Speakers press Cook County Forest Preserves over coyote “Rocky” and ambassador-animal certification

Two speakers on Jan. 23 urged the Cook County Board to re-examine the Forest Preserves’ care of an ambassador coyote known as Rocky and questioned the American Humane Society’s recent certification of the district’s ambassador-animal program.

Jody Whitaker described Rocky’s behavior as stress-induced pacing after repeated visits and said the animal appears bored and solitary; she said that in sanctuary settings coyotes live in family groups and that Rocky’s enclosure does not meet those natural needs. Michelle Meitler, who also addressed the board, referenced previous assessments by veterinarians and animal behavior specialists and criticized the American Humane Society’s weeklong on-site audit as insufficient.

Speakers requested either transfer to a sanctuary or the provision of a companion for Rocky. They argued the animal’s stereotypical pacing and housing size indicate diminished well-being and said that third-party certification should not replace independent scientific review. No county action was recorded during the meeting; commissioners accepted the comments and did not take a vote on the matter.

Cook County Forest Preserves noted in media coverage that the ambassador program had been certified by American Humane; speakers countered that the certification does not address long-term welfare and social needs. The board did not schedule a follow-up at the public meeting.