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One of my favorite "guests" at the art show...from Busch Wildlife Sanctuary!

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Take a peek at photos from our wildlife-themed art show held February 10th!  20 artists from around the country gathered to show works inspired by wildlife, all in support of RSCF's conservation programs.  25% of sales was donated to RSCF and we are so grateful to all the amazing artists that participated in the show.  Sponsors included International Polo Club Palm Beach and the Wanderers Club Wellington (thank you Julie Pickens--amazing food--YUM!), Gisela and Howald Pferdekamper (facility host--a wonderful converted barn), Busch Wildlife Sanctuary and Rick Cohen, musician extraordinaire.  New York Times bestselling author Tami Hoag joined us along with Craig Pugh, director of Tampa's Lowry Park Zoo (big announcement coming soon about a new partnership between RSCF and Lowry...stay tuned) and we had a wonderful night!

#rare species conservatory foundation #art show #wildlife #party #animals #conservation #photographs #jewelry #art #florida wildlife #busch wildlife sanctuary #international polo club palm beach #lowry park zoo

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We're getting ready for our annual wildlife art show!  This year marks our seventh show, and we're getting bigger and better every time.  New artists (18 in total this year) showing amazing artwork inspired by nature, all to support our wildlife conservation programs!  So excited, and thankful to our hosts, Gisela and Howald Pferdekamper, sponsors International Polo Club Palm Beach and the Wanderers Club Wellington, and our partner, Busch Wildlife Sanctuary.  It's going to be so much fun!!! Live music, live art demonstrations, wonderful food and drink...If you are in our area, be sure to come see the show!

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Mico's Big Day!

Mico the Mighty Marmoset celebrated his sixth birthday on April 1. Thanks to all that posted birthday wishes on his Facebook page! If you haven't discovered Micos page on FB, please do so! Just put Mico Mighty Marmoset in the search box, or click here. When you find his page, be sure to "Like" him! So, for Micos big day, we celebrated with a blueberry mealworm mini-muffin cake (everyone's favorite, right?) topped with strawberry yogurt frosting. We wanted to share the day with you, so we put together this slideshow of images. As you can see, Mico really loves cake. I mean, REALLY. No, we didn't let him eat the entire thing--but believe me, he would have!

#bongoantelope. rare species conservatory foundation #pygmy marmosets #primates #birthday #wildlife sanctuary #mico the mighty marmoset #conservation

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We're Baaaaack!

Wow, it's been waaaaay too long since we've updated our blog!  Please forgive the absence, we've been so busy!  But, no excuses, we'll be much better at keeping you updated from now on. 

So, let's see...so much has been happening!  Let's start with some staff updates.  We have two new keepers on staff that you haven't met, Suzie Berkowitz and Rick Cohen.  Suzie is a devout animal lover, and has been working with exotics almost her entire adult life.  One of her passions is environmental enrichment, and since her arrival at RSCF, our parrots and primates are thrilled to find special browse--greens, flowers, plants, pine cones, you name it--in their enclosures on a regular basis.  Rick is a craftsman and musician.  He can build just about anything with his hands.  This comes in very handy when building new enclosures, and he's become very familiar with hog ring pliers and wire cutters in his short time with us.  Rick's passions include art and music, and generously played acoustic guitar during our annual fundraiser and art show, Wild Things, held February 5th.  More on that later....

Now, farm news.  2011 was a fantastic year for our bongo antelope.  We had NINE babies in the group by January 2012!  This brings our total to 29, and it is amazing to see.  Bongo raise thier calves communally, and all the babies stick together in a group.  There are bongo everywhere!!!  We are also establishing new breeding groups around Florida on private ranches, and have sent seven adults out since January.  We plan to move more in the coming months.  Bongo ranching will help us build a pool of animals for shipment to Africa, as part of RSCF's Bongo repatriation program.  For more on that, click here.  We will, one day soon, see bongo living wild on Mount Kenya!!!

No farm report would be complete without a Mico Mighty Marmoset update.  Mico, as you know, is a world-famous figure now.  Be sure to visit his facebook page and "like" him.  He's continually visited by new folks, and is fat and happy.  Nothing makes him happier than a visit with new humans.  His roomate, Trixie, is also well, but wants nothing to do with all the visitors.  She takes extremely good care of Mico, grooming him all day.  What a life!  In other pygmy marmoset news, we have an extremely productive family group that welcomed twins not too long ago.  This brings this family's number to seven.  Pygmys trive in large family groups, and the babies learn how to be parents by caring for thier younger siblings.  RSCF staff veterinarian PJ Deitschel has been taking some great photos as seen here.  In fact, we'll be posting a new farm photo every Monday, so stay tuned!!!

The aviary is quiet for now, but the breeding season is just around the corner.  The red browed Amazons usually begin laying eggs in mid March, so the countdown is on!  Last year's babies are doing fine, in their large,free-flight aviary.  We are continuing to develop joint programming with organizations in Brazil to develop captive breeding programs there, with the hope of returing red brows to Brazil soon.  In the meantime, we prepare for this year's babies....and get ready for hand feeding round the clock! 

