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Unleashed: Rosie outlook for spring

Comparatively few Baton Rouge families brave cold temperatures for a trip to BREC’s Baton Rouge Zoo. However, for one recent transplant, this year’s North Baton Rouge winter probably felt like a (sub)tropical vacation.

Last Fall, Rosie, a one-and-a-half-year-old giraffe, arrived in the Capital City from Como Park Zoo in St. Paul, Minnesota. In a way, Rosie’s public debut in 2015 heralded a homecoming. Her mother lived at the Baton Rouge Zoo before being moved to Como Park.

Rosie was transferred as part of the Species Survival Program (SSP). As an accredited member of the Association of Zoos & Aquariums, the Baton Rouge Zoo participates in the international SSP program, which coordinates the breeding of threatened or endangered species.

Baton Rouge Zoo is involved in 50 SSPs, which include everything from Louisiana pine snakes to primates and big cats to elephants. Some SSPs involve breeding; others require holding animals to prevent them from being over bred.

Rosie won’t be ready to enter the breeding program for a couple of years. Relocating to Baton Rouge at an early age gives her time to settle into the herd.

Not only is Rosie fitting in well with the group, she has become quite popular at Giraffe Circle. Even at nearly 11 feet tall, her diminutive size makes her easy to spot among the herd. Speaking of spots, Rosie has what Disney refers to as a “hidden Mickey,” which is the outline of a Mickey Mouse head, on her right side.

So, as the weather warms, Capital City kids and their parents have a new reason to return to the wildest place in the city and search for this new Rose among the fauna rather than the flora. 

Creature Feature

TwisterTwister is a small adult female Russian blue. This beautiful girl is gentle and sweet.

 

 

WinstonWinston is a labrador retriever/border collie mix. While he is less than four months old, he is already a sizable, solid puppy. With a training and patience, he will grow into a well-behaved big dog.

NathanNathan is a small, male tabby kitten. Born two weeks after his mother was rescued from a kill shelter, Nathan has always had a great experience with kind humans. So, it’s no surprise that—besides being abundantly cute—Nathan is very friendly and playful.

Lil’Lil' Bit Bit is a five-year-old terrier mix who was rescued from a life of being tied to a tree with little food or water. This sweetheart is full-grown and weighs 15 pounds.

 

LouieLouie is one of a very sweet and smart litter. That personality comes as no surprise since rescuers say their mom is basset/pitbull mix, who is one of the sweetest, most laid-back dogs they’ve ever encountered.

MoeMoe is very sweet, laid back and loving medium-haired orange marble tabby. He is gentle and would be a great companion for any family.

 

These pets have all been microchipped, vaccinated, spayed/neutered and FeLeuk/FIV tested. Many other adoptable cats, kittens, puppies and dogs are available at the Northside Humane Society. For more information, click here or call 964-6992.