FORMER BASEBALL PLAYER SHARES CLOSE BOND WITH EXOTIC ANIMALS
WITH PIX AND VID
By Shuk Yee Tsang
A former professional baseball player has swapped bats for the animal kingdom, spending his free time bonding with exotic creatures, including a chimpanzee, clouded leopard, capybara, and giant tortoises.
Al Roach, 43, from New Jersey, USA, is now a professional hitting coach but also a dedicated reptile and wildlife enthusiast.
He filmed himself cuddling animals such as Limbani the chimpanzee, Petra the clouded leopard, Eve the capybara, and even Galapagos tortoises.
In one light-hearted clip, a tortoise mistakes Al’s leg for food and tries to take a bite before quickly losing interest. Other footage shows him hugging primates, stroking big cats, and laughing as curious creatures play around him.
Al says that his lifelong love for animals comes from growing up in the woods and that working with them feels natural.
He explained: “I love all animals of all sorts as I grew up in the woods.
“Primates are very interesting because you never know what they are going to do next. Nothing surprises me. They’re very curious animals.
“Nothing challenging or scary at all.
"Very well cared for, and they respect humans.
"Redfoot tortoises really mean no harm. Once she figures out my leg isn’t food, she will stop. At least until the next day lol. They chase me down when I step in their pen because they know I have food.
Online, fans loved the heartwarming interactions.
One viewer commented: “I’ve been following Limbani since he was a baby. I still get goosebumps when he sees his original fosters.”
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