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On December 13, Bays Mountain Park lost a treasured member of its family. One of the wolf pack’s elder members, Tanasi, had to be given humane rest due to the aggressive progression of myelopathy, a debilitating degenerative disease affecting the spinal cord and nervous system. He was 11 years old.
Tanasi arrived at Bays Mountain Park late May 2007 as a pup from Bear Country U.S.A., located in Rapid City, South Dakota. During his time at the Park, thanks to his sweet-natured personality and friendly spirit, Tanasi captured the hearts of staff, volunteers, and visitors alike very early on as a pup and grew to become a well-respected Alpha Male within the pack. Tanasi’s name is derived from the Cherokee meaning Tennessee.
Since the habitat’s first three grey wolves were introduced to Bays Mountain Park in 1992, wolves have been an integral part of the Park’s educational efforts for schools throughout the region. Thousands of students and patrons attend wolf programs each year, and visitors often attend the Park specifically to see them in a natural woodland setting.
Eight wolves complete the current pack following Tanasi’s passing, including Tanasi’s sibling, Netar. In the wild, wolves live an average of six to eight years. In captivity, since 1992, Bays Mountain Park has had two wolves live to be a very senior 13 years old.
If you have any photos or memories of Tanasi, please share them on Facebook and tag Bays Mountain Park & Planetarium or Instagram and tag @baysmountainpark.
For more information on Bays Mountain, visit baysmountain.com or call (423)229-9447.
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Lifeguarding isn’t just for the summer at the Kingsport Aquatic Center’s year-round facility. Join the KAC in learning the ins and outs of water safety this December, which will enable you to apply for its daytime lifeguard openings.
The American Red Cross Lifeguard Training Course provides entry-level lifeguard participants with the knowledge and skills to prevent, recognize, and respond to aquatic emergencies. The course also teaches how to provide care for breathing and cardiac emergencies, injuries, and sudden illness until emergency medical services personnel take over.
This December session is a four-day intensive course, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily December 27 through 30. Upon completion of the course, participants will receive an American Red Cross Certificate for Lifeguarding/First Air/CPR/AED that’s valid for two years.
The course is $200 for non-members and $175 for members, with a $75 registration deposit. Please note that this course begins with a swim test, and failure to pass the test will result in a forfeiture of the $75 deposit, so please be prepared. The last day to register will be the day before the course begins, December 26.
For more information about the swim test and what’s needed to participate in the course, please visit http://bit.ly/KAC_learn and navigate to the American Red Cross Lifeguard Training section. To register, please visit or call the KAC at (423)343-9758.
Any person with a certification, whether earned at the KAC’s December course or not, is welcome to apply for a position as a daytime lifeguard at the KAC. The hours will be 5 a.m. to 11 a.m. Monday through Friday, and the KAC offers competitive pay and plenty of opportunities for growth. Apply online today to become a part of fun, flexible work environment at the KAC.
To learn more about the Kingsport Aquatic Center or apply for the lifeguard position, please visit swimkingsport.com
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