Wallaby rehabilitated after used as bait in Alberta dog fighting ring: petting zoo

Pablo is a wallaby. The exotic animal came from some very tortured beginnings.

He was used as bait in a brutal crime few animals survive. It’s believed he was forced into a dog fighting ring. Mike Sheppard and his wife Maureen own Cobb’s adventure park and petting zoo, they didn’t hesitate to take him in nearly two years ago.

“It came from a drug house using him in dog fighting. That guy got arrested and Pablo along with other exotic animals were passed on to other people,” Mike said.

Pablo was malnourished and needed a lot of vet care.

2:42
Spike in stolen dogs could point to underground fighting rings in Alberta: animal society

“He had lumps on his neck and a skin disorder. There were bite marks on him. They are shaved to teach dogs where to bite,” Mike said.

“It’s senseless for entertainment, gambling, whatever the reason — no animal deserves that.”

Maureen said it took time to earn Pablo’s trust.

“We had to keep him separated, he clearly had no socialization,” Maureen said.

“He would turn on you we had to lock him up and nobody could go near him he would attack you,” Mike said.

Staff and volunteers spent months working with him. Jordyn Lavender was one of them.

“It’s amazing. I had a lot of love for him when we first got him and he tugged on my heart strings knowing what he went through,” Lavender said. “To see him doing so well really means a lot.”

“We get attached to every single one and you see he’s just a lovely boy now,” Maureen said.