MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!! (and happy belated Thanksgiving....)  Its been WAY too long since we've updated our blog & we are TRULY sorry!  We hope everyone had a safe and happy holiday season & continues to do so through the new year!  Remember, if you like our blog, become a member!  Thanks!


As you all know (or may not), Triple D can sometimes be compared to New York City in that its a business that never sleeps.  Just a couple of weeks ago that similarity was brought to life as our mountain lion cubs, Kali & Khia, were invited to help promote Big Cat Week for NatGeo Wild in the Big Apple. 



Kali (left) & Khia (right) get their
first glimpse at life in the Big Apple



(Left to Right) Bill Hemmer, Casey Anderson, Kali & Khia, Heather Keepers on Fox Morning News promoting 'Stalking the Mountain Lion' for Big Cat Week on NatGeo Wild

December 7th, Kali & Khia made their national television debut on Good Morning America and Fox Morning News.   Sharing the spotlight with Casey Anderson, the girls did not disappoint!  Decked out in crystal collars, pink leashes, and of course their best behavior, its no wonder that Fox wanted more of them.  As our trainer, Heather (who escorted our superstars to NYC) was waiting to board her plane back to Montana, a last minute call came in asking her to get the cats off the plane and stay through the weekend to have the girls be on Fox & Friends on Monday morning, December12.  After weeks of intense planning a five day trip quickly turned into an eleven day trip, but in the end, it was well worth it. 

 

Kali (right) & Khia (left) relaxing the tub at The Muse Hotel in NYC 



Click on the following links to see the girls' debut on LIVE national television!  We are so proud!

Teaser for GMA:  http://www.facebook.com/#!/photo.php?v=695561322556 

 

GMA segment:  http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/t/video/nat-geo-wild-kicks-off-big-cat-week-15103664

 

Fox Morning News:  http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fvideo.foxnews.com%2Fv%2F1314809851001%2Fbig-cats-on-americas-newsroom%2F%3Fplaylist_id%3D86909&h=9AQFLRiSNAQEQpw7ZRe-4DKqKMQmj9OXbY-W54g18lDM4ng

 Fox & Friends:  http://www.foxnews.com/on-air/fox-friends/index.html#/v/1322695271001/big-cat-week/?playlist_id=86912



Even Casey Anderson was like the Paparazzi taking Kali's
picture as she analyzed Times Square







Heather & Casey bear waiting on set with Grizzly Creek Films





Heather & Kali (napping) while Casey Anderson (on right in background) filmed with Khia for a new XBOX Kinect video game


Let it snow! (or don't...)  Winter is upon us at the Triple D with little spurts of snow showers.  The chill is definitely in the air, but that's not stopping anyone from training, filming, and working!  Nick & Heather spent last Sunday-Friday with Casey Anderson & Grizzly Creek Films in Bozeman.  Many hours were put in perfecting behaviors & shots of Casey (the bear) and Kali & Khia, our 2 mtn lion cubs.  They are going to be a part of Casey Anderson's new NatGeo Wild series, as well as his very own interactive video game for kids on XBOX Kinect.  (The game is scheduled to be released in March of 2012.)  Nick & Heather were also lucky enough to be a part of a private premier viewing of Casey's newest show "Stalking the Mountain Lion" scheduled to be aired on December 11, 2011 on NatGeo Wild.  This show features Triple D mountain lion star, Atilli, so set your DVR for the exciting event!! 



Kali on a ridge, posing for many segments
of Casey Anderson's projects



Heather with Khia (on her back) & Kali (front) in between takes on a ridge in Bozeman, MT.





Jesse showing off his chainsaw skills as he helps get yet another water compound ready for filming

Nick gets instructions from Jesse in order to put a fence around our newest water filming site.

Sorry for the delayed post! The work never stops here at the Triple D!  The staff has been working diligently on getting various filming sites up and running for the winter.  We now have a new water filming site ready for action!  Its gorgeous & we are excited to begin filming there!  

