WINTER 2014
GWC’s staff expert and Psychology Graduate Student gives us insight into the benefits of human-
animal interaction!
Enter to win two Child’s Safari Wagon Passes !
Inside This Issue News + Updates From the President’s Desk..…….3 A look into GWC in 2014, & what’s to come! .. A Tall Announcement!…………....4
Introducing our newest baby reticulated giraffe.
The Wild Engagement……………….5 A staff member pops the question on tour!
Wild Wonders Amazing Aquatic Antelope..…….….8 Learn about the South African Red Lechwe.
Animals Helping to Heal…………....12 Inside look into the therapeutic benefits of learning through touch from one of Global’s own.
YOU in the news! Safari Selfie CONTEST…………...……....6 WIN 2 FREE Child Wagon Passes!! Member’s Only Fall Fest…..…………….7 A thanks to all who attended this year’s event.
For the Young at Heart Animal Mix n Match……......…..15
“Look deep into Nature, and then you will understand everything better.”
Can you help us match our favorite animals at Global Wildlife Center to their proper names?!
- Albert Einstein 2
W
ow, 24 years later and we get to wish you all a Merry Christmas! You are part of our family! What an incredible year it has been! We welcomed three baby Reticulated giraffes to our frisky long legged family. They are very playful and already interacting with the tours. We are fortunate that 2014 brought a mild winter, and as it approaches, we start our annual winter feed ups. The tractors go out and start blowing their horns, and the animals come out from everywhere - a sight to be seen. We have also started Santa's list of winter projects at the Center. As we are open seven days a week, we get to make most of them while you are busy with family and friends. As you do every year, you will see many new things that make a trip to Global exciting and fun, so bundle up and come see us! We have added large corporate events to the venue this year, which has been fun for both staff and the visitors. Global was honored to host The Louisiana Organ Procurement Agency's annual donor picnic. Families of organ donors and recipients came together to celebrate life in a relaxed environment. What a great event for all! As always, thank you for your continued support. We have once again been named "Best of Louisiana" and "Best NorthShore Attraction", and we take all of these awards with great pride. We have had another record year of visitors and outreach programs, and we believe we have the best staff possible who love what they do. They work very hard to make your every visit a lasting memory. They even make special memories of their own. This year we even witnessed a marriage proposal on tour! Most of all, the millions of people that have been exposed to this unique and educational facility make us very proud to deliver back to our communities and state. Have a safe holiday and we will see you all soon!
A NOTE FROM THE PRESIDENT’S DESK... President of Advisory Board Ken Matherne Board of Directors William Breaux Steve Cart Lance Kern Karla Meche Brittany Ricks William Wainright Managers Sara Coulon Brittany Ricks Ambur Senac Shelby Jo Magee Sarah Parmley
Editors Maci Matherne Brittany Ricks Creative Contributors Brittany Beeson Brittany Ricks Ambur Senac Jenniffer Smith
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Our T
A L L
Announcement! We are ecstatic to welcome our newest addition to the giraffe family this fall. We would like to formally introduce Sky, our precious 5 month old reticulated giraffe! She is a playful little gal, already eating from the wagons and interacting with our guests! Book your Private Pinz Tour to see her up close, and who knows, you may even get a kiss from that long tongue of hers!
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THE WILD ENGAGEMENT
{A LOVE STORY}
There is constant excitement and love at Global Wildlife Center. Many visitors bring their loved ones out to visit our exotic and endangered animals. Our private tours make for a great retreat for a first date or even an intimate proposal. This particular love story started earlier this year right here at Global Wildlife. Sarah and Russell, long time tour guides and best friends, Russell & Sarah pose for a Halloween pic on the morning of their engagement!
met here and have been dating since February. They share a love for wildlife, adventure, and
the outdoors. On October 25th, Russell’s 26th birthday, dressed up in their Halloween costumes, Sara and Russell enjoyed a day on tour together. Little did Sara know, Russell had an amazing surprise for her. As their last tour came to an end Russell announced over the loud speaker for Sarah to stop the wagons. Russell then began to dedicate the next five minutes to her as he shared their love story to the 120 guests aboard. As he finished, Russell got down on one knee and ask Sarah if she would marry him. She said, “YES!!”. They will tie the knot on April 4, 2015 in honor of Sarah’s deceased father’s 72nd birthday. Watch the video of Russell’s proposal here! By Brittany Thomas Ricks 5
An inside look into the life of our South African Red Lechwe.
The amazing
Aquatic antelope
Story by: Maci Matherne Photo By: Pat & Cindy Bonish
Two male Red Lechwe stand alert in Lake Field.
