Dooks to all,
 
I just got back from a camping trip to Carlyle Lake.  The only bad thing is
we couldn't take the fuzzbutts with us because of the plans we had and the
heat.  We tent camp and it is not a big roomy cabin tent - wish it was. :-)
They were well looked after while we were gone.
 
Anyway, the reason for this post is something upsetting, to me at least.
During our trip we drove into St.  Louis to go to the zoo.  We had heard it
is a really nice zoo and decided to check it out.  Well, we were most
pleased with the exhibits and how healthy the animals looked.  I was amazed
at how healthy the gorillas looked and how nice the exhibit was.  I am used
to Chicago's zoos and St.  Louis outdoes them.
 
My only complaint came at the end of the day near closing time.  For those
not familiar with the St. Louis Zoo, they are currently redoing the
Children's Zoo and it will not be done for quite a while.  They have an
exhibit area called Animal Encounters or something like that where kids can
pet goats and such.  Well they have a rather large small animal cage and in
it were about five ferrets.  The thing is they were labled European Polecats
that are "frequently referred to as ferrets."  I don't know, but they sure
looked a lot like pet ferrets to me.  They were big, but still looked like
our beloved domesticated ferrets.  I didn't have anything to write the info
on in which the scientific name was listed.  That was just a minor fur
raising irritation.  The biggest thing is that it was very, very warm and
humid and they were outside!  They had a water bowl, but IMO not big enough
and it had large rocks in it - most likely to keep them from tipping it
over.  Plus, I don't think it was cold or fresh as it had stuff in it.  They
were all sleeping, but I did check them to see if they were panting.  None
were.  My point is, I did not get the opportunity to talk to a keeper or
anything like that because my son was very tired and hot and whiny as was my
husband.  What I would like to know is if someone in the St.  Louis area
check on the condition of the ferrets and their treatment.  I am concerned
that with the summer just beginning to get to its hottest those poor fuzzies
will be in for a hard time.  Maybe Bob C.  could detour on his way home and
stop in and make sure the ferrets are well cared for and check to be sure
the info sign is not wrong or misleading in any way.
 
Let me know. I would like it to be someone closer to the zoo than me as
I live near Peoria, IL.
 
Ferret hugs and kisses,
Donelle and three worried fuzzies
[Posted in FML issue 1994]