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Puma Rescued From A Contact-Type Zoo Can’t Be Released Into The Wild, Lives As A Spoiled House Cat
Mariya and Aleksandr Dmitriev share a one-bedroom apartment with one of the biggest names in soccer – Messi. No not the star himself, but his namesake – a 90lb puma. The Russian couple first spotted Messi at the Saransk Zoo in Penza when he was just eight-months-old and decided that they had to have him.
Image credits: l_am_puma
Messi was one of three cougar cubs born at the zoo. The other two, Suarez and Neymar, were also named after famous players to celebrate the Russian city hosting four matches of the World Cup. The wild cat was sold to the Saransk Zoo when he was three months old and suffered from health problems. Enamored with the sickly zoo animal the Dmitriev’s appealed to the owners and asked if they could buy him.
Image credits: l_am_puma
Image credits: l_am_puma
According to his wife Mariya, Aleksandr, 38, had always dreamed of owning a big cat, “He always thought about having a lynx – never a puma. It’s hard to explain but we believe that having this puma as a house cat is part of our destiny.”
Image credits: l_am_puma
“We had three days of thinking hard about whether it was moral to keep such an exotic pet, and whether it was common sense to have one. But nothing could fight our sudden wish,” Mariya, 28, told the Mirror. “So we went to the zoo and started negotiations to buy Messi. We were surprised ourselves when they agreed.”
Image credits: l_am_puma
Image credits: l_am_puma
Taking on the care of Messi was a challenge in many ways. Beyond being a wild animal, the cat needed extra medical attention and care, “‘he was quite weak and demanded a lot of attention,” said Mariya. Even though the couple has nursed the cub back to health, he is still only two-thirds of the size of the average puma.
Image credits: l_am_puma
Just like any other pet, Messi requires lots of exercise, which is why his human parents purchased a special coat and harness so they can take him on walks. “He is like a dog. We started taking him for a walk, step by step. The animal hadn’t been really active before, Aleksandr said in an interview with RT, “Now we walk a lot twice a day, as it’s supposed to be. It doesn’t differ much from owning a dog in this sense.”
Image credits: l_am_puma
Image credits: l_am_puma
However, unlike a dog training, this lovable giant was not easy. The couple tried to find a wild animal handler but were not successful.
Image credits: l_am_puma
Finally, they found a dog training school he could attend and now responds to about 10 different commands.
Image credits: l_am_puma
Image credits: l_am_puma
“He convinced us with his behavior that he’s a full member of our family and that he wouldn’t be doing anything bad apart from some small naughty things. He’s very kind and likes contact. He gets on very well with people,” says Aleksandr.
Image credits: l_am_puma
Having an exotic cat in your house is quite rare, so the Dmitrievs document life with their ‘housecat’ across social media – and people love it. While the real Messi has 100m Instagram followers, cat Messi still does pretty well with over 500k followers on his @I_am_puma account and over 170k subscribers on his YouTube account.
Image credits: l_am_puma
Image credits: l_am_puma
Even though the couple only lives in a one-bedroom apartment they have done their best to accommodate their large companion. Such as converting their hallway into Messi’s den – complete with a tree, bamboo walls, and a hiding hole.
Image credits: l_am_puma
“He is just an ordinary cat, but a big one. He has all the habits of a cat,” says Aleksandr.
Image credits: l_am_puma
As you can imagine some animal and environmental rights activists have objections to the Dmitrievs keeping an exotic animal in their home and believe Messi belongs on a wildlife reserve or in a sanctuary. While others note the danger of living with wild animal.
Image credits: l_am_puma
But the couple believes that he would not survive alongside other animals as he has never lived alone in the wild. “Of course it’s quite dangerous having such a large cat at home, but Messi is a special animal,” Mariya told the Mirror.
Image credits: l_am_puma
Image credits: l_am_puma
Image credits: l_am_puma
RELATED:
Check out Messi playing with his favorite toys
Or learn how to wash a puma
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What do you think ?
Corey Smith 5 years ago
Can you imagine a burglar breaking into that apartment and coming across not a guard dog, but a guard puma?
hobbitly 5 years ago
Probably an impopulair opinion, but I think this is wrong. Its a wild animal, it should not live indoors but go to a special sanctuary. I think its typical that some people think they can just buy anything they want and not look at what is best for the animal (declawing for example is extremely cruel). And by posting tons of photos and vids online, other people will see this as normal and some might even want this too. Not a good thing if you ask me.
Toe beans 5 years ago
Yes, when my mom suggested we declaw our cat, I told her no. Yes, its dangerous for a puma to be in the house with claws, but if you have to declaw an animal in order to keep it, that just shows you probably shouldn’t have it. Cats are upsessed with their claws, its their pride and defense mechanism. Someone might ask “Why does a cat need claws if they aren’t going to live outside?”. Well, there are threats inside a home too;mice, bugs, children that are bothersome, and a cat loses some confidence when you take away their claws because they feel unsafe with out their natural weapons.
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Hilu 5 years ago
No. This wasn’t done to rescue this animal. This was done to accommodate a person who has “always dreamed about owning a big cat”.
Naima Ivansdóttir 5 years ago
positive. common sense was obliterated by their "strong wish", as stated above... no words
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The Girl on Fire 5 years ago
As glad as I am that they nursed it back to health, I really don't like what they ended up doing with it. A puma isn't a housepet, a puma is a majestic wild creature. The pictures of it on a leash just make me sad. And then "But the couple believes that he would not survive alongside other animals" Unless they're animal experts, how can they know that? " "The Russian couple first spotted Messi ..... and decided that they had to have him." Ugh, this is messed up.
Magdalina777 5 years ago
While it's not quite right and yes, pumas belong in the wild, the zoos here are bloody awful and cruel to animals. And that's big official zoos, I can only imagine how bad 'contact zoos' are where animals' job is basically to get poked all day. Perhaps they should've tried for sanctuary but to be fair, most sanctuaries here are under-funded and suffer from a wide variety of issues. There's no guarantee it would be better off there. So overall, I don't know. Lesser evil perhaps? Maybe they weren't being too selfless there but 2 very happy people and 1 moderately happy big cat sounds better than 2 moderately happy people and 1 very unhappy cat.
