Irvine Park cougars welcomed home

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By ELIZABETH HOCHSTEDLER
elizabeth.hochstedler@lee.net
Sunday, October 19, 2008 1:05 AM CDT

Ann Richmond was not going to miss the Irvine Park cougars’ debut in their new exhibit Saturday morning.

“The kids were excited,” she said. “We flew out of swimming lessons just to get here on time.”

Richmond, of Jim Falls, and her children were among more than 50 people who were present at 11 a.m. when cougars Tia and Tacoma were released into their new home.

The duo had been kept in a 1971 cement building with little amenities since they arrived at the zoo about four years ago. On Saturday they were introduced into their new 2,700 square-foot home, which is complete with climbing rocks and a log, a pool and grass.

As the cougars were shown their new home, onlookers reached for any inch of glass they could get from the four east-facing windows.

Zookeeper Jennifer London, who was peering in from the southside windows which were only open to staff Saturday, expected the cats might retreat after being released, but the two wandered around, taking in the new space.

“They look dumbfounded like they’ve never had so much space,” Richmond said.

Kelly Ruff, of Bloomer, also made it down to Irvine Park with her two children Saturday morning.

“The kids love coming to the park, so we came to see our bricks we purchased and the cougars,” she said.

Ruff purchased a brick for each of her children. The proceeds of the bricks which make up the path in front of the exhibit are used to pay for the exhibits.

“We come all summer almost twice a week, so I thought it would be cool for the kids to see their names here,” she said. “It’s a lasting memory.”

Ruff said she and her family appreciate having Irvine Park so close to home.

“It’s such a great thing for our community,” she said.

Ruff was among the many donors who fully paid for the almost $374,000 which has gone into the creation of the cougar exhibit and the start of the bobcat exhibit.

Looking into the cougar exhibit Saturday, she was impressed with the work.

“We think it’s pretty neat, lots of space, and it’s absolutely beautiful,” she said.

London, who came in on her day off, watched with anticipation as Tia and Tacoma explored their new home.

“This is probably one of the biggest days since working here for me,” said London, who has been with Irvine Park for eight years.

When the cats were placed in the holding area behind the exhibit Thursday afternoon, she cracked open the door to the new home, so the cougars could get a glimpse of their future.

“They seem like they’re curious,” she said Friday.

She anticipates that the cougars will quickly grow into their new place.

“I know they’re going to love it; they’re going to absolutely love it,” she said.

Although the space is larger, London said the new exhibit makes her life easier as a more efficient draining system was put in place.

Now that the cougar exhibit it completed, the bobcats can look forward to their new home.

Bill Faherty, director of the city’s Parks, Recreation and Forestry Department, said $140,000 more is needed to finish the bobcat exhibit. So far the interior area is completed and the water and electricity is ready, however the outer construction still has to be finished.

The park’s visitors are looking forward to returning to watch the bobcats enter their home, which is anticipated to be opened next year.

Anyone wishing to donate money toward finishing the bobcat exhibit may mail a check to: Chippewa Falls Parks and Recreation Department, 21 E. Grand Ave., Chippewa Falls, WI 54729. Specify “Zoo exhibits” on the check.

The Friends of Irvine Park is also raising money by selling bricks for the walkway outside the exhibits. The cost of the bricks range from $100 to $2,000.

For more information about the brick program, contact the Parks Department or visit this Website: www.irvineparkzoo.org/Donation.htm.