On Monday, March 1st, 2000, we had to say good-bye to a friend who was the oldest resident at the Nature Center. Shalie, one of the cougars, passed away after suffering a massive stroke the night before. The veterinarian and the naturalists, on their day off, rushed in when they heard the news. We were all there when she gave her last breath and just as she went, I heard Val, the other female cougar, give three meows as if to say good-bye too. Tears were shed and consolation given to one another, but we all agreed that she had especially enjoyed her last year of life in the new cougar habitat - thanks again to the Friends of the Nature Center and all those who worked so hard to complete the new habitat.

Shalie came to us as a yearling cub in February of 1981, making her almost 19 years old. After researching cougar longevity, I found that they have been known to live as long as eighteen years in captivity. So, what made Shalie keep going and going and going? Part of the reason was the good care she received here. However, I think more of what kept her going was her sassy personality, warped sense of humor and lust for life.

Upon first meeting Shalie, most people would think she was down right mean. Those who have worked with her know that was not the case. Her snarls hisses and swats were her way of communicating. I you had the chance to spend time with her, you would probably watch her ferocious act give way to kitten-like antics, as she's roll on her back pawing at the sky. Her favorite joke to play was to scare the HECK out of the animal keeper. I fell prey to this heart-stopping joke many a time, much to her satisfaction.

I'll never forget that look of pleasure in her eyes when she would pounce up onto the bars of the den window, out of nowhere, causing me to cringe with fear and to gasp at the stench of her hot breath in my face! She loved that the best. Nevertheless, we were friends for sure. I even caught her off guard a time or two, much to her chagrin. And after finishing work in her area, she would really seem sad and sorry to see you go. I would often set my cleaning gear down and go back to let her "taunt" me some more.

Shalie surprised us all when the new cougar habitat opened. We were prepared for the worst when it became time to introduce the animals into the new habitat. Shalie had not been with another cougar since soon after her birth. Given Shalie's rather abrasive personality and age over twice that of the other two cougars, you can see our concern for her well being especially if the fur began to fly! Our worries were unnecessary; she let her matriarchal intentions known with a few swats and snarls and ran the show up until her last breath.

I am sure she enjoyed the company of the other cougars, the grass under her paws, basking in the sun and drinking from the waterfall for the last year of her life. She deserved so much more but I believe she's now enjoying a well earned rest after all her years of service of service here - we'll miss you Shalie.