How the big day started: When I woke up this morning, it was raining. It was cold. And I was a very disappointed because it was supposed to be a beautiful clear day with a high of 61 degrees. It was after all my BIG DAY!! For you see, after three long years, I was finally able to visit the touring facility animals. I have been waiting so long for this day, December 17, 2006- 2009; I just wanted this day to be perfect.
A friend of mine’s husband was kind enough to go with me because I was very worried about driving up in my own car as the former directors lived right next store to the touring facility. I don’t know if they would recognize me or my vehicle, but I didn’t want to take any chances.
My anxiety rose a little as we drove closer to the building and I have to admit I felt my first pang of anxiety when we exited the safety of the vehicle to enter the building. But once we were inside the building, I felt much better.
So many changes took place since the last undercover video was taken in July 2009. There was a lot more room to move around and I was surprised at all the games and stuffed toys in the gift shop area.
As it turned out, IFAW was expected at any moment, so everyone was working hard to clean up the building. I think the sanctuary was expecting IFAW the next day, and so it meant a lot to me that the new director took me around to see the animals, while the IFAW representatives waited for her return to the office.
My immediate reaction was the grounds really needed some attention. Sadly, there were weeds, overgrown plants and grasses everywhere. The trails needed clean-up and the barrier fences needed repairs. The workers were working hard in the rain to clean the animal cages, install new tin for the monkeys’ enclosures, and feed the animals.
You could feel a mood change at the sanctuary. The workers were talking to the animals and to each other. People were laughing and enjoying the work instead of viewing the care of the animals as a “chore.”
I was saddened to learn there are only five cougars left and I was appalled as to their current living conditions. I cannot believe the former directors stuffed five cougars in such a small primate cage. The poor cats were living in mud (from the rain) and you could smell the strong stench of urine and feces. Since this former monkey cage does not have a run-off area, there was no way the workers could go in and clean out the enclosure. Thankfully, the new director decided this situation was unacceptable and so the workers were putting the finishing touches on the new tiger enclosure (which ironically used to be the cougars’ ‘compound’). The wolf-hybrids are living in part of the old cougar ‘compound’ and so the workers started the construction of the new wolf enclosure, so the wolves will move into their new home, thereby allowing the tigers to move into the entire “cougar compound,” which in turn will allow the cougars to move into the former tiger enclosure. This enclosure is larger and will allow the cougars the opportunity to run and jump, which they currently cannot do so right now. Whew! I guess this is called the domino effect!
The tigers that used to live in the bear enclosure are now located next to the cougars. I cannot get over how big the cats have grown. The last time I saw the tigers, most of them were about 1-2 years of age, they were small and very curious. There were so many tigers living in what used to be a primate cage – too many cats for such a small enclosure—it broke my heart. But the tigers were still very curious and came right up to greet us!
Needless to say, the tigers and cougars mentioned above are hard to see on tour and so visitors cannot see their “living” conditions. If folks could see the animals’ cages, I am sure they would be just as appalled as I was. I sure hope the wolf and tiger cages are finished soon, so the big cats can finally move into cages which are more suited for their body size and type.
Clearly, the former directors did not care one whit about the tigers and cougars – for how can any caring people force these beautiful animals into such small enclosures? Where were the board of directors? How could they allow the animals to be treated in such a deplorable manner?
When I left the sanctuary in 2006, there were 21 cougars. Today there are only 5 cougars left alive. These animals deserved so much better.
I got to see Bubba (my boy!!) and he was ‘gruffing’ and making small talk when I took several pictures of him in his run-off area. What a difference! He put on some weight since last December and I like how his run-off area is boxed in so he can escape from the people and the weather if he so desires. He has a little peep hole built into one of the walls, so he can look out and determine whether or not he wants to make an appearance. But on this cold miserable day, Bubba chose to stay in his enclosed run-off area, so I peeped into his area! His fur is looking better and he has such a sweet attitude! I really missed Bubba and I am so glad he is still at the sanctuary. I just wish his companion, Princess, survived as well.
