I worked at B.R. zoo for a number of years and have a good friend who still does. He was one of the few people who cared for Mike while he was there. They did not put him on display because all the big cat exhibits were full. He had very nice digs away from the public in a wooded area. My friend said when they first got him in there he acted almost like he didn't know what grass was. I was kept up to date the whole time he was there and was sent a souvenir by my friend last month. An authintic tiger whisker that Mike shed one day. I've got it in with my Nat. Championship ticket stub. And yes they did give him a little something to take the edge off for the move. I'm glad he's got a great new home.
The new habitat is almost a full acre. He'll love that running water, rocky terrain, fresh grass and loads of sunshine for lying in the sun. Mike V is a very old Tiger at 16. They are living to almost 20 now with good care and diet, and he gets the best. The trees inside the habitat have a way to go, so he'll be able to be easily seen on visits. He has a climate controlled lair in the back out of view. What a cool set-up for the old boy. They just need to throw him an Arkansas piggie or a stray Rebel fan every now and then for exercise. :hihi:
There's a very good article in the Advocate on Mike's new digs. Reading the article it looks like Mike's paws will love the new habitat. :thumb: http://www.2theadvocate.com/stories/082705/new_mike001.shtml
I went by there yesterday. They said he was in his room and would be let out into the cage today (Sat.) at 9:00.ldskule:
