Rehabitat Newsletter, Issue #17, Winter 1999

I believe that the truly life altering choices we make are rarely the ones we painstakingly calculate and evaluate in full and wrenching awareness of the potential future consequences. We may casually choose a path and have a seemingly incidental encounter which will radically affect our future course ... perhaps our entire purpose for being. If we are very fortunate, we will meet on that path some life-long human friends and perhaps an exceptional animal. As luck would have it for me, Vinnie, an Indonesian bearcat (binturong) was to cross my path. From that time we traveled the path together. For the past seven years I have known the parting would come. I’ve anticipated and feared the loss which is now a stinging reality. Vinnie is dead.

When we experience the death of a human companion, an obituary details the lifelong accomplishments and family connectivness of the deceased. Having, all of us, experienced similar losses of friends and family, we are able to sympathize and empathize with the bereaved as they numbly shuffle through traditional rituals, acknowledging their loss. Does an animal who touched, enlightened and enriched so many lives deserve any less?

I encountered my first bearcat (binturong) at a small roadside zoo. I was saddened to see this large grizzled oddity pacing in a solitary existence in his small indoor wintering quarters. In all my years of zoo work, I had never seen such an intriguing beast: bear-like face, cat-like body, long shaggy coat of black with gray tipping, a heavy prehensile tail. When I queried as to why this marvel of nature lived alone, the zoo owner indicated that he had been unable to locate any possible mates. My search began. I called several zoos which had been known to breed binturongs in the past. They had all lost the last of their bloodlines many years prior and had no leads for me to follow. It became apparent that there was no current consolidated effort to save this species. Binturong were likely gone in most of their Indonesian range, victims of the lucrative aphrodisiac market in the far east. Fewer than two hundred individuals were registered in captivity worldwide. Most captive animals were aged, solitary specimens in zoo educational programs. Very little breeding potential was in evidence. I came to believe that I could assist in housing, breeding and promoting the bearcat. I ran an advertisement in a national animal breeders publication: "Looking for a binturong..." Suprisingly, I received a call from a Russian woman in New York City who had purchased a pair of binturong from importers years ago. I quickly arranged for the trip to the city to purchase the pair. I couldn’t have gotten there soon enough. For over seven years, these six foot long (nose to tail tip), fifty plus pound animals had lived in a parrot case in this New York City apartment (along with a varied collection of other exotic “pets”). The wondrous “Vinnie” and Pooh” eyed me with great suspicion. Their owner assured me that she allowed these sad captives free-roam of her small apartment. I insisted on seeing them loose ... Pooh sought to terrorize the domestic housecat while Vinnie entertained himself attacking the boyfriend’s computer. My fears, regarding the quality of their lives, confirmed, the animals were subdued and crated for the trip to the veterinarian for a NY state health certificate.

I was fully aware that I was traveling to NYC on the day of the traffic-stopping NY Marathon. I was assured that the residence was no where in proximity to the course. No mention had been made that the Manhattan Veterinary Hospital was 1/2 block off the route. Driving and carrying bearcats through marathon spectators was an experience frightening to both bearcats and their new caretaker. Interesting ... it is illegal in the boroughs of New York City to own/house exotic animals ... however there are SEVEN exotic animal veterinary specialists in this Manhattan clinic????

Herein lies the problem whereby bearcats end up spending over seven years in a bird cage. We would work hard to make it up to them ... these beautiful curious frightened beasts en route to Dillsburg.

The years that followed consisted of many adjustments and improvements in bearcat husbandry, housing and veterinary care. Ultimately buildings were designed to allow for a large heated indoor and outdoor play quarters and the ever-popular sunbathing decks. Eating fruit and lounging in the sun took much of Vinnie’s days. Eventually Vinnie was paired with a lovely female from Calgary, Canada. Her name is Baboo. The two of them successfully reared many youngsters through the years. This part year Vinnie became a grandfather as his own young reproduced. The goal in keeping and breeding bearcats is to ultimately release them back into the rainforest at some future time where they may live in protection. In the interim, we attempt to increase the breeding population and maintain genetic diversity. Vinnie has, more than any other living binturong, ensured that not only his personal heritage, but that of his species will continue.

His babies are working in educational programs in New York, Poconos, Florida, Tennessee and elsewhere. Unlike many easily frightened exotic animals, Vinnie’s kids are known for their easy-going personalities. They have represented their kind on local and national television programs, visited schools and nursing homes and traveled in zoo educational lectures. Vinnie’s legacy will go on forever.

