If you’ve been to the Animal Park lately, you’ve likely seen some of our residents enjoying freshly updated digs. Handsome Enoch Lion continues to lord over his new, age-appropriate habitat. Mojo, Obi, Sammy, and William servals are loving their spiffed-up space complete with a (now fully functional) fountain.
And Blitz Eurasian Lynx (above) has been experiencing the finest in feline loft living. His new three-tiered space was designed to suit his needs today and tomorrow, with broad steps between each perch to ensure steady footing as he ages. The humans who pitched in to weave donated fire hose into an inviting new tower-top hammock are happy to see how much he loves it and the vantage point it offers for inspecting the goings-on around him.
Facilities pros Von and Ashley—along with many other dedicated staffers and volunteers—work hard to ensure our animal residents like Blitz have comfortable, enriching habitats that are tailored to their species, age, and special needs. Continually in progress around the Park, these upgrades require skill, creativity—and money. Without adding in costs for hardware, tool maintenance, and staff time, the wood alone for Blitz’s upgrade ran several hundred dollars. That’s where our generous supporters (always!) come in, like the donor who sponsored the $12,500 cost of Enoch’s home makeover.
Now, with warm weather already upon us, it’s time to purchase new fans, water bowls, and shade cloths. If finances allow, the next large projects will include building new shade structures for the lions in Naomi’s Pride and for tiger siblings Parker, Hobbes, and Kaia. Each of these structures is estimated to require $2,200 or more—and yes, tariffs (and other factors behind rising costs) affect tigers.
With our always-evolving NC weather, it’s not just summer sun that can bring on extra expense. The recent heavy rains have caused some washout and “pothole” damage to habitat floors. We’re ready to repair them, but it’ll take lots of rock and soil, to the tune of around $2,000. Donations of any size are, as always, so appreciated by all of us at the Animal Park. We couldn’t do what we do for our animals without the ongoing help of our devoted human community.
