These Shelter Pets Were Taken On A Field Trip To Meet Their Exotic Relatives At The Local Zoo
While so many of us were struck with boredom during quarantine, some adorable animals had a much more entertaining time. Many of them, stray and wild animals, got the chance to roam the empty streets, fish for snacks in our dumpsters, or even take naps in vacant malls. However, the zoo animals had the most fun. After spending years in the same facility, they finally had the chance to meet up with other residents. They even hang out with ‘foreign’ friends when cats and dogs from an animal shelter visited them during an awesome field trip!
More info: adltexas.org | Facebook | sazoo.org | Facebook
During the quarantine, residents of the Animal Defense League of Texas were taken on a field trip to the San Antonio Zoo
Last month, the Animal Defense League of Texas decided to take a few of its pet animals to the San Antonio Zoo. During this one-of-a-kind opportunity that only happened thanks to the quarantine, adorable pets had the chance to meet up and interact with a variety of other animals such as lions, leopards, monkeys, giraffes, and other interesting creatures they definitely don’t see every day!
Clearly, they enjoyed themselves. The videos provided by the shelter showed pets wagging their tails at their new, unfamiliar friends.
“All the animals were able to have such a unique experience with this event and it was enthralling to see them interact with each other. Carla, the 7-month old white lab-mix was the most intrigued by all the zoo animals. Her favorite being the Giraffes, who seemed equally as curious to see such a strange animal in front of them. Our kittens were in awe of the Hippos and fish, while Ella, the 6-year old black lab-mix thoroughly enjoyed watching the gibbons swing from rope to rope,” Development and Marketing Manager for the Animal Defense League of Texas (ADL), Michelle Thorson, told Bored Panda.
The kittens and dogs got a one-of-a-kind chance to meet other animals such as lions, giraffes, and monkeys
ADL, the oldest, true no-kill shelter in the state of Texas, has faced many overwhelming challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic. So did the San Antonio Zoo.
“ADL and our neighbors at the San Antonio Zoo felt a shared impact from the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in a devastating decrease in essential revenues and fundraising support,” said Michelle. Thus the brilliant idea was born on how to engage with the community and bring awareness to the issues both organizations care for.
“Our two organizations wanted a way to bring awareness to the unique programs we as care providers offer to our resident animals, big and small. Few are aware that both of our animal rescue organizations have similar foster and enrichment programs that are vital to the health and wellbeing of our animals. Sharing this fun visit on our social media platforms was a way for us to engage with our wonderful community while offering enrichment to the pets at both the shelter and zoo.”
Michelle encourages people to lend a helping hand during these tough times. “We continue our work tirelessly to produce a life-saving performance that set new records, as with nearly all other entities, the pandemic forced the closure of ADL’s elective low-cost services such as public spay/neuter and wellness clinics, which historically generate income to fund our life-saving programs. Now more than ever we are needing additional funding support to help sustain our strategic programs and ensure we can continue to serve the animals and members of our community in need. Those in the position to help can adopt, foster, volunteer, or donate!” Click here for more information on how you can help.
Watch the video of the field trip below
The San Antonio zoo also asked for people’s support in helping them get back on their feet after the unexpected closure. “Your support is more critical now than it has been in our entire 106-year history and will help keep the zoo thriving during this difficult time,” the zoo writes. Visit the San Antonio zoo’s website to offer support.
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Share on FacebookYes, but think about how weird it would be if there was zoo for giant humans that had a head 10 times bigger than ours... :o is it the same feeling that this little kitty has.. Just a funny thought.
Load More Replies...Leopard: look kitten, I haz a box too. If I fit, I also sit.
Load More Replies...That top pic of the kitty and leopard is like what my cat sees when he looks in the mirror. He gazes into his own eyes so lovingly, and I just know he imagines himself as a huge, badass jungle cat.
That's what I thought, it wanted to taste that doggo!
Load More Replies...Agreed!!!! 💖 And when it comes to cats and kittens, if you can adopt a Bonded Pair - all the better - for everyone 💕
Load More Replies...Yeah - I do believe that is a jaguar, too. Big head! Beautiful.
