Justice

 There could be no website that discussed the Idaho Falls Zoo without special acknowledgement of Justice, a GREAT Pyrenees. Justice, a rescue dog from the Ashton Idaho area, came to the zoo in April 2017 specifically to serve as a surrogate mother for Honda, a lion cub. Justice was found alone and caring for not only her puppies, but also a weak sheep. Zoo officials brought Justice and her mothering instincts to the zoo to help the lion cub. Honda had sustained a wound while being carried by his Mom, Kimani, and he needed time away for the wound to heal.
Justice was such a good-natured and charismatic dog that zoo staff decided to keep her on in the role of animal ambassador. She quickly became a zoo visitor favorite. In 2020, with the onset of Covid restrictions and reduced staffing the zoo decided to give Justice to me! Upon her sudden passing three years later, I offered to buy a plaque for Justice, but zoo management said no. They said the policy was not to recognize any animal friends.
Which is asinine. Two things that are important to the visitor experience are the animals and the memories those animals invoke. One of my favorite examples of how much Justice was loved, was a little girl said “Hey Mom look at the angel dog!” : ) The zoo’s memorable or unique animals should be recognized.