South Florida's Wild Side - Fall 2023

WILDSIDE SOUTH FLORIDA’S

Fall 2023

South Florida Wildlife Center’s Quarterly Newsletter | Education | Patient Updates | Events

OUR MISSION: PROTECTING WILDLIFE THROUGH RESCUE, REHABILITATION, AND EDUCATION. www. SouthFloridaWildlifeCenter.org • (954) 524 - 4302 • Hours: 9:00AM - 4:30PM

STAFF Executive Director Alessandra Medri Medical Director Charlotte Cournoyer, DVM Veterinarian Erica Sheppard, DVM Office Manager JoAnne Mayz Director of Outreach Carolina Montano Business Development Manager Noreen Abrams Development Specialist Steven Faviano Clinic Supervisor Shelby Slevin Rehabilitation Supervisor Maria Vanegas Release Supervisor Mariangelique Diaz Fallick

WILDSIDE SOUTH FLORIDA’S

TABLE OF CONTENTS

03 Internship Opportunities 04 Keep them Wild 07 Exploring our Aviaries 08 | Sponsor Highlight 10 | Wild Lecture Series

Volunteer Coordinator Camila Pulido

13 | Second Quarter in Review

Outreach Coordinator Khrystyne Jamerson

14 | Rehab Stories - Into the Operating Room

Outreach Specialists: Kasandra Camejo Megan Rowan

17 | Species Spotlight

Lead Wildlife Rehabilitators: Nick Sonzogni Joe Hausfeld Wildlife Rehabilitators: Jessica Ferrigno Lisa Bergwin Erika Piechowski Eloisa Valencia Mercy Torres Shannon Doherty Sharmicha Moore Fayth Tapia-Wade Riley Munsen Milagros Otero Lead Veterinary Assistant: Joscelyn Bentz Veterinary Assistants: Sandy Pagel Natalie Hess Facilities Manager Glenn Georgis Facility Technicians: Anthony Weare David Grant

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BOARD OF DIRECTORS Jeffrey J. Arciniaco

President, Board Chairman

Thomas J. Sabatino Jr. Vice Chairman, Secretary

Thomas A. Bartelmo Treasurer

Ardath Rosengarden Director

Doug Koger Director

Eric L. Bernthal Director

18 | Staff Feature 21 | Sticky Situations 23 | Meet Brie, the Great Horned Owl

Meet Brie, SFWC’s Great Horned Owl Ambassador! Read her story and why she is critical in educating the public about these amazing creatures.

Cover photo is 2023 Wildlife Photography Contest entry of a Tri-colored-Heron by Sonia Sousa.

Missed previous editions of South Florida’s Wild Side?

Check them out at https://issuu.com/sfwc

INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

Are you passionate about wildlife conservation? Do you want to make a difference in the world while gaining valuable experience and skills? Our organization is thrilled to offer a range of wildlife internship opportunities for driven and dedicated individuals like you.

Whether you are interested in rehabilitation, education, or hands-on veterinary work, we have a position that will suit your goals and interests. Our experienced teams will mentor and guide you every step of the way, ensuring that you gain practical knowledge and real-world experience.

Apply now to join our community of conservationists and make a meaningful impact on our planet’s wildlife.

To learn more about our work, how you can get involved, and for general wildlife questions, head to our website and follow along on social media!

@SouthFloridaWildlifeCenter

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KEEP THEM WILD Encountering sick, injured, or orphaned wildlife can be a distressing experience. While it’s natural to want to help, it is crucial to understand that wildlife rehabilitation is a technical skill that requires training, expertise, and specialized equipment. Attempting to rehabilitate wildlife without a license and proper training can do more harm than good. In Florida, it’s not only illegal, but can also put both the animal and the person attempting rehabilitation at risk.

Wild animals have specific dietary and housing requirements that are not easily replicated. Attempting to care for them without proper training can lead to malnutrition, stress, or even death. Contacting a licensed wildlife rehabilitator is crucial to ensure the animal has its best chance at returning to the wild. Wildlife rehabilitators are professionals that have the necessary expertise and equipment to provide temporary care and treatment to the animal and ensuring its safe release.

At SFWC, we are thrilled to see the passion and commitment of our community towards the protection of our wildlife. We are dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating animals while also educating the public about wildlife conservation. Our ultimate goal is to foster a peaceful co-existence with our wild neighbors. We would love for you to join us on this mission! With your support, we can continue to positively impact the lives of our wildlife and create a better environment for us all.

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JOIN THE FLOCK! Sign up to become a pledged monthly donor.

Making a regular monthly donation is the easiest and most helpful way to support our work at SFWC. Your contribution of any amount is securely deducted each month, channeling each dollar to save wildlife.

