Zoo Says CBD Is Helping Senior Animals Act Young Again

As animals grow older, maintaining comfort, engagement, and quality of life becomes just as important as daily nutrition and enrichment. At a small zoo in eastern New Mexico, caretakers are exploring a thoughtful, plant-based addition to their senior animal care routines: hemp-derived CBD.

CBD is a naturally occurring cannabinoid found in hemp, and many people explore it as part of an everyday wellness routine — including for the animals they care for.

At the Clovis Zoo, staff have partnered with a local hemp farm to provide CBD oil for a few of their older animal residents. The goal isn’t dramatic change or overnight transformation — it’s about supporting aging animals so they can stay active, alert, and comfortable in their everyday lives.

Since introducing CBD into these animals' routines, zoo keepers say they’ve seen noticeable shifts in behavior: increased movement, brighter eyes, renewed interest in enrichment, and greater interaction with caretakers. For animals well past the typical life expectancy of their species, those changes matter.

A Partnership Rooted in Care

The CBD used at the zoo is donated by Enchanted Desert Farms, a family-run hemp company in nearby Portales, New Mexico. Founders Sam and Rachel Viscaino have spent years working closely with individuals and families interested in plant-based wellness options, always emphasizing careful observation and individualized support.

They never expected their work to extend to zoo animals — but when the opportunity arose, it felt like a natural fit.

"We’ve always believed in meeting each being where they are," Rachel shared. "Sometimes that means people, sometimes it means animals," she told local New Mexico television station KOB 4. 

Meet Sooner the Tiger

One of the most noticeable changes has been seen in Sooner, a 15-year-old tiger who has lived at the zoo since he was young. Now in his mid-teens, Sooner had slowed down significantly with age.

After CBD was introduced into his routine, caretakers began seeing a different side of him again.

Sooner became more playful. More engaged. More interested in enrichment and interaction.

Zoo staff say he’s even participating in training activities again — something they hadn’t seen in quite some time. To them, it felt like watching a familiar personality resurface.

Katie the Timberwolf

Katie, a 15-year-old timberwolf, is another animal whose behavior caught staff attention. Timberwolves usually live for six to eight years in the wild, making her longevity remarkable on its own.

Since CBD was added to her daily care, caretakers have noticed increased alertness and movement, along with a brighter, more engaged demeanor. While she still enjoys plenty of rest, Katie appears more curious and responsive during her active hours.

For zoo staff, these subtle but meaningful changes suggest that CBD may be helping support comfort and daily ease as animals age.

Fewer Add-Ons, Simpler Routines

Today, aside from basic nutritional supplements, both Sooner and Katie no longer rely on their previous daily support routines. Caretakers emphasize that every animal is different, and decisions are made thoughtfully and conservatively - always with the animals’ wellbeing at the center.

The zoo is continuing to observe these animals closely and is considering whether CBD may be appropriate for other senior residents in the future.

A Bigger Picture of Compassion

The Viscainos’ commitment to animals doesn’t stop at the zoo gates. They also provide CBD treats to families with household pets, particularly during stressful times like fireworks season, and regularly support local animal shelters with donations whenever possible.

To them, it’s all part of the same mission.

"We’re helpers at heart," Rachel says. "If we can support comfort and quality of life — for people or animals — that’s what matters most."

Looking Ahead

While CBD use in managed wildlife settings is still relatively new, the early observations from the Clovis Zoo offer a hopeful, heartening glimpse into what compassionate, plant-based support can look like when applied thoughtfully.

That same gentle, day-to-day support is why many pet owners explore Pet CBD for their dogs and cats — especially as they get older or need extra comfort.

As with anything you give an animal, quality matters — we always recommend choosing hemp-derived products that are third-party lab tested and made under strict manufacturing standards.

For now, zoo staff are simply grateful to see their senior animals moving a little more, engaging a little longer, and enjoying their days just a bit more fully.

And sometimes, that’s everything.

This story was inspired by a local New Mexico news report covering the zoo’s partnership and observations.