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Toast Of Saint Louis 5 years ago
It's all fun and games until he has a wild moment and is compelled to bite someone's face off.
Drake Ravenwood 4 years ago
Stupid statement, considering they do not have a child
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tuzdayschild 5 years ago
I hope all goes well. Some people learn the hard way that tamed is not the same thing as domesticated.
Julie James 5 years ago
This is wrong on so many levels. I am sure they love the puma but he needs to be in a sanctuary where he has space to roam with others of his species.
Donald Sawyer 5 years ago
Wow what are they gonna do when they also have a newborn in the house? Scary thought. Poor Messi needs to be on a reserve where he can be himself. If he hurt someone he really can't be blamed., I mean he is in fact a wild animal. It doesn't help that he has these 2 dinkuses toting him around town like a spectacle.
Olesia Kovalenko 5 years ago
Yes, but chances are he'd get shot for attacking a human. Thats what we do as a species. We take wild animals in and then kill them of they don't follow our rules
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elfin 5 years ago
I remember that they still love their animals. Kids can turn on you too, sometimes violently.
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FABULOUS1 5 years ago
Sadly if this cat decides to one day use its natural instincts to hunt and hurts someone, he will pay the ultimate price.
Rus Kus 5 years ago
Everyone seems so sure of it, why am I the only one wanting to believe everything is going to be fine? Too much Disney moview growing up or what?...
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Em Alnutt 5 years ago
This is just so wrong, not cute at all. Wtf would someone think it’s ok to keep a big cat in a one bedroom apartment. On top of that, it promoting this encourages others to buy exotic pets from breeders who keep animals in unthinkably hellish conditions. why is this website promoting the incredibly harmful captive exotic market?
Cenk Karaferya 5 years ago
This is not a cute post. That puma needs to be taken care of properly by professionals. Why are people so damn selfish. Go rescue a dog or a cat from a shelter or if you care so much for a big cat then rescue it from a circus of a zoo and give it to a wild life sanctuary.
Karen Klinck 4 years ago
And you know for a fact that Russia HAS wildlife sanctuaries?
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Amanda Young 5 years ago
He needs space to run around, he must have lots of energy he needs to burn off. I thought this was cute when I saw the photos but it's actually sad :(
Jo Choto 5 years ago
Beautiful animal, beautiful pictures BUT private ownership of wild animals should be globally outlawed. It's not fair and it's not right. It's not just in Russia and the Middle East. There are states in the USA that also allow you to keep lions and tigers and bears. Oh my! That's a no from me.
Ozacoter 5 years ago
Wild animals are not suitable as pets. No matter if they were raised by humans. Their needs (space, exercise, hunting, company) are not met and they can be dangerous. Most wild 'pets' die in a very short time, are abandoned or atack their owners. I used to work for rescued primates. People does terrible things to their wild pets out of ignorance...
KT Trondsen 5 years ago
This seems like an accident waiting to happen unfortunately. Here in Vancouver a few years back there was a man who owned a tiger as a pet in his place. He got home and found his gf dead and half eaten
Aunt Messy 5 years ago
No. Just...no. Cougars are NOT PETS. To a cougar, you are protein and nothing more. They're one of the most dangerous of the big cats, because unlike most, they have no qualms about attacking humans. ...///... Outside of tigers, cougars are also the most solitary of the big cats. They don't like company at all. Being cooped up in a tiny apartment is cruel to begin with. Any large animal will go a little nuts if it's confined like that. ...///... He belongs in a wildlife refuge. They're right. He will probably never be able to live in the wild, but that's no excuse to lock him up like thia.
Constance Stamas 5 years ago
Really don't think attention should be brought to this. Next thing you know people are going to be thinking they can accommodate wild animals in their homes. This sends the wrong message. Domestication is not the same thing as taming.
Karen Klinck 5 years ago
Peopledoit now,and the results are usually tragic. That said,the people with the tragedies don't spend the time and effort that this couple does on this animal's comfort and enrichment! He would have died at the zoo. Like my smaller collection, I have no doubt he follows them from room to room, just to be with his humans. Cats do bond with people on occasion. He'd be miserable in a sanctuary.
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Emily Keryk 5 years ago
We thought about whether it was moral, but then went f**k it, I REALLY want a Puma,...
Drake Ravenwood 4 years ago
much easier just to dispose of the animal and leave it to its own devices
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Random Panda 5 years ago (edited)
How selfish, wild animals are not pets. Not only can they not provide him proper care, like a wild animal sanctuary would, but apparently they also declawed this animal? Declawing is cruel and makes even walking painful for a cat. Yeah, this is not about them saving the puma, it's just pure selfish desire to have an unique "pet. This story is not cute at all and I hope it doesn't end with someone getting seriously hurt.
Natasha Forchione 5 years ago
I think is inhumane. Pumas are not meant to live in apartments. What is wrong with these people....sad sad..
Samantha Comerford 5 years ago
You can’t fight instinct, this is a wild animal. No way, will this cat not turn and be who he is supposed to be. He belongs in a sanctuary, not I. Some poky flat. Very selfish of this couple.
Kim Mahood 5 years ago
I find this really sad... that poor thing must be so traumatised not to fight back....
Alex Randall 4 years ago
Oh goodness Bored Panda do you realise what you are doing? Endorsing private ownership of endangered creatures for media sake? This is appalling, there are plenty of animal rehabilitation programs that will take on this cat and give it the chance to live a fairly ‘normal’ life. Whilst it may never return to the wild this cat should never be treated like a pet dog. Bored Panda please remove this post immediately.
Heidi Matsumoto 5 years ago
It's cute but this makes me uncomfortable. It's still a wild animal and it's either this couple get hurt and other people or this puma gets killed when it attacks people.
Katinka Min 5 years ago
I don't care how cute the photos are, this story is a f*cking nightmare from the idea of a petting zoo for wild animals to a puma an f*cking LEASH. "We had three days of thinking hard about whether it was moral to keep a puma, and whether it was common sense to have one. But nothing could fight our sudden wish" And there we have the reason, why this world is going to hell. There really is no limit to human's selfishness. Unf*ckingbelievable.