Nick & Heather are getting ready for a five day road trip to Bozeman to continue filming with NatGeo Wild! star, Casey Anderson.  Mr.  Anderson has just announced his partnership with XBOX Kinect & a new interactive video game to be released next year.  We are SO excited to be a part of this!  The game will feature animated footage of our mountain lion cubs, Kali & Khia, as well as (of course), little Casey bear! 






Casey bear posing on a log, getting ready for our five day road trip to Bozeman.




Casey working on his mark as Nick loads up the feed stick with his favorite treat...CHEESE!



Enrichment!

Here are some fun photos of the enrichment we provide the hard working stars of Triple D.

Simba, Canadian Lynx, lounging in a box of straw






 

Toby, Siberian Lynx, laying under his Christmas Tree















Dot, Snow Leopard, chewing on a scented box



















Casey, Black Bear, eating peas out of a candy box







Dora, Siberian Lynx, relaxing with her logs and pine bows

Ferrah, Fisher, climbing in her jungle gym



Winter Ready

Triple D Staff along with some volunteers have been out on site cleaning and pruning the compounds for the winter snowfall.  This nice cliff side went from bushy and overgrown to clean and snow-ready.  Heather and Nick have stocked up on all the winter apparel they could find and are starting to test it all out.

Although the trainers are gearing up for winter Kali and Khia, along with the rest of the Triple D animals, are enjoying the remaining perks of Fall.  Playing in the fallen leaves and a little game of hide and seek are some of their favorites.

Khia hiding, can you see her?

Kali posing on lead



Heather & Cpt Jack

The trainers at Triple D continue to make progress with getting all of the animals acclimated and accustomed.  Captain Jack & Heather (left) were able to get one last warm day in last week.  Now, its all hoodies & warm boots from now until Spring! 



Heather, Andy, & Nick



Andy is getting really comfortable with his new trainers, as Heather & Nick proceed with regular walks and socializations.  He spends his walks purring & rubbing on anything that will feel good scratching his neck.  He is easily motivated for treats & affection. 

The mountain lion cubs are tipping the scales now at over 20 pounds!!!  Their walks are filled with exploring challenges, but they gain more and more confidence every day!  They enjoy each other's company and rumble & tumble with each other at every chance they get. 

Kali (left) & Khia (right)

Khia watching Jesse on the tractor as he works hard on new habitats

Thanks to Paul Burwell for another great week of filming here at Triple D!!  We had a great three days with a wonderful group! 

Now, back to the grind!  There has been lots of talk here as we get ready for our big event in April.  Slots are filling up fast for Monument Valley so don't forget to get your names on the list!  Nick & Heather are already getting animals ready for the month long trip to Utah, and are getting excited for their first April trip. 

This week will be spent mostly on training the mountain lion kittens to walk on lead, acclimating Dot, a 5 year old male snow leopard to walking with his new trainers on lead, and making advancements in our coyote pup's and wolf puppies' training. Wish us luck!!!

Happy Monday!!!  First, we want to thank Becky & Glen Grambo & their entire group for a GREAT four days of filming!  We got a lot accomplished and the animals were a blast!  The trainers definitely got their work outs in while working the animals.  We'd also like to share an incredible artist's website, http://www.bigcatart.com/.  Christina Langman spends hundreds of hours with colored pencils bringing her art to life.  We look forward to seeing the results of this film shoot! 

 

Julia (top), Cila (bottom)

Triple D is excited for the return of Becky & Glen Grambo this week!!  They have a special relationship with our Artic wolf pups, Julia & Cila, as they helped in the acquistion process and served as a foster home for a few nights until we could transport them safely home.  The pups have grown SO much in the last few months.  They will definitely be happy to see their foster parents again in just a couple of short days!

On another note, we would like to apologize for the delayed blog update.  We have been extremely occupied with filming and animals and it slipped away from us for a couple of days.  SORRY! 

Don't forget to sign up for the Monument Valley trip in April!! Spots are filling up fast!

Mountain Lion Update



Kali weighed in at 12.6 lbs



The two mountain lion cubs, Kali and Khia, are pushing double digits at 2 1/2 months old.  Kali is the big girl over 12 and Khia is at 10.3 pounds.