We also have a visitor in our clinic...a green cheeked Amazon parrot from the ferel flock on Palm Beach.  This little guy broke his wing somehow, and a generous good samaritan brought him to our attention.  Turns out he's one of the babies we banded last year.  After a visit with avian vet Susan Clubb, his wing is wrapped and he is recuperating nicely.  The break was clean, so we hope he will be flying free again soon.

February was an exciting month, with our annual wildlife art show, Wild Things, held February 5th.  What a great event!  Aritists from around the country came to show and sell wildlife inspired art of all kinds.  20% of the sales was donated to RSCF.  We partner with Busch Wildlife Sanctuary for this event, and they brought amazing creatures to mingle with the guests.  Artist Georgette Pressler of Devious Body Art transformed a model into a beautiful parrot....stunning!  Beef Wellington Steakhouse and Social Club provided delicious passed foods, and our hosts Gisela and Howald Pferdekamper created the perfect studio space for the show.  Special guest Tami Hoag (New York Times bestselling author) was our Mistress of Ceremonies and we all had a blast!!  Click here for a slideshow of images from the night...what an amazing evening! 

Whew, that's enough for now.  We promise more updates!!!  Till then, be kind to yourselves and all the wild creatures around you!

#animals #updates #bongoantelope. rare species conservatory foundation #pygmy marmosets #bongo #busch wildlife sanctuary #blog #art show #conservation

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Weekend Activities...Bongo on the Move

This past Saturday, November 12, we moved 2.1 bongo (two males, one female) to a partner facility in Martin County.  The photos here document the move and all the excitement that goes with this sort of event.  It takes a great team (thanks to Dr. Mark Davis, his tech Kelly, HC Ranch team, and RSCF staff members), coordination, and LOTS of muscle! 

RSCF bongo are kept in large, open acre pens (5 acres or more).  RSCF director, Dr. Paul Reillo, and Dr. Mark Davis ride out on an ATV to dart the animals with a tranquilizer.  Then, another team goes in on an ATV with a trailor to transport the animals out of the pens and to the transport truck.  There, Dr. Davis takes blood samples, vaccinates and ear tags each bongo, while still asleep on the trailer.  Finally, a reversal drug is administered and the bongo wakes up. 

Thanks to all for the great teamwork.  Our bongo are now at their new home, and will be the nexus for a new breeding group.  We plan to send several more to the facility and will keep you posted with more photos and video.  For more information about RSCF's bongo programs, be sure to visit our website!

#bongoantelope. rare species conservatory foundation #wildlife sanctuary #loxahatchee #conservation

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Worm Wars!

This is a nice little video shot by RSCF's animal care specialist PJ Deitschel. A group of pygmy marmosets "share" a giant mealworm. Makes you hungry, right??

#pygmy marmosets #rare species conservatory foundation #primates #mealworms #animal care #conservation

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Parrot Monitoring on Palm Beach 2011

Yesterday RSCF staff members Dr. Paul Reillo, Dr. PJ Deitschel, Danielle Payne and Karen McGovern headed over to Palm Beach to check in on the ferel population of Green Cheek Amazons that live there.  The colony is doing extremely well, and RSCF has been checking in on six active nest cavities this season.  We weighed and examined eight chicks, banding four with colorful identification bands, then returned them safely to their nest cavities.  All the chicks we examined were healthy and robust!  We also filmed inside several nests, using a camera system designed by RSCF that uses a one-inch infa-red camera attached to the end of an extending 50-foot pole.  We got some great footage of adults with eggs and chicks.

It is wonderful to see so many active and healthy nests.  The flock is indeed doing well this year!

#animals #rare species conservatory foundation #parrot monitoring #wildlife #banding babies #green cheek amazon parrots #chicks #endangered parrots #palm beach #conservation

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Babies!

Here's a quick slideshow of the latest photos taken of our five 2011 Red Browed Amazon babies.  Less than a month old, already showing feather pins and color!  Quite a lovely bunch...Below the slideshow is a video of the babies enjoying lunch.  Boy, can they eat!!

#rare species conservatory foundation #hand rearing #parrots #red browed amazon #wildlife sanctuary #chicks #endangered parrots #non profit #conservation

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New Truck for the Bongo Surveillance Program!

This new field vehicle, made possible by a generous contribution to RSCF by Mr. Ken Coe, leveraged by the Rhino Ark Charitable Trust (and with special consideration by CMC Motors in Nairobi), is dedicated to the Bongo Surveillance Programme. It will be used to transport the BSP team into remote, mountainous terrain across the Aberdares, Mt. Kenya, Mau Mt. Eburru and surrounding areas to conduct bongo monitoring and surveillance, collect DNA samples, perform GPS/GIS surveys and maintain a vigilant presence to help protect the last wild mountain bongo populations. The one-owner vehicle is turbo-charged for high-altitude use, and is equipped with all-terrain suspension and tires, intake snorkel, and bull guards to protect the drive-train and occupants. This vehicle replaces the well-worn Toyota Hilux purchased by RSCF six years ago, which ferried RSCF Research Associate into the field during his Ph.D. research on mountain bongo, and subsequently became the BSP's first dedicated field transport.