Nicole Antoku 5 years ago
Yeah, he definitely wouldn’t have survived in the wild, but that doesn’t mean that he belongs in a one-bedroom apartment either. He is really cute, but he is still a wild animal, they are playing with fire by keeping him as a house pet. Not to mention that it’s not fair to him. Big cats need big space to roam, not a tiny flat. This just makes me sad to be honest. And no, I don’t care how much this couple loves him and wanted him, he still doesn’t belong in a small apartment. I wonder how long it’ll take before he gets killed for attacking them once his natural instincts kicks in.
sharron lynn parsons 5 years ago
Simply awesome, I know as a rule, we don't believe wild animals should be pets, but there are exceptions, the couple likely saved the Pumas life, they have done everything the best for him, all the training seems to have worked well, he is a beautiful boy and looks healthy, and extremely content. I enjoyed this immensely !!!
Laura Perkinson 5 years ago
I normally am not a fan if people keeping wildlife. but this cat has issues, it is small, it has no idea it is a mountain lion. it is happy where it is, good for them for giving it this wonderful home
Robert Surprenant 5 years ago
I see a happy family..I see this couple making sure his needs are met to the best of their ability. Good job guys!
Curious Cat 5 years ago
Ah yes.. the Millennials. Lets treat a Puma as a house cat. Mark this post... kitty will eat one of these hipsters, or a local kid... Well, im off to get a giraffe for the kids.
Constantin George-Florin 5 years ago
Clipping his claws could be no.1 on the list of things that might change the situation from "I love my big pussycat" to "OMG, I've been attacked by the F-ing Puma"...
Diana Vassershtrom 5 years ago
It's like Eric Wance and his puma named Keyla. The adult female lived with him during 5 years at least, she also bathed in his bath, lay on the floor in the living room, and even slept with him in bed. Eric also took Keyla with him on yacht trips.
Rachelle 5 years ago
I might be more accepting of this situation if they lived in a large home or acreage... but a one bedroom apartment? Very cruel. :(
Karen Klinck 5 years ago
How many people do you know who takes their DOGS on 2 long walks each day? Who actively searched out classes so the animal wouldn't be a pest to the neighbors? (Let me tell you about our next door neighbors and their barking dogs...) They give that cat enrichment and excellent care. It's done;they're taking the best of care of it. Go down to Texas and look at the back yard big cats and get upset for a good reason.
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Petra Christovová 5 years ago
Hmmm .. "Finally, they found a dog training school he could attend and now responds to about 10 different commands." ... "He is just an ordinary cat, but a big one. He has all the habits of a cat". I have never heard about a cat that would ever respond to any command.
Effie The Hedgehog 5 years ago
I have a cat who sits, gives paw and rolls over :) He also comes running the second he's called.
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Edward Hamm 1 year ago
While I do consider myself a major cat person, this is one I would be admiring from a distance.
Antonia Holland 3 years ago
They seem devoted to him but that being said they should find a really reputable wonderful reserve for him that can work with him to release him into his natural habitat. They are natural to North America and so he should go to a reserve there
Dave Bowman 3 years ago
Yes, I have been watching Messi's antics on YouTube and have fallen in love. He really is a very special cat.
Allison Hull 4 years ago
I am absolutely obsessed with MessI, he is amazing! I would trust him more than my house at Cleo, she is a bitch
Marion Stein 4 years ago
Where does a puma in a 1-bedroom apartment go to the bathroom? (Anywhere he wants.)
Karrie Johnson 4 years ago
It doesn't matter what people think....opinions are like buttholes (everyone has one and most of them stink). Keep doing what you are doing....it sure appears this "cat" is more than living the dream..... We all have a purpose in this life....this is yours. ... 💕
Lianne Arnold 4 years ago
Puma’s are not pack animals, they are solitary and require huge territories. Often when they meet in the wild, if they are not mating they are fighting and one will kill the other. Wild animals are not domesticated (Biologically) and will act on their instincts when threatened. These pictures are cute, but this is living situation is both dangerous to the humans and cruel to the animal.
justan jenkins 4 years ago
i am glad to see at least he is healthy and happy and hasnt been declawed.. which can be very painful for cats and as they get older gets worse and worse however im not sure a 1 bedroom apartment and the daily walks is enough for him.. a reputable sanctuary with free roaming habitat of his own is certainly much safer both for him and his owners..
CK Munsell 4 years ago
These people are high risk takers, and I will pray that things go well for the life-time of this Puma. They are endangering themselves and the animal. If they continue with this situation, they need to have wills made for themselves — and those wills need to include what is to happen with that animal if by some unfortunate accident the animal acts out and kills them. This has happened before with well-loved “pet” tigers. There are multiple accounts of similar situations where beloved large cats end up killing someone. I can’t even imagine all the scenarios where this animal would be a major threat— and could be hurt because of a situation (house fire, burglar, loud storm, the cat not feeling well (as sick animals don’t want to be bothered). This situation is like thinking you’ve tamed a bear, and have a bear living with you. These people need to read the short story by Gary Paulson titled, “Woodsong”. Respect for nature is that you understand your place in it.
Sam RI Digsby MD 5 years ago
where is the dividing line between "wild" and "domessicat"? Perhaps God created cat for man, or vise versa, and man had failed in his responsibility to care for cat and let cat go feral where life is more dangerous and difficult? https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gilgamesh
Sam RI Digsby MD 5 years ago
Where is the dividing line between "wild" and "domessicat"? Perhaps God created the cat for man and man neglected his responsibility and let all these big cats go feral? https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gilgamesh
Alt Account 5 years ago
Wow im replying 6 months later. There are so many idiots in the comments about how “this wild animal should be free”. These are idiots thar probably support silly organizations like PETA or onegreenworld. We domesticated animals thousands of years ago and we are now moving on. Messi is one of the best cases. He is NOT A WILD ANIMAL. He was saved from a “sanctuary” when he was young - there he was going to be euthanized due to his size. This loving couple saved him. Messi demonstrates how all animals have potential. Messi has been gnawed by dogs smaller than him and he does not care. He has been near cows and didnt care either. He is more interested in being entertained in Penza and is receiving more care than ANY sanctuary. Stop trying to damage control this post and comprehend how this couple should be considered as heros. (Also its legal in Russia)
Barbra Sternberg 5 years ago
This is such an amazing animal and your photography is beautiful. I think he has been blessed to have found you both to be his family!!! I do wonder what you use as a litter box? Or does he/she know to go when outside? How can I stay current on your latest happenings and photoes?
