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Over 60 of these animals (many of which were brownpelicans, the state bird of Louisiana) came to the LSUVeterinary Teaching Hospital and were cared for by thefaculty, staff, and students in the WHLIn addition to treating ill and injured wildlife, the WHLalso provides an educational resource that focuseson the importance of wildlife conservation and onthe relationship between humansand animals, educates veterinarystudents, and preserves thebiodiversity of Louisiana wildlifethrough scientific investigation andthe establishment of a conservationmedicine research program.“Since the Wildlife Hospital receivesno direct state funds and because the citizens ofLouisiana are the collective stewards of our wildlife,I felt the cause was needed and worthwhile,” saidDr. Bernhard Mayer (LSU SVM 1980), a supporterof the School’s Wildlife Hospital of Louisiana. Dr.Mayer does not have a favorite wild bird but doesadmire the majesty of eagles in flight. The WHL treatsapproximately 10 bald eagles each year.Louisiana is home to 82species of mammals, 444species of birds, 85 speciesof reptiles, 51 species ofamphibians, and 260 speciesof fish.The Mayers have a Labradorretriever named Jingle Belle, twocats named Tigger and Minky,and about 40 box turtles. “Itstarted with one female easternbox turtle, then a second one,and then six,” said Bernie. The groupeventually numbered 60 but Hurricane Katrina cut thepopulation down to 40. They stay insmall pens when young and roamthe backyard when they become“teenagers.” They hibernate in thewinter and are active in the warmermonths.Dr. Mayer did not decide to seriouslypursue veterinary medicine until hisjunior year at the University of New Orleans (Dr. MyronSmith formerly of the Jefferson Parish Animal Clinicwas a good influence). Dr. Mayer currently operates asmall animal practice in Westwego, Louisiana.Misty Morning, a digitallymanipulated photograph byKathy Reeves of DenhamSprings, La.17