Leading Edge

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Are live animals worth it?

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The Museum introduced live animals into its collection over 11 years ago. We are now home to 6 ambassador animals including raptors, snakes, and a frog. These critters came with a cost, including the necessary facilities, staff time required for care, and ongoing financial costs to provide what they need. There is also the ethical question of keeping wild animals in captivity. Why did the Museum take on the burden? Live animals seemed a perfect fit to fulfil our mission of " connecting people to Northwoods nature through educational experiences that inspire wonder, discovery, and responsibility ." Programs with these animals seem to do just that. During raptor programs or snake feedings, I have seen the wonder on audience members' faces, fielded fascinating questions from people wanting to discover more, and taught how we can help these animals in the wild. While my observations are useful to justify the live collections at the Museum, a study published recently looked at...
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Why do we love animals?

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A rather philosophical question has been simmering in my thoughts recently. Why is it so common for us humans to be drawn to animals? Why do we love animals so much? In an interview with Karolina Westlund , she suggests that it's in our DNA. Thousands of years ago, some early humans formed bonds with animals. They domesticated dogs, sheep, and cows. Those connections allowed them to survive better than the humans that didn't care for animals. The animal lovers were better able to pass on their animal-lover genes to the next generations. Centuries later, we are still coded to seek out those connections. Julie Squires , a life coach for animal professionals, took a different approach to this question. "I think the fundamental reason we love animals is because they bring out the best in us. We like who we are when we are around animals." That certainly rings true for me. Even on my grumpiest days, just seeing my cat can make me smile. At work, a frazzled and distractable...
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Choice-based Cooling

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It was a hot and humid day. I was feeling sluggish and the birds were, too. They always have water pans available to bathe in, but I wanted to try offering another cooling option.  Carson the Red-tailed Hawk loves taking a shower in the rain, so wouldn't she like a little mist from a spray bottle on a hot day? Unfortunately, she has always been uncomfortable around spray bottles and flees from them whenever they come out. On this steamy day, I decided to try a different approach. What if I gave her the power to turn the spray bottle on and off? I stepped in the mew and waited until she came close to me on the right side of the long perch. I sprayed a bit of water on her toes, then delivered a treat on the other side of the mew. I stepped back to my original position and waited. After a moment, Carson hopped back to the right side of the perch. The spray bottle turned on. This time she wasn't terribly comfortable and took a step to the side. The spray bottle turned off and I lef...
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