Latest news with #RobCurtis
CBS News
12-05-2025
- CBS News
Fate of tigers homed at Inland Empire sanctuary unclear after eviction
The fate of four bengal tigers who live at the Diamond Valley Lodge near Hemet is up in the air, after a legal dispute led to the owner's eviction last week. The property is now gated up, meaning no one is there except for the big cats. "Very, very inhumane," said Mario Felix. "You have to observe them, you can't just leave them. All animals need observation." He's one of many neighbors in the area who are upset by the sudden eviction of the tenants. "That's just really sad, it breaks my heart," said Bobbee McGuire. "I just don't understand how people could do something horrible like that. ... They're endangering these animals, and they're endangering the health, safety and welfare of the public as well." Two of the tigers homed at Diamond Valley Lodge. Diamond Valley Lodge/Facebook Rob Curtis owns the tigers and has rented the property for the the last five. However, in recent months he's been involved in a number of legal battles over the site, including over permitting and the sale, which he wanted to purchase outright. It all came to a head last week when Riverside County Sheriff's Department deputies evicted him and his staff from the property, forcing him to leave his tigers behind. "They wanted us to pay $3 million for the property. We came up with the $3 million, we offered to pay it to them and they waited until the very last minute and said, 'We're not taking the offer and we want the tigers out tomorrow," he said. "So, they caused this dilemma, they're not victims by any stretch." An attorney for the company that owns the land, Diamond Valley Golf Club LLC., says that they were willing to sell but that Curtis did not present the funds in time. They say that he had months of notice that the eviction was going to happen. "The tigers' health and welfare is our number one concern here," said a statement from the company. "On a daily basis we have allowed access for their feeding and care and will continue to do so." Curtis says that although he's been able to get in every day since their eviction, the amount of time inside is limited and not consistent. In turn, he says he's waiting outside of the gate to be allowed in, often in the heat. "We can't put the misters on for them, hose them off, do those things we normally do," Curtis said. The sanctuary is asking for an emergency hearing from a judge in order to get access to the property. They're also working to remove the tigers by the end of the week to another sanctuary out of the state.
Wales Online
06-05-2025
- Wales Online
Rare habitat in Wales threatened by jet skiers, dog walkers and sewage
Rare habitat in Wales threatened by jet skiers, dog walkers and sewage A community nature group is calling on Vale of Glamorgan Council to turn an old harbour into a local nature reserve in order to protect the numerous species there A community group is calling for the old harbour in Barry to be turned into a local nature reserve A community group has called for better protection of nature at Barry's old harbour amid concerns jet skiers and "irresponsible dog walkers" are affecting wildlife there. Barry Action for Nature and hundreds of residents have called on Vale of Glamorgan Council to turn the site, which is just to the east of the Harbour Road car park on Barry Island, into a local nature reserve. The local authority has two main local nature reserves. These are Cosmeston Lakes Country Park and Porthkerry Country Park. Vale Council said it was currently looking into the possibility of making the old harbour in Barry and several other locations a local nature reserve. For our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation, sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here . Chairman of Barry Action for Nature, Rob Curtis, said: "Saltwater marsh is one of the rarest habitats in the UK. "The Old Harbour's saltwater marsh supports wintering red listed species such as Curlew and Whimbrel. "It also supports other waders and seabirds such as Shelduck, Grey Heron, Little Egret, Knot and Redshank. Article continues below "We call on the Vale of Glamorgan Council to declare this area a Local Nature Reserve which can contribute to the Welsh Government's aim of protecting 30% of Wales for nature by 2030. "We are concerned that jet ski users and some irresponsible dog walkers are disturbing resting and feeding birds. "We are also concerned at the sewage pollution currently being discharged into this harbour. Please help us protect our local wildlife." Vale of Glamorgan Council is the owner of the old harbour in Barry. It was the original anchorage and harbour at Barry before Barry Docks opened in 1889. A Vale of Glamorgan Council spokesperson said: "The Council and Vale Nature Partnership are looking into the possibility of making this and several other areas of the Vale designated Local Nature Reserves (LNRs). 'It is believed 20 or so species of rare bird are found there, along with butterflies and moths, while it is also one of few places in the Vale where seagrass could be reintroduced, a plant that is excellent at capturing carbon. 'To gain the designation as an LNR, the old harbour would need to have sufficient wildlife value so work will be carried out to see if it reaches that threshold. 'Any sewage discharge into the area is a matter for Dwr Cynru/Welsh Water and Natural Resources Wales and we will work with them to investigate this.' Article continues below
