A coyote kept in a cage at a Cook County forest preserve will get a larger and better equipped enclosure in response to protests over the animal’s living conditions, officials said.
A coyote looks from its cage at the River Trail Nature Center, Jan. 5, 2022, in Northbrook.
Activists, who call the animal Rocky, were unhappy with the district’s rejection of their offer to pay for the coyote’s transfer to The Wild Animal Sanctuary in Colorado, where animals live in packs in large fenced-in fields.The Chicago Alliance for Animals issued a statement that members were “incredibly saddened” by the district’s decision, which was made by staff and never put to a board vote.
But Kubala called for allowing more natural behaviors like hunting and exploring. She recommended keeping the animal with a companion coyote in a larger enclosure, citing a 5,000 square feet guideline from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. The district’s veterinarian for the coyote, Jamie Abete, felt that transferring it to live with other animals could endanger it, since it’s been imprinted and has been living alone for more than three years.The audit included an action plan to follow best industry practices in animals under the district’s care.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Endangered Blanding’s Turtles Given Head Start on Survival Before Cook County Forest Preserve ReleaseNearly a dozen baby Blanding’s turtles — a state-listed endangered species — were recently released into the swampy waters of a Cook County forest preserve wetland.
Read more »
COVID Update: IL reports 5,205 new cases, seven deaths; Cook County in 'high' transmission, CDC saysIllinois reported 5,205 new COVID cases and seven new deaths Tuesday as Cook County remains in 'high' transmission, according to the CDC.
Read more »
Kentucky woman charged with leading Baldwin County deputies on chase into Mobile CountyAn intense car chase that started in Baldwin County ended in Mobile County with the car catching fire.
Read more »
With Winners Possibly Weeks Away, Here's Who's Ahead In Montgomery County Primary RacesAs of Monday afternoon, County Executive Marc Elrich has a slim lead over businessman David Blair in the race for Montgomery County’s top elected office, allyschweitzer reports.
Read more »
Man who killed two Orange County women in the 1980s is identifiedThe case is one of many nationwide that have used new DNA testing and genetic searches to solve crimes.
Read more »