Load More Replies...Awww what a clever idea, if I had a job, i would definitely donate, even tho I'm from South Africa. I think both organizations are doing a great job, considering the circumstances... Pray you guys get the funding you both need🙏🏼💙🙏🏼
Yes!. I remember years ago asking why zoos take animals from the wild, and was told they wanted "perfect SPECIMENS" for "exhibit 😿 Now some of the best zoos are really sanctuaries for species that no longer have a place in the wild.
Load More Replies...Oh, and don't kid yourselves, the images of the big cats quite clearly show they are in eat-it mode. There's nothing cute there. They want to chomp.
The cuteness is all on the tiny side of the equation.
Load More Replies...It’s too bad the Zoo we have doesn’t allow pets so we can’t bring our “HaMsTeR”
What a wonderful idea! Both parties got the benefit of this exercise! Both seemed interested in the other species. Fantastic break from loneliness. This should be mandatory. Weekly visits, if not more. My heart goes out to all these poor creatures. Thank God there are intelligent humans that see the benefit in keeping company with these unfortunates, who by right should be in their own environments!
sooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo cute dfcad4fd9d...75bcf4.jpg
Wonderful idea for these animals to be outside their cages and meet new animals. Kudos San Antonio Zoo for this great adventure.
A zoo in my area showed videos every week of their animsls on outings to observe each other. They said it was good enrichment for the animals and encouraged donations.
The zoo should try promoting season passes at a discounted rate... To increase revenue as long as those tickets don't expire, I think blackout dates would be fine/acceptable given the discounted price, but just because people can't GO to the zoo right now doesn't mean they can't plan for future family vacations.
I wonder which were more confused, the zoo animals or the visiting animals
"Both organisations raise awareness for adoption"? OK, do me two of those gibbons then. The hippos won't fit.
Yes, but think about how weird it would be if there was zoo for giant humans that had a head 10 times bigger than ours... :o is it the same feeling that this little kitty has.. Just a funny thought.
Load More Replies...Leopard: look kitten, I haz a box too. If I fit, I also sit.
Load More Replies...That top pic of the kitty and leopard is like what my cat sees when he looks in the mirror. He gazes into his own eyes so lovingly, and I just know he imagines himself as a huge, badass jungle cat.
That's what I thought, it wanted to taste that doggo!
Load More Replies...Agreed!!!! 💖 And when it comes to cats and kittens, if you can adopt a Bonded Pair - all the better - for everyone 💕
Load More Replies...Yeah - I do believe that is a jaguar, too. Big head! Beautiful.
Load More Replies...Awww what a clever idea, if I had a job, i would definitely donate, even tho I'm from South Africa. I think both organizations are doing a great job, considering the circumstances... Pray you guys get the funding you both need🙏🏼💙🙏🏼
Yes!. I remember years ago asking why zoos take animals from the wild, and was told they wanted "perfect SPECIMENS" for "exhibit 😿 Now some of the best zoos are really sanctuaries for species that no longer have a place in the wild.
Load More Replies...Oh, and don't kid yourselves, the images of the big cats quite clearly show they are in eat-it mode. There's nothing cute there. They want to chomp.
The cuteness is all on the tiny side of the equation.
Load More Replies...It’s too bad the Zoo we have doesn’t allow pets so we can’t bring our “HaMsTeR”
What a wonderful idea! Both parties got the benefit of this exercise! Both seemed interested in the other species. Fantastic break from loneliness. This should be mandatory. Weekly visits, if not more. My heart goes out to all these poor creatures. Thank God there are intelligent humans that see the benefit in keeping company with these unfortunates, who by right should be in their own environments!
sooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo cute dfcad4fd9d...75bcf4.jpg
Wonderful idea for these animals to be outside their cages and meet new animals. Kudos San Antonio Zoo for this great adventure.
A zoo in my area showed videos every week of their animsls on outings to observe each other. They said it was good enrichment for the animals and encouraged donations.
The zoo should try promoting season passes at a discounted rate... To increase revenue as long as those tickets don't expire, I think blackout dates would be fine/acceptable given the discounted price, but just because people can't GO to the zoo right now doesn't mean they can't plan for future family vacations.
I wonder which were more confused, the zoo animals or the visiting animals
"Both organisations raise awareness for adoption"? OK, do me two of those gibbons then. The hippos won't fit.
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