I have been off from the Center for 7 days now so I've had a lot of time to think about what I'm trying to accomplish with this "adventure" and what my next step would be. The short answer is that I am still unsure and that I am simply trying to follow my heart where it leads me. Boy, if only that were as easy as it sounds!! I have friends and family that are so excited and proud of what I am doing and others that are more concerned that I have lost my mind completely - and both groups have been pretty vocal. I don't expect everyone to understand what I'm doing (especially when I'm not 100% sure myself!) but I honestly believe that I am on the right track.....after a lot of detours......
Even when I was a small child, I loved animals. I had dolls and Barbies, but my favorite toys were always my stuffed animals-they all had names and personalities and it was a big ordeal for me to decide who got to go on which family trips with me (I didn't want to show favoritism!). I loved lots of books but my favorites all had animals as main characters-The Secret of NIMH, Timmy the Mouse and the Miss Bianca series (i.e. The Rescuers), etc. My family had pets too, of course - hamsters, gerbils, guinea pigs, cats, dogs, a parakeet and even a small snake that my brother caught named Speedy. I began donating to the Humane Society of the United States when I was around 8 or 9 years old. As a donor, I received newsletters that told of the work that they were doing and the stories of the animals that they had rescued.....eventually my dad began filtering my mail and throwing these newsletters away before I could read them since my heart broke with each horrifying example that I read of the cruelty that humans can inflict. I began receiving Ranger Rick magazines from the National Wildlife Federation, which were much more suitable for children my age but were no less informative. I was probably one of the only 12 year old girls in Tuscaloosa that wanted to be a zoologist and by 15, I had my whole college career mapped out and knew that one day I would save the world.
Somewhere between my junior year in high school and graduating college, I completely lost myself. I became more interested in impressing people with my intelligence, potential for business and financial success and how much beer I could drink while still making A's on exams. I spent more time with my friends and whichever boy had caught my eye than planning my future. Maybe I didn't really lose myself as much as I just indulged another side of my personality during that time since I did thoroughly enjoy myself and had a fantastic time but it resulted in graduating with an Accounting degree from UA and a job offer with one of the largest and most prestigious CPA firms in the world.
After a couple of years in the "real world" (i.e. working behind a computer all day and paying my own bills), I could once again see my purpose and began to try and make it fit by volunteering while still keeping my accounting job. I started by volunteering at the Alabama Wildlife Rehabilitation Center for several years and, when I moved across town, took on rescuing and fostering domestic animals (mostly dogs) along with planning events and fundraisers for local charities. But I still knew in my heart that I wasn't where I belonged. I was trying to be responsible by staying in the business world, buying a house, contributing to charities and my 401(k) but the truth is that I was never really happy. Even working for the largest environmental conservation group in the world wasn't enough for me, since I was still sitting behind a desk and not in the middle of the action. I don't really regret any of these choices since they have all made me who I am today - I learned a lot about business and people in general and have found some of the most amazing friends that anyone could ever have. But I was always searching for that moment when I would have the courage and opportunity to step forward toward my true passion.
And that brings us to tonight......sitting in a hotel room, away from my home, pets, friends and family - and yet still the happiest that I have been in a lot of years. I know without question that I am where I belong right at this moment. And that's a pretty phenomenal feeling. I have no idea what to expect in a month, much less a year, but I believe that God has greater plans for me than what I have accomplished to this point. So, tomorrow morning I will wake up at 6 a.m. and spend 10-12 hours caring for injured and oiled birds, while smiling the biggest smile you can imagine.
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Sunday, September 5, 2010
What about the Oil???
As most of the world is aware of by now, there was an enormous explosion on the Deepwater Horizon oil rig in the Gulf of Mexico on April 20, 2010 (ironically 2 days before Earth Day). This explosion killed 11 workers and injured several others. It also caused oil to come gushing up from the sea floor at an alarming rate. This gusher continued until it caused the largest oil spill in the history of the petroleum industry - over 200 million gallons of oil was released directly into the Gulf. The well was capped on July 15 and, as of this writing, BP is working to permanently seal it. In addition to the economic impacts on the people who make their living in the fishing and tourism industries, thousands of birds, turtles and other wildlife have been injured and/or killed by contact with the oil.
