Brookfield Zoo loses both African lions within the span of two weeks

- Illinois, USA -

On Tuesday, January 14, the Chicago Zoological Society announced the death of their 14-year-old female African lion Isis (first two pictures below).

Her death comes less than two weeks after the loss of her mate Zenda (last two pictures below with Isis).

The Brookfield Zoo’s male African lion was euthanized on January 2, due to age-related issues that impacted his quality of life.

The zoo wrote in their Facebook post: “Animal care staff checked on 14-year-old Isis in her outdoor habitat yesterday morning shortly after 9:00 a.m. and all appeared normal. However, upon revisiting the habitat a short time later, she was observed laying on the floor of the moat. Although not witnessed, it appears that Isis fell and was injured. Despite the immediate and intensive treatment provided by the veterinary staff, Isis sustained significant injuries and the difficult decision was made to humanely euthanize her today.”

It's unclear what caused Isis to fall and the zoo is reviewing all aspects of the incident.

The zoo also wrote: “Both Isis and Zenda arrived at Brookfield Zoo in May 2008. They could often be seen grooming one another and sleeping together. Isis and Zenda were majestic animals who had a strong bond.”

USA Today reports that Bill Zeigler, the Chicago Zoological Society's senior vice president of animal programs, said they have plans to acquire two new male lions but the date for their arrival has not yet been set.

Pictures via Brookfield Zoo

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Australia is dropping vegetables from helicopters to feed animals escaping bushfires

- New South Wales, Australia -

A week ago the New South Wales National Parks and Wildlife Service began a mission called ‘Operation Rock Wallaby’.

Aircrafts and airplanes are being used to drop vegetables to feed hungry wildlife affected by the bushfires.

Unilad reports that the vegetables have been dropped in the Capertree and Wolgan valleys, Yengo National Park, the Kangeroo Valley, and around Jenolan, Oxley Wild Rivers and Currancubundi national parks.

New South Wales Minister of Energy and Environment Matt Kean said that officials have dropped over 2,000 pounds (1,000 kilograms) of sweet potatoes and carrots to colonies of brush-tailed rock-wallabies deprived of their habitat.

Kean said although the animals have successfully managed to flee the fires, they’re now outside of their natural habitat and are therefore left without food.

He also said that they will be keeping an eye on the rock wallabies to check on their progress as part of the post-bushfire recovery process.

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Brave family cat scares off unwanted visitors

- California, USA -

On Wednesday night, January 8, Highland Park resident Maya Guerrin was watching a movie with her husband when something prompted her to go outside and she couldn’t believe what was going on in her own backyard.

Her cat named Max was surrounded by three coyotes and just when she feared for Max’s life, the brave furbaby faced them and let them know they were on his turf!

Max scared away the unwanted and unexpected visitors.

Mrs. Guerrin after that checked her security camera footage and saw the whole incident.

She said that from now on Max will only be an indoor cat.

Ms. Guerrin, you were very lucky/blessed that your furbaby did not end up being the coyotes’ dinner but I personally don’t believe that it’s safe for our furbabies to be out there even for a few seconds unsupervised.

Well done Max!

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