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EXPLORING OUR AVIARIES

At the South Florida Wildlife Center, our aviaries are crucial in the recovery journey of our avian patients. Once they progress beyond the nurturing confines of the nursery, these spacious aviaries become their temporary homes as they prepare for their release back into the wild.

Every morning, our dedicated staff and volunteers work tirelessly to prepare specialized diets tailored to each patient’s unique needs. Careful attention to nutrition ensures that they have the strength and energy they need to thrive in their natural habitat. In these aviaries, our patients have space to spread their wings, hone their flying skills, and engage in natural behaviors. It’s truly heartwarming to witness their progress as they regain their confidence and independence.

Our team ensures that these habitats are meticulously cleaned and maintained, providing a safe and hygienic environment for our patients to flourish. The well-being of our wildlife patients is our top priority. With each passing day, we watch in awe as our patients grow stronger and more self-sufficient. As they embark on their journey back into the wild, our aviaries become a haven of hope, paving the way for a future where they can soar freely in nature.

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SPONSOR HIGHLIGHT Our organization is humbled by the incredible support of our community. With your help, we are able to make a real and lasting impact to the lives of injured and orphaned wildlife in South Florida. We are proud to continue our mission of rescue, rehabilitation, and release, and to educate the public about the importance of peaceful co-existence with our wild neighbors.

We are especially grateful to our sponsors, whose generous contributions allow us to continue our vital work. Without them, we would not be able to provide the care and support that our local wildlife so desperately needs. We invite you to join us in this important effort. Whether you are able to donate, volunteer, or simply spread the word about our mission, every little bit helps. Together, we can make a difference for the animals who call South Florida home. Please check our website for the various ways you can help.

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SEMINOLE BAT (23-5531) A concerned citizen discovered this Seminole Bat on the ground at his workplace.

When he noticed the bat was unable to fly and potentially had a broken wing, he transported the bat to our hospital for rehabilitation.

An intake exam revealed the adult bat was in reasonable body condition. Radiographs confirmed a fracture in the radius and ulna of the right wing. Under anesthesia, clinic staff stabilized the wing to allow for proper placement while healing. This patient is undergoing treatment in our ICU while the wing injury continues to heal.

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WILD LECTURE SERIES The South Florida Wildlife Center offers a free monthly virtual series of public lectures covering various topics presented by professionals in their respective fields.

We hope those who join us learn something new about nature, how it correlates to wildlife, and what we do at SFWC. Missed our talks this quarter? Check them out on our YouTube channel!

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EASTERN SCREECH OWLS (only patient 23-5663 pictured here) Miramar homeowners discovered these two Eastern Screech Owlets on the ground after getting displaced from their nest. An intake exam revealed they were in good body condition with no signs of injury. Once medically cleared, efforts were made to reunite the owlets with their family. A nest box was installed in the area where they were found. The owlets were placed inside in hopes that the mother would return. After three days of checking on them, unfortunately, there was no evidence mom returned to the nest, and they were transported back to the center for hand-rearing.

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BARN SWALLOW (23-5558) A Fort Lauderdale resident found this Barn Swallow injured and unable to fly. An intake exam revealed swelling in the right shoulder area, pointing to signs of a coracoid fracture. During the recovery process, this patient was administered medication and hand fed three times a day until the bird slowly regained the strength needed to fly. After two weeks recovering in our ICU, this Barn Swallow transitioned to one of our outdoor aviaries where it has ample room to spread its wings before release. Interesting fact: this is a rare species where we only admit 1-2 annually in our hospital!

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THIRD QUARTER IN REVIEW July 1, 2023 – September 30, 2023

Total Patients Total Species

1,852

138

Birds 907 Mammals 883 Reptiles 61 Amphibians 1

Volunteers/Interns/Externs

144

Hours Donated

6,788

Meet Kelsey, our latest Veterinary Extern from Gresham, Oregon!

Kelsey is currently attending vet school at Oregon State University. She would like to specialize in small animal general practice and develop the skills to see exotic animals and wildlife as her career progresses. Kelsey chose SFWC because “we have great reputation for education that included students interested in veterinary medicine.” She also said, “the quantity of wildlife (particularly birds) that southfloridawildlifecenter.org | 13is seen by SFWC surpasses any experience I could have hoped for in Oregon, and I knew that time spent here would give me skills and a foundation in wildlife medicine. Plus I have some friends ahead of me in school who had a great time here last year too!”

