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Does anyone know who this woman is? She is very unprofessional and unpleasant.

She isn't an employee of the university.
She isn't a veterinarian, zoologist, or biologist.
She isn't a professor.

So who is she? We have seen here around the exhibit since these 2 lions were cubs. She has consistently been ruining trips for children and barking orders at visitors for years now.

I suspect she is part of the Carroll family who donated the money for the newest lion enclosure.

Isn't this a safety issue? Shouldn't the care and implementation of the lions schedule be handled by a trained professional?

I believe this could be a case of nepotism at it's finest, and the citizens of downtown Florence will be the ones at risk if anything were to happen due to the daily release of the lions by someone who has no real experience or credentials working with big cats.
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Spend half a day there and observe what some MORONS do when visiting the lions and you'll understand.

I've seen kids w/parents present (AND teens AND even some "adults") do whatever they can to taunt those animals (spitting, throwing whatever they can pick up, bringing little Rover on a leash, etc.)...sometimes when the lady in IN the enclosure with them.

You'd have an attitude too.
quote:
Originally posted by RoadHawg:
Spend half a day there and observe what some MORONS do when visiting the lions and you'll understand.

I've seen kids w/parents present (AND teens AND even some "adults") do whatever they can to taunt those animals (spitting, throwing whatever they can pick up, bringing little Rover on a leash, etc.)...sometimes when the lady in IN the enclosure with them.

You'd have an attitude too.


I cannot agree with this. The behavior that the exhibit brings out in certain folks is no different than the average behavior at a zoo. I have been to many zoos and have never had an employee at any one of them come close to being as rude and inhospitable as ms. smeagol here.

This woman is not 'protecting' the lions. The UNA Police and Certified Alarm (who monitors the premises pro bono) protect the lions. If anyone is throwing objects at them, then they should absolutely be arrested.

The place has more cameras than Fort Knox. It is highly unbelievable that anyone has ever thrown anything at the lions and not been caught on video, much less prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
If it is the skinny blond, that is Anne Howard - Dr. Dan Howard's wife. They brought Una and Leo to UNA when they were cubs. The cubs actually lived in the house with Dr. H. and Anne for several months.

Not really sure why she is still here in Florence. Dr. Howard left UNA about 18 months ago to take a job at the Arkansas school that Mr. Potts is over.

I guess she doesn't trust anybody else to care for "her" lions. I have heard from pretty reliable sources that the Lion Cubs are the beneficiaries in the Howards' will.
She is horrible and so is her husband. Dr. Howard and his wife were always hated by all the students. She was a mean ol witch. He was biased toward Turkish students. He actually told SGA they could not use school owned buses that they were willing to pay for because one of the students may need to "go to wal mart". There are 12 buses by the way.

It was a great day for UNA when Dr. Howard moved to Arkansas. We all thought he would take her with him.
Well, I'm glad that I'm not the only one that feels this way. I didn't think that I would be.

So let me get this straight...... She is a spouse of a former employee of the university who left over 18 months ago. Why is she still here?

The lions are one of the flagship tourist stops of our area. It is a shame to have visitors greeted by someone who doesn't even seem to want anyone there. This woman is a zit on the nose of Florence and needs to be removed.

They are not "her" lions.
She is not needed to "protect" the lions.
She does not have any outstanding credentials that she is offering to the university as a service.

She is simply a bitter, unhappy woman who has found something that gives her a little bit of solace in life, and she refuses to let go.

It's time to move on Ms. Smeagol/Gollum Howard. You are an unwanted inconvenience at a spectacular venue that we love to take our children and visitors to.

Please leave.
Last edited by Maynard J. Keenan
Wow... we were just there last weekend and Mrs. Howard was very pleasant. She was telling a group, including me, about how the lions are pretty lazy when it is hot outside. Una likes to play, but Leo prefers to be lazy. Someone asked if they ever mate and she didn't get embarrassed or anything. She explained that they are brother and sister, litter mates even, and that they had Una spayed. Someone asked if Leo was neutered and she explained that he is not because it would cause him to lose his mane. She went on to tell about how they are checked by a vet periodically and she told about the "squeeze cage" they use so that the lions do not have to be sedated. She was very nice and very social. I wonder if you guys just caught her on a bad day?
quote:
Originally posted by MarianLibrarian2:
People who really love animals can be peculiar. I would cut her some slack, sounds like the lions are her priority and she is caring for them out of the kindness of her heart.


Nope. I think she's just a crazy old cat lady.

And I have never EVER seen her be even remotely friendly. She always has a scowl on her face and is completely unpleasant.