Lianne Arnold 5 years ago
Wild animals are wild, not pets. Besides being extremely dangerous - a non-domesticated animal can turn on its humans at any time, they cannot replicate this Puma’s needs in a one-bedroom apartment. Pumas live alone in the wild, not in packs. And they are territorial. Each Puma’s territory is quite vast and fights between Pumas happen when they cross paths. This Puma may look cute, but it could turn at any moment. I hope this couple doesn’t have children while they are keeping this animal in their home.
Bluebell Rizzi 5 years ago
The girl on the left at dog training is eyeing the camera like "u see dis?"
Mj - MSP 5 years ago
I'm stunned that a landlord would allow this! I'd love to know what kind of damage deposit & liability waiver was required. How do their neighbors feel? All judgy opinions aside, it is a beautiful animal & i hope all goes well long term. Yikes. Beautiful as it may be, if i took my dog to the dog park & someone had a puma there on a leash, I'd be outta there!
Lisa Shaw 5 years ago
I have mixed feelings about this, on the one hand he is a wild animal and should be with others of his kind, on the other hand it could be more detrimental to his health. The one thing I am sure of is that a one bedroom apartment is way too small when he had to share it with others.
Sherry Wright 5 years ago
Seems very selfish to me. The cat needs room to roam and be as much a wildcat (instead of a housecat) as he can possibly be. They care more about what they want than what is good for Messi.
Clinton Yew 5 years ago
Cats kills small animals and leave it at your door steps as gifts... Will they one day came back and found a dead dog on the tree?
Paw Paw 5 years ago
Not something I'd recommend. Pumas are the largest of the Small (purring) Cats. They really can be friendly - I had experience with this with my buddy Buddy, who was living at a museum habitat after being confiscated because of abuse. He was sweet and playful, and loved to have you talk to him - he even answered. Buddy came from a "pet" situation, too. He was declawed, and used as an amour propre. But, even while playing they can inflict serious damage. Some people's egos dictate their actions with little regard for the animal. Let's hope for the best with this family. I'd still rather see Messi in a sanctuary, but he is alive and loved. And beautiful.
Linda Cross 5 years ago
You don't need to bath a puma, they're members of the cat family and can clean themselves surely.
M. W. 5 years ago (edited)
In my opinion the biggest problem is that everybody are right. Wildlife protectors - because it is a puma not a kitty, zoo -he probably wood die there ( could have sterilize him first tho) and the couple who actually rescued him and is doing their best for this animal. It is not an easy case. But i really hope they did not declawed this animal. It is cruel procedure..
Tiny Dancer 5 years ago
The look on the woman's face standing next to them at the dog training class says it all, lol! Terrifying, but such a gorgeous creature.
Jacqueline Conway 5 years ago
Messi is just beautiful: a large dog-sized cat. But those teeth!
Gail Howell 5 years ago
Beautiful! I think you both are so lucky to have the opportunity to have a Puma. He is gorgeous!
Bobbi de Haan 5 years ago
They're doing the right thing. Those who criticize have not experienced the wonder of this family!
suryanti utami 5 years ago
how cah he lives in a wild if he sleeps like that lol .. he is so cute
Jackie Butts 5 years ago
Normally I am 100% against private citizens owning a wild animal, but in this case, the puma had special medical needs and the couple not only seems to be taking care of them, but they are lavishing a lot of love and attention on the puma. So I am torn, I can't imagine that puma ever harming his loving humans (intentionally) there are too many loving head bops...but accidents do happen. Plus...can you imagine cleaning the kitty litter box for that guy??? YIKES!!
Todd Chesser 5 years ago
I'm sorry but this is stupid. I have a feeling this will only end badly.
Nevi Løvfelt 5 years ago
It's cute as a button, but I wonder how it will go when it reach adult size? It's got it's instincts and I think they are hard to suppress.
Jovy Jergens 5 years ago
BEST STORY EVER! What wonderful people to adopt this animal who needed nurturing and medical care and love! Remember that dogs kill/maim more people and other animals than any other pets. I LOVE dogs but let's be realistic. This puma is no more dangerous than any other pets due to the gentle way he was reared and, bottom line, there is NOTHING more dangerous than another human being. You don't have prisons, armies, wars, nuclear weapons, police forces etc to protect you from the animal kingdom - they are necessary to protect you from your OWN KIND. Wake up and think for yourself(ves). Yes, I am preaching. Time for the bitter truth.
- 5 years ago
A puma's more powerful. It doesn't matter how nicely it's been treated. One second it's just trying to play, next second... Woops my owner is dead! I'm sorry to break the little bubble you're living in but it's as easy as that.
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Marissa Hagerman 5 years ago
You haters.Look how happy he is in the pictures and videos!He gets plenty of exercise,and besides.If he got sent to a wild life reserve or the wild he would DIE at mating season.Hes half the size of a normal puma.He would be a chew toy for other males!
Patricia Alligood 5 years ago
Hmmm. I have been thinking about this beautiful animal and it finally hit me! I cannot imagine the litter box! These people are saints.
Tora Wookiee Macaw 5 years ago
Seems to me that Puma is just a big dog wrapped up in a cat skin. He is well fed, well cared for better than most domestic pets. He looks happy and healthy in his photos. I believe his Humans were sent from heaven that day.
Kim Lorton 5 years ago
The zoo was at fault, for keeping him in. Contact zoo. He can’t survive alone in the wild, and these two, are giving him aa home, where he is cared for and loved, Thank you, to them!❤️
Deirdre Donegan 5 years ago
Yeah, I was wondering about that too. I assume wild cats doings have as bad an aroma as domestic cats. They must go through industrial quantities of cat litter. And imagine having to scoop that poop.
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Gracie Mae 5 years ago
i agree that wild animals should not be domesticated, but i believe even more that one shouldn't be put down just because someone doesn't want it to live in captivity. It's a definitely a gamble, though, keeping something like a puma in your home. beautiful pics of a beautiful animal.
Tina Watkins 5 years ago
They do a lot more than just have Messi as a pet. Follow them on Instagram! Messi goes to educate people, he has done interviews to show how gentle he is. Everyone who meets Messi is in awe. If you've ever owned a pet, you can tell Messi is happy 😊
Omar A 5 years ago
I knew a guy outta NC, had a neutered and declawed mountain lion as a house cat. Only bit one person, and it wasn't me.
