WUFT News News and Public Media for North Central Florida from the University of Florida in Gainesville
Two Gainesville Police Department service horses retired after more than a decade of service Tuesday.
Zeus and Merlin both joined GPD’s Mounted Unit in 2006 and were primarily used to patrol the streets and for crowd control.
After years in the service, Zeus will retire to his previous owner, Cheryl Rhoden, who donated him to GPD and Merlin will be under the care of former officer Andrew Hinson.
GPD currently has four Mounted Patrol horses and two riders, now that Merlin and Zeus have retired they will be left with two: Bolt and Rusty. GPD is not planning on training more horses.
Merlin and Zeus resided at Alachua Conservation Trust during their time with GPD. @WUFTNews pic.twitter.com/tP8RIGONyP
— Dayanira A Feliciano (@DF_Telecom) February 21, 2017
After Zeus and Merlin retire, @GainesvillePD mounting unit will rely on Rusty and Bert. GPD is not looking for replacements @WUFTNews pic.twitter.com/7pCZO2WsK0
— Gabriella Nuñez (@gabnun13) February 21, 2017
Zeus, a Russian Warmblood, devours a mini candy cane as a treat for behaving with press! @WUFTNews pic.twitter.com/Ph31SzOvFr
— Gabriella Nuñez (@gabnun13) February 21, 2017
Zeus is a curious horse, a quality that's made him a great partner said the officer. He will be missed. @WUFTNews @GainesvillePD pic.twitter.com/GVemCNyEoy
— Gabriella Nuñez (@gabnun13) February 21, 2017
Zeus is known as the frisky and active horse. Fundenburg says she'll miss his personality, but not the workout he gives her arms. @WUFTNews pic.twitter.com/2hFUSVVzSg
— Gabriella Nuñez (@gabnun13) February 21, 2017
Zeus will not stay still. He's very playful. @WUFTNews pic.twitter.com/ay51vsMC12
— Dayanira A Feliciano (@DF_Telecom) February 21, 2017
Zeus enjoys some grass as officer Fundenburg speaks about how every moment is considered training for their horses. @WUFTNews pic.twitter.com/9sF7Ff7UIt
— Gabriella Nuñez (@gabnun13) February 21, 2017
@GainesvillePD PIO Ben Tobias talks about his experience on the mounting patrol unit and memories with the retiring horses. @WUFTNews pic.twitter.com/ZOf0rEiqWu
— Gabriella Nuñez (@gabnun13) February 21, 2017
@GPDBenTobias showing love to retiring horse Merlin. @WUFTNews pic.twitter.com/f1BqOoJ3aZ
— Dayanira A Feliciano (@DF_Telecom) February 21, 2017
@GainesvillePD is retiring two of their most faithful horses today: Merlin and Zeus. @WUFTNews pic.twitter.com/HmLIaykGty
— Gabriella Nuñez (@gabnun13) February 21, 2017
