News From The Mews

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

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

After the last Talon Talk of the summer, I walked Aldo back to his mew and noticed something odd. He had one long tail feather held at weird angle. I paused and Aldo began preening his tail. He focused on the three new feathers, short and still growing in. The long feather, the last old feather, seemed to droop below. After a few swipes with his beak, the old feather popped off and gracefully floated to the ground. Now he just needs to focus on growing that tail back! Aldo's loose tail feather droops against the glove. Aldo carefully preens his fresh new tail feathers.