Megan Mosby
Executive Director
All of you in blog land, listen up. We are getting closer to our inaugural Sippin’ the Spirit of the Southwest event. This is the first in a series of events celebrating the unity of the elements that envelope us…that would be the wildlife, the landscape, the indigenous peoples, and the river that intertwine to create our natural history…our desert tapestry.
This event will roll out on March 30th at our new facility…2600 E. Elwood. It will begin at 6:00 with a VIP event featuring a signature drink infused with desert tastes and spirits. Twila Cassadore, one of the featured Chefs will interact with guests preparing a special taste for attendees and talk about traditional and contemporary foods. The VIP room will be available to guests during the evening. The entire event will unfold starting at 7:00.
Regular admission will include three food stations with Twila Cassadore, a San Carlos Apache, Felicia Cocotzin, Kitchen Curendera, and Renetto-Mario Etsitty, The Rez, an urban eatery. Adding to the event will be three “sippin” stations of local wines, infused spirits, and local craft beers.
The guests will interact with Liberty Wildlife’s educational ambassadors, performance artists both traditional and contemporary. Projected wall art will adorn the building and the Non Eagle Feather Repository will be open to the public.
This is an unusual event….wildlife, Native people, foods and spirits. Come and enjoy a lovely evening. Be a part of the circle.
Go to www.libertywildlife.net (be sure to go to net) our store, to purchase your tickets. And, there is rumor of a trolley if you are interested. It might be filling up fast, but it could be fun. If you are interested in knowing more about the trolley, tickets, or any other detail, contact me atmegan@libertywildlife.org.
I would love to see you here and please share this with all of your friends.
This Week @ Liberty – March 12, 2018
Plowing through more intakes now, and the only thing that’s keeping us from being inundated is the fact that the weather has remained relatively benign. Our fear is that the first big storm of the spring will bring dozens, if not hundreds of little animals down from nests and into harms way. We’re all trying to get a leg up on the new season that will begin sooner than any of us know, and we’re hoping to be ready when the roof falls in – weather-wise. We have been lucky as well with our events so far, as the annual Baby Bird Shower saw perfect weather and mild temperatures which contributed to the marvelous turnout. Each year this event gets larger and this year was no exception. Thanks to Alex, Susie, and all the other volunteers that worked so hard to make it the great success that it was! Let’s have a look at the event and all the other things that made up the recent fortnight at Liberty…
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As noted recently, the Non-Eagle Feather Repository was relocated to the former training room to increase it’s public visibility. The former NEFR room, being close to Orphan Care and the Mammal Room, was a logical choice to become the home for Bunnies that arrive by the truckload each spring. They are grouped by size (weight) and cared for daily by dedicated volunteers.
(Look for 2 photos)
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Another species we see in great numbers early in the season are hummingbirds. I’m usually amazed people are able to find these diminutive babies as, small as they are as adults, they are absolutely minuscule as infants. Yet our volunteers are able to feed and care for them just like the larger orphans. Who knew hummingbirds gaped?
(Look for 2 photos)
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More species are coming in and on Vet Night (Tuesday), all the birds and mammals currently in our care get the red carpet treatment. Generally at least one veterinarian is in attendance and they are assisted by the well trained Medical Services team volunteers and staff. From a lost ruddy duck, to an injured burrowing owl, to a red tail with a damaged toe, the birds get the benefit of top quality medical care.
(Look for 5 photos)
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In addition to the array of birds that we normally get to treat, some folks are surprised to know that we also care for mammals. Currently we are working hard to help the coyote that came in recently. He has had two surgeries and our hope is that he will not chew on his pinned leg and disturb the repairs Dr. Lamb made (hence the “Cone of Shame”)
The bat is another animal that is cared for by a special team that can safely handle mammals – especially bats since they are so high on the rabies vector species list. But bats are essential to the health of the desert ecosystem and need all the help they can get, so Liberty is always there for them for rescue, triage, and transport to the best qualified bat specialists. (Interesting note: Almost 25% of the mammal species on the earth are a type of bat!)
(Look for 2 photos)
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The 2018 Baby Bird Shower went off under blue skies and pleasant temperatures last week. Lots of volunteers, both young and old, helped to make this annual event a large success for visitors, also of all ages! In a fair-like atmosphere with popcorn and cotton candy, both kids and adults got to learn about what Liberty Wildlife does as well as the needs of baby birds. Families got to construct and take home bird feeders of various types. We had displays of educational birds and owl pellets as well as videos of baby birds. All-in-all, it was a wonderful spring day for all who attended and a great kick-off for this Baby Bird Season!
(Look for 13 photos)
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Posted by Terry Stevens
Operations Director