Turpentine Creek Habitat Opening Huge Success!

Fourth of July Habitat Openings

Were a Huge Success!

Friday, July 4, 2008 marked another huge success for the Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge Habitat building program. About two hundred supporters were present for the occasion.

After everyone finished piling in the new area we were ready to start. Tanya, the president of TCWR started the presentation with a warm welcoming.

Carrie Tredeau, seasoned TCWR staff member, gave thanks to all who helped make this possible.

Carrie, shown above here.

Tanya Smith, TCWR president and founder, looks on with smiles along with her mother Hilda, TCWR secretary and founder.

Then, on with the releases................

Koda was the first bear to get into the new habitats. He was slow to come out onto the grass but finally made it out.

JoJo was second and took even longer! It is truly amazing to witness these animals step onto the grass for the first time. It took awhile but she finally showed some enthusiasm.

The people look on with excitement as we prepare for the next opening!

Hercules came out the door quickly and really used his new area fast. He was running for the first time. When he arrived at the refuge he could not even walk! What progress!

Heather was last for the day. She knows what to do in open spaces. She was chasing Emily through the fence immediately. Wow! I wish you could all be there.

 

The other four animals were  let out on Sunday morning.

Joe was first on Sunday and immediately took advantage of all his new enrichment items in his new habitat.

CoCo was next and a little slow. It seemed the grass scared him but he got over the fear and explored the habitat all day.

Lucky was next, this took quite awhile. Her sight is not so good and she was not sure what to do. She did, after quite some time, come out and checked out her new pad.

Sierra was the last out and she took awhile too. She did make it out the door and her sponsor got to open it. What a treat! Her sponsors are Dan and Pam Boone. Who do you think got to actually open the door?

 

This day was topped off with a huge fireworks extravaganza with about 4 hundred visitors. What a day. What a success, thanks to our supporters, staff, and interns.

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Thanks,

Scott