Story Archive

In Florida, Even the Animals Are Weird

A horse “snuck” into a pool area behind a house in Melbourne, Fla. As the homeowner tried to lead it back out, it spooked and backed up — right into the pool, where three kids were swimming. After spending two hours trying to get it out, the exasperated homeowner called firefighters for help. It was actually a good idea: the firefighters had just finished large-animal rescue training at the local zoo, where “members had the opportunity to hoist and ‘rescue’ a llama, two horses, and a rhinoceros,” said Lt. Jeff Taylor. They put a harness on the retired racehorse and hoisted it out of the pool with a tow truck. Taylor said the horse was not injured, but taken to a vet for observation for “stress-related issues.” (RC/Orlando Sentinel) ...Man: does EVERYBODY retire to Florida now?