These last few months have been increasingly difficult for Vinnie and for me. The baby monitor connecting Vinnie’s cage to my household kitchen, once had relayed the joyous newborn squeals of Vinnie’s newest offspring. Now the haunting late night sounds were the ominous occasional raspy cough revealing the progressive deterioration of congestive heart failure. It became harder to ignore his slightly tired sunken aged eyes, ungroomed coat and too-pale pink “smile”. There was no reasonable humane medical intervention. When treating “wild” (albeit captive and sometimes seemingly tame) animals, one must always weigh the stress of treatment against the potential benefits. There was no question for Vinnie. He could not have survived anesthesia for blood sampling or any other medical procedures. He had more good days than bad. He was still active and alert. The first one to the food dish which he vocally defended. Baboo did not dare to intrude until invited. I had anticipated a full winter of hospice care for him - quiet time to sit in one another’s company. Time for me to reflect ... time for me to express gratitude to this animal who unwillingly sacrificed a life in the wild, who had contributed so much to his species ... and to me.

And so it was Christmas morning. Vinnie greeted me at his door, surveyed the food dish for the favorite bananas and grapes and ignored me as I bid him farewell on my way to Christmas dinner. That was my last glimpse of this incredible animal who had so changed and chartered my life.

I was shocked and angered to find him. Why on Christmas? Why without warning? I had expected the gradual deterioration of his health, diminished hopes and expectations, a slow adjustment and acceptance - even welcoming of his inevitable death - when I was ready. Instead, I know that Vinnie died rightfully on his own timetable. Studies of death and dying reveal that young children and pets often die in the absence of their loved ones. When confronted with caregivers who are unwilling to give up and let go, they are unable to pass. Perhaps I needed to be away at Christmas Dinner. You have enriched my life . . . Goodbye . . . God bless you Vinnie.

A special thanks to Dr. Linda Stern of the Avian and Feline Hospital for her help in the care of Vinnie and all the Bearcats at Rehabitat.

A Special Thanks . . . . . There are so many individuals who help us, that it’s difficult to personally express our thanks to each of them. However, we’d like to take this opportunity to thank one member who has given outstanding service, and we know we can count on in the years to come. Don Ebright has completed his two - 2 year terms on our Board. This is the maximum term allowed by our by-laws, so he will be leaving the Board of Directors in January. Don is an avid birder and probably one of the most knowledgeable in the area. In addition to his service to Rehabitat, he is an active member of the Audubon Society and is very involved in the Saw Whet banding program through the Ned Smith Center for Nature and Art. During his association with Rehabitat, he has served in many ways. In addition to giving his time and expertise to the Board, he has helped us train volunteers to handle birds, picked up injured birds, assisted with releases, worked at the facility and volunteered at countless events and shows. There is no question that Don’s contributions have made an impact on the results we’ve had over the years and we extend our warm and heartfelt thanks to him for all he has done, and will do in the future. Thank you, Don!

In accordance with the by-laws of Rehabitat, you are hereby notified that the Annual Meeting is scheduled for:

Monday, January 25, 1999 at 7:00 PM at the Career Development Center of Jack Gaughen Realtor 3913 Market Street, Camp Hill, Pa., 17011*

This meeting is open to all members. Voting members must be at least 18 years of age and have a current paid membership. The agenda will include:

·Election of Board Members for those with expired terms or to fill vacancies · Financial report (which will also be included in the next newsletter) · An opportunity to give your input and ask questions · Discussion of 1999 projects and plans

We appreciate the interest and input of our Members and hope you will consider joining us for this meeting. To be assured of adequate seating and supplies, please contact Wendy Looker at 432-9483 or Karen Stone at 938-3731 to let us know you are planning to attend. Thanks to all our members for their ongoing support. It is only because of the support of our members and dedicated volunteers that we can continue to provide these services. * Note that this is not Jack Gaughen Realtor’s main office. It is located near the Sierra Madre restaurant. As you face the 2 story brick building, there are two driveways. You want the one on the left. Enter at ramp. Meeting is in the basement.

We are always impressed at how promptly our loyal members renew their Annual Membership at billing time. Our sincere thanks for your support. If you are not sure if your membership is renewed, please refer to the mailing label on this Newsletter. If renewed as of January 3, it should show an expiration date of 12/99. If you recently renewed, and we don’t yet have you credited for your renewal, please don’t be concerned. Our records are maintained by volunteers and, particularly with the holidays, there may be some delay in posting. If our records do not show a renewed membership, we will contact you later this month to verify that our records are correct.

