November 2020 brought the loss three Zoo Friends that I know of. Gandalf the Alpaca, Odette the Coscoroba Swan, and Zura the Western Lowland Gorilla. Losses are always hard to write about, but since the Zoo doesn't acknowledge them all, I have been trying to do so here. It saddens me to not tribute each one with a photo, but for over eighteen hours I tried to go through my unsorted photo files and failed to find any of my Odette photos. So I will only post Gandalf's, and since the Zoo did social and media notices about Zura, that included a photo, I will include a personal video.
Each one of these was a shock. Each one had been having health issues. I only knew about Zura's, but had no idea it was something that was life threatening.
The Farm Friends have been some of the Animals I have been closest to. While so many besties have left, there are still some that remain. It's been hard not to be able to hang out with them up-close for eight months, so losing Gandalf was extra sad. I would call out to him when I saw him. I hope he heard me and knew I was still there to see him.
Some of my favorite times were watching him so happy, rolling about on the ground in the sun. I would say, Gandalf are you having fun, and he'd stop, tilt his head back and smile, looking at me upside down. He could also be very silly, trying to get all four footies into a water bucket! Miss you sweet boy.
Photo from his Birthday Party
November 2019
RIP Gandalf
Bless Your Soul
Odette was one of the two Coscoroba Swans, who I met at the Farm. They would try and rule the pond, that is when Edna the Goose wasn't looking. They were fun to watch. Sadly when the pond got filled, they were moved to a couple other enclosures, before settling in with the Penguins. Being in the center of the Zoo and always busy motoring about, I stopped and said, Hi to them often. I got used to them being there. They were a team. Thankfully her "sister" is back at the Farm and getting lots of attention. I will miss you Odette.
RIP Odette
Bless Your Soul
Zura was one of my first Zoo Friends. She was the best Gorilla Lady ever! I have loved her since I first met her. A Beautiful and special girl, inside and out. I always called her Princess, and called our enclosure, Zura's World.
When I heard of her passing, I shared this video with some of my Gorilla loving friends. This is pure Zura. A friend who always came to see me and gave a tongue wiggle hello, and I gave her a wiggle back. Still tears flow when I think about our interactions. A very precious friend. I sure miss you Princess.
RIP Zura
Bless Your Soul
Thank you Gandalf, Odette and Zura for being part of my Life.
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