Tale Feathers

This attempted flight, known as bating, is a very undesirable behavior. It indicates the bird is frightened, and wishes to escape the current situation. As bird handlers, we do everything we can to avoid having a bird bate off the glove. They experience a blood rush to the head if they hang upside down, and from the human perspective that cannot feel pleasant. Feathers can be damaged during a bate. Broken or damaged feathers impact the bird's ability to stay warm, dry, and clean. And, the broken feather is not replaced until the next molt.

Moving slowly and deliberately while training this bird is essential. Walking is done in slow motion. Exposure to new sights, sounds and humans is carefully planned and choreographed. With enough time and care, Icarus will be well prepared to be an avian ambassador.

photo courtesy of Doug Backlund Photography (copyright protected)

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Yesterday afternoon the members of the National American University Vet Tech Club made me speechless. And brought me to tears.

I was at the college giving a program on wildlife rehab for the second year students in the Exotic Animals class. I was presented with a $400 check by the Vet Tech club members. The money had been raised by the students selling OUR 2010 calendars as a fundraiser for THEIR club needs.

The students had paid WEI a wholesale price on the calendars, with the understanding that anything they made above and beyond was theirs. The animals in the care of the Vet Tech program all have needs: medications, beds, kennels, toys. The students put on the annual Pet Walk in Memorial Park every May, and that has costs associated with it.

We were pleased with the partnership. It seemed more than fair, and I knew we were helping students succeed. So imagine my amazement yesterday when I was presented with the check equaling their profits.

Thank you Club members. Your generosity overwhelms me.

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He was old by porcupine standards. He would have been six this spring. Found by Dave, the manager of the 777 Ranch, Snowball was brought to us as a very young (as in just weaned) animal. Dave discovered him waddling across the prairie without a mother any where in sight.

As an albino, Snowball wouldn't have lasted more than a couple days. Becky Svalstad was the first current staff person to take him home to care for him, and she was with him yesterday afternoon.

Snowball has educated countless people during his 5+ years in our presence. Kids who have met him now know that porcupines don't throw their quills at enemies. They have admired his incredible nose and tiny ears. They have oohhed and awwwwed over his very cool paws and toenails. Many have wrinkled up their noses at the musky odor he gave off as his crate was carried into area classrooms.

Supporters have been kind enough to bring him aspen and evergreen cuts to gnaw on. Some folks have grown organic spinach to be included in his daily food ration. A rug for his comfort on slippery school tables was donated by a school volunteer at Wilson Elementary in Rapid City.

He has entertained by singing his porcupine songs to many of us, and eating apple slices from the hands of visitors. We are richer for the days he shared with us as staff. Getting to interact with animals is the rewarding part of our job.

Watching them hurt is the tough part. In late September, Snowball went off his feed. He was experiencing a twisted gut, for which he had surgery. Depsite the best of care offered by Dakota Hills Vet Clinic and our staff, it has been a long 4 months for him. And he just didn't consistently have his usual sunny outlook on life. We worried constantly about his well being, sharing each small victory and each concern with one another.

Staff called me yesterday morning, suggesting that the time had come to take him to the vet for the final time. I trust their judgement very much. Yet, I went out to see him myself, having been Thursday since I had visited with him personally. I immediately agreed with their assessment of his condition.

Normally I would not choose to write so publicly about the passing of one of the animals in our care. Snowball was different, however. He brought deeper understanding to so many, and such joy to staff and supporters.

I thought you would want to know.

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