Naima Ivansdóttir 5 years ago
declawing is a cruel practice. and what is it that makes you think of a house cat in the words "mountain lion"? this is yet another abomination perpetrated by men on nature
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Wietse Pot 5 years ago
Very torn on this one. Seems like a bunch of wrongs turned out with a 'right' result. The zoo selling a puma to a young private couple is plain wrong. A young couple with a small appartement buying a puma because they want to, is wrong. However, all parties involved seem happy and healthy so despite all my instincts screaming against this, I can't seem to argue with the result. If it's stupid but it works...
Full Name 5 years ago
If you forget it might cost you an arm and a leg...
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- 5 years ago
*zoo* he could live in a zoo and have a lot more space? But nah... let the couple keep a mountain lion as a pet. What could go wrong?
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Joannie Goulet 5 years ago
This is exactly why posts like this one are so wrong.
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Aunt Messy 5 years ago
Declawing is a horrendous thing to do to any animal. It's NOT just removing claws, it's like cutting off the top joint of all of your fingers. Vets won't do it any more. Cats wake up from the surgery screaming in agony. ...///... If you can't trim your cat's claws, then you have no business owning one.
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Daniel (ShadowDrakken) 5 years ago
Not all zoos are horrid places. Look at zoos like the Henry Doorly in Omaha, Nebraska for instance. They have multiple climate adjusted reserves representing different regions, with large spaces for the animals, plenty of natural and simulated terrain and vegetation, and things to keep their animals active and healthy. They're a leader in conservation science world-wide, and constantly hold events to raise awareness for conservation efforts. They have also pioneered technologies to bring species back from the brink of extinction. Not all zoos are good either, but it's not fair to blanket all of them.
Load More Replies... Corey Smith 5 years ago
Can you imagine a burglar breaking into that apartment and coming across not a guard dog, but a guard puma?
hobbitly 5 years ago
Probably an impopulair opinion, but I think this is wrong. Its a wild animal, it should not live indoors but go to a special sanctuary. I think its typical that some people think they can just buy anything they want and not look at what is best for the animal (declawing for example is extremely cruel). And by posting tons of photos and vids online, other people will see this as normal and some might even want this too. Not a good thing if you ask me.
Toe beans 5 years ago
Yes, when my mom suggested we declaw our cat, I told her no. Yes, its dangerous for a puma to be in the house with claws, but if you have to declaw an animal in order to keep it, that just shows you probably shouldn’t have it. Cats are upsessed with their claws, its their pride and defense mechanism. Someone might ask “Why does a cat need claws if they aren’t going to live outside?”. Well, there are threats inside a home too;mice, bugs, children that are bothersome, and a cat loses some confidence when you take away their claws because they feel unsafe with out their natural weapons.
Load More Replies... Hilu 5 years ago
No. This wasn’t done to rescue this animal. This was done to accommodate a person who has “always dreamed about owning a big cat”.
Naima Ivansdóttir 5 years ago
positive. common sense was obliterated by their "strong wish", as stated above... no words
Load More Replies... The Girl on Fire 5 years ago
As glad as I am that they nursed it back to health, I really don't like what they ended up doing with it. A puma isn't a housepet, a puma is a majestic wild creature. The pictures of it on a leash just make me sad. And then "But the couple believes that he would not survive alongside other animals" Unless they're animal experts, how can they know that? " "The Russian couple first spotted Messi ..... and decided that they had to have him." Ugh, this is messed up.
Magdalina777 5 years ago
While it's not quite right and yes, pumas belong in the wild, the zoos here are bloody awful and cruel to animals. And that's big official zoos, I can only imagine how bad 'contact zoos' are where animals' job is basically to get poked all day. Perhaps they should've tried for sanctuary but to be fair, most sanctuaries here are under-funded and suffer from a wide variety of issues. There's no guarantee it would be better off there. So overall, I don't know. Lesser evil perhaps? Maybe they weren't being too selfless there but 2 very happy people and 1 moderately happy big cat sounds better than 2 moderately happy people and 1 very unhappy cat.
Load More Replies... Toast Of Saint Louis 5 years ago
It's all fun and games until he has a wild moment and is compelled to bite someone's face off.
Drake Ravenwood 4 years ago
Stupid statement, considering they do not have a child
Load More Replies... tuzdayschild 5 years ago
I hope all goes well. Some people learn the hard way that tamed is not the same thing as domesticated.
Julie James 5 years ago
This is wrong on so many levels. I am sure they love the puma but he needs to be in a sanctuary where he has space to roam with others of his species.
Donald Sawyer 5 years ago
Wow what are they gonna do when they also have a newborn in the house? Scary thought. Poor Messi needs to be on a reserve where he can be himself. If he hurt someone he really can't be blamed., I mean he is in fact a wild animal. It doesn't help that he has these 2 dinkuses toting him around town like a spectacle.
Olesia Kovalenko 5 years ago
Yes, but chances are he'd get shot for attacking a human. Thats what we do as a species. We take wild animals in and then kill them of they don't follow our rules
Load More Replies... elfin 5 years ago
I remember that they still love their animals. Kids can turn on you too, sometimes violently.
Load More Replies... FABULOUS1 5 years ago
Sadly if this cat decides to one day use its natural instincts to hunt and hurts someone, he will pay the ultimate price.
Rus Kus 5 years ago
Everyone seems so sure of it, why am I the only one wanting to believe everything is going to be fine? Too much Disney moview growing up or what?...
Load More Replies... Em Alnutt 5 years ago
This is just so wrong, not cute at all. Wtf would someone think it’s ok to keep a big cat in a one bedroom apartment. On top of that, it promoting this encourages others to buy exotic pets from breeders who keep animals in unthinkably hellish conditions. why is this website promoting the incredibly harmful captive exotic market?
Cenk Karaferya 5 years ago
This is not a cute post. That puma needs to be taken care of properly by professionals. Why are people so damn selfish. Go rescue a dog or a cat from a shelter or if you care so much for a big cat then rescue it from a circus of a zoo and give it to a wild life sanctuary.
Karen Klinck 4 years ago
And you know for a fact that Russia HAS wildlife sanctuaries?
