Ms. Marriott emphasized that the most urgent cases among the daily influx of animals at the charity are the dogs. “We always prioritize the dogs from the pound,” she said, “because they only have a seven-day holding period before they might face euthanasia.”
The charity has also noted a rising number of unwanted cats. “The situation with cats and kittens is out of control right now,” Ms. Marriott added. “It’s crucial that people get their cats neutered.”
Among the current residents is Lionel, a Herdwick lamb. Assistant manager Emma Townsend shared his story: “Lionel was born on a hobby farm, but his mother didn’t claim him. He arrived here when he was just two days old and has been bottle-fed ever since.”
Unlike other animals, sheep are not typically rehomed by the shelter, so Lionel will remain at the sanctuary. He has formed a strong bond with Ms. Townsend, even giving her an unexpected haircut. She recalled, “Late one night, after everyone else had left, I stayed with the lambs. I dozed off for about half an hour, and when I woke up, they were chewing on my hair. As I sat up, they were still clinging to it, and I noticed a chunk was missing.”
They also mentioned that Lena arrived with a package of spices, including her favorite, Chinese five spice, to help her acclimate to her new environment.
David Gibson, Chief Executive of Dartmoor Zoo, highlighted that Lena’s arrival is a key component of the zoo’s commitment to animal conservation.
“Modern zoos play a crucial role in the conservation breeding of critically endangered species, like the Amur leopard,” he stated. “We are thrilled to contribute to the ongoing preservation of this remarkable and charismatic species.”
Freddo arrived at Dartmoor Zoo in November 2023, with the goal of expanding the population of Amur leopards. He was registered on ZIMS, a database managed by the US-based firm Species360, to aid in finding a suitable mate for him.
Zookeepers at Dartmoor will closely monitor the interactions between Lena and Freddo before initiating the breeding program. Senior keeper Ashley Matthews remarked, “Introductions can take time, and we want to ensure we don’t rush this process.”