There has been a sad development. The second of three lion cubs died of pneumonia about 6 weeks ago. Even winter in Baja can be too cold for a little lion living on concrete.
Of course we were extremely upset at how this could happen...again. But nothing seems to improve down there until there is a tragedy. The fallout has produced a small victory.
Vicky has rallied to get funding to pay for one of the local vets to visit the zoo once a week - just to check on the animals. She has instructed Juan Carlos, the attendant, to keep a journal of what he administers to the animals, his behavioral observations, etc. Yes...that seems so elementary, but there has never been a budget for regular vet health checks. Animals would just get sick and die. If a vet was called, it was usually too late and the vet was not compensated.
This funding is coming from the pockets of Oscar Dacarett, our "patron saint" of the zoo. Now if we can get them in gear to establish that foundation so we can start raising money from the local community!
Leo's paw healed nicely from the surgery he had in February...what a relief! (For us as well as him!)
Now...about the tiger. Unlike other cats...they LOVE water. Pools are standard features in well-run zoos and sanctuaries. Our tiger has not been in water for years, but that is about to change.
Vicky found a company, Behlen Country in Columbus, Nebraska, who gave us a deep discount on a big rubber pool like the one a big cat sanctuary here in San Diego uses. Frontier Airlines has agreed to ship it for free, so we are waiting on delivery.
Juan Carlos has been hosing him down and he seems to love the water. Nobody had ever thought to turn the hose on him all these years.
We have to keep checking on them, hold them accountable and keep them inspired....it's a tough job! (But someone has to do it!)
Monday, April 16, 2007
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