Load More Replies... Amanda Young 5 years ago
He needs space to run around, he must have lots of energy he needs to burn off. I thought this was cute when I saw the photos but it's actually sad :(
Jo Choto 5 years ago
Beautiful animal, beautiful pictures BUT private ownership of wild animals should be globally outlawed. It's not fair and it's not right. It's not just in Russia and the Middle East. There are states in the USA that also allow you to keep lions and tigers and bears. Oh my! That's a no from me.
Ozacoter 5 years ago
Wild animals are not suitable as pets. No matter if they were raised by humans. Their needs (space, exercise, hunting, company) are not met and they can be dangerous. Most wild 'pets' die in a very short time, are abandoned or atack their owners. I used to work for rescued primates. People does terrible things to their wild pets out of ignorance...
KT Trondsen 5 years ago
This seems like an accident waiting to happen unfortunately. Here in Vancouver a few years back there was a man who owned a tiger as a pet in his place. He got home and found his gf dead and half eaten
Aunt Messy 5 years ago
No. Just...no. Cougars are NOT PETS. To a cougar, you are protein and nothing more. They're one of the most dangerous of the big cats, because unlike most, they have no qualms about attacking humans. ...///... Outside of tigers, cougars are also the most solitary of the big cats. They don't like company at all. Being cooped up in a tiny apartment is cruel to begin with. Any large animal will go a little nuts if it's confined like that. ...///... He belongs in a wildlife refuge. They're right. He will probably never be able to live in the wild, but that's no excuse to lock him up like thia.
Constance Stamas 5 years ago
Really don't think attention should be brought to this. Next thing you know people are going to be thinking they can accommodate wild animals in their homes. This sends the wrong message. Domestication is not the same thing as taming.
Karen Klinck 5 years ago
Peopledoit now,and the results are usually tragic. That said,the people with the tragedies don't spend the time and effort that this couple does on this animal's comfort and enrichment! He would have died at the zoo. Like my smaller collection, I have no doubt he follows them from room to room, just to be with his humans. Cats do bond with people on occasion. He'd be miserable in a sanctuary.
Load More Replies... Emily Keryk 5 years ago
We thought about whether it was moral, but then went f**k it, I REALLY want a Puma,...
Drake Ravenwood 4 years ago
much easier just to dispose of the animal and leave it to its own devices
Load More Replies... Random Panda 5 years ago (edited)
How selfish, wild animals are not pets. Not only can they not provide him proper care, like a wild animal sanctuary would, but apparently they also declawed this animal? Declawing is cruel and makes even walking painful for a cat. Yeah, this is not about them saving the puma, it's just pure selfish desire to have an unique "pet. This story is not cute at all and I hope it doesn't end with someone getting seriously hurt.
Natasha Forchione 5 years ago
I think is inhumane. Pumas are not meant to live in apartments. What is wrong with these people....sad sad..
Samantha Comerford 5 years ago
You can’t fight instinct, this is a wild animal. No way, will this cat not turn and be who he is supposed to be. He belongs in a sanctuary, not I. Some poky flat. Very selfish of this couple.
Kim Mahood 5 years ago
I find this really sad... that poor thing must be so traumatised not to fight back....
Alex Randall 4 years ago
Oh goodness Bored Panda do you realise what you are doing? Endorsing private ownership of endangered creatures for media sake? This is appalling, there are plenty of animal rehabilitation programs that will take on this cat and give it the chance to live a fairly ‘normal’ life. Whilst it may never return to the wild this cat should never be treated like a pet dog. Bored Panda please remove this post immediately.
Heidi Matsumoto 5 years ago
It's cute but this makes me uncomfortable. It's still a wild animal and it's either this couple get hurt and other people or this puma gets killed when it attacks people.
Katinka Min 5 years ago
I don't care how cute the photos are, this story is a f*cking nightmare from the idea of a petting zoo for wild animals to a puma an f*cking LEASH. "We had three days of thinking hard about whether it was moral to keep a puma, and whether it was common sense to have one. But nothing could fight our sudden wish" And there we have the reason, why this world is going to hell. There really is no limit to human's selfishness. Unf*ckingbelievable.
Nicole Antoku 5 years ago
Yeah, he definitely wouldn’t have survived in the wild, but that doesn’t mean that he belongs in a one-bedroom apartment either. He is really cute, but he is still a wild animal, they are playing with fire by keeping him as a house pet. Not to mention that it’s not fair to him. Big cats need big space to roam, not a tiny flat. This just makes me sad to be honest. And no, I don’t care how much this couple loves him and wanted him, he still doesn’t belong in a small apartment. I wonder how long it’ll take before he gets killed for attacking them once his natural instincts kicks in.
sharron lynn parsons 5 years ago
Simply awesome, I know as a rule, we don't believe wild animals should be pets, but there are exceptions, the couple likely saved the Pumas life, they have done everything the best for him, all the training seems to have worked well, he is a beautiful boy and looks healthy, and extremely content. I enjoyed this immensely !!!
Laura Perkinson 5 years ago
I normally am not a fan if people keeping wildlife. but this cat has issues, it is small, it has no idea it is a mountain lion. it is happy where it is, good for them for giving it this wonderful home
Robert Surprenant 5 years ago
I see a happy family..I see this couple making sure his needs are met to the best of their ability. Good job guys!
Curious Cat 5 years ago
Ah yes.. the Millennials. Lets treat a Puma as a house cat. Mark this post... kitty will eat one of these hipsters, or a local kid... Well, im off to get a giraffe for the kids.
Constantin George-Florin 5 years ago
Clipping his claws could be no.1 on the list of things that might change the situation from "I love my big pussycat" to "OMG, I've been attacked by the F-ing Puma"...
Diana Vassershtrom 5 years ago
It's like Eric Wance and his puma named Keyla. The adult female lived with him during 5 years at least, she also bathed in his bath, lay on the floor in the living room, and even slept with him in bed. Eric also took Keyla with him on yacht trips.
Rachelle 5 years ago
I might be more accepting of this situation if they lived in a large home or acreage... but a one bedroom apartment? Very cruel. :(
Karen Klinck 5 years ago
How many people do you know who takes their DOGS on 2 long walks each day? Who actively searched out classes so the animal wouldn't be a pest to the neighbors? (Let me tell you about our next door neighbors and their barking dogs...) They give that cat enrichment and excellent care. It's done;they're taking the best of care of it. Go down to Texas and look at the back yard big cats and get upset for a good reason.
