I’m thinking about volunteering at the nature center. They rehabilitate and restore Florida critters to the wild, keep those who cannot be released, and permanently house exotics (non-native). The city gifted the property, benefactors provided the buildings, donors furnish the operating funds, and volunteers supply the people-power. I believe there are three paid employees.
We visited the resident animals yesterday. Among the lame, injured, and displaced critters is a three legged raccoon. I reported on the animals at dinner. My BFF—whose tee shirt read: Wine Improves with Age. I Improve with Wine--wanted to know where the raccoon got the extra leg. I can’t even comment . . .
There is a squirrel who had a collision with a vehicle and is a permanent resident since he is blind in one eye and suffers seizures.
Turtles, as it turns out, cannot be released to the wild if their birthplace is unknown. They will die if released more than a mile from their home. Interesting.
Then there are the exotic pets who cannot be released because they don’t belong in this environment.
Several birds have broken wings, and one heron is ‘jailed’ for attacking humans. Given the circumstances cited above, I believe I sympathize with the heron's point of view.
I understand why the city doesn’t provide operating funds for the center. What would it say about the priorities?
But if people don’t step up and provide for the animals, what does it say about us?
GEB
We visited the resident animals yesterday. Among the lame, injured, and displaced critters is a three legged raccoon. I reported on the animals at dinner. My BFF—whose tee shirt read: Wine Improves with Age. I Improve with Wine--wanted to know where the raccoon got the extra leg. I can’t even comment . . .
There is a squirrel who had a collision with a vehicle and is a permanent resident since he is blind in one eye and suffers seizures.
Turtles, as it turns out, cannot be released to the wild if their birthplace is unknown. They will die if released more than a mile from their home. Interesting.
Then there are the exotic pets who cannot be released because they don’t belong in this environment.
Several birds have broken wings, and one heron is ‘jailed’ for attacking humans. Given the circumstances cited above, I believe I sympathize with the heron's point of view.
I understand why the city doesn’t provide operating funds for the center. What would it say about the priorities?
But if people don’t step up and provide for the animals, what does it say about us?
GEB