. Wisconsin leads the series record 62-38-5. They’re coming into this game at 4-2, while Northwestern is 3-3.

Here’s what to watch.

What’s at stake?

Both teams need wins to reach bowl eligibility. Wisconsin has only one league loss and comes in rolling after outscoring Purdue and Rutgers by a combined 94-13 while racking up 500 yards or more in back to back Big Ten games for the first time since 2010. Tawee Walker ran for a career-best 198 yards and scored three touchdowns as the Badgers pummeled the Scarlet Knights 42-7 last week. Northwestern stopped a two-game losing streak with a 37-10 win at Maryland.

Key matchup

Walker vs. Northwestern’s defensive line. The Oklahoma transfer has run for three touchdowns in back-to-back games and rushed for two in a loss at Southern California on Sept. 28. He is second in the Big Ten and is tied for 10th in the nation with nine scoring runs. Northwestern ranks fifth in the Big Ten and ninth in the nation against the run at 87.5 yards per game. The Wildcats held Maryland to 59 yards on 33 attempts.

Players to watch

Wisconsin: QB Braedyn Locke. Locke has thrown for 904 yards, six touchdowns and four interceptions this season. He’s started the three games since Tyler Van Dyke was injured in a loss to Alabama on Sept. 14.

Northwestern: LB Xander Mueller. Third-team, all-conference last season, Mueller leads Northwestern with 41 tackles and has three for loss. He is one of five Big Ten linebackers with at least 40 tackles and three for loss.

Facts & figures

This will be the Wildcats’ final game this year at their temporary lakefront stadium. They host No. 4 Ohio State and No. 22 Illinois at Wrigley Field on Nov. 16 and 30. … Wisconsin and Northwestern have split the past 18 meetings. … The Badgers are 61-31 against conference opponents since 2014. Only Ohio State (84-8) and Michigan (68-23) have more Big Ten wins in that span. … Northwestern scored 17 points off four turnovers against Maryland and won despite being outgained 355-283 total yards. … DB Theran Johnson is tied for first in the nation with nine pass breakups.