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Message From Jaye on Duke's Illness
REPOSTED FROM FACEBOOK, 3/25/10: Thank you all for the caring about the animals. Please watch the video of Duke. Duke was bitten by a black widow spider and nearly died. He was in a coma state for over six weeks and could not eat or drink. Even with two veterinarians tending to him daily with IV's and medication, Duke came close to dying several times.
Duke always loved to play in water and once he became strong enough to get up and move, his Doctors suggested that we allow him to take a bubble bath, something that he really enjoys. It is "NOT" normal procedure to allow anyone in with any of our animals. We love our animals and do not want to put them in a position to harm one of us, thus causing possible harm to them.
Duke was very weak when he took his first bubble bath and our veterinarians did not feel that he posed a threat to us as weak as he was. Also, I did develop a bond with Duke during his six week illness. I slept on a air mattress next to his den, tended to his every need and only left his side for very brief moments. I know that even though he is a wild animal and you can never ever trust them, I know in my heart that he knew I was there for him and he knew and appreciated it.
If you will notice on the tape that at one point he growled at another tiger. You will see that I am not in the pen with him. After the second day that he was able to get up, no one was allowed in his enclosure again.
Thanks to all of you for your help,
Jaye
Duke always loved to play in water and once he became strong enough to get up and move, his Doctors suggested that we allow him to take a bubble bath, something that he really enjoys. It is "NOT" normal procedure to allow anyone in with any of our animals. We love our animals and do not want to put them in a position to harm one of us, thus causing possible harm to them.
Duke was very weak when he took his first bubble bath and our veterinarians did not feel that he posed a threat to us as weak as he was. Also, I did develop a bond with Duke during his six week illness. I slept on a air mattress next to his den, tended to his every need and only left his side for very brief moments. I know that even though he is a wild animal and you can never ever trust them, I know in my heart that he knew I was there for him and he knew and appreciated it.
If you will notice on the tape that at one point he growled at another tiger. You will see that I am not in the pen with him. After the second day that he was able to get up, no one was allowed in his enclosure again.
Thanks to all of you for your help,
Jaye
