This is a message that he sent to the Zoo Staff afterwards (Mark's on the Board with the CF Zoo).

Photos are private, please contact Cyn if you would like to see any photos 

I had an educational and emotional time following the vet crew around today as I cashed in on my "follow the vet for a day" Black Tie prize.  I watched as the zoo staff and vet team took care of the Cougar (Baby) and the female Amur Leopard (name?). 

It was educational because I learned how well the Zoo Staff and UF work together to address the one of the most critical operational functions of the zoo...keeping the critters healthy.  Although the UF vet crew was great, I was very impressed by the knowledge, organization, and passion of the Zoo Staff to ensure the right thing gets done at the right time...everyone seemed to know what to do and did it efficiently.  This teamwork was clearly evident in time of a semi-crisis, as Dr. Atkins found a lump in the Amur's abdomen and made the decision to take the cat back to UF that afternoon for surgery.  Within minutes the van was ready, with the transportation cage inside and someone ready to drive to Gainesville.  All in a day's work at the CF Zoo.

It was emotional because watching the cats go through the vet process (both cats were anesthetized) is like being with a human as they go through surgery; as there was a similar level of focus, care, and concern that everyone had toward the animals during the process (it didn't feel trivial or routine).  It also was emotional being next to and touching such beautiful creatures.  Hopefully you zoo guys know how special and unique your job is, as there are very few people in this world that can say they've handled a live "big cat" (and lived to tell about it .  Finally, and potentially the most powerful emotion, is the thought that the natural habitat for these majestic animals will likely be effectively gone in 100 years.  While a zoo can't possibly recreate the environment and freedom they called home, a zoo, especially one with a great staff like ours, can make their life as happy and healthy as possible.  After all, if it weren't for zoos and conservation programs, these beautiful animals would likely be facing extinction soon.