#rare species conservatory foundation #wildlife #truck #bongo antelope #bongo surveillance program #africa #donation #rhinor ark #conservation #kenya

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Endangered Exotics in our Backyard...

Since the 1940s, a ferel population of endangered Green Cheeked Amazon parrots (Amazona vidirigenalis) has nested in Palm Beach County.  RSCF has monitored this group for many years, photographing the flock, filming inside nest cavities and banding babies.  The group has begun nesting again this year, and yesterday RSCF staff visited the flock to assess nests and breeding activity.  Six active nests were discovered so far, and we will continue to monitor the group closely.  Green cheeks are native to Mexico and are considered endangered in their native country.  Here are a few shots of the colony, which includes individuals of other Amazon species including Double Yellow Head (Amazona ocracephala oratrix), Blue Front (Amazona aestiva), and Orange Wing (Amazona amazonica).

#busch wildlife sanctuary #green cheek amazon parrots #ferel parrots #RSCF #conservation

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RSCF Welcomes Dr. PJ Deitschel to our Team!

RSCF is thrilled to welcome Dr. PJ Deitschel to our staff. Dr. Deitschel will serve as our on staff veterinarian and resident farm manager.

PJ brings to RSCF 27 years of knowledge from working with over 300 species of wild mammals, birds and reptiles. A passion for animal advocacy led her to the field of wildlife rehabilitation where she gained extensive expertise in urban wildlife issues while managing a large rehabilitation center and sanctuary in NY. Recognizing a need for experienced wildlife veterinarians, PJ returned to school in her home state of NM and subsequently obtained her DVM from Colorado State University. She pursued her interest in wildlife medicine as the veterinary advisor for a conservation foundation in South Africa and then as the Clinic Director for CROW (Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife) in Sanibel FL. Most recently PJ served with Wildlife Operations and as a Natural Resources Advisor on the Gulf of Mexico oil spill response team. She shares her home life with a laid-back lop-eared house rabbit named “Yebo”.

Welcome aboard, PJ!!

#veterinarian #busch wildlife sanctuary #pj deitschel #RSCF #wildife rehabilitation #news #new staff #conservation

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New Mico Video!

Here is a funny little video of Mico discovering a hat in his enclosure...

#monkeys #pygmy marmosets #rare species conservatory foundation #wildlife #mico #conservation

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Lab on Wheels Sent to Dominica!

Last week, RSCF sent an RV to the Caribbean island of Dominica for use as a mobile parrot lab.  The vehicle will be posted at the Parrot Research Centre in the Botanical Gardens and will be available for the Parrot Research Team.   RSCF will outfit the mobile lab with an incubator, brooder and basic lab equipment so the team can have an isolated, mobile space to work with the island's two endimc parrot species, the Imperial Amazon and the Red-Necked Amazon.   

RSCF would like to thank the Batchelor Foundation and Tropical Shipping for their continued support, we couldn't have done it without you!

#parrot lab #RV #wildlife #dominica #parrots #Tropical Shipping #Batchelor Foundation #non-profit #mobile lab #conservation

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Wild Things a WILD SUCCESS!

On Sunday, February 13, we held our fifth annual wildlife art show, called Wild Things. The show is hosted by Gisela and Howald Pferdekamper and brings artists together from around the country to show wildlife-inspired art in support of RSCF's conservation programs. This year we had several new artists, including mixed media artist Anthony Burkes and art photographer Melinda Moore. RSCF trustee Dr. Mark Davis screened a portion of his new film, Horns of Hope, about our efforts to save endangered black rhino in Zimbabwe. As you can see from the photos, we had a great time and the art was amazing! We partnered with Busch Wildlife Sanctuary, and the guests loved meeting the non-releasable rehab animals, including an alligator, crested cara cara, corn snake, and skunk!

For more information about the show, contact Karen McGovern.

#busch wildlife sanctuary #painting #wild things #fund raiser #conservation #art show #animals #wildlife #sculpture #RSCF #jewelry #party #event

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Bouncing Baby Bongo

Finally! The newest addition to the bongo herd has arrived.

#baby #bongo #RSCF #conservation

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Iguanas Ready for the Cold!

Even though south Florida doesn't get too cold, sometimes it gets a little too cold for our scaly friends, the iguanas. Today we decided to clean out their hibernation box and get it all prepped and ready to go for the winter. Here are some snap shots of the staff helping out Sammie and Yoshi for the future cold snaps.

#iguanas #busch wildlife sanctuary #RSCF #cleaning #new staff #conservation