This Week at Liberty
April 22, 2025
Hoots, Howls, and Hollers
Megan Mosby
Executive Director
Construction, research, expanded education projects… what’s the connection?
There are many interesting efforts under way at Liberty Wildlife that don’t fit neatly in our typical annual budget. There is construction of new enclosures for mammals, and some new education information about Native American connections to wildlife. There is a new hummingbird release aviary, and new research into treating birds with constricted wing tendons. None of these were in the budget at the start of last year.
But a special group of supporters, known as the Innovators, has brought all of these projects to life. And on May 8th you learn more about these projects, and see much more.
The People
Innovators are people doing things in a different way or are doing things that have never been done before. For Liberty Wildlife, it’s also the name our new “giving circle” of donors who are making possible some new projects. They are creating environments where tools and resources are utilized to challenge the status quo in any number of areas in wildlife education, rehabilitation and conservation. It is a time to push boundaries to achieve the positive growth we always seek.
The Setting
Nestled in Old Scottsdale, there’s a dreamy little garden setting called Schmooze, a lovely patio dining space, which is the scene of this year’s kickoff for The Innovators, Seeds of Change Giving Circle event. A prettier patio doesn’t exist in the area…adorned with flowers, fountains, and ambiance to live for. And, on this special day, the patio will include the likes of eagles, owls, hawks and more.
The Purpose
This is a chance for you to introduce your friends and family at a free event featuring last year’s funded Innovator projects. You will also be able to meet some of the innovators that created and completed the programs. The members of the Liberty Wildlife Innovators are tasked with pushing boundaries, growing positive change, and fulfilling the mission to “nurture the nature of Arizona.” To this end, we are presenting The Innovators on May 8th at 4:30 p.m. at the Schmooze Scottsdale at 4222 N. Marshall Way.
The Happening
Tony, owner of this little piece of paradise, will provide light hors d’oeuvres and drinks to attendees as they mill around the garden greeted by Liberty Wildlife Ambassadors and their Education Handlers. A slide show will be playing introducing the projects funded from last year’s Innovators program and folks who succeeded in creating and completing this projects will be present to discuss their process with interested guests. Learn about the hummingbird flight enclosure, the Crested Caracara educational enclosure, the wildlife connections to Native American culture, the mammal enclosures at Liberty Wildlife, and a fascinating study by our veterinary department on the use of botox to improve the release rate of birds with injured wings.
Just Do It
It is a perfect way to end a Thursday afternoon – May 8th. Stop by the lovely garden space in Old Town Scottsdale on your way home…have a bit of refreshment…and help us with next year’s innovations.
It is so easy. Just RSVP to development@libertywildlife.org and let us know how many folks you are bringing with you. We would love to inspire as many people as possible by the success of the programs funded last year with maybe even a whisper of ideas for the future…which you could impact and be a part of directing…how cool is that?
Be an Innovator…find out more on May 8th!
Oh…and, of course, HAPPY EARTH DAY!
This Week @ Liberty
The intake total for the year is now up to 1550.
It’s insane to think we’re already at the end of April. Orphan Care is well on its way to the busyness we’re used to, and the babes are coming in from everywhere (quite literally). And the truth of it is, it works because there are so many willing to help; everyday people who bring sick, injured and orphaned wildlife to our intake window; volunteers working tirelessly, rain or shine, to feed 10,000+ animals who come through our doors; conservation groups who reach out to us for assistance; our board members and donors; the list could go on and on and on.
The point, though, is to remind us that without this group effort, taking care of all these animals would be next to impossible. But it works, and continues to work, because of the due diligence and passion of everyone involved.
I know I appreciate it, and I’m certain our wildlife does, too.
The Big Kids are Here!
Yes, I’m going to talk about babies again; yes, I can and do what I want! And while I know I’ve mentioned a time or two that we’re starting our busy season and working our way there, there’s something about getting six different bald eagles in within a two week time span (two were quick overnight stays and were right back out the next day!) that makes it even busier.
Like everything else here, they all have different stories. Two (the quick overnight-ers) were kids who fledged too early and made their way to new homes. An adult we’ve aptly nicknamed ‘big mamma’ (she’s 10 ½ pounds) is being treated for lead poisoning (and doing well!). A smaller male (also an adult) is here for a coracoid fracture (think collar bone) which is healing well, and two other kids are in various stages of their journeys. One has a fracture to the left wrist, and the other has a fracture to the right radius/ulna (think forearm).
On top of all that, great horned owl nestlings and fledglings are making their way here, too. And what I love the most about this is how creative people get when transporting them! Hailing from a monastery (yes, you read that correctly), this little guy was driven here in absolute style before being assessed and moved directly outside to foster parents.
Either way, despite the chaos this part of the year brings, we’re definitely here for it!
March Membership Winner
For anyone who stopped by our El Rio Vivo event, you might have seen a membership giveaway happening. Well, that time has come, and the winner has been chosen! This person (who’s been notified but unfortunately, I cannot post here!) is now the proud owner of a beautiful new art piece ready for hanging.
This is one of the many perks of being a member here at Liberty Wildlife. Not only do you receive free admission for a year, but you also get discounts in our shop, early entrance to our events and more! Not only are you supporting us by being a member, you’re doing your own little part in keeping our animals fed and healthy. There’s all kinds of different levels to choose from, so make sure to check out our membership sign-up here so you can be entered to win things like this in the future!
Notable Mentions
Well, it’s that time again! Just a heads up our summer ours begin Saturday, May 3rd. Public hours will now be on Wednesday, Saturday and Sundays from 9am-11am, with our entire campus closed for the month of August. Our intake window, of course, will remain open every day of the week from 8am-6pm.
Without further ado, here are this week’s notable mentions:
A gila monster is attacked by a dog and brought to Liberty Wildlife for examination. These are one of the few venomous lizards in the entire world; if you have a pet who gets bit by one, please make sure to take them to your veterinarian immediately (5 pictures – by Alex)
A red-tailed hawk nestling drops by for assessment before being moved to a brooder for feeding (5 pictures)
A female American kestrel (you can tell by the rufous brown on her wings) was found on the ground in Phoenix (2 pictures)
Inca dove fledglings hang outside in Orphan Care (1 picture)
Thanks again for hanging with us this week. Make sure to keep an eye out for what the rest of the year holds.
Until next time!
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