Load More Replies... Petra Christovová 5 years ago
Hmmm .. "Finally, they found a dog training school he could attend and now responds to about 10 different commands." ... "He is just an ordinary cat, but a big one. He has all the habits of a cat". I have never heard about a cat that would ever respond to any command.
Effie The Hedgehog 5 years ago
I have a cat who sits, gives paw and rolls over :) He also comes running the second he's called.
Load More Replies... Edward Hamm 1 year ago
While I do consider myself a major cat person, this is one I would be admiring from a distance.
Antonia Holland 3 years ago
They seem devoted to him but that being said they should find a really reputable wonderful reserve for him that can work with him to release him into his natural habitat. They are natural to North America and so he should go to a reserve there
Dave Bowman 3 years ago
Yes, I have been watching Messi's antics on YouTube and have fallen in love. He really is a very special cat.
Allison Hull 4 years ago
I am absolutely obsessed with MessI, he is amazing! I would trust him more than my house at Cleo, she is a bitch
Marion Stein 4 years ago
Where does a puma in a 1-bedroom apartment go to the bathroom? (Anywhere he wants.)
Karrie Johnson 4 years ago
It doesn't matter what people think....opinions are like buttholes (everyone has one and most of them stink). Keep doing what you are doing....it sure appears this "cat" is more than living the dream..... We all have a purpose in this life....this is yours. ... 💕
Lianne Arnold 4 years ago
Puma’s are not pack animals, they are solitary and require huge territories. Often when they meet in the wild, if they are not mating they are fighting and one will kill the other. Wild animals are not domesticated (Biologically) and will act on their instincts when threatened. These pictures are cute, but this is living situation is both dangerous to the humans and cruel to the animal.
justan jenkins 4 years ago
i am glad to see at least he is healthy and happy and hasnt been declawed.. which can be very painful for cats and as they get older gets worse and worse however im not sure a 1 bedroom apartment and the daily walks is enough for him.. a reputable sanctuary with free roaming habitat of his own is certainly much safer both for him and his owners..
CK Munsell 4 years ago
These people are high risk takers, and I will pray that things go well for the life-time of this Puma. They are endangering themselves and the animal. If they continue with this situation, they need to have wills made for themselves — and those wills need to include what is to happen with that animal if by some unfortunate accident the animal acts out and kills them. This has happened before with well-loved “pet” tigers. There are multiple accounts of similar situations where beloved large cats end up killing someone. I can’t even imagine all the scenarios where this animal would be a major threat— and could be hurt because of a situation (house fire, burglar, loud storm, the cat not feeling well (as sick animals don’t want to be bothered). This situation is like thinking you’ve tamed a bear, and have a bear living with you. These people need to read the short story by Gary Paulson titled, “Woodsong”. Respect for nature is that you understand your place in it.
Sam RI Digsby MD 5 years ago
where is the dividing line between "wild" and "domessicat"? Perhaps God created cat for man, or vise versa, and man had failed in his responsibility to care for cat and let cat go feral where life is more dangerous and difficult? https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gilgamesh
Sam RI Digsby MD 5 years ago
Where is the dividing line between "wild" and "domessicat"? Perhaps God created the cat for man and man neglected his responsibility and let all these big cats go feral? https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gilgamesh
Alt Account 5 years ago
Wow im replying 6 months later. There are so many idiots in the comments about how “this wild animal should be free”. These are idiots thar probably support silly organizations like PETA or onegreenworld. We domesticated animals thousands of years ago and we are now moving on. Messi is one of the best cases. He is NOT A WILD ANIMAL. He was saved from a “sanctuary” when he was young - there he was going to be euthanized due to his size. This loving couple saved him. Messi demonstrates how all animals have potential. Messi has been gnawed by dogs smaller than him and he does not care. He has been near cows and didnt care either. He is more interested in being entertained in Penza and is receiving more care than ANY sanctuary. Stop trying to damage control this post and comprehend how this couple should be considered as heros. (Also its legal in Russia)
Barbra Sternberg 5 years ago
This is such an amazing animal and your photography is beautiful. I think he has been blessed to have found you both to be his family!!! I do wonder what you use as a litter box? Or does he/she know to go when outside? How can I stay current on your latest happenings and photoes?
Lianne Arnold 5 years ago
Wild animals are wild, not pets. Besides being extremely dangerous - a non-domesticated animal can turn on its humans at any time, they cannot replicate this Puma’s needs in a one-bedroom apartment. Pumas live alone in the wild, not in packs. And they are territorial. Each Puma’s territory is quite vast and fights between Pumas happen when they cross paths. This Puma may look cute, but it could turn at any moment. I hope this couple doesn’t have children while they are keeping this animal in their home.
Bluebell Rizzi 5 years ago
The girl on the left at dog training is eyeing the camera like "u see dis?"
Mj - MSP 5 years ago
I'm stunned that a landlord would allow this! I'd love to know what kind of damage deposit & liability waiver was required. How do their neighbors feel? All judgy opinions aside, it is a beautiful animal & i hope all goes well long term. Yikes. Beautiful as it may be, if i took my dog to the dog park & someone had a puma there on a leash, I'd be outta there!
Lisa Shaw 5 years ago
I have mixed feelings about this, on the one hand he is a wild animal and should be with others of his kind, on the other hand it could be more detrimental to his health. The one thing I am sure of is that a one bedroom apartment is way too small when he had to share it with others.
Sherry Wright 5 years ago
Seems very selfish to me. The cat needs room to roam and be as much a wildcat (instead of a housecat) as he can possibly be. They care more about what they want than what is good for Messi.
Clinton Yew 5 years ago
Cats kills small animals and leave it at your door steps as gifts... Will they one day came back and found a dead dog on the tree?
Paw Paw 5 years ago
Not something I'd recommend. Pumas are the largest of the Small (purring) Cats. They really can be friendly - I had experience with this with my buddy Buddy, who was living at a museum habitat after being confiscated because of abuse. He was sweet and playful, and loved to have you talk to him - he even answered. Buddy came from a "pet" situation, too. He was declawed, and used as an amour propre. But, even while playing they can inflict serious damage. Some people's egos dictate their actions with little regard for the animal. Let's hope for the best with this family. I'd still rather see Messi in a sanctuary, but he is alive and loved. And beautiful.
