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Two bloodhound puppies sit in the Barnyard.

We’re happy to share that our 2-year-old bloodhounds, Sarah Jessica Barker and Cindy Pawford, will soon be moving to new homes, which we believe will give them even greater wellbeing.  

The sister duo came to our Zoo in 2023 as 12-week-old puppies from the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office. They settled into our Barnyard area with the goal of teaching guests about this breed’s amazing tracking skills and more. 

While Sarah and Cindy settled in well with their animal care team, the young bloodhounds have proven to be a bit too playful for our guests – and the rest of our Barnyard residents. Our animal care team has worked hard on their “manners,” going so far as to give Sarah and Cindy their own section of the Barnyard.  

In addition to this behavioral care, we’ve been managing the pups’ significant medical issues, which include hip dysplasia. In addition, Cindy’s orthopedic issues require a more careful exercise plan for Cindy, making it hard to ensure she receives exercise appropriate for her needs in a Zoo setting. Both dogs have received stem cell therapy in the hopes it supports their long-term orthopedic health, although there is no way to know how effective it is in the short-term, said Dr. Trevor Zachariah, our Zoo’s director of veterinary programs.  

To better meet the needs of our guests and Barnyard residents, we’ve decided to give Sarah and Cindy new homes among our Zoo staff and volunteers. We’re doing our utmost to ensure these homes are the right fit for our pups. These new homes will receive a thorough inspection by our regulatory team – a practice we do for every other animal resident who leaves our Zoo for a home that is not accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. 

This isn’t the first time we’ve moved animal residents to a private home for their wellbeing – our former Barnyard residents Lily and Violet the Nubian goats are doing well in their new homes! 

Animal wellbeing is always a top priority, and our Barnyard area has undergone several changes over the years with this in mind. We are confident Cindy and Sarah will thrive in their new homes.  

Soon, we hope to become a home for additional Nigerian dwarf goats and chickens – two species which have done very well in our Barnyard. Keep an eye on our blog and social media channels for updates! 


Special thanks to Flammio Financial Group, Stifel-Garvin Wealth Management Group, Artemis IT, and Jim and Darleen Barfield. Their generosity makes our work possible! 

Brevard Zoo is an independent, not-for-profit organization that receives no recurring government funding for our operating costs. Your generous support enables us to continue to serve our community and continue our vital animal wellness, education and conservation programs.