JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The Catty Shack Ranch is saying goodbye to it’s only lioness, Nyra. According to Catty Shack spokesperson Tracy Collins, Nyra passed away last night.
“All of our rescued animals receive the finest medical treatment, but one thing we can’t cure is old age,” Catty Shack’s Executive Director Curt LoGiudice said. “She had a good, long quality life, and that’s all any of us can pray for.”
Nyra was 21 years old. She was three when she was confiscated from a private zoo by USDA agents in 2002. She was then brought to the Catty Shack ranch. She outlived about a dozen other exotic animals seized from that zoo. She also outlived two mates she had at the Catty Shack Ranch.
The Catty Shack has special plans this weekend in Nyra’s memory. On Saturday and Sunday, children ages 3 to 11 will get goodie backs and a thank you card.
The Catty Shack is open from 1 to 3 PM daily. Children are $5, adults are $12. There is also a night feeding on Saturday. Tickets for night feedings are $25-$45. The ranch relies on ticket fees and donations to operate.