Even as an avid tour-goer, it is possible that you have not yet had an up close encounter with the Red Lechwe, or kobus leche. As we’ll find out, our family of five prefer to watch us from their favorite watering holes, instead of grazing in open areas. Our professional animal finders, also known as Global Wildlife Tour Guides, give us our first clue as to where we might find these elusive antelope today. As we venture into the west corner of the property, it is fairly easy to spot the family of
Red Lechwe amongst the other antelope and deer species. A beautiful mix of red and brown hues that line the Lechwe’s upper coat is a stark contrast to the light neutrals of the surrounding fallow deer. Of course, today we find the Lechwe near the terrain they love the most, shallow water. The Red Lechwe love the water so much, in fact, they are considered the second most aquatic antelope species in the world. 9
Continued... Native to Zambia, Namibia, and Botswana, their affinity for Southern Africa’s marsh and swamplands make them a perfect fit for GWC’s conservation efforts in South Louisiana.
What makes them so fit for the wetlands? The Lechwe’s hind limbs are noticeably longer than those in front, making them well adapted to moving swiftly and gracefully through shallow waters. In the wild, females and their young rarely venture from the water source, as the species is, in comparison, actually quite clumsy on land. We also notice the hooves are small and pointed, instead of shorter and flat like most of our other hooved animals at Global. This peculiar structure allows the Lechwe to secure their footing in damp or muddy areas.
What is the best way to see the Red Lechwe at Global, you ask? “If you haven’t been on a Private Pinzgauer Tour, this will be your best bet to see some of our favorite antelope at the Center. The Swiss army vehicles allow visitors to go almost anywhere on the property, and customize how long you’d like to stay at each stop within the hour-long tour!” - Amber Breaux, Tour Guide 10
‘Tis the Season 2014 Here’s a special offer to celebrate this holiday season! 20% OFF ALL GIFT SHOP MERCHANDISE! NOVEMBER 26TH—DECEMBER 23RD Find your holiday gifts for all ages this year in Global Wildlife’s Safari Gift Shop! (Promotion valid from 11/26/14 to 12/23/14 only. No extension on expiration date. Gift Shop merchandise only. Redeem in Safari Gift Shop.)
ENTER TO
WIN!
GLOBAL WILDLIFE SAFARI SELFIE CONTEST Enter to win two FREE Child Passes for our Safari Wagon Tour! 1. Send us your favorite picture of yourself, your friends, or family at Global Wildlife Center via Facebook or email to reservations@globalwildlife.com OR 2. Connect with us via Instagram @globalwildlife using the hashtag #SAFARISELFIE. ***Only photos taken at Global Wildlife will be eligible to win.*** **Last day to enter is January 10, 2015.**
WIN A FREE WAGON TOUR!
MEMBER’S ONLY FALL FEST By Brittany Beeson
Thanks to all of our Global Wildlife Members who came out to our Fall Fest this year! On October 11, 2014 the center held its annual Member’s Only Fall Festival. The children painted pumpkins, roasted marshmallows, and participated in a scavenger hunt! There was also a silent auction held in our gift shop for the adults. The center holds two member’s only events a year. A Beach Party is held every May and a Fall Festival every October. Become a member today and join us for our next event! Visit our website at www.globalwildlife.com for more details.
A special thanks to all of our silent auction donors this year!
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HELPING TO HEAL A Story of Animal Based Therapeutics Anyone who has been on a Safari
confined living situations, whether
and warm memories to those who
tour knows that it only takes a few
they are in a hospital for a short stay feel ill, lonely or neglected.
minutes with our furry friends to
or living in an assisted living home.
bring about a smile and lift your mood. But did you know that interaction with animals has the power to alleviate symptoms of learning disabilities, physical disabilities, and emotional disorders? Donkeys, llamas, alpacas, cattle,
Although this example is the
Therapy by use of animal interaction also serves people with learning
most popular scenario that comes to disabilities, those involved in physical mind when thinking of therapy
therapy, or those recovering from
animals, there are many other situa- stressful life events such as a natural tions involving human and animal
disaster or trauma. Research sup-
interactions that can be beneficial to ports the idea that contact with an the psychological and physiological
animal can improve a patient’s
and birds, all of which are found at
wellbeing of both sides involved.
physical, mental, and emotional
Global Wildlife, are commonly used
Just visiting with animals has been
state, which in turn helps them to
in animal-based therapy. Therapy
shown to lower anxiety and motivate better engage and participate in
with the use of animals may be best participation. Connecting with an known for bringing affection, com-
animal by petting, feeding, or sharing
fort and happiness to people in
a laugh can bring positive feelings
social settings.
