[Pets] Zoo plays home videos for depressed tapir

[pets@gate.polarhome.com]

A zoo is cheering up one of its exotic animals by playing videos of her
native Amazonian rain forest.
Debbie, a south American tapir, became seriously depressed after her
mate died.

But she is now back to normal after a TV and video were put in her cage
by staff at Twycross Zoo in Leicestershire.
The Sun reports Debbie, 16, went off her fruit-based diet and spent all
day in a corner of her cage after her mate, Sonny, died last year. 
Head keeper John Ray, 46, said: "We were really worried when Debbie
became depressed - she wasn't eating. 

"When one of the keepers suggested putting a telly and video in with her
we all laughed. But we were so desperate it got to the stage where we
would try anything. Now she's a bit of a telly addict. We've got a video
of life in the rain forests which features a few tapirs. 

"She perked up as soon as she heard the calls and bird noises and has
watched the same footage again and again. As soon as the tape stops she
starts making a fuss to let us know it needs rewinding. She just sits
there transfixed by the screen. She's back to her old self." 
And Debbie is about to get another boost because staff at the zoo have
tracked down a new mate to cheer her up. Mr Ray added: "We are sure the
chap we found will bring real happiness."


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Marina Lymperopoulou
Web-Beez Team
http://www.e-trends.gr
http://www.pets.gr
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mailto:kishar@e-trends.gr
uin:5740837
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