08/15/2026
The following story was written by Behrend student Knox Aluise, who plans to work in museums as a career. Thank you, Knox, for introducing us to one of Harborcreek's most unexpected past citizens!
In today’s day and age, it is very difficult to own large exotic animals such as zebras, tigers, or lions. To own an exotic animal in Pennsylvania, you must procure a permit and a certificate of veterinary inspection. But not too long ago, one could simply find an exotic animal store to buy themselves an eccentric pet. That is how in 1961, a woman in Harborcreek came to own a lion cub.
Eliza “Rusty” Keene had three goals she wanted to achieve in her life: go to Europe, fly a helicopter, and own a lion. After the death of her husband, Emmett, she decided to pursue her goal of owning a lion. Keene would often take trips to New York City with some of her friends, and on one of these trips she toured the Trefflich Bird and Animal Company. Established in the late 19th century, the Trefflich Bird and Animal Company was known for selling exotic animals such as tropical birds, tigers, monkeys, and of course, lions. By phone, Keene ordered a lion cub for $250 (equivalent to ~$2,700-2,800 in 2026). The female lion cub arrived in Erie via railway on June 15th, 1961. Keene eagerly arrived at the Erie Railway Station to pick up this new addition to the family, which she named Tawny. Initially, Tawny was skittish and afraid of people, but she quickly warmed up to her new owners. Keene also mentioned in the Erie Time News that Tawny was quite dirty in the box she was transported in, but that the family made sure to “give her a good scrubbing.” Tawny was taken to a veterinarian to be declawed and defanged. In addition to this, the veterinarian researched the diet that would be needed for the lioness, and guided Keene on what to feed her. According to the previously mentioned Erie Time News article, Tawny was fed hamburgers, milk, and a vitamin powder mixed with eggs and cod liver oil. In the wild, lions feed on animals such as zebras, wildebeest, and buffalo.
According to Rusty’s daughter, Karen Keene (photographed here with Tawny), Tawny lived in the house like an average house cat. Karen recounts how whenever anyone sat down to read the newspaper, Tawny would sit on the person’s lap.
This was all well and good while Tawny was a cub that was only about 20 pounds, but lion cubs grow to their adult size in about three to four years. An adult female lion will grow up to 9 feet in length and can weigh between 256 to 395 pounds. As Tawny grew, the Keene family was unable to take care of her, and so in January 1962, the family sold Tawny to the Erie Zoo (formerly known as the Glenwood Zoo). Unfortunately, Tawny’s time at the zoo would be short lived when in Spring of 1962, she would become sick with feline enteritis, also known as Feline Parvovirus (FPV), and would die from the disease sometime in September or October of 1962. FPV is an extremely contagious virus that can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and extreme dehydration. This virus can be especially tricky because it is resistant to many disinfectants and can survive on surfaces for up to a year without a host. According to an October article in the Erie Time News, information about FPV was relatively unknown. Considering how difficult it is to kill FPV, this could explain how Tawny contracted the disease.
Although her life was cut short, Tawny’s story will always be a unique chapter in Harborcreek history.
