Example of Randy's quality woodworkRandy Herrell is busy creating more of the beautiful platforms and other woodwork for the Ecology Hall. Teams are writing species accounts, looking for taxidermy, or doing technology research on how to maximize benefits from the touch-screens we will be ordering to make education as modern and available as possible. In addition, a mural artist will be visiting one of these days to see what is needed to paint a huge background piece for the end of the Ecology Hall. Others are working on creating a series of terrariums to house snakes, turtles, frogs, toads, etc. for an exhibit to educate kids and adults as well. Many exhibits are being developed by scientists at the top of their fields. Much is happening and there is much to do to open by May 2015. We are building for the future.
Randy assembling Moose platform Dec. 3, 2013At the same time, we are proud of the bear enclosure we built as a world model for captive bear care. The natural forest and foods provide a setting for the bears to have active minds and bodies night and day. Interactions among them further keeps them sharp and active—the relationship between Lucky and Holly is an example. Honey, who is mostly a loner outside of mating season, is constantly alert to the movements of the others. Ted seems to like the peace and solitude of his small pen, which he voluntarily returns to within a couple hours of being out each day. Lately, Ted and Lucky have been touching noses and even extending tongues as gestures of friendship. As well as they seem to be getting along through the fence, we are considering letting them out together. All through each day, the bears are making decisions and expressing emotions as they forage and interact. It’s a world we would like to document quantitatively as to how each spends his or her time.
Thank you for all you do.
Lynn Rogers, Biologist, Wildlife Research Institute and North American Bear Center