REHAB STORIES: INTO THE OPERATING ROOM VIRGINIA OPOSSUM (23-4856) As development continues to expand and fragmenting natural habitats, the number of human-wildlife interactions continues to increase. Every year we see wildlife patients admitted to our hospital with injuries consistent with being struck by a car. As they make their way from one habitat to another, they must cross busy roads and highways to accomplish their goal of finding adequate food and shelter. Animals like owls, opossums, and raccoons are often active at night, when roads are less congested but at higher risk due to decreased visibility.

In early August, a Boca Raton resident discovered a Virginia Opossum lying in the road.

With injuries consistent with getting hit by a car, they promptly transported her to our center for rehabilitation. Little did they know they would be rescuing eight opossums that day when staff confirmed she had seven babies in her pouch. An intake exam revealed she had sustained a fracture to her right canine, a laceration to the tip of her tongue, and significant damage to her right eye. The eye was flushed and cleared of debris, while medications were administered to alleviate pain.

After one week of supportive care, this patient stabilized and began gaining weight. With no injuries to her joeys, they remained with their mother until they were weaned and large enough to transition to the next phase in the rehabilitation process. Unfortunately, the trauma from the impact left her nonvisual in her right eye. Under anesthesia, clinic staff removed the eye and sutured the area closed. Because Virginia opossums have poor eyesight, in general, removal of the eye has deemed her non releasable.

Although not able to return to the wild, this opossum still has a great future. When the surgery site is properly healed, she will transition into becoming an ambassador for her species. Virginia Opossums play a critical role in the environment by scavenging, helping control pest populations, and providing a key role in the food chain. As an ambassador, she will help foster an appreciation for opossums in the wild, while her story will help spread awareness about the plight of wildlife in their natural environment.

SFWC is home to 11 different species of animals, many of whom (like this opossum) have permanent injuries which have left them incapable of surviving on their own in the wild. Often, these injuries are caused by human activity, but with the help of these ambassadors, the community can learn how to share our environment with the local wildlife, and how to reduce the negative impact we might have on them.

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SPECIES SPOTLIGHT

MAGNIFICENT FRIGATEBIRD Fregata magnificens

The Magnificent Frigatebird is a large seabird that can be spotted soaring over the tropical waters of the southern United States, Mexico, and the Caribbean. For identification, look for their long angular wings, slender body, and forked tail. Frigatebirds are the only species of seabirds where the males and females can be identified by their coloration. Females have a white patch on their throat, while males have a bright red pouch that they will inflate to attract females during breeding season.

This species forages by swooping over the surface of the water to grab fish, squid, jellyfish, and crustaceans. Although they can forage for themselves, they are also known for harassing other birds, forcing them to drop or regurgitate their catch for an easy meal. Learning this skill takes some practice!

Young frigatebirds will chase each other with sticks. When one is dropped, the other will dive down to get it.

This Magnificent Frigatebird (23-4817) was found on the road in St. James City, unable to fly. After transport to another wildlife hospital, an intake exam confirmed no injuries were present. After 11 days of supportive care, she was transferred to our facility to spend time in our large flight cage prior to release. This space gave her room to spread her wings so her flight could be monitored. After 17 days of supportive care and rehabilitation, this Magnificent Frigatebird was ready to return to the wild.

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STAFF FEATURE

Khrystyne Jamerson Outreach Coordinator

When did you start working for SFWC? I started working for SFWC in March of 2022.

What is your favorite part of the job?

My favorite part of the job is leading educational programs for kids and sharing my passion for wildlife with the next generation. I love seeing them inspired to protect and learn more about wildlife and nature and share their knowledge with friends and family. My second favorite part of the job is testing my bird identification skills. When I am working in the Resource Center admitting new patients to our hospital, I enjoy having a unique species come in and using my skills to narrow down what bird it could be and test my knowledge to see if I can make an accurate identification.

Do you feel like your role plays a part in SFWC’s mission?

I do think my role plays a significant part in our mission. As part of the Outreach Team, our goal is to educate the community about local wildlife and how we can peacefully coexist. Whether we are answering phones in the Resource Center or leading a program, the opportunity is always there to help someone foster an appreciation for nature.

What do you look forward to in your future career?

Although I can’t predict what my future career may look like, one thing I know is that I will continue to share my passion for wildlife and natural spaces. I will always look forward to speaking with someone who may have no prior knowledge of wildlife or nature and have them leave with a greater understanding of the natural world around them.

What is your favorite patient story?

One of my favorite patient stories is from two Downy Woodpeckers we had early in the summer.

A homeowner discovered the nestlings on the ground at the base of a tree. After renest attempts were unsuccessful, they transported them to our center for rehabilitation. I assisted their care in the beginning stages to make sure they were getting the nutrition they needed prior to transitioning to our nursery. I enjoyed following along with their story as they moved through the rehabilitation process and was thrilled to witness them return to the wild.

