Wildtracks Spring 2015 Edition
"Wildtracks" is an inside look of what has been going on at the Wildlife Care Clinic during 2014.
"Wildtracks" is an inside look of what has been going on at the Wildlife Care Clinic during 2014.
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final<br />
thoughts...<br />
GoFundMe: Wildlife Rehab Sanctuary<br />
The WCC has recently created a GoFundMe account to try to raise<br />
money for the building of new outside enclosures and flight cages<br />
for our large raptors that are receiving medical attention and additional<br />
rehabilitation care. After 30 years of being in operation, and<br />
being exposed to the elements without ongoing maintenance or<br />
reconstruction, our outside enclosures are not in the shape they<br />
need to be for the safety and overall health of our patients. Ceiling<br />
panels are broken open making for easy injury or escape, chicken<br />
wire mesh walls destroy feathers essential for flight, and our large<br />
patients like Great Horned Owls and Red-Tail Hawks do not have<br />
the room or space to comfortably spread their wings and fly. In order<br />
to build up muscles needed to confidently soar and maneuver.<br />
Unfortunately over the 30 years we have been in operation, our<br />
outside enclosures (mews) and even those within the main clinic<br />
are in critical need of repair. As a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization,<br />
we are reaching out to the public for help! New outside mews are<br />
in need of being built as soon as possible, as every animal deserves<br />
to have a second chance at life in the wild; to be happy and<br />
healthy.<br />
To contribute please go to: www.gofund.me/WildlifeCareClinic<br />
American White Pelican<br />
What we hope for the future >>><br />
Better facility by :<br />
-New cages<br />
-Mew: repairs/improvements<br />
-Flight chambers<br />
-Falconry gloves<br />
-New perches<br />
in this issue >>><br />
Another year at the WCC<br />
Patient progress<br />
Raising awareness<br />
Fall 2014 staff and interns<br />
Donors and Sponsors<br />
Contact Us >>><br />
By Phone:<br />
515-291-4009<br />
By Mail:<br />
Wildlife Care Clinic<br />
<strong>Wildtracks</strong><br />
1600 South 16th Street<br />
Ames, IA 50011<br />
Email:<br />
wcc@iastate.edu<br />
Website:<br />
http://vetmed.iastate.edu/vmc/wcc<br />
Another Year at the WCC<br />
Issue<br />
FIVE<br />
This year the clinic was filled with many changes and excitement! For the first time the<br />
Wildlife Care Clinic assisted in ground breaking research, rehabilitated many exciting,<br />
interesting animals, and started new ways to raise funds!<br />
The clinic was involved in a study this year conducted by our own Dr.<br />
Yaw, the exotic/zoo vet intern here at the ISU Vet Med. Six Great Horned<br />
Owls were part of this study to determine if a commonly used pain medicine,<br />
Gabapentin, is effective in Great Horned Owls. The research is promising!<br />
This year rehab was also very exciting for us. We were able to work<br />
with animals we do not see often. We had the chance to rehabilitate a baby<br />
weasel and mink, a Great Egret, three woodchucks, as well as multiple species<br />
of swans.<br />
During this summer we had a high number of immature Eastern Screech<br />
Owls as well as American Kestrels. This past summer was not only full of<br />
baby bunnies, baby squirrels and all types of birds, it was also full of new<br />
changes for the clinic.<br />
Fall 2014<br />
We were lucky enough to hire all new staff in 2014. With new staff,<br />
come new ideas and more drive to see the clinic flourish. The new team has<br />
decided to put a stronger emphasis on getting Ames and the rest of the<br />
country aware of the amazing things the clinic does!<br />
Year 2014 was a milestone for the clinic. The Wildlife Care Clinic has<br />
been saving lives for 30 years! We have not yet celebrated but want to include<br />