Both girls are getting more comfortable on lead.  They frolic in the grass and run up and down the roads.  Although when new scary things like the horses or deer startle them, they come back to the trainers for security.









For all those on the mailing lists, be ready for the flyer on Monument Valley.  This years off site photo event.  Lots of details in the packet.

Heather & Andy

Nick & Andy

Nick & Heather continue to make headway with Andy, a 10 year-old mountain lion.  He gets walked nearly everyday & enjoys his time in the tall grass.  This week Nick & Heather will test their progress with Andy.  He will come off lead for the first time with his new trainers in hopes of putting him back in the starting lineup for Triple D!  Fingers crossed!!

Fisher Enrichment

Ferrah, the fisher, got some fun enrichment! Given a Kokanee box (empty of course), she flipped it on top of herself & had to figure out her escape....Looks like she had a lot of fun doing so!!! 

Casey the Magnificent

Casey and Heather did fantastic in Bozeman with NatGeo Wild! star Casey Anderson.  These pictures were from a quick training session before heading off for the long drive.  Casey's future TV debut and the trainers stellar work, with any luck, will land us some more high profile shoots.

As for the rest of the game farm, things are going great.  With winter on the horizon all the animals are gearing up with thick coats and husky builds.  Come see some of there new looks during our September Special starting in just 11 days, the 23rd - 27th.

Down to One

Dane, Bobcat

Dora, Siberian Lynx

This past week the Game Farm has been run by Nick, the newest trainer.  Heather took a much deserved vacation for a few days.  While she was out Nick was getting acclimated to animals all across the board.  Working with the Lynxes and Bobcats just to name a couple.

Nick's relationship with Casey, the black bear, has taken off as you can see.  All the animals and staff look forward to Heathers return.  Although, as discussed in the last post, her and Casey bear are heading to Bozeman one day after she gets back to work with Casey Anderson and National Geographic.

Kali and Khia, the nearly three month old cougar kittens, have started walking on lead.  Exploring the compounds and meeting Hank is always fun for them.

Also with the beginning of the new month comes another Triple "D" monthly special.  The September Special starts on the 23rd of this month so make sure to send us an email if you have any questions or are interested in attending. 

Busy At Triple "D"!!

 

Heather & Jesse walking Andy, a 10 year-old mountain lion. 

  

Ferrah, a 5 month old Fisher pup.  

She is extremely playful & full of energy. 


 


 









The Triple "D" staff has been (as always) hard at work!!!  Nick & Heather continue to make progress with the already established animals, all while training the new youngsters and getting them ready for their future stardom! 

Lil' Casey bear is getting ready for his final shoot with Casey Anderson in Bozeman, scheduled for September 7-9.  The almost year-long filming of the two Casey's will be the focus in the future NatGeo Wild! special....release date coming soon!





Casey Anderson & Casey bear in Bozeman back in July. 



Nick & Casey -training













Cila (with an apple)




Julia winking at a fly on her nose



Cila & Julia continue to grow like weeds!!  As you can see, they are working extremely hard on their "natural" poses for the upcoming August special.  Both pups are full of energy and very eager to work on their training! 



Julia (left) & Cila (right)



Heather & Prince

Heather has been working daily on getting Prince, a year old snow leopard, accustomed to life in the spotlight.  His progress continues with each walk! 

Casey & Nick



Casey bear giving Nick the "OK"



We are working hard to get acclimated to all of the animals here at Triple D.  Some will be harder than others, but it looks like Nick is getting Casey bear's blessing! 

Mtn Lion Cubs Are Here!!!



Khia - Born July 5, 2011



Kali - July 5, 2011

 Kali & Khia came to the Triple D on July 28, 2011.  They weighed 2.5 lbs upon arrival, and have almost tripled in size in just 2.5 weeks! 

Although these girls are littermates, they are polar opposites in personality.  Kali, who is just slightly larger than her sister, is very mellow and independent, while Khia is our insecure firecracker.  They both love affection and sleep awkwardly & comfortably in our laps after a nice warm bottle of milk.