This Week at Liberty

The intake total for the year is now up to 10,010.

Finally! We made it! Jacket weather is upon us, and with it, a little bit of much needed rain. I was happy to sit outside with my new pups (yes, I got two puppies, please don’t ask me why I thought that was a good idea but they are quite adorable) to enjoy it, too. But that means there’s a lot happening here at Liberty Wildlife. With intake numbers getting insanely close to 10,000, our education programs have come in swinging. Our education volunteers are busy educating people on our amazing wildlife, while our rehabilitation side takes a bit of a breather before next season hits.

All this means is we get to figure out the nitty gritty, and what we can do better next year.

For many humans, spa day is a glorious thing. Whether that’s a massage, a facial, a manicure/pedicure, or a nice soak in your own bathtub at the end of a long week, it’s something many of us look forward to on those treat yourself days. Believe it or not, spa days aren’t just for us humans. In fact, all of our animal ambassadors get a spa day (or two) every year!

Of course, that looks a little different for every animal, but the basis of spa day remains the same. Dr. Lamb, our volunteer veterinarian, must get her hands on every single one of our permanent residents. She checks for body condition, any abnormalities that may have arisen, and a general overall look over to ensure everything’s in check. Some of our animals require restraint to do this (to keep the animal, and our veterinarians, safe). Some, like Apache, are so used to human interaction they require nothing more than some kind words as the exam happens (Apache the golden eagle has been with us since 1989-read more about him here!).

For our birds, spa day typically means beaks are getting coped and talons are getting trimmed. For our tortoises, it looks a little different. Because they received their pre-nap wellness checks (remember, desert tortoises go through what’s called brumation – a partial hibernation – through winter), they got blood work done on top of getting their body condition checked. And, to make it even better, an Eagle Scout volunteered their time to spruce up our torts enclosures (and this same Eagle Scout updated and replaced all the locks on our reptile enclosures).

So, the next time you’re thinking about what you’d like to do for your own spa day, remember it isn’t too much different than what our animals here at Liberty Wildlife go through.

We like to think of it as an added perk to their second chance at life here with us (and a long lived life they have, indeed).

This past week, the Avian Vet Insider did a species spotlight on the California condor and their care in the wake of the avian flu. Led by our own volunteer veterinarian, Dr. Lamb, she highlighted the disease which has become endemic, and how it impacted our Arizona flock.

A quick history: aquatic birds, commercial poultry and backyard flocks were detected to have avian flu in January 2022. The first official outbreak in commercial poultry started just one month later; with the most common way for transfer being through migratory birds, it is no surprise it worked so quickly. Waterfowl, such as geese and ducks, can be asymptomatic, meaning they can carry the virus but have zero symptoms (Liberty Wildlife currently does not take geese or ducks as the risk is too great).

Like many zooms, Dr. Lamb started with the facts; the history of the flu, and how it became so prevalent throughout the United States. Then, of course, the talk of the California condor, a bird of prey who, in the 1980’s, held strong at 22 members. With the help of conservation groups like The Peregrine Fund, those numbers have risen to just over 500 (not all of those 500 are in the wild, though).

Many of you know the rest of this story: in 2023, it was discovered that our Arizona flock had contracted the avian flu. Fast forward a few months, and we lost 21 of those birds. But, one of those birds, who Liberty Wildlife cared for (and who lasted the longest despite the virus), had laid an egg, which her mate continued to incubate. Fast forward some more, and Milagra, condor 1221, was born (read more of her story here).

What amazed the zoom watchers the most was the personal detail to the story. To us, it made perfect sense! Dr. Lamb was the one who helped hatch our little miracle here, right on site. Alongside all her amazing work here, watching Dr. Lamb talk to others about the work she does holds a special place for us here. The truth is she’s an integral part of Liberty Wildlife, and we look forward to her continued work with all avian species.

Well, it’s that time again. Plus, we have our annual Wishes for Wildlife (annual fundraising auction) AND Condors and Cocktails this Saturday, November 9^th from 4pm-7pm. If you haven’t gotten your tickets yet, I highly recommend you do so here! It’s going to be a fantastic night; you even get to look at the items you can bid, and win, all while having a cocktail and supporting a great cause!

Without further ado, here are this week’s notable mentions:

Can you spot the animal? A long-nosed snake is brought in (no injuries!) in an unconventional “box” (4 pictures)

Frankie, a gould turkey, hangs in triage while field trips and public hours commences (and preening herself while doing so) (2 pictures)

Remember public hours is in full swing on Wednesday, Saturday and Sundays from 10am-1pm. Make sure to drop by and see all your favorite animal ambassadors. And if you’re in need to drop an animal off, our intake window is open rain or shine 7 days a week from 8am-6pm (you can also call our hotline at 480-998-5550 with questions if you need to).

Until next time!