Posted on 07/26/2015 7:58:26 PM PDT by GoneSalt
A zoo in Ohio has pressed charges against a man who jumped a fence to pet cougars - then posted video of it on YouTube.
Joshua Newell had his camera rolling when he leaped over the outer fence of the big cat enclosure at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium.
The 35-year-old then began petting two adult cougars through a second fence as he said things like, "Kitty, kitty, kitty".
The footage showed the animals appearing to enjoy the attention.
Zoo officials called the video "alarming" and said it was fortunate that neither Newell nor the cougars were harmed.
"Animal welfare and safety are two of our top priorities," Columbus Zoo president Tom Stalf said in a statement.
"Barriers, like the fence line at the cougar habitat, are in place to keep our guests safe. The actions taken in this video were alarming and resulted in our decision to press charges."
Newell is charged with with a misdemeanour count of trespassing.
He is due to appear in court on Wednesday.
(Excerpt) Read more at news.sky.com ...
My gaydar is off the chart.
That’s a vulture.....not a cougar.
Both like to hunt but the vulture is too old and ugly to bag any prey.
kitty kitty kitty
I have to be careful around my cats. If they really like me, they will take a bite out of me to show their affection. I think it’s true that all cats consider their owners to be nothing more than a tasty meal.
As for Cougars, never met any except the two-legged type, that was when I was a young lad of course. That’s not entirely true. I’m fairly mature, but the last time I stopped by the retired folks home, I got a wink or two from some of the little old ladies sitting in the lobby.
prolly gave them some catnip.
we grew some for peanut this year, and she's in heaven
Cats usually play with live critters before they kill and eat them.
Can we get this troll to pet a Grizzly please?
Sort of interesting that the big cats in the video are meowing much like a regular cat. They seem to want the attention and perhaps a scratch behind the ear.
Looks more like half grown cougar kittens to me.
said it was fortunate that neither Newell nor the cougars were harmed
____________________
My money would be on the cougars.
His defense in court should be that he’s an undocumented zoo keeper.
That was cool, thanks
“Your honor, my client self-identifies as a cougar and had the right to visit his brothers and sisters in bondage.”
“Meow.”
“Counselor, your client doesn’t sound much like a cougar.”
“Your honor, my client’s self-identification began only a few weeks ago. He’s still a kitten.” ;)
Cute:)
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.