‘We did nothing wrong’: Tiger Paw owner denies mistreatment of kangaroo

The owner of a petting zoo that came under fire for its alleged mistreatment of a kangaroo at the Aurora Street Festival last weekend is vehemently refuting claims that the animal was neglected and left in the hot sun for hours without shade.

Tim Height, owner of Tiger Paw Exotics, maintains his company “takes exceptional care” of its animals, and says concerns about the kangaroo stemmed from a lack of knowledge about the animal’s habits.

Jonathon Cole told CityNews.ca he was at the festival with his girlfriend and sister when he noticed the animal, a Red Kangaroo, seemingly in distress.

“This poor little fella was in direct sunlight with no shade and an empty water bowl, forced to lay on burning hot concrete,” said Cole. “He didn’t even have enough bedding in his pen to lie on top of.”

“It didn’t move at all, it looked like it was dying,” he added. “If I saw a dog in a car like the way this kangaroo was acting—it was literally foaming out of the mouth, I would have broken the window open and saved the dog.”

But Height says it was mostly overcast and cool last Sunday and the sun had just broken through the clouds when a photo of the kangaroo was snapped.

He also says Cole’s anger is misguided, and stresses the kangaroo was not only healthy, but exhibiting normal behaviour.

“Kangaroos in their native land relax and sleep (in the position photographed) during the day and are active in the morning and evening,” Height said.

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Cole and his girlfriend, Stephanie Nikolach, confronted Height, who says he assured them they had two shade tents on site, with a third being constructed.

“We thanked them for their concern and that their concerns were being addressed. They stated they had taken pictures and were calling the OSPCA. They then offered some vulgar comments and left.

“We did nothing wrong and all concerns were addressed quickly,” Height maintains.

The OSPCA has since launched an investigation, with the case being managed by one of its zoo inspectors.

The Aurora Chamber of Commerce has also distanced itself from the petting zoo, saying it’s no longer welcome at its events.

“We will no longer be allowing the petting zoo at the street festival […] and Tiger Paw Exotics will not be included in any Aurora Chamber event going forward,” Sandra Watson, events manager at the Aurora Chamber of Commerce, said last Monday.

Height says his business is being unfairly vilified.

“We take excellent care of our animals and take pride in our business,” he stressed. “The kangaroo was resting comfortably…”

(To view video on mobile, click here)

Height further adds that OSPCA zoo inspectors visit his farm twice a year for inspections and are invited to attend any event Tiger Paw participates in.

“We have a veterinarian who visits at least once a month for routine checkups as well as when called,” he said.

Height says veterinarian, Colin K. Peace, examined the kangaroo, named Millie, the next day.

Despite Cole’s allegations that the animal appeared to be “dying,” Peace gave it a clean bill of health less than 24 hours after the festival.

Height presented CityNews with a copy of Peace’s report.

“The animal is a relaxed and mature kangaroo,” Peace wrote. “She had been reported to be lying in her enclosure, apparently asleep, which is not out of her nature.

“When I examined Millie on the farm…she appeared fit, healthy and perfectly normal…

“In my opinion, this animal is in good health and condition.”

Cole spoke to CityNews again on Thursday, saying that the vet’s assessment doesn’t necessarily mean the animal was well the day before.

“A lot of people are sick on a Sunday and fine by Monday,” he said. “I’m not an animal expert but I’m glad the kangaroo is okay.

“That was my end goal on this. I’m glad the animal is safe”

Tiger Paw Veterinarian report