Separation Anxiety

Turtles, Pine Grove Zoo
Turtles, Pine Grove Zoo

On a recent trip to Fargo, North Dakota, we drove through a small town in Minnesota called Little Falls and decided to stop when we saw they had a zoo. The Pine Grove Zoo is small ~ big enough for a small town but still a little disappointing although from reading their history it seems like they’ve come a long way. (Donations are always appreciated.)

The animals appeared lethargic and listless.  I felt really sorry for a couple of them.  From what I recall, some of the areas for the animals to wander in didn’t give them much space.  Perhaps that’s part of the problem ~ although I’m not a zookeeper so it’s speculation on my part.

Let’s start with the cheerful part of this trip ~ the happier looking animals.

This alpaca was friendly.  He was donated to the zoo because he didn’t have goodly fur to donate anymore.

Alpaca, Pine Grove Zoo
Alpaca, Pine Grove Zoo

The Yaks weren’t overly friendly ~ staying at a distance.

Yak, Pine Grove Zoo
Yak, Pine Grove Zoo

The zebras looked healthy and were moving around ~ wandering wandering.  Can you tell if they are twins by their stripes?

Zebras, Pine Grove Zoo
Zebras, Pine Grove Zoo

There were so many black tailed prairie dogs burrowing around in a field of dirt. I wondered out loud “Why can’t they burrow themselves out of here?”  Right?

Black Tailed Prairie Dogs, Pine Grove Zoo
Black Tailed Prairie Dogs, Pine Grove Zoo

These two donkeys, although in a small pen, looked happy as a lark.  Can you see the smile on the one on the left?

Donkeys, Pine Grove Zoo
Donkeys, Pine Grove Zoo

Now for the not so cheerful part of this trip …

Although this arctic wolf looks like he’s smiling (now, how would I know that?), he was pacing back and forth, and back and forth.  To me, he appeared anxious and his coat seemed unkept, scraggly.

Click here for some facts on this wolf.  They are adaptable to extreme cold so, unlike me, Minnesota winters wouldn’t bother them.

Arctic Wolf, Pine Grove Zoo
Arctic Wolf, Pine Grove Zoo

Next was the cougar who totally ignored me. Well, except for when he did his business right in front of me. I wonder … maybe he did it on purpose so I’d get out of his area.  Hmmmm …  The cougar was also listless and lethargic. Not much room for him to run around in, in my humble opinion.

Cougar, Pine Grove Zoo
Cougar, Pine Grove Zoo

Lastly, and this really broke my heart ~ the bears.

This bear stayed next to the wall the whole time I watched him which was quite awhile.

Bears, Pine Grove Zoo
Bears, Pine Grove Zoo

I just couldn’t figure out why he stayed in this spot.

Bears, Pine Grove Zoo
Bears, Pine Grove Zoo

Then he did this …

Bears, Pine Grove Zoo
Bears, Pine Grove Zoo

Hmmm … I walked a little ways to the right to see what was on the other side.  And now it made sense.  He is a she and this must be her cub ~ by why are they separated?  This bear appeared to be suffering from separation anxiety. I’m not sure why they would be separated like this.

Bears, Pine Grove Zoo
Bears, Pine Grove Zoo

And look who came to console Mama Bear …

Bears, Pine Grove Zoo
Bears, Pine Grove Zoo

It was a touching scene that took awhile to transpire and to understand.

My heart goes out to these caged animals ~ one day the animals will be able to roam free …  in heaven.

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