Cute Critters to Take Our Minds Off Everyday Stresses

[Whitman]

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYTbGWVEQ09B8KHGnRd2s2NkO_wJWqZS4_z4jBTswJY2poFI0QOSV8w-VdknWGZ8XQ60Y-RrtNcAUzU45nC4U8MV44RD63IMN_8s-BGSn_npCP8f8MIDh38H-DI5TUwiebo_1H7ZlZK-pZllx8ZIDDQ4mIlRxBKngbyhX6ua57ONeWv0U8RA/w640-h618/7040e5_06a19d19e060485fad604d3c547293e1~mv2.jpg

[samhexum]

 

Notty, the zebra, and Tytan, the rhinoceros, couldn't be more different, yet, despite the obvious, there's something undeniably magical about their friendship. Watching them together feels like a real-life Disney movie, proving that companionship can blossom in the most unexpected places.

Sadly, their story began with heartbreak. Nearly a year ago, the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust introduced the world to the unlikely duo after both were rescued as orphaned babies. Although their circumstances were unrelated, each had lost their mother and was left alone in the wild, with little chance of surviving on their own.

In a recently shared Instagram video, Notty and Tytan race side by side as they eagerly chase one of their keepers. Notty sets a brisk pace with some serious pep in his step, proving the young zebra has plenty of playful energy, while Tytan does his best to keep up, happily serving as his best friend's running buddy.

After their quick sprint, Tytan is ready for a well-earned break. Notty patiently waits nearby, giving his bestie time to catch his breath before they head out on their next adventure together.

What Will Happen to Their Friendship as They Age?

As much as everyone loves watching Notty and Tytan together, many fans can't help but wonder what will happen as they grow older. One follower asked in the comments, "Wonderful to see! Thank you so much. I wonder what the process will look like when they have to separate as adults? Do you help them find the right path? What if they want to keep living together?"

The Sheldrick Wildlife Trust offered a reassuring response, explaining that "every orphan rewilds on their own terms, at their individual pace, with our full support." They added, "As Notty and Tytan get older, the instincts of their respective species will naturally begin to emerge more strongly. Zebras are social, so Notty will likely seek out a zebra herd (of which there are many in Nairobi National Park), while Tytan will establish a territory."

[Stormy]

[Whitman]

[+ azdr0710]

[+ azdr0710]

[samhexum]

Senior Horses Find Peace After Brooklyn Riding Academy Closes

After the Jamaica Bay Riding Academy closed in May, a handful of the older horses are now enjoying their final years at a horse sanctuary in upstate New York.

Jamaica Bay Riding Academy, which provided riding lessons and camps for over 50 years, closed in May. 

 

When the Jamaica Bay Riding Academy closed in May after 54 years, a handful of its senior horses got a second chance, retiring to a horse sanctuary in upstate New York. 

Located off the Belt Parkway near Bergen Beach, the riding academy opened in 1972 by the Danza family and offered trail and beach horseback riding and lessons.

“After years of dedication, strength, and loyal service, the time has come for our hardworking horses to enjoy the peaceful retirement they have truly earned,” the family wrote on their farewell note posted on the website.

Between 40 and 50 horses were displaced from the closure, and 13 of them found sanctuary at the 13 Hands Equine Rescue in Clinton Corners in Dutchess County, according to Marylou Tortorello, the founder and board chair of the rescue farm.

The Danza family reached out to Tortorello, and the horses arrived in early June.

Boomer is now living at 13 Hands Equine Rescue 

“It’s taken time to complete evaluations and initial intakes, but every horse has now received immediate care including veterinary exams, farrier work, and dental,” according to Colleen Challenger Schropfer, a strategic engagement officer at 13 Hands Rescue.

A majority of the other horses were sold to individual buyers and farms for $3,000-$5,000, after a post by NYC Equestrian advertised their uncertain futures and possibility of going to auction, according to Tortorello.

However, many of the horses needed to be retired due to old age and medical complications related to aging. (I can't relate!)

“That's how we look at it and feel,” Tortorello said. “Almost every horse we got, except for two or three, were all about late 20s to early 30s.”

Horses in captivity live to be in their 20s on average, but oftentimes they encounter health issues before they reach higher ages, Tortorello said.

"So we look at quality of life too, and we don't want horses to suffer,” Tortorello said.

The Danza family did not respond to repeated emails and calls for comment.

“This group is older than we were initially told, and their needs are substantial,” Schropfer said in a statement. “Senior horses often require double that in feed and supplements. And our veterinary costs continue to rise as we uncover and treat underlying issues.”

This July, in collaboration with their vet, the rescue farm decided to humanely euthanize horses, S.T. and Midnite Shock. S.T. had an advanced chronic connective tissue disorder, and Midnite Shock had multiple tumors, including a ruptured one causing continuous bleeding.

Five of the other horses sent to 13 Hands Equine Rescue were adopted into other homes, and the other six are available to be sponsored at the rescue, according to Schropfer.

The horses needed a place to rest and retire after years of work, Tortorello said.

“Every person should help rescues because there are many animals we have helped, and there's so many more waiting to come here. But it's all about money and space,” Tortorello said. “But, there is never a loss for finding horses that need homes."

https://www.bkreader.com/lifestyle-culture/senior-horses-find-peace-after-brooklyn-riding-academy-closes-12601816

Edited Thursday at 11:38 PM by samhexum
just for the hell of it

[Lotus-eater]

9 hours ago, samhexum said:

Senior Horses Find Peace After Brooklyn Riding Academy Closes

After the Jamaica Bay Riding Academy closed in May, a handful of the older horses are now enjoying their final years at a horse sanctuary in upstate New York.

Jamaica Bay Riding Academy, which provided riding lessons and camps for over 50 years, closed in May. 

 

When the Jamaica Bay Riding Academy closed in May after 54 years, a handful of its senior horses got a second chance, retiring to a horse sanctuary in upstate New York.