Barry Trotz is now the coach of the Washington Capitals, yet it’s clear that he still has a huge soft spot for some of the biggest predators.
The Columbus Dispatch’s Aaron Portzline passes along a great story from the All-Star break: Trotz spent Saturday at the Columbus Zoo and left with a goal to save Foley the Tiger from what might be an unpleasant move to Kansas. (See more at the bottom of this post.)
It sounds like he might even try to get Ohio State coach Urban Meyer involved in the cause.
Can't tell you how dug-in Trotz was today - unprompted - to save the tiger. He wanted Urban Meyer's cell number to make a passioned plea.
— Aaron Portzline (@Aportzline) January 27, 2015
Seriously, Trotz sounds like he’ll stand his ground on this one:
And he's hoping to see "Save Foley!" signs at #Nationwide Arena during Tuesday's #Caps vs. #CBJ game. “We have to keep Foley in Columbus."
— Aaron Portzline (@Aportzline) January 27, 2015
The Washington Post points out that this isn’t the first time Trotz took up the cause of a big cat since becoming the head coach of the Capitals, as he showed interest in a lion as well.
In case you’re wondering, this is what Foley looks like:
O-H-I-O Amur #tiger style wins! That's a fierce “H.” http://t.co/op0ahFYimM #GoBucks pic.twitter.com/WO5PpkHzjn
— Columbus Zoo (@ColumbusZoo) January 16, 2015
It seems like Foley is already something of a big-cat-celebrity, so we’ll see if that’s enough to sidetrack such a move. If nothing else, it’s another example of Trotz sporting a heart of gold below what seems like an occasionally gruff demeanor.
Update: Here’s a little more background on the situation regarding possibly moving the tiger.
Just talked to the zoo about #SaveFoley. Confirmed Foley is on his way to Kansas City in the fall, in the name of "genetic diversity."
— Aaron Portzline (@Aportzline) January 27, 2015
@Aportzline because they are endangered and have limited opportunities to find additional partners they are moved from time to time
— 😶 (@DanBigham13) January 27, 2015
@Aportzline careful records are kept to improve the species as a whole. Zoo's work together to protect the entire population
— 😶 (@DanBigham13) January 27, 2015
UPDATE: Foley the tiger is being moved this spring to a new harem at Rolling Hills Zoo in Salina, Kansas, not Kansas City. #happyfoley
— Aaron Portzline (@Aportzline) January 27, 2015
So perhaps Foley doesn’t need saving ... but hey, Trotz’s heart is in the right place, at least.