the surrounding community, so if you have ideas please contact us!<br />
1600 South 16th St<br />
Ames, IA 50011-1250<br />
Find us online!<br />
Facebook: www.facebook.com/WildlifeCareClinic<br />
Instagram: @Wildlife_Care_Clinic<br />
Juvenile American Kestrel
Patient Progress > > ><br />
Trumpeter Swan<br />
One cool October night a partnering rehabber brought in a young Trumpeter<br />
Swan that unfortunately lost a battle with some power lines in Boone<br />
as it and its fellow flockmates were heading south for the winter. He not<br />
only suffered from electrocution, but he was also covered in lice and in<br />
shock after falling a couple stories to the ground. Upon his arrival, the<br />
staff at the clinic gave him a thorough physical exam and treated a few<br />
wounds to his bill from the collision. Apart from having some disorientation<br />
and balance issues, the swan was in reasonably good health and was<br />
made at home with a cozy cage, blankets, and food aplenty.<br />
Spirits in the Gardens<br />
This fall we were once again invited by Reiman Gardens to take<br />
part in an event called “Spirits in the Gardens,” in which we have<br />
participated for the past four years. Our permanents brought many<br />
sugar-filled smiles to the faces of the trick-or-treaters, many of<br />
whom had attended the event last year and remembered our birds.<br />
Sora (Red-Tailed Hawk) and Kessie (American Kestrel) greeted the<br />
princesses, ghouls, and goblins as they entered the gardens, while<br />
Harvey (Great Horned Owl) and Screechy (Eastern Screech Owl)<br />
delighted children further along the path. Of course we can’t forget<br />
Ernie, our Virginia Opossum, as he was “Super-Possum” at the<br />
Children’s Garden.<br />
Raising Awareness >>><br />
After we treated his minor wounds and trauma, we got the okay from our<br />
vets to transfer her to an DNR officer’s private pond. At this pond she can<br />
recover at his own pace, swim freely, socialize with fellow swans, and<br />
hopefully one day return to the skies where he belongs.<br />
The Trumpeter Swan getting settled into<br />
her warm cage soon after her initial physical<br />
exam. It was an eventful and stressful<br />
night so some peace and quiet was much<br />
deserved.<br />
Both Saturday and Sunday were full of tricks and treats, and we<br />
were fortunate to have our staff and volunteers there to happily answer any questions from<br />
the crowds about the permanents and the work we do at the Wildlife Care Clinic. As the<br />
eventful weekend came to a close, we were encouraged by the generous donations we received<br />
from the public, which totaled $150, and were pleased to have fulfilled the curiosity<br />
of all who attended.<br />
Picture: Staff Member Kelsey<br />
with Harvey<br />
Attention Fisherman!<br />
Please clean up after yourself!<br />
Cut up large tangles of fishing line into<br />
short sections before you discard it in a<br />
trashcan, or recycle it. Some places<br />
collect fishing line for recycling.<br />
Cut up six-pack plastic rings. This little<br />
extra effort will help save fish, birds<br />
and other aquatic animals.<br />
Retrieve lead weights<br />
Frequently asked questions<br />
Q: What is wildlife rehabilitation?<br />
A: The rehabilitation of injured or orphaned<br />
wildlife<br />
Q: What kind of animals do you take in?<br />
A: Native species of raptors, songbirds,<br />
waterfowl, eastern cottontail, squirrels, and<br />
many more!<br />
Q: What do I do if I find a baby animal?<br />
A: If there is not apparent injury, observe<br />
the animal from a distance for 24hrs to see<br />
if the parent came back for it.<br />
Patient Spotlight >>><br />
Great Egret<br />
Long-legs, S-shaped neck, all white feathers, long pointy beak. This would describe a Great Egret.<br />
They can be found throughout the Americas. Great Egrets are found near water, salt or fresh, and<br />
feed in wetlands of fish and amphibians. They wait for their prey to come within range of their<br />
