I stayed home all day, other than going to the event and swinging thru the sanctuary to pick up mail.  Katie was using the Party House for Novak’s first birthday party, so I sure didn’t want to be around for the awkwardness of family and kids were the perfect excuse for me to stay away.

 

Maya Cougar’s Mom Wrote:

Hi Carol,  Thank you so much for the email. Maya is a sweet, loving, wonderful girl. The decision to give her up was a very hard one. I love her very much and thought this was the best decision for her.  I have been having some health issues and had to make the hard decision. I am having knee surgery next month and then depending on how that goes will get the other knee done soon.

 

I have known of your facility for a long time. I met your late husband many many years ago at Woods and Waters (Wildlife Auction). I know you have a beautiful place and take wonderful care of your animals there. I know that you have a great love for all animals. I know Maya will be well taken care of  and loved.

 

Maya was born March 19, 1999.  I had her from a week old and bottle fed her. She was used in educational programs for the first couple years she would go to schools with me. She always loved visitors at my home and would greet them with enthusiasm and purrs. She loves to be scratched around her face and under her chin.

 

I will check out the video, Thank you so much for giving her a great new home. The Florida weather will be so good for her in her old age. I would love to visit one day, it would give me a good excuse to go to FL for some warm weather.  Thank you,  Maryann Nash. Again thank you so very much.

 

Omaha Zoo Press Release for Manny & Nat

 

Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium continuously strives to improve the lives of the animals it cares for. This dedication is illustrated by the dramatic change to the Zoo’s grounds when

African Grasslands opened in spring 2016. The area’s large, open habitats with natural barriers as well as holding spaces with improved buildings and infrastructure allow for better animal care, setting the new standard for the institution. This evolution is in line with developing research in the field of animal welfare and trends in the science of behavior.

 

Currently, the Zoo is constructing a new Asian Highlands area. The Amur tigers will move from the existing cat house, comprised of smaller, moated exhibits, to 18,500 square feet of outdoor natural habitat space, including 2,300 square feet of off-habitat area. This is just one example of how the Zoo’s new area will benefit the animals.

 

As part of the Zoo’s master plan, an expansion of its North American habitat will include a new sea lion pool. The sea lions currently live in an original community swimming pool that was built in 1916, and later refurbished to house these marine mammals. The new North American area could potentially be built where the big cat house and moated bear habitats currently exist. Creating a larger, more natural area for the sea lions is another example of how the Zoo strives to improve its care standards.

 

For progress like this to occur, some of the current exhibits, such as the sea lion pool, which is no longer representative of an optimal environment for the species, need to be replaced. The Zoo has been working diligently to provide new and appropriate homes for the animals that remain in those areas. The Zoo typically works with other institutions accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), as assisting other accredited facilities is standard practice.

 

However, as most AZA-accredited zoos are also trying to provide larger, more optimal environments for their animals, Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium has also looked to professional facilities to aid in providing the best long-term options for these Zoo residents. Three well-known facilities, accredited by the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS), immediately stepped up and offered to provide permanent homes for th