Media
Release
CONTACT:
FOR
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Melissa
Hemple
(856)
453-1675
ORPHANED COUGAR CUBS FIND “FUR-EVER” HOME AT BRIDGETON’S COHANZICK ZOO
Thanks to the concerted
efforts of officials from the Oregon Zoo, Washington State Fish & Wildlife,
and the Cohanzick Zoo Society, two orphaned cougar cubs have been given a new
home at the Cohanzick Zoo in Bridgeton, New Jersey.
The cubs, a male and
female, approximately 8-10 weeks old, were initially being cared for by a
Washington State Fish & Wildlife officer and staff members at the Oregon
Zoo while they desperately searched for a zoo that had the space and expertise
to care for large cats.
“We were just so happy we
were able to provide them with a home. It was a whirlwind of phone calls and
emails that happened over a few days and everyone was just wonderfully focused
on making sure these little guys had an opportunity to grow and thrive,” said
Cohanzick Zoo Curator Kelly Shaw.
The cubs arrived safely in
Bridgeton on October 20th and as per protocol, are currently being held in
quarantine at the Cohanzick Zoo. “We expect them to remain in quarantine for
another week or two while we continue to monitor their health. So far, they’re
adjusting very well, appetites are great, and when they’re not napping, they’re
wrestling, playing, exploring, and getting to know us.” Shaw said.
According to Shaw, videos
and pictures can be found on the Cohanzick Zoo Facebook page ahead of an
announcement letting the community know when the cubs will be making their
public debut at the Cohanzick Zoo.
Bridgeton Recreation
Director Melissa Hemple, announced that a naming contest for the cubs will be
held during the Festival of Lights event at the Cohanzick Zoo which will take
place on December 3rd, 4th, and 5th from 4pm-8pm.
According to Bridgeton
Mayor Albert B. Kelly, the addition of the cubs helps to ease the loss of the
white tiger earlier in the year. “The community and our guests and visitors get
attached to the animals and when you lose an animal, it is a sad occasion. So
I’m delighted with having these new arrivals- something we can all look forward
to” said Kelly.
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