Megan Mosby
Executive Director
Moe—you will be missed. Liberty Wildlife has a stellar group of volunteers who all bring something different and worthwhile to the mission.
Moe Slaughter was one of those—she brought a lot to the table. And, we have recently had to say goodbye to her. Moe fought bravely against the disease that eventually took her life. She managed to hide the fight so well at the end; many of us were all shocked at the news.
But, that was Moe. When I think of her, what comes to mind is a huge and beautiful smile. I see dedication to a cause. I see a can do attitude. I see a person with whom conversation was a true skill. I see a person, who with Rena, would attempt and mostly succeed at any rescue, who led part of her Wednesday team and who grandly educated the public about the importance of our mission. Her contribution was immense.
I hope each of you will join me in sending healing wishes to her family and friends and to all of her work mates at Liberty Wildlife.
I see a huge hole where her spirit was….not sure if it will ever fill. Moe—you will be missed.
Just a reminder. We will be closed for the month of August except to taking in and releasing wildlife in need.
This Week @ Liberty – July 30, 2019
I keep expecting another spike in intakes for the monsoon, but so far, it hasn’t materialized. Not that I’m complaining, but it’s truly waiting fo the other shoe to drop. We are expecting some storm activity later on this week, so another push may be in the offing, but fingers crossed, we have passed the peak for the year. As we press on into August, it’s time for catching our collective breaths after the busiest time of our year, doing some much needed maintenance work, and regrouping of volunteers. At the same time, we are still providing care for lots of injured and orphaned birds, mammals, and reptiles that need our help regardless of the season. Let’s have a look at the past fortnight…
We took in a baby roadrunner recently. We don’t get a lot of baby RR’s and it’s a kick to see and hear them when they do arrive. We are also still getting hummingbirds at the window, most of whom will join the throng in the the hummingbird “room” in OC until they are released. Can you find all 9 in this picture? The answer key is provided…
(Look for 3 photos)
Although it’s too hot (even up in Clarkdale!) for our avian ambassadors, we took some reptilian educators up to the Verde Canyon Rail Road recently. Swapping feathers for scales didn’t diminish the appreciation of the riders who learned a few things about some of the earth-bound inhabitants of our great state! Plus, Speedy the tortoise got to make some new friends!
(Look for 2 pictures)
Tuesday is “Vet Night” when several of our volunteer veterinarians are on hand. This affords an opportunity for all animals in our care to get expert teaming, as well as a chance for some of our volunteers to gain invaluable experience helping out. A few of our Med Services volunteers are aspiring veterinarians soon to be leaving to attend vet school. Although it will leave us a little short-handed on Tuesday night, we wish them the very best as they leave for the arduous schooling ahead. It might be a while before they are able to again work this closely with red tail hawks, great horned owls, and peregrine falcons. (Don’t miss the article in the upcoming issue of Wing Beats!)
(Look for 11 photos)
We took in a small great horned owl last week who had been injured, most likely in an automobile collision. He had a serious fracture of his right humerus and was brought to another facility where it was decided he was not salvageable. He was then brought to Liberty whereupon X-rays and examination, Jan and Dr. Lamb decided to pin the wing and give him a second chance. Last Saturday, the surgery took place and by all indications it was a success. As of this writing, the owl is standing, eating on his own, chewing on his bandages – everything that could be expected of a young GHO who’d just been though severe trauma and major surgery. We’ll try to keep you all posted on his recovery.
(Look for 15 photos)
Posted by Terry Stevens
Operations Director