These Shelter Pets Were Taken On A Field Trip To Meet Their Exotic Relatives At The Local Zoo

While so many of us were struck with boredom during quarantine, animals had a much more entertaining time. Many of them, stray and wild, got the chance to roam the empty streets, fish for snacks in our dumpsters, or even take naps in vacant malls. However, the zoo animals had the most fun. After spending years in the same facility, they finally had the chance to meet up with other residents. They even hanged out with ‘foreign’ friends when shelter cats and dogs visited them during an awesome field trip!

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During the quarantine, residents of the Animal Defense League of Texas were taken on a field trip to the San Antonio Zoo

Last month, the Animal Defense League of Texas decided to take a few of its residents to the San Antonio Zoo. During this one-of-a-kind opportunity that only happened thanks to the quarantine, kittens and dogs had the chance to meet up and interact with a variety of other animals such as lions, leopards, monkeys, giraffes, and other interesting creatures they definitely don’t see every day!

Clearly, they enjoyed themselves. The videos provided by the shelter showed pets wagging their tails at their new, unfamiliar friends.

“All the animals were able to have such a unique experience with this event and it was enthralling to see them interact with each other. Carla, the 7-month old white lab-mix was the most intrigued by all the zoo animals. Her favorite being the Giraffes, who seemed equally as curious to see such a strange animal in front of them. Our kittens were in awe of the Hippos and fish, while Ella, the 6-year old black lab-mix thoroughly enjoyed watching the gibbons swing from rope to rope,” Development and Marketing Manager for the Animal Defense League of Texas (ADL), Michelle Thorson, told Bored Panda.

The kittens and dogs got a one-of-a-kind chance to meet other animals such as lions, giraffes, and monkeys

ADL, the oldest, true no-kill shelter in the state of Texas, has faced many overwhelming challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic. So did the San Antonio Zoo.

“ADL and our neighbors at the San Antonio Zoo felt a shared impact from the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in a devastating decrease in essential revenues and fundraising support,” said Michelle. Thus the brilliant idea was born on how to engage with the community and bring awareness to the issues both organizations care for.

“Our two organizations wanted a way to bring awareness to the unique programs we as care providers offer to our resident animals, big and small. Few are aware that both of our organizations have similar foster and enrichment programs that are vital to the health and wellbeing of our animals. Sharing this fun visit on our social media platforms was a way for us to engage with our wonderful community, while offering enrichment to the pets at both the shelter and zoo.”

Michelle encourages people to lend a helping hand during these tough times. “We continue our work tirelessly to produce a life-saving performance that set new records, as with nearly all other entities, the pandemic forced the closure of ADL’s elective low-cost services such as public spay/neuter and wellness clinics, which historically generate income to fund our life-saving programs. Now more than ever we are needing additional funding support to help sustain our strategic programs and ensure we can continue to serve the animals and members of our community in need. Those in the position to help can adopt, foster, volunteer, or donate!” Click here for more information on how you can help.

Watch the video of the field trip below

The San Antonio zoo also asked for people’s support in helping them get back on their feet after the unexpected closure. “Your support is more critical now than it has been in our entire 106-year history and will help keep the zoo thriving during this difficult time,” the zoo writes. Visit the San Antonio zoo’s website to offer support.