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BLUE JAY (23-6241) This Blue Jay was discovered in Fort Lauderdale stuck to a glue trap.

Both feet, as well as the feathers on the right wing, were stuck in the adhesive. Fortunately, clinic staff was able to remove the bird quickly and clean sticky residue left behind from the trap. With no other major injuries, this jay is recovering in our Wildlife Ward receiving regular baths to remove any remaining residue until ready for release.

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STICKY SITUATIONS:

THE EFFECTS OF GLUE TRAPS At the South Florida Wildlife Center, we are always concerned about animal welfare. One issue that deeply saddens us is the unintentional capture of animals in glue traps. These sticky sheets are designed to capture flying insects and rodents, but often they end up ensnaring innocent wildlife who become trapped in the sticky glue.

The suffering these animals endure is heart-wrenching. When caught in a glue trap, they desperately struggle to free themselves, only to succumb to injuries, exhaustion, starvation, or dehydration over a period of hours, or even days. It’s a slow and painful death that no living being should have to endure.

What makes this situation even more distressing is that the victims of glue traps are not the intended targets. Birds, snakes, lizards, and small mammals are the ones most frequently caught in these traps, with their delicate wings, skin, bodies, or legs’ injuries. Feathers become damaged and mangled, rendering them unable to fly. To survive, these animals need immediate medical attention.

We are eager to raise awareness about the dangers of glue traps and to advocate for alternatives that are humane and effective. We believe that education is key in preventing the unintentional harm caused by these traps. By spreading awareness about the suffering endured by trapped animals, we hope to inspire individuals and communities to choose alternative pest control methods.

We also urge everyone to be proactive in their neighborhoods and workplaces. If you encounter an animal caught in a glue trap, please do not hesitate to seek help. Every minute counts and by acting swiftly, you can save a life. Contact your local wildlife rehabilitation centers who have the expertise and resources to safely and compassionately free the trapped animal.

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Help support our Wildlife Education Ambassador Program by symbolically adopting one of our resident animals!

Through the South Florida Wildlife Center’s Wildlife Education Ambassador Program, our resident animals help us provide education and advocacy for wildlife. The program’s nonreleasable animals have unique stories that allow our Outreach and Community Services team to inform the public about the different species, conservation efforts, respect, and appreciation of our South Florida wildlife.

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Your symbolic adoption of an ambassador animal helps to provide the best possible veterinary care, staffing, training, and husbandry, as well as habitat maintenance for our Wildlife Education Ambassador Animals.

MEET BRIE

THE GREAT HORNED OWL In the spring of 2022, Brie was admitted to CROW (Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife, Inc.) in Sanibel, Florida. The finders had always been in awe of her and her family, as she was often spotted in their backyard and had recently raised a brood of owlets. Their worry about her health grew when they discovered her on the ground unable to fly.

While at CROW, the vet staff noticed bruising on her left wing, which typically heals over time and does not affect her flight. What they found most concerning, however, was the hallux (first digit) on her right foot which was necrotic. This indicated she sustained an injury to the area and an infection had taken hold of her talon. To save the rest of her toe and foot, the decision was made to amputate the infected area. The procedure was successful, and her toe healed beautifully. Unfortunately, that digit is the most crucial for birds of prey when they hunt. Because her ability to hunt would be significantly affected, she was deemed non-releasable.

After providing supportive care and ensuring she could maintain a good quality of life, she was transferred to SFWC for permanent placement on June 21, 2022. Her story helps our staff educate the community about the importance of owls in the wild and the steps you should take if you find one in distress.

Great Horned Owl Fun Facts: Owls do not have a good sense of smell. But they do have acute hearing and can hear sounds ten miles away.

Owls cannot move their eyes up, down, or side to side like humans can, so they have evolved the ability to rotate their heads approximately 270 degrees. They have 14 neck bones. Humans have 7.

The life span of a Great Horned Owl is anywhere from fifteen to twenty-five years in human care.

Due to the shapes of their wings and softly fringed feather edges, Great Horned Owls are able to fly in near silence and take their prey by surprise.

After the owl eats its prey, it coughs up little pellets (about the size of your thumb) that are parts of the animal that the owl could not digest. This is made up of bones, skin, fur, and feathers.

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2023 Wildlife Photography Contest entry of a Gray Squirrel by Brianna Rezende.

Learn more

southfloridawildlifecenter.org 954 524 4302 info@southfloridawildlifecenter.org 3200 SW 4th Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33315 Hours: 9:00AM - 4:30PM @SouthFloridaWildlifeCenter