long blade-like bills, then quickly thrust their bill and swallow<br />
their prey whole.<br />
This fall we received an Egret. He was found by a family at<br />
Ada Hayden here in Ames, Ia. He had a fish hook caught in<br />
his back and was stuck to a tree. The family was able to cut<br />
the line and Ames Animals Control<br />
picked him up and brought<br />
him to the clinic. Staff was able<br />
to remove the hook safely. Other<br />
than the wound from the hook,<br />
his health was in great condition.<br />
His recovery was fast and we<br />
were able to release him within a<br />
week back at Ada Hayden!<br />
Pictures:<br />
Left– Great Egret recovering at<br />
clinic<br />
Right– Staff member Jessica<br />
checked him in and was able to<br />
release him at Ada Hayden<br />
We hope to see everyone next year for Reiman Garden’s Spirits in the Gardens Trick or Treat <strong>2015</strong>! You can also check<br />
out our Facebook page for additional program and fundraising information. A huge shout out to Reiman Gardens staff for<br />
inviting the Wildlife Care Clinic to participate in this Halloween event!!<br />
Creature Feature >>><br />
Least Weasel<br />
It may be surprising to learn that our smallest carnivore is also one of our fiercest. The<br />
least weasel is a small mammal with a huge appetite. Its sharp teeth and claws can take<br />
down animals larger than its own diminutive size. Small rodents are preferred prey, but<br />
least weasels will also chase down rabbits, birds, frogs and insects when necessary.<br />
Though a ruthless hunter, the least weasel does play<br />
an important role in its ecosystem. Its feverish hunting<br />
reduces rodent populations, which benefits nearby<br />
agricultural fields. Historical trapping, habitat<br />
loss, and land development have kept the least weasel<br />
population small in Iowa for many years. As a<br />
result, this species is rare and of special concern in<br />
our state.<br />
Because of its size and very active lifestyle of hunting,<br />
mating, and burrowing, the least weasel must eat<br />
roughly 40 - 60% of its body weight every day.
Fall 2014 Staff >>><br />
Co-Head Staff >>> New Staff >>><br />
Volunteer Spotlight >>><br />
Jessica - One of two head<br />
staff, Jessica is a senior in<br />
Animal Ecology: Pre-vet/<br />
Wildlife Care. She loves all<br />
animals, but her passion lies<br />
with birds. She has been with<br />
the clinic since January 2014<br />
and started volunteering in<br />
2011. She hopes to work for<br />
a zoo or wildlife rehab center<br />
after graduation.<br />
Alex - One of two head<br />
staff, Alex is a senior in<br />
Animal Ecology: Pre vet<br />
with a focus on wildlife<br />
care. He is hoping to continue<br />
his education in vet<br />
school where he wants to<br />
ultimately become an exotic<br />
vet. Alex has been a<br />
staff member for a year.<br />
Tia<br />
Tia has been a volunteer<br />
here at the WCC<br />
since 2012. She has<br />
gone far beyond her<br />
duties, participating in<br />
many events in which<br />
the WCC has been involved<br />
with.<br />
Tia has dedicated her<br />
winter break to volunteering<br />
nearly every morning! When we asked<br />
her what she enjoys most about volunteering<br />
here, she said that “being able to work hands on<br />
with injured wildlife is by far the best and most<br />
rewarding part.”<br />
Tia is a freshman here at Iowa State University,<br />
working towards a degree in Biology. She is<br />
planning on applying for Vet School. Besides being<br />
a full time student, Tia also works in a microbiology<br />
lab as a lab assistant at the Veterinary<br />
Medicine College.<br />
Kori – Kori is a senior in<br />
Animal Ecology: Pre-vet/<br />
wildlife care with a minor in<br />
biology, hoping to have a<br />
career in wildlife rehabilitation<br />
or as an animal educator<br />
for a zoo. This is also<br />
her first year as staff at the<br />