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Animals who offer therapeutic interaction come in all shapes and sizes, and their most important characteristic is not their species, breed or appearance, but their temperament. They are friendly, patient, confident, gentle, and at ease with strangers. They provide acceptance and never fail to put smiles on the faces of children and adults. So why not use a friendly Fallow deer or a curious European Red deer for the use of therapeutic interaction also? Here at Global Wildlife Center, we offer animal interaction and engagement throughout our hour and a half long tours. From the physical therapy point of view, the guest may be motivated to feed the animal or touch it. Because the wagons sit high off the ground, the animals only have access to the wagon windows with their upper bodies while not allowing their feet or constantly swishing tails to make contact with anyone on tour. If the guests feel uncomfortable with the close presence of animals through their wagon window, they can simply move away from the barrier and enjoy the animals from a more desirable distance. This offers important sensory stimulation without it becoming overwhelming to these guests. From the cognitive therapy point of view, for those with social deficits (as in the autism spectrum) the animal is sometimes seen as more welcoming and inviting in comparison to engaging in a social setting with a person. The animal can be presented as a new friend. This allows a safe and exciting atmosphere which has the potential to lower anxiety and offer a new type of enjoyment and interaction.
In North America, there are nearly 110,000 llamas located on ranches, farms, and privately owned facilities. Llamas are clean, intelligent, and have a face that will surely make you smile. Their personalities are more similar to cats than dogs, horses, or other livestock. Due to their friendly demeanor, llamas are an outstanding animal to choose to interact with here at Global Wildlife. They are the most gentle of eaters on the wagon tours and will often trot alongside your wagon window to show extra affection. Llamas are quiet, peaceful animals and make soft humming sounds to communicate. Just watching the llamas as they play, graze and interact with each other is a great way to lower your blood pressure and increase your feeling of well-being. Llamas have a very gentle and inquisitive nature which is why they are becoming a commonly used species in the field of companionship therapy and often provide comfort through their visits to residents of nursing homes, hospices and hospitals which provide often needed stimulation and enjoyment.
One species known for positive therapeutic interaction who calls Global Wildlife Center their home are our family of llamas. Llamas are indigenous to the high Andes of the South American countries of Peru, Bolivia and Chile.
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In my continued academic studies of psychology, I species, watching them interact with each other and
have focused my attention to companionship thera-
the tours full of guests. There truly is no feeling com-
py and in more detail, the use of llamas as compan-
parable to that joy. The increase in morale when en-
ions in therapy type settings. Llamas are amazing for gaging with these animals is noticeable from the this because they are so loving, friendly and of
time the tour makes its first stop in the field and you
course non-judgmental, they are very straightfor-
can see the expressions on people’s faces glow with
ward and do not care how someone looks or how
excitement and happiness. I am proud to say that I
they do things. They are amusing to watch with their am a part of this. antics and laughter can be a great release for those who are generally overwhelmed by their difficult lives.
So the next time you find yourself feeling down in the dumps, stuck in the doldrums of life, or simply in
need of a pick me up from a stressful week, schedule
The importance of touch is necessary for our
a trip to see us here at Global Wildlife Center for an
emotional and physical well-being. For children and
instant mood enhancer. Whether you prefer hands
adults who have been ill-treated or abused a touch
on interaction or find yourself more of the observing
from another human can be a very difficult concept
type, you will not be disappointed. You might even
to accept, but the touch of a warm fleecy animal is
find yourself making it a new addition to your
non-threatening and offers pleasure to that individu- regular de-stressing regiment. al. Although llamas are large creatures, they offer a feeling of loyalty and peace which takes away their
size. Also, a llama’s humming harbors the same
- Story By Jenniffer Smith, Master’s of Psychology Candidate 2015
physiological benefits that a cat’s purring has which is known to lower blood pressure and lessen anxiety. Throughout my years at Global Wildlife Center, I have had the opportunity to witness firsthand the countless benefits offered through the interaction between our guests and all of our animals that call this place home. We are actively involved with many local schools in the southern part of Louisiana as well
as hosting groups like Camp Tiger regularly throughout our time here in Folsom. I have seen the faces of children and adults light up when given the chance to hand feed or touch the animals here. I have personally never had a tour be able to refrain from laughing from the enjoyment of their contact with the animals and have never been able to keep from laughing myself. It is an incredible feeling to be safely surrounded by so many different
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Animal mix n match Can you help us match each of our animal’s picture to their species name?!
B
A
E
4
2
Sicilian Donkey
Grant Zebra
5
3
Kangaroo
Scimitar Horned Oryx 2. C 3. B 4. A 5. D
Red Lechwe
Key: 1. E
D
1
C