New Mexico Zoo Turns to CBD to Help Aging Animals Thrive

A zoo in eastern New Mexico has found a new way to help some of its oldest residents stay comfortable and active: CBD oil. According to a report from KOB 4, the Hillcrest Park Zoo in Clovis, New Mexico has partnered with a local hemp producer, Enchanted Desert Farms, to provide CBD oil for several senior animals struggling with age-related issues like arthritis and mobility decline.

Zoo director Stephanie Chavez said the change has been especially noticeable in Sooner, a 15-year-old tiger who had been relying on strong medications that can be hard on the liver.

“He’s had really bad arthritis,” Chavez told KOB. “He’s been on like really harsh medications that are bad on his liver, you know, like tramadol and everything.”

Sooner is no longer on those medications. Instead, he receives CBD oil donated by the farm. Chavez says the difference is visible in his behavior.

“He’s a whole different cat,” she said. “He’s jumping. He’s playing. You see him in his box. It is cool. He’s training now, which is absolutely amazing.”

The zoo has even been able to begin target training with him again, something that had become difficult as his mobility declined.

Another beneficiary is Katie, a 15-year-old timberwolf. In the wild, timberwolves typically live six to eight years. Chavez says Katie’s age alone makes her a remarkable case, and the CBD appears to help keep her alert and comfortable.

“You see her a little bit more active and her eyes are a lot more bright,” Chavez said.

With the exception of bone health vitamins, both animals are now off their previous medications.

The CBD is provided by Sam and Rachel Viscaino, who have operated Enchanted Desert Farms for more than a decade. The couple originally focused on helping people find hemp-based products tailored to their needs, often discussing terpene profiles and symptom relief with customers. They did not expect zoo animals to become part of their clientele.

“What symptom are you trying to get some relief from? After that, we’ll kind of just try to help recognize what terpene is going to help with that and then just try to point you in the direction of a strain or a product,” Rachel Viscaino told KOB.

Now, that same approach is being used to support aging wildlife.

“I feel like we’re just helpers,” Rachel said. “People have helper personalities and that’s just how we came into this world.”

Chavez echoed that sentiment.

“I’m not surprised that people like them are helping zoo animals. They’re amazing people,” she said.

Zoo staff say they are considering adding other senior animals to the CBD regimen in the future. Beyond the zoo, the Viscainos also donate CBD treats to local pet owners dealing with anxiety or pain in their animals, particularly around the Fourth of July, and they regularly support area shelters with donations.

What started as a small hemp operation aimed at helping people has quietly expanded into improving the daily lives of aging zoo animals in eastern New Mexico.