Zanzibar is proof of how effective our Emotional Enrichment Program can be. He lived in a garage and was beaten repeatedly with a steel pipe by his first owner. His second owner had to give him up because he didn't have the proper permit to keep him. When Zanzibar arrived, he disliked and did not trust any humans and spent most of the day in his house. Who could blame him after what he went through for how knows how many years. He was beaten so badly by his first owner and did not receive proper medical attention; therefore he has permanent hip damage. IEAS immediately put him on some medicine to help with the pain from his hips. He will be on this medication for the rest of his life. Once Zanzibar's physical needs were met, we began trying to provide for his emotional needs. A few years after his arrival, one of our volunteers took part in providing Zanzibar with Emotional Enrichment. By spending time with him through a protective setting, the volunteer was able to gain Zanzibar's trust. He began to look at the volunteer as a source of security and comfort. Over a period of time, Zanzibar began to trust the rest of his human caretakers. Now, he enjoys company from most visitors. The look in Zanzibar's eyes went from distrust to contentment and joy. Zanzibar has also been enriched by the addition of two white tigers, Allie and Rasul, who moved in five years ago and enjoy playing with Zanzibar through the fence. It has given Zanzibar an interest in playing he had not experienced previously and improves his quality of life, bringing out a playful side we had not seen before. Zanzibar now enjoys lying on his upper perch surveying the surroundings which is a vast improvement over his actions in prior years of spending most of the time hiding in his house. Though Zanzibar will be on a very expensive and extensive medication schedule for the rest of his life, the staff and volunteers of IEAS hardly notice his protruding hip and leg structure anymore. It's his big bright eyes that tend to always say "Thank you" that we see everyday. You can help support Zanzibar.

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