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Zimba, Caracal
Zimba is one of many Black Pine Animal Park residents who were once someone's exotic pet. She lost her primary keeper when he passed away following a battle with cancer. After his death, Zimba needed a new home because as an exotic animal, she was not allowed to live in an apartment, nor was she very fond of her new caretaker. Caracals are also known as African lynx, and they are endangered in certain parts of Asia and Africa.
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Chui, African Leopard
Chui means "leopard" in Swahili, one of the languages of Africa. He is a black leopard, which sometimes are referred to as "black panthers". In reality, there is no such species. Black panthers are either the melanistic versions of the leopard, or jaguar from South America. Leopards are an endangered species. Chui was born in captivity and destined to be sold in the exotic pet trade, not a great fate for any big cat. As just a cub, he was rescued by Black Pine Animal Park from that uncertain future.
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Cita, Bengal Tiger
Cita is one of seven Bengal tigers who have found refuge at Black Pine Animal Park. Bengal tigers are critically endangered in their native habitat throughout Asia and India, however in captivity they are somewhat overpopulated. Tigers are among the most beloved of all exotic animals, and unfortunately thousands become homeless every year through confiscation.
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Tarzan, Chimpanzee
Tarzan, and his roommate, Coby, are among the most popular animal residents at Black Pine Animal Park. Both are retired performers, who, like hundreds of other trained chimps, retired at about seven years of age. They were 16 when they retired to Black Pine, and may live 50 to 60 years. Tarzan is a sweet, powerful animal. He enjoys mirrors, balls, and any kind of good food!
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China, Asian Leopard
China, like his habitat-mate, Chui, was destined for an uncertain future in the exotic pet trade the moment he was conceived. Born in a breeding facility for profit, China was lucky to have been found by a donor who brought him to Black Pine Animal Park. Hundreds of big cats need refuge every year, the result of overpopulation in captivity among people who can not, or do not, provide the proper care.
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