She is transplant to this area who needs to move on.
quote:
Originally posted by Glad2BNDixie:
Maybe the crazy old cat lady should just collect her cats and take them away from us, Maynard. Your comment about transplants stinks. We need more of those transplants before this area dries up and blows away.


Try this.

You plan a special day with your kids (or grandkids, nieces, nephews, etc) and have it ruined by someone or something. You will not be happy. Especially if this someone or something can choose to act otherwise.

On the most recent visit, cat lady was walking around the cage sadly taking pictures of the cats. She was clearly irritated that we were in some of the shots. When our little one began to stir a little bit and ran a few steps, this haggardly witch screamed, "No running!".

There are signs posted all over that place mentioning not to bring domestic pets into the area, etc. But NOWHERE is anything posted about running. People run and jog all over that dam campus.

It's a 3 year old boy running.
My 3 year old.
And she yelled at him.

This was it for me. I've endured her pi$$ poor attitude for years now and enough is enough. She needs to go.

The lions embody the spirit of Florence. This woman embodies the spirit of a NO TRESPASSING sign.

Please Ms. Howard. Get a life. Somewhere else.
I can understand your anger because if someone yelled at my child I'd be angry too. It's the comment about being an outsider and not being wanted here that was, imo, uncalled for, not about her per se, just in general. We are trying to get more business and more money to the area and we shouldn't have that unwelcome attitude toward transplants. We can't have our cake and eat it, too.
quote:
Originally posted by Maynard J. Keenan:
quote:
Originally posted by Glad2BNDixie:
Maybe the crazy old cat lady should just collect her cats and take them away from us, Maynard. Your comment about transplants stinks. We need more of those transplants before this area dries up and blows away.


Try this.

You plan a special day with your kids (or grandkids, nieces, nephews, etc) and have it ruined by someone or something. You will not be happy. Especially if this someone or something can choose to act otherwise.

On the most recent visit, cat lady was walking around the cage sadly taking pictures of the cats. She was clearly irritated that we were in some of the shots. When our little one began to stir a little bit and ran a few steps, this haggardly witch screamed, "No running!".

There are signs posted all over that place mentioning not to bring domestic pets into the area, etc. But NOWHERE is anything posted about running. People run and jog all over that dam campus.

It's a 3 year old boy running.
My 3 year old.
And she yelled at him.

This was it for me. I've endured her pi$$ poor attitude for years now and enough is enough. She needs to go.

The lions embody the spirit of Florence. This woman embodies the spirit of a NO TRESPASSING sign.

Please Ms. Howard. Get a life. Somewhere else.


A three year old boy running screams PREY and triggers a lion's natural instinct to charge. A large male lion in full charge may be a little more stimulation than you would want for your children. Since this lady works in close proximity with these animals she probably would prefer that their natural hunting/killing instincts NOT be cultivated. I have been charged by a large male lion and it is not something I will soon forget.
quote:
Originally posted by SHELDIVR:
A three year old boy running screams PREY and triggers a lion's natural instinct to charge. A large male lion in full charge may be a little more stimulation than you would want for your children. Since this lady works in close proximity with these animals she probably would prefer that their natural hunting/killing instincts NOT be cultivated. I have been charged by a large male lion and it is not something I will soon forget.


While you may be absolutely correct in your theory of illiciting predatory instincts, the lions are a staple attraction for countless classes of children all year long.

These lions are subjected to throngs of children on a daily basis. I have seen numerous classes of children making their way to and from the exhibit throughout my entire life (including when the OG Leo was there). All of them yelling running and having a good time.

So while I buy your theory of predation, I DO NOT buy your theory that my child would possibly be the first one who triggers these natural instincts in the lions. They are subjected to prey sized items every day. These lions are 100% killing machines, and anyone who wants to yell at my child just so they can continue to go in and "play" with these lions is a fool.

Leo the First was a true predator. Squirrels and cats. I have seen it with my own eyes.
quote:
Originally posted by zippadeedoodah:
Without any specific knowledge of the child's behavior, there are times when I see small children running amok and sincerely wish their parents would keep them under control.


Me too. I can assure you my child's behavior is on par with the behavior of most 3 year olds.

Last time I checked, there was neither an age or height requirement to enter the lion exhibit.
quote:
Originally posted by SHELDIVR:
quote:
Originally posted by Maynard J. Keenan:
quote:
Originally posted by Glad2BNDixie:
Maybe the crazy old cat lady should just collect her cats and take them away from us, Maynard. Your comment about transplants stinks. We need more of those transplants before this area dries up and blows away.


Try this.

You plan a special day with your kids (or grandkids, nieces, nephews, etc) and have it ruined by someone or something. You will not be happy. Especially if this someone or something can choose to act otherwise.

