Popcorn Park Zoo Loses Two Beloved Cougars From The 'Texas 7'

by Patricia A. Miller

The two cougars came to Popcorn Park Zoo in 2011, after a cross-country rescue mission to save big cats who had been left to fend for themselves in a makeshift, filthy animal sanctuary.

Camille and Gwen were two of them, dubbed the ”Texas 7,” the lucky ones who made it to Popcorn Park Zoo in Lacey Township.

They lived happily at the zoo for four years. But recently the shelter workers had to say goodbye to them both.

Camille could barely move by the time she had to be euthanized. Previous owners had declawed the cougar 14 years ago, making it difficult for her to walk. Her improper stance led to severe arthritis.

“ About a month ago, it was to the point she couldn’t get herself up at all,” according to the organization’s Facebook page.. ”Her quality of life was now greatly diminished. After exhausting all pain medication and therapies, we had to make the very difficult decision to put her at rest. She was always a bright spot in everyone’s day to see her face and hear her purring while waiting to go out every morning. We’ll miss those mornings when we moved her outside, she would roll over on her side for a belly rub and she would start moving her back leg like a dog does when enjoying his belly rubbed.”

Shortly after Camille died, Gwen began having problems keeping her food down.

“It then got to the point of her not wanting to eat much and then not at all,“ the website states. “Our vet staff sent out blood work for testing and tried to build her up with fluid therapy. After getting result of the tests, it broke our hearts to learn that she was in the latter stages of gastrointestinal cancer.

The staff had to make the heart-wrenching decision to put down Gwen as well.

“It was very difficult to say good bye to these lovely ladies,“ the website states. “They were truly a pleasure and we were lucky to have been able to share our lives with theirs. Thanks to the support of all of you.”

To read about the rescue of the “Texas 7,“ click on the link below.

http://www.ahscares.org/showarchive.asp?id=870

Photo credit: Associated Humane Societies Popcorn Park Zoo.