A couple of animal stories to remind you of Greenwood’s vital services
While every case that comes through Greenwood Wildlife Rehabilitation Center’s door is special, we want to highlight a couple of patients from this summer’s busy season as a reminder of Greenwood’s vital service to the Colorado community.
American White Pelican Caught in Fishing Lure
Earlier this year, an American White Pelican was found ensnared in a three-treble hook and fishing lure on a popular pond. Fortunately, local police and fire departments responded swiftly, teaming up to safely reach and contain the injured bird. Once captured, rescuers brought it to Greenwood, where our team found that the multi-hooked lure had pierced the pelican’s delicate pouch and foot.
Our team of experts gently extracted all the hooks, and discovered six punctures and two severe wounds, all of which would require suturing under sedation. Rehabilitators administered medications and fluids, and placed the pelican in one of our waterbird enclosures while it awaited surgery.
After a successful sedation, operation, and recovery, the time came for release back to the wild. The bird was transported to a serene, private pond where our feathered friend took its first steps back to freedom before joining another pelican in flight.
Orphaned Beaver and Its Own Personal Pool
Discovered by Colorado Parks and Wildlife officers, a baby beaver was alone, dehydrated, and near a deceased sibling. CPW trekked to our facility with the tyke so our rehabilitation team could assess it and provide a bit of TLC to the orphan. After some fluids, medications, and proper nutrition, this baby began to recover from the ordeal of unfortunate circumstances. Each day it was given ample time to swim in its own personal pool and choose from an array of tasty branches to munch on.
Once the vital quarantine process was complete, it was transferred to one of our partners. Young beavers can become lonely when on their own, and fortunately, the facility already had a kit of a similar age in their care. There, the little one is thriving alongside others of its kind, learning vital skills in their large specialized enclosure until next spring when they can return to the wild once more.
How You Can Help
Both of these stories exemplify the very reason that Greenwood is a vital community resource. We strive to rehabilitate wildlife in need but, beyond that, we are here to help our fellow animal lovers in their effort to aid orphaned, injured, and sick creatures in need. We want to continue pursuing our mission and making our community better, which is why we need your support at our annual gala Wild Night for Wildlife on Saturday, September 28. This is Greenwood Wildlife’s biggest fundraiser, and this year it will be held at Nissi’s Event Center from 5:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Every penny raised will benefit the patients that come through our doors.
Please join us for an unforgettable evening in support of the animals. Happy Hour will include libations, hors d’oeuvres, animal-themed games, canvas tote printing, silent auction, and live music by the Ben Parrish Trio. Emcee Gary Shapiro of 9News will kick of the program with lively auctioneer, Halie Behr. You can bid on live auction packages including a 5-night getaway to Vail, a package of seven ultimate Colorado animal encounters, a luxury trip to a 4-diamond resort in Mexico, and much more.
In addition, we’ll have an online auction open for a week prior to the event that features unique and affordable offerings from entertainment, family-friendly experiences, assorted pet baskets, restaurant gift cards, and a variety of other great items – a total of 175+ to choose from. Register for the gala for $175 or for the online auction only at no charge. For more information, visit greenwoodwildnight.com.
……………. Mysti Tatro, Community Relations Manager at Greenwood Wildlife Rehabilitation Center