Buttercup needs a home!

We have had a lot of different species come into the nature center for rescue, but never before have we gotten a guinea pig! This one was found in some one's backyard, an odd sight to see when you look out your back door! The family brought it into us knowing that we'd take care of her. We were all scared she would bite, but it turns out she's as sweet as she could be! She's won over all of the naturalists, and many guests who've come to see her, too. Being outdoors did take its toll on her, her back feet had some burns on them, she favors one of her legs, and we're treating her for ear mites. Nothing a little TLC can't fix! No one has come out to claim her (we are calling her Buttercup) so if you know anyone who would like a very sweet girl, very tolerant of children, let us know!
P.S. we thought leash training would be a good way to show her off. You can tell by her disapproving look what she thinks of it.

Cumberland Island

About a month ago, we took a group out to Cumberland Island. There were lots of new foals to look at, as well as baby wild turkeys (look carefully, there's two in this photo). It was a great getaway for the people participating in their conference. Another group recently went to Catty Shack Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary, and we have upcoming group trips to Fort Clinch State Park and White Oak Conservation Center. See other posts for more photos and info on these great places.

Bird Express

Since our bird vet is about an hour away, we like to economize. So, when our parrot, Buddy, needs to go in to get checked, Amanda brings her bird, Doc, who was rescued from our property, and Christina brings her bird, Amelia, as well. Doc is a blue-headed conure and Amelia is a Hahn's Macaw. If you are going to be traveling a while with three parrots, it's important to bring lots of snacks (for the birds, a.k.a. bribes) as well as some ear plugs.

This is Amelia in her travel cage. All birds got checked and also a wingy/beaky/pedi. Rumor has it on the way back a couple of french fries were slipped in, too. Spoiled birds? Never!

Yulee Primary 2nd Graders

The first week of May we had the second grade of Yulee Primary come visit us at the nature center. We did a beach scavenger hunt, played a sea turtle survival game, and showed the kids a few of our resident critters. A couple of the classes sent us the sweetest thank you notes, so we thought we'd share some of them.

Destiny still fulfilling her destiny

Update on Destiny:

She is doing very well, big and healthy. She is a little over 2 months old now and will probably be released after another month. She is lapping milk and will soon be introduced to wet cat food. Enjoy the pictures!

Destiny's destiny

Update:

We named the opossum Destiny. She has been doing great! Her appetite has continued to increase and she is getting stronger everyday. If things go as planned, Destiny is to be released back into the wild when she is ready to survive on her own. Keep checking in for more updates on her.

Possum update

Our little possum that we got a couple of weeks ago is doing great! We are so proud of her, she gets bigger and stronger by the day. Here is a possum-sized yawn!