Tarzan is alive! I would recognize Tarzan anywhere – he still has the habit of licking his chops when getting up or laying down (he has a very distinct way of licking his lips!). The lions looked huge and sadly out of shape. It looks like Sebastian lost a lot of weight at some point because he had a large amount of skin hanging under his very large belly. I’m just so glad new enrichment items have been added to their enclosure to help stimulate their minds and bodies. Sheba didn’t look to bad, but the boys sure could use some muscle toning!
Norman and Marilyn, Patas monkeys, got some more space since the macaws were moved to another facility where they could receive heat during the winter. They have been promised a larger enclosure for years.
Overall, the tigers looked out of shape and thin. Lulu the tiger was apparently not feeling well, throwing up her meals shortly after consumption. I understand she will be seen by the sanctuary’s new vet (assuming the new vet agrees to take on the sanctuary as a client), which will be a blessing as the former vet would have probably recommended to have her killed due to “renal failure.” The new vet has zoo animal experience, something the sanctuary desperately needs. No more “fire fighting” vet care by dog and cat vet specialists. Finally, the sanctuary’s animals will be taken care of (hopefully) by a real zoo vet!
A friend of mine’s husband was kind enough to go with me because I was very worried about driving up in my own car as the former directors lived right next store to the touring facility. I don’t know if they would recognize me or my vehicle, but I didn’t want to take any chances.
My anxiety rose a little as we drove closer to the building and I have to admit I felt my first pang of anxiety when we exited the safety of the vehicle to enter the building. But once we were inside the building, I felt much better.
So many changes took place since the last undercover video was taken in July 2009. There was a lot more room to move around and I was surprised at all the games and stuffed toys in the gift shop area.
As it turned out, IFAW was expected at any moment, so everyone was working hard to clean up the building. I think the sanctuary was expecting IFAW the next day, and so it meant a lot to me that the new director took me around to see the animals, while the IFAW representatives waited for her return to the office.
My immediate reaction was the grounds really needed some attention. Sadly, there were weeds, overgrown plants and grasses everywhere. The trails needed clean-up and the barrier fences needed repairs. The workers were working hard in the rain to clean the animal cages, install new tin for the monkeys’ enclosures, and feed the animals.
You could feel a mood change at the sanctuary. The workers were talking to the animals and to each other. People were laughing and enjoying the work instead of viewing the care of the animals as a “chore.”
I was saddened to learn there are only five cougars left and I was appalled as to their current living conditions. I cannot believe the former directors stuffed five cougars in such a small primate cage. The poor cats were living in mud (from the rain) and you could smell the strong stench of urine and feces. Since this former monkey cage does not have a run-off area, there was no way the workers could go in and clean out the enclosure. Thankfully, the new director decided this situation was unacceptable and so the workers were putting the finishing touches on the new tiger enclosure (which ironically used to be the cougars’ ‘compound’). The wolf-hybrids are living in part of the old cougar ‘compound’ and so the workers started the construction of the new wolf enclosure, so the wolves will move into their new home, thereby allowing the tigers to move into the entire “cougar compound,” which in turn will allow the cougars to move into the former tiger enclosure. This enclosure is larger and will allow the cougars the opportunity to run and jump, which they currently cannot do so right now. Whew! I guess this is called the domino effect!
The tigers that used to live in the bear enclosure are now located next to the cougars. I cannot get over how big the cats have grown. The last time I saw the tigers, most of them were about 1-2 years of age, they were small and very curious. There were so many tigers living in what used to be a primate cage – too many cats for such a small enclosure—it broke my heart. But the tigers were still very curious and came right up to greet us!Needless to say, the tigers and cougars mentioned above are hard to see on tour and so visitors cannot see their “living” conditions. If folks could see the animals’ cages, I am sure they would be just as appalled as I was. I sure hope the wolf and tiger cages are finished soon, so the big cats can finally move into cages which are more suited for their body size and type.
Clearly, the former directors did not care one whit about the tigers and cougars – for how can any caring people force these beautiful animals into such small enclosures? Where were the board of directors? How could they allow the animals to be treated in such a deplorable manner?
