NAPLES, Fla. — State and Federal agencies have been conducting extensive research on panthers and bobcats who appear to have a neurological disorder and have severe difficulty walking.
For research purposes, the agencies placed remote trail cameras to detect potential cases to move toward a solution.
Recently it has been found that seven cameras in that study were stolen from Big Cypress National Preserve.
Beyond the theft itself, the data from those cameras is forever lost.
So, Riptide Brewing Company and Naples Zoo are teaming up to raise funds to replace the stolen cameras with enhanced security models.
Riptide is hosting a modified “Brew for the Zoo” event and serving its limited-time brews of Uno Ale and Athena Ale, named for panthers associated with Naples Zoo.
This is the first time these custom ales are available in cans. Riptide will donate a generous $5 from each four-pack of 16-ounce cans and $2 from each pint sold.
Cans are available now and will be on tap for a short time starting Saturday, April 10 at the brewery located at 987 3rd Avenue North in Naples.
“Understanding what’s debilitating these animals is like putting together a puzzle without knowing the final picture. Camera trap data represents pieces in that puzzle, and someone just threw a lot of pieces away,” said Big Cypress National Preserve Superintendent Thomas Forsyth.
Anyone with information about the stolen cameras may call or text the investigative services branch tip line at (888) 653-0009 or submit an anonymous tip online by clicking here.