Linda Cross 5 years ago
You don't need to bath a puma, they're members of the cat family and can clean themselves surely.
M. W. 5 years ago (edited)
In my opinion the biggest problem is that everybody are right. Wildlife protectors - because it is a puma not a kitty, zoo -he probably wood die there ( could have sterilize him first tho) and the couple who actually rescued him and is doing their best for this animal. It is not an easy case. But i really hope they did not declawed this animal. It is cruel procedure..
Tiny Dancer 5 years ago
The look on the woman's face standing next to them at the dog training class says it all, lol! Terrifying, but such a gorgeous creature.
Jacqueline Conway 5 years ago
Messi is just beautiful: a large dog-sized cat. But those teeth!
Gail Howell 5 years ago
Beautiful! I think you both are so lucky to have the opportunity to have a Puma. He is gorgeous!
Bobbi de Haan 5 years ago
They're doing the right thing. Those who criticize have not experienced the wonder of this family!
suryanti utami 5 years ago
how cah he lives in a wild if he sleeps like that lol .. he is so cute
Jackie Butts 5 years ago
Normally I am 100% against private citizens owning a wild animal, but in this case, the puma had special medical needs and the couple not only seems to be taking care of them, but they are lavishing a lot of love and attention on the puma. So I am torn, I can't imagine that puma ever harming his loving humans (intentionally) there are too many loving head bops...but accidents do happen. Plus...can you imagine cleaning the kitty litter box for that guy??? YIKES!!
Todd Chesser 5 years ago
I'm sorry but this is stupid. I have a feeling this will only end badly.
Nevi Løvfelt 5 years ago
It's cute as a button, but I wonder how it will go when it reach adult size? It's got it's instincts and I think they are hard to suppress.
Jovy Jergens 5 years ago
BEST STORY EVER! What wonderful people to adopt this animal who needed nurturing and medical care and love! Remember that dogs kill/maim more people and other animals than any other pets. I LOVE dogs but let's be realistic. This puma is no more dangerous than any other pets due to the gentle way he was reared and, bottom line, there is NOTHING more dangerous than another human being. You don't have prisons, armies, wars, nuclear weapons, police forces etc to protect you from the animal kingdom - they are necessary to protect you from your OWN KIND. Wake up and think for yourself(ves). Yes, I am preaching. Time for the bitter truth.
- 5 years ago
A puma's more powerful. It doesn't matter how nicely it's been treated. One second it's just trying to play, next second... Woops my owner is dead! I'm sorry to break the little bubble you're living in but it's as easy as that.
Load More Replies... Marissa Hagerman 5 years ago
You haters.Look how happy he is in the pictures and videos!He gets plenty of exercise,and besides.If he got sent to a wild life reserve or the wild he would DIE at mating season.Hes half the size of a normal puma.He would be a chew toy for other males!
Patricia Alligood 5 years ago
Hmmm. I have been thinking about this beautiful animal and it finally hit me! I cannot imagine the litter box! These people are saints.
Tora Wookiee Macaw 5 years ago
Seems to me that Puma is just a big dog wrapped up in a cat skin. He is well fed, well cared for better than most domestic pets. He looks happy and healthy in his photos. I believe his Humans were sent from heaven that day.
Kim Lorton 5 years ago
The zoo was at fault, for keeping him in. Contact zoo. He can’t survive alone in the wild, and these two, are giving him aa home, where he is cared for and loved, Thank you, to them!❤️
Deirdre Donegan 5 years ago
Yeah, I was wondering about that too. I assume wild cats doings have as bad an aroma as domestic cats. They must go through industrial quantities of cat litter. And imagine having to scoop that poop.
Load More Replies... Gracie Mae 5 years ago
i agree that wild animals should not be domesticated, but i believe even more that one shouldn't be put down just because someone doesn't want it to live in captivity. It's a definitely a gamble, though, keeping something like a puma in your home. beautiful pics of a beautiful animal.
Tina Watkins 5 years ago
They do a lot more than just have Messi as a pet. Follow them on Instagram! Messi goes to educate people, he has done interviews to show how gentle he is. Everyone who meets Messi is in awe. If you've ever owned a pet, you can tell Messi is happy 😊
Omar A 5 years ago
I knew a guy outta NC, had a neutered and declawed mountain lion as a house cat. Only bit one person, and it wasn't me.
Naima Ivansdóttir 5 years ago
declawing is a cruel practice. and what is it that makes you think of a house cat in the words "mountain lion"? this is yet another abomination perpetrated by men on nature
Load More Replies... Wietse Pot 5 years ago
Very torn on this one. Seems like a bunch of wrongs turned out with a 'right' result. The zoo selling a puma to a young private couple is plain wrong. A young couple with a small appartement buying a puma because they want to, is wrong. However, all parties involved seem happy and healthy so despite all my instincts screaming against this, I can't seem to argue with the result. If it's stupid but it works...
Full Name 5 years ago
If you forget it might cost you an arm and a leg...
Load More Replies... - 5 years ago
*zoo* he could live in a zoo and have a lot more space? But nah... let the couple keep a mountain lion as a pet. What could go wrong?
Load More Replies... Joannie Goulet 5 years ago
This is exactly why posts like this one are so wrong.
Load More Replies... Aunt Messy 5 years ago
Declawing is a horrendous thing to do to any animal. It's NOT just removing claws, it's like cutting off the top joint of all of your fingers. Vets won't do it any more. Cats wake up from the surgery screaming in agony. ...///... If you can't trim your cat's claws, then you have no business owning one.
Load More Replies... Daniel (ShadowDrakken) 5 years ago
Not all zoos are horrid places. Look at zoos like the Henry Doorly in Omaha, Nebraska for instance. They have multiple climate adjusted reserves representing different regions, with large spaces for the animals, plenty of natural and simulated terrain and vegetation, and things to keep their animals active and healthy. They're a leader in conservation science world-wide, and constantly hold events to raise awareness for conservation efforts. They have also pioneered technologies to bring species back from the brink of extinction. Not all zoos are good either, but it's not fair to blanket all of them.
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