When I left the sanctuary in 2006, there were 21 cougars. Today there are only 5 cougars left alive. These animals deserved so much better.
I got to see Bubba (my boy!!) and he was ‘gruffing’ and making small talk when I took several pictures of him in his run-off area. What a difference! He put on some weight since last December and I like how his run-off area is boxed in so he can escape from the people and the weather if he so desires. He has a little peep hole built into one of the walls, so he can look out and determine whether or not he wants to make an appearance. But on this cold miserable day, Bubba chose to stay in his enclosed run-off area, so I peeped into his area! His fur is looking better and he has such a sweet attitude! I really missed Bubba and I am so glad he is still at the sanctuary. I just wish his companion, Princess, survived as well.
Tarzan is alive! I would recognize Tarzan anywhere – he still has the habit of licking his chops when getting up or laying down (he has a very distinct way of licking his lips!). The lions looked huge and sadly out of shape. It looks like Sebastian lost a lot of weight at some point because he had a large amount of skin hanging under his very large belly. I’m just so glad new enrichment items have been added to their enclosure to help stimulate their minds and bodies. Sheba didn’t look to bad, but the boys sure could use some muscle toning!Norman and Marilyn, Patas monkeys, got some more space since the macaws were moved to another facility where they could receive heat during the winter. They have been promised a larger enclosure for years.
Overall, the tigers looked out of shape and thin. Lulu the tiger was apparently not feeling well, throwing up her meals shortly after consumption. I understand she will be seen by the sanctuary’s new vet (assuming the new vet agrees to take on the sanctuary as a client), which will be a blessing as the former vet would have probably recommended to have her killed due to “renal failure.” The new vet has zoo animal experience, something the sanctuary desperately needs. No more “fire fighting” vet care by dog and cat vet specialists. Finally, the sanctuary’s animals will be taken care of (hopefully) by a real zoo vet!
T'Salvo was looking good and a little sleepy! I am so glad the new director took the time to find out what was wrong with her and NOT take the advice of the former sanctuary vet (yep, 'former' -- as her services are now now longer required) and had her put down for "renal failure."
The bobcats, serval, and Carrie the caracal looked good to me. They just need some more toys!
Zeus seemed a little lonely – he is still a 'talker' and it was great seeing him again.
The New York primates looked much better in their new enclosure and I was able to see some of the Bayer primates. As I’m writing this, I just now realized I did not see the remaining Bayer primates in quarantine. I know I was offered the chance to go back into the old “clinic” area but declined due to run-down, abandoned state. I pray the primates in “warehouse” area are doing well. Their enclosure is also under construction at the second property.
I was at the property for about two hours and left happy that many of the original animals survived, saddened that many of them are either thin or living in very small enclosures, but hopeful because of all the new changes I witnessed. The facility has a lot of potential and I just know that with a little T-L-C this place can live up to its full potential.
The new director has offered to take me out to the second property to see the rest of the animals. I figure, baby steps, one visit at a time. Today was a really big day and I have to let everything sink in – so many emotions to work through.
I do know this – I really missed the animals and I hope the new director will allow me to help out now and then…
Zeus seemed a little lonely – he is still a 'talker' and it was great seeing him again.
The New York primates looked much better in their new enclosure and I was able to see some of the Bayer primates. As I’m writing this, I just now realized I did not see the remaining Bayer primates in quarantine. I know I was offered the chance to go back into the old “clinic” area but declined due to run-down, abandoned state. I pray the primates in “warehouse” area are doing well. Their enclosure is also under construction at the second property.
I was at the property for about two hours and left happy that many of the original animals survived, saddened that many of them are either thin or living in very small enclosures, but hopeful because of all the new changes I witnessed. The facility has a lot of potential and I just know that with a little T-L-C this place can live up to its full potential.
The new director has offered to take me out to the second property to see the rest of the animals. I figure, baby steps, one visit at a time. Today was a really big day and I have to let everything sink in – so many emotions to work through.
I do know this – I really missed the animals and I hope the new director will allow me to help out now and then…
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