Page 93 - April 2015 Life In Naples Magazine

and hindquarters, the wounded and blinded cat may have been
surviving on road kill for up to six weeks before he was found.
He received urgent care at the Animal Specialty Hospital of
Florida followed by critical care at Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo.
The panther was named Uno as he was the first animal treated
in their new veterinary hospital. FWC is still investigating the
shooting of this panther.

“As an organization with a strong commitment to Florida
wildlife, we’re proud to provide veterinary support for the wild
panther population–both in the field and onsite at Tampa’s
Lowry Park Zoo,”said Dr. Ray Ball, Lowry Park Zoo’s Director
of Medical Sciences. “Through a long-term relationship with
USFWS and FWC, we have an important role in helping
evaluate and rehabilitate wild panthers like Uno, as well as
providing life-saving medical care for manatees.”

Since arriving at Naples Zoo, Uno has been cared for by which will be able to help both larger local species like panthers as well as
the Zoo’s carnivore team in a behind-the-scenes area where he the exotic species in the Zoo.”
has free choice of inside and outside spaces. “Along with direct
observation, we use remote cameras to monitor Uno’s activities Larry Williams, Florida State Supervisor of Ecological Services for
during the day and night. While he preferred the indoor area at the USFWS, agrees,“Florida panther conservation is a team effort. Many
first, the videos show him exploring the outdoor area more and thanks to our partners at the Animal Specialty Hospital of Florida and
more,” explained Naples Zoo’s Director of Animal Programs Liz the Lowry Park and Naples Zoos for nursing Uno back to health after his
Harmon.“Given the trauma he experienced, he’s adapting quickly injury. Because he can’t be returned to the wild due to his condition, we’re
and moving around very well.” The Zoo’s carnivore keepers are happy Uno will be in an environment where he’ll continue to receive the
also training Uno to sound cues and offer gentle, reassuring tones proper care and attention he needs at the new exhibit, which will help
as they help transition him to a life without sight. educate people about Florida panthers.”

As Uno’s story demonstrates, many dedicated agencies and With as few as 20 to 30 cats surviving in the 1970s, Florida
related biologists and veterinarians currently serve to help injured panthers once teetered on the very edge of extinction. Several decades
panthers. This new facility at Naples Zoo will provide officials of conservation efforts for this federally listed endangered species have
with a local facility to act even quicker by providing an alternative resulted in a population estimated between 100 and 180 cats. While still
to moving cats several hours away in the state – an especially a critically low number for recovery, that growing number does increase
useful option for a cat that only needs short-term observation for the chance for interaction between cats and humans – and as Uno proves,
a few hours or few weeks. it can be bad for panthers as well as people. Educational components
of the new exhibit will engage guests in a balanced discussion of saving
“We’re excited about providing a missing resource like this,” endangered species and living with large predators.
said Naples Zoo President and CEO Jack Mulvena. “We’re also
progressing on fundraising for our own new veterinary hospital Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit
organization cooperating in conservation and education programs both
in and outside the wild for endangered species. For more information,
visit www.napleszoo.org or call 239.262.5409.

Life in Naples | April 2015 93