Wildlife Care Clinic.<br />
Fall 2014 Interns >>><br />
From Left to Right:<br />
Kelsey – Kelsey is currently a senior<br />
in biology, hoping to pursue a career<br />
in marine biology and or wildlife biology.<br />
This is her first year on staff at the<br />
Wildlife Care Clinic.<br />
Katie – Katie is a junior in Animal Ecology:<br />
pre-vet/wildlife care, hoping to have a<br />
career in wildlife rehabilitation. This is her<br />
first year at the Wildlife Care Clinic.<br />
Sarah: A Junior in Animal Ecology<br />
Cait: A Junior in Animal Ecology<br />
Maggie : A Junior in Animal Ecology<br />
Donors and Supporters of 2014 >>><br />
Thank you to all your support in 2014. Without donations the clinic would not be<br />
able to save the lives we do!<br />
Top Donors of 2014:<br />
($100 and above)<br />
Janet Arcand<br />
Susan Voss<br />
Elfriede Marsland<br />
J. F. Barr<br />
Zoe Nady<br />
Kiley Baerg<br />
Robin Ackerman<br />
Marvin and Barbara Saathoff<br />
Karen Pathmaprakashan<br />
Zoe Nady<br />
Lorraine Markey<br />
John Burnett<br />
James Yegerlehner<br />
Piper Wall<br />
Katharine Outka<br />
Charles and Marcia Heggen<br />
Susan Voss<br />
Marlene Ehresman<br />
Donors of 2014:<br />
Amy Young<br />
Tedee Berez<br />
Randy Caspel<br />
Marzia Rosati<br />
Allen Moeller<br />
Marty Mahr<br />
Carolyn Enzler<br />
Cathy Bys<br />
Darla Crosser<br />
Linda Kauffman<br />
Marvin & Barbara Saathoff<br />
Debra Gerard<br />
Kathleen M. Kimball<br />
Mark Peterson<br />
Sarah Gardner<br />
Monica Becker<br />
C. or B. Hanway<br />
Keri Kinnairal<br />
Marvin & Barbara Saathoff<br />
Debra Gerard<br />
J. Nayerido<br />
Megan Kostka<br />
Marvin & Barbara Saathoff<br />
Heather Brumm<br />
Blake Delaney<br />
Sahana Seenu Baskar<br />
Barbara Royer<br />
Michael J Ryan<br />
Merry Rankin<br />
Belinda Merritt<br />
Nick Zika<br />
Zoe Nady<br />
Zach and Kathy Vince<br />
Carol Pearson<br />
Eric Mills<br />
Lorraine Markey<br />
John Burnett<br />
Dan Reighley<br />
Sergio Solis<br />
Diane Perry<br />
Kelly Welsh<br />
Jennifer Bishop<br />
Jackie Delay<br />
Amelia Larson<br />
Zien Vince<br />
Caleb Lehmhuhl<br />
Andrea Garlene<br />
Nikki Testroet<br />
Robin Nichols<br />
Ayisha Al Hassan<br />
Jennifer Kirk<br />
Allyssa Tauber<br />
Darren Ralegh<br />
Kristin Shilds<br />
Magda Jimenez<br />
Jerry Sale<br />
Bobbie Runyan<br />
Barbara Durrele<br />
Jessica Mcdaniel<br />
April Kohler<br />
Rhonda Ruby<br />
Susan Piper<br />
Holly Russell<br />
Ryan Callahan<br />
Tanya Herman<br />
Cheri Thieleke<br />
Alisha Tyson<br />
Jared Gonzalez<br />
Christine N. Maynard<br />
Rhonda Ruby<br />
Jennifer M Marchman<br />
Brandon R. Pickering<br />
Shauna Pickaning<br />
Rachel Schrock<br />
Jeanne Paskada<br />
Randi Allen<br />
Leah Bowman<br />
Claire Andreseasen<br />
Joyce Matters<br />
Caroline K<br />
Dorothy Ryan<br />
Koustanze Prell<br />
Bethany Batten<br />
Walt and Janna Mozdzer<br />
Katie Zenkner<br />
Jennifer Kirk<br />
Lisa Kuel<br />
Scott Aplanal<br />
Kay L Outka<br />
Russell Hansen<br />
Piper Wall<br />
Soeren A Prell<br />
Jennifer Golle<br />
Peggy Murdock<br />
We would also like to give a special thanks to the local Ames business that have worked and<br />
supported us. A special thanks to Jax for supporting and working with us in providing fish.<br />
Thank you also to Jim Robbins, and all the local fisherman of Ames for providing fresh fish this<br />
year for the several pelicans who have been in our care!<br />
It is Wildlife Care Clinic’s mission to rehabilitate and release wildlife into their natural habitats. Unfortunately,<br />
the Ambassadors (our permanent raptors and opossum) have extreme injuries, so they can never return to the<br />
wild.<br />
If you find an injured animal, please call Wildlife Care Clinic at 515-294-4009. Our trained staff and faculty will<br />
assess the situation and provide the best care possible for the animal.
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