Since the response to this spill is the reason that I am currently working as a Wildlife Rehabilitator in the Gulf Coast region, you have probably wondered why I haven't mentioned anything about the oil and its effects on the wildlife that I've seen. It has now been a couple of weeks since a bird was brought in covered with a lot of oil. We have continued to receive birds everyday and a few of them have had some sort of contaminant on them....but it's not really oil. It could be a combination of oil and dispersants or it may be something else entirely-so far, the findings have been inconclusive. A lot of the birds we get in are injured in other ways though - fractured wings and severe dehydration are the most common. There are groups of US Fish and Wildlife employees, volunteers and paraprofessionals (like me) that are driving around throughout the Gulf Coast looking for animals in need of help. Since we aren't overwhelmed with oiled birds, we are able to help these injured birds that otherwise would have to suffer and probably perish in the wild.
So why are we still here? It's a good question and the truth of the matter is that we could be closed at any point. However, since we are now into hurricane season, the general consensus is that we will be sticking around for a little while longer in case a large storm comes that causes the oil to become an issue again. NOAA has released a report that 50% of the oil that was leaked is still out in the ocean in some form - either on or just below the surface of the Gulf. That finding has been disputed by a lot of scientists, most of whom seem to believe that the amount remaining is much higher.....but even if it is true, that 50% amounts to the equivalent of NINE spills the size of Exxon Valdez in Alaska. The Exxon Valdez spill took place 21 years ago and they are still finding oil and having environmental issues related to it.
My hope is that BP will keep the wildlife centers in each state open for at least the next couple of months. For migratory birds, this is a critical time of year as so many birds from all over the world pass through Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida on their way to Central and South America, not to mention the thousands and thousands that stay to winter here in the Southern US. (There is a great article on National Wildlife Federation's website that goes into more detail - here ) If BP were to pull the plug on wildlife rehabilitation now they may save a little money but all it will take is one hurricane that hits the Gulf in the right (or wrong) place and they will have to set up the whole thing again - and deal with the press that they pulled out too soon. I feel that it would be cheaper for them in the long run to just stay the course until the well is sealed, hurricane season is over and the ocean has had a little more time to deal with the devastating effects of their mistake. They have a wonderful opportunity to make a good precedent for how corporate responsibility should be undertaken for wildlife, the environment and the people in communities that they have impacted. (Exxon appealed all court rulings and managed to tie litigants up in the system for 20 years before they finally agreed to settle at a small fraction of the original amount awarded by a jury.)
Regardless, I am starting to think about the next phase of my adventure and what/where that will be. I'm here as long as the wildlife centers are open and in need of rehabilitators but I feel like this is only the beginning of a new journey. One where I can follow my heart and have faith that I am moving in the right direction. For now, I at least know that I am making a profound impact, even if it's only one bird at a time....
Since the response to this spill is the reason that I am currently working as a Wildlife Rehabilitator in the Gulf Coast region, you have probably wondered why I haven't mentioned anything about the oil and its effects on the wildlife that I've seen. It has now been a couple of weeks since a bird was brought in covered with a lot of oil. We have continued to receive birds everyday and a few of them have had some sort of contaminant on them....but it's not really oil. It could be a combination of oil and dispersants or it may be something else entirely-so far, the findings have been inconclusive. A lot of the birds we get in are injured in other ways though - fractured wings and severe dehydration are the most common. There are groups of US Fish and Wildlife employees, volunteers and paraprofessionals (like me) that are driving around throughout the Gulf Coast looking for animals in need of help. Since we aren't overwhelmed with oiled birds, we are able to help these injured birds that otherwise would have to suffer and probably perish in the wild.
So why are we still here? It's a good question and the truth of the matter is that we could be closed at any point. However, since we are now into hurricane season, the general consensus is that we will be sticking around for a little while longer in case a large storm comes that causes the oil to become an issue again. NOAA has released a report that 50% of the oil that was leaked is still out in the ocean in some form - either on or just below the surface of the Gulf. That finding has been disputed by a lot of scientists, most of whom seem to believe that the amount remaining is much higher.....but even if it is true, that 50% amounts to the equivalent of NINE spills the size of Exxon Valdez in Alaska. The Exxon Valdez spill took place 21 years ago and they are still finding oil and having environmental issues related to it.
