Zoo to You...

Those joining us on February 11^th were treated to friends from Zoo to You…  joining the party was Mike Ponds’ guest, Senaca Jacobson; John Weiss’s guest, Gil Ayers; and new member - Deborah Garcia’s guest, Christy from the Chamber.

Melanie brought us lots of cuddles from Zoo to You….

Zoo to You rescues wild animals from the wild, from stupid people who buy through the illegal pet trade industry and discover why they call their “pet” a wild animal, or other zoos who need placement for the animal for some reason. Every creature has value and purpose and Zoo to You takes these creatures and socializes them in an effort to educate us about their species and let them enjoy the rest of their days in a protective and loving environment. We humans might take heed!

They have 250 rescued animals that are available to see Saturdays and Sundays at a 3pm tour…  they ask you to call ahead 805.391-0604 or email at zootoyou@zootoyou.com that you are coming.

Melanie brought 3 wonderful creatures to share with us…

Niles, a 10 year old tiny screech owl, is missing one eye. He looks like a tiny stuffed toy. Owls are helpful to eat rodents. Their predators are raptors. It’s a myth their heads turn 360 degrees. But they can turn them 270 degrees! They are nocturnal and you do need to watch your little kittens and tiny dogs around them. 

Melanie has a new candidate for King of the Jungle -- the African Crested Porcupine. It’s only the size of a Cocker Spaniel but their quills are deadly to wild animals such as the lion. When cornered, they back into other animals and stick them deep… and since the animals don’t have thumbs to pull them out, they rub them in deeper and they get infected. Warning!! Their Tail rattles!  Oh yeah, and they like bananas… 

Did you know marsupial means pouch? Cassidy Hop-Along is an 8 month Red Kangaroo Joey from a Texas zoo. Australia doesn’t worry about kangaroos being endangered…they carry fertile eggs in their pouch and with the right conditions will birth another one, and another, and another, and…  I think you get my drift…

Zoo to You means to protect the unprotected and socialize them so they are comfortable enough to go to the public and educate us… soon they will have an events’ center… I think May 3rd is their Cheese and Chocolate Extravaganza… their spring fundraiser…  Hey, Rotarians, we could have a party there!!