On the most recent visit, cat lady was walking around the cage sadly taking pictures of the cats. She was clearly irritated that we were in some of the shots. When our little one began to stir a little bit and ran a few steps, this haggardly witch screamed, "No running!".

There are signs posted all over that place mentioning not to bring domestic pets into the area, etc. But NOWHERE is anything posted about running. People run and jog all over that dam campus.

It's a 3 year old boy running.
My 3 year old.
And she yelled at him.

This was it for me. I've endured her pi$$ poor attitude for years now and enough is enough. She needs to go.

The lions embody the spirit of Florence. This woman embodies the spirit of a NO TRESPASSING sign.

Please Ms. Howard. Get a life. Somewhere else.


A three year old boy running screams PREY and triggers a lion's natural instinct to charge. A large male lion in full charge may be a little more stimulation than you would want for your children. Since this lady works in close proximity with these animals she probably would prefer that their natural hunting/killing instincts NOT be cultivated. I have been charged by a large male lion and it is not something I will soon forget.


Shel, its the females that are the primary hunters. I watched Una follow a handicapped child one day all around the enclosure. I'm sure she smelled urine and thought she had an easy lunch.
Maynard, here is something you can do to freak the Lion Lady out. On your next visit, when the lions are outside, start staring intently into Leo's eyes...continue to stare even if he looks away. If you do the "stare down" correctly, he will suddenly charge you with all the strength and fury he can muster and will most likely take a swipe at your head with a big, clawed paw. The fence will most likely rattle from this attack. You and the Lion Lady should find this very stimulating. Don't tell anyone about this idea, they might beat you to it. Lions cannot and will not tolerate a stare down... Cool
quote:
Originally posted by MAKEBELIEVELIONEXPERT:
Maynard, here is something you can do to freak the Lion Lady out. On your next visit, when the lions are outside, start staring intently into Leo's eyes...continue to stare even if he looks away. If you do the "stare down" correctly, he will suddenly charge you with all the strength and fury he can muster and will most likely take a swipe at your head with a big, clawed paw. The fence will most likely rattle from this attack. You and the Lion Lady should find this very stimulating. Don't tell anyone about this idea, they might beat you to it. Lions cannot and will not tolerate a stare down... Cool


Ummm yeah, I'm not even sure how to respond to such brilliance. I'm sure that happens all the time.
quote:
Originally posted by Maynard J. Keenan:
quote:
Originally posted by MAKEBELIEVELIONEXPERT:
Maynard, here is something you can do to freak the Lion Lady out. On your next visit, when the lions are outside, start staring intently into Leo's eyes...continue to stare even if he looks away. If you do the "stare down" correctly, he will suddenly charge you with all the strength and fury he can muster and will most likely take a swipe at your head with a big, clawed paw. The fence will most likely rattle from this attack. You and the Lion Lady should find this very stimulating. Don't tell anyone about this idea, they might beat you to it. Lions cannot and will not tolerate a stare down... Cool


Ummm yeah, I'm not even sure how to respond to such brilliance. I'm sure that happens all the time.


I figured that was over your head MAKEBELIEVEPARENT... Wink
quote:
Originally posted by SHELDIVR:
I figured that was over your head MAKEBELIEVEPARENT... Wink


Please show me one sentence in this thread that calls my parenting skills into question.

I can show you several that call your lion facts into question. UNA is stared at every day (yes in the eye), and she has never attacked the chain link fence. You are a dramatic, tree hugging, hippie, goof-ball if you really believe this (not to mention stupid).

The bottom line is that I am absolutely right. This miserable witch is unpleasant, pathetic, and rude 100% of the time. She has no business acting as a greeter at one of Florence's finest tourist stops.
quote:
Originally posted by Maynard J. Keenan:
quote:
Originally posted by SHELDIVR:
I figured that was over your head MAKEBELIEVEPARENT... Wink


Please show me one sentence in this thread that calls my parenting skills into question.

I can show you several that call your lion facts into question. UNA is stared at every day (yes in the eye), and she has never attacked the chain link fence. You are a dramatic, tree hugging, hippie, goof-ball if you really believe this (not to mention stupid).

The bottom line is that I am absolutely right. This miserable witch is unpleasant, pathetic, and rude 100% of the time. She has no business acting as a greeter at one of Florence's finest tourist stops.


You lack the courage and the intelligence to accomplish the STARE DOWN, and you know less about three year olds than I do lions. I have accomplished the stare down, on MALE lions several times and it is always exciting...they will skid to a halt right at the fence and take a big slap at your head.

I don't know what your definition of stupid is but I could have prefrontal lobotamy and be smarter than you. If you weren't so spineless you would have confronted the lady who corrected your out of control child. This lady has contributed much to make this lion exhibit what it is and you need to stop pouting and grow up.

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