My hope is that BP will keep the wildlife centers in each state open for at least the next couple of months. For migratory birds, this is a critical time of year as so many birds from all over the world pass through Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida on their way to Central and South America, not to mention the thousands and thousands that stay to winter here in the Southern US. (There is a great article on National Wildlife Federation's website that goes into more detail - here ) If BP were to pull the plug on wildlife rehabilitation now they may save a little money but all it will take is one hurricane that hits the Gulf in the right (or wrong) place and they will have to set up the whole thing again - and deal with the press that they pulled out too soon. I feel that it would be cheaper for them in the long run to just stay the course until the well is sealed, hurricane season is over and the ocean has had a little more time to deal with the devastating effects of their mistake. They have a wonderful opportunity to make a good precedent for how corporate responsibility should be undertaken for wildlife, the environment and the people in communities that they have impacted. (Exxon appealed all court rulings and managed to tie litigants up in the system for 20 years before they finally agreed to settle at a small fraction of the original amount awarded by a jury.)
Regardless, I am starting to think about the next phase of my adventure and what/where that will be. I'm here as long as the wildlife centers are open and in need of rehabilitators but I feel like this is only the beginning of a new journey. One where I can follow my heart and have faith that I am moving in the right direction. For now, I at least know that I am making a profound impact, even if it's only one bird at a time....
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
The Peli's
Monday was a terrific day at the Wildlife Center - it was a beautiful day outside and everyone was in a good mood. The number of birds has decreased to around 30 now and there are several that will be releasable any day now. The light caseload and sunshine made for a perfect day to spend some time in the aviaries cleaning the pools. I've wrestled with the siphon for a few days but I think I have it figured out now - as a side note, I would like to thank all my friends with pools that I've visited over the years; I had no idea all that went into keeping a pool clean! So I spent most of the day feeding the birds and then cleaning the pools. This is one of my favorite things to do lately since it so peaceful and I am able to just hang out with the birds without them freaking out. They seem to relax once they realize I'm not there to catch them or give them meds and they just do their own thing.
Most of my time on this particular day was spent in the pelican enclosure. These animals are absolutely amazing and are so much fun to watch. I'm not sure what it is about a pelican that awakens the imagination - maybe the odd size and shape of their bill and pouch or their impressive flight patterns over the water or the seemingly quirky habits they display. Whatever it is, pelicans are graceful yet clumsy and I could sit and observe their behavior and interactions for hours.
The two pelicans we have at the Wildlife Center (we refer to them as "Peli's") are both Brown Pelicans. Brown Pelicans can be found in the Gulf region year-round and are distinguished from other pelican species by the dark brown/gray on their bodies although the head and neck of the adults are at least partially white. Brown pelicans are also the only pelican species that dives for their dinner - they fly near the surface of the water then dive into the water to catch its prey. Upon entering the water, they will grab a mouthful of water, thereby trapping the fish in their large expandable pouch. Once back on land, they allow the water to drain out of their bill and swallow the fish that are left. They stand about 4 foot tall and have webbed feet with four toes. They are strong swimmers and even stronger in flight but very awkward walkers. They almost went extinct in the 60's due to the use of pesticides and the effects it had on their eggs. However, due to federal intervention, by 1985 were taken off the endangered species list and they now serve as a symbol of the potential success of wildlife conservation efforts.
The young pelican that we have is very healthy now and is probably less than a year old. She gets very annoyed with people and isn't afraid to let you know it. She is extremely vocal and will snap her bill at you to ensure that you know you are not welcome. For some reason this is very amusing to me and I have to giggle a little at her youth and feigned boldness. She has started to feed herself with fish that we provide in a large bucket but was probably separated from her mother and the rest of the flock at a young age since it took her a couple of weeks to figure out how to eat a fish on her own - pelicans are born defenseless, naked and pink but are large enough to swallow a fish by 3-4 weeks of age. By around 3 months, they are covered with feathers, large enough to be able to fly and find food for themselves. They don't reach sexual maturity until 3-4 years old and they can live as long as 40 years. Later this week, our young girl will be transported to an affiliated Oiled Wildlife Center in another state that has several other pelicans around her age so that she can learn how to fish and do other pelican things along with them.
Most of my time on this particular day was spent in the pelican enclosure. These animals are absolutely amazing and are so much fun to watch. I'm not sure what it is about a pelican that awakens the imagination - maybe the odd size and shape of their bill and pouch or their impressive flight patterns over the water or the seemingly quirky habits they display. Whatever it is, pelicans are graceful yet clumsy and I could sit and observe their behavior and interactions for hours.
The two pelicans we have at the Wildlife Center (we refer to them as "Peli's") are both Brown Pelicans. Brown Pelicans can be found in the Gulf region year-round and are distinguished from other pelican species by the dark brown/gray on their bodies although the head and neck of the adults are at least partially white. Brown pelicans are also the only pelican species that dives for their dinner - they fly near the surface of the water then dive into the water to catch its prey. Upon entering the water, they will grab a mouthful of water, thereby trapping the fish in their large expandable pouch. Once back on land, they allow the water to drain out of their bill and swallow the fish that are left. They stand about 4 foot tall and have webbed feet with four toes. They are strong swimmers and even stronger in flight but very awkward walkers. They almost went extinct in the 60's due to the use of pesticides and the effects it had on their eggs. However, due to federal intervention, by 1985 were taken off the endangered species list and they now serve as a symbol of the potential success of wildlife conservation efforts.
The young pelican that we have is very healthy now and is probably less than a year old. She gets very annoyed with people and isn't afraid to let you know it. She is extremely vocal and will snap her bill at you to ensure that you know you are not welcome. For some reason this is very amusing to me and I have to giggle a little at her youth and feigned boldness. She has started to feed herself with fish that we provide in a large bucket but was probably separated from her mother and the rest of the flock at a young age since it took her a couple of weeks to figure out how to eat a fish on her own - pelicans are born defenseless, naked and pink but are large enough to swallow a fish by 3-4 weeks of age. By around 3 months, they are covered with feathers, large enough to be able to fly and find food for themselves. They don't reach sexual maturity until 3-4 years old and they can live as long as 40 years. Later this week, our young girl will be transported to an affiliated Oiled Wildlife Center in another state that has several other pelicans around her age so that she can learn how to fish and do other pelican things along with them.
A young brown pelican balances on an oil boom on Cat Island near Grand Isle, La.
Sean Gardner-Reuters (Washington-Post)
The adult pelican we have will also be transferred to another facility. When she was found, she had 3 toes missing on one of her feet. She still has reasonable balance and the injury doesn't appear to have seriously effected her. She is in great condition now and has been accepted at a zoo in a neighboring state. We have started tossing fish to her and she seems to really enjoy the game....until she is tired of it (usually after about 10 fish). She is a little grumpy with the younger peli and has been known to snap at her or put her in a headlock with her bill when the youngster gets too annoying. She will be transported later this week as well and I will really miss them - they have been very entertaining!
In addition to transporting the peli's, we have three laughing gulls that are young but well waterproofed so they just need a little time to start flying. Since the goal of this center is strictly for washing and short-term rehabilitation, we have found another rehabilitation center that has agreed to take on these guys until they get a little older so they were transported there on Monday afternoon. It's really a good feeling to know that these animals are healthy and alive and now have a chance at a long, full life. And I actually had a small impact on their recovery - what a humbling and inspiring thought!!
In addition to transporting the peli's, we have three laughing gulls that are young but well waterproofed so they just need a little time to start flying. Since the goal of this center is strictly for washing and short-term rehabilitation, we have found another rehabilitation center that has agreed to take on these guys until they get a little older so they were transported there on Monday afternoon. It's really a good feeling to know that these animals are healthy and alive and now have a chance at a long, full life. And I actually had a small impact on their recovery - what a humbling and inspiring thought!!
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