We would love to provide you with candy to sell at your place of employment. If this is something your employer allows, all you need to do is let us know. We’ll provide you with a box of assorted candy bars, priced at $1 each. Sales are usually on an “honor” basis, and we’ve found people to be very honest. Simply call us when you need more and we’ll pick up the sales proceeds and provide you with a new box! This is an excellent and easy source of revenue for us. We’d sure appreciate your help!

Hoots and Hisses

Hoots to the vets and staff at the Winding Hill Veterinary Clinic and the Avian and Feline Animal Hospitals for their ongoing assistance and services throughout the year.

Hoots to the Camp Hill Animal Hospital and the Avian and Feline Animal Hospitals for their help with candy sales.

Hoots to Ken and Pat Young of East Berlin for donating a much needed chipper/shredder.

Hoots to Reckitt and Colman, distributors of Dow cleaning products for a very generous donation of lots and lots of greatly needed detergents and disinfectants . . a real help in keeping our animals winter indoor quarters clean. Hoots to Paul Stauffer for his many hours and expertise in creating a video about Rehabitat. (By the way, this is available for loan to anyone interested!)

Hoots to everyone at Christ United Church in Carlisle who helped donate a long list of greatly needed items.

Hisses (our only one, but a big one!!) to the people who caught a skunk in a live trap and were too afraid to approach it for fear of getting sprayed. It was trapped for one week without food or water until someone thought to call for advice. We advised them to throw a blanket over the trap and relocate the animal with food and water, which was successfully done. Out of sight/out of mind is totally unacceptable. If someone sets a live trap they need to be accountable to monitor it and IMMEDIATELY address any trapped animal.

I am a member of Boy Scout Troop 198 and over this past summer and fall, I completed my Eagle project with the help of Rehabitat and Wendy Looker. The goal of my project was to create habitat for barn owls who have lost theirs due to land development and also to lure owls that dwell in barns outside, where they are out of danger from poisons. To accomplish my goal, my project consisted of designing and constructing six barn owl nesting boxes and installing them in areas where the owls will have a better chance of survival and to raise fledglings. I chose to install the boxes on several farms and rural properties in the York, Cumberland and Dauphin County areas. The boxes were all placed at the edge of woods or in a tree line overlooking fields with a stream or water source nearby; the optimal habitat for owls to live and hunt. The 2 1/2 foot tall boxes were hoisted up in trees at least 15-20 feet off the ground, rested on a large limb and were securely tied to the tree. All of the trees chosen for boxes have many branches below the box for the fledglings to come out onto and safely learn to fly. Barn owls play an important role in the farmland ecosystem, and the placement of these nesting boxes will help to insure their survival, which benefits that community as a whole.

Note: Rehabitat commends John for the work he has done. If you know of anyone who has made a contribution to our environment, we’d like to hear about it.

We discussed this project in our last newsletter. Since then we have had some set backs and some successes. It had been our hope to establish this project at a location accessible to the public. We could not reasonably obtain permission at the location we felt was most suitable, but will continue to pursue this at a later time. Although disappointing, this will not have any impact on obtaining the goals of this project. In order to proceed on a timely basis, we are beginning the project at the Rehabitat site, but will build the mews in such a way that they can be easily transported to another location at a later date. We are very excited to have received several adoption donations for our breeding birds and we have two paid sponsorships for the construction of two mews, and others who have expressed a strong interest in helping us. Adoption of a breeding barn owl is $150 annually. We will later be offering adoptions of the “baby” birds. The cost to sponsor a mew is $500. Each mew will have a permanent plaque attached recognizing the individual, business or group sponsorship. While most interest expressed so far has been from individuals, this would be an excellent project for a small group or organization to undertake. If you’d like more information, please contact Rehabitat and let us know if we can help you to help us!

Sometime in the future, we would like to have our own web site, dedicated to Rehabitat news and raptor information in general. At present, we really don’t have the manpower to routinely maintain and update such a site. But, as usually happens, we did receive some excellent help! This is definitely the next best thing to having our own dedicated site. A short while ago, we had a Red-tailed Hawk brought into the facility. The young men who brought it happened to have a web site dedicated to our local area and offered to feature Rehabitat for us. We encourage you to visit “thewestshore.com”. This is a most interesting web site. It has given us one more source of exposure, and we are very grateful. The site highlights various restaurants and businesses, contains local classified ads, games, local activities, and lots of links to numerous and varied web sites. I guarantee you that whether you’re looking for information or pure entertainment, you can spend a long time browsing this site! And, contrary to what the name may imply, it has information on both the West and East shore. As a result of this exposure, we were contacted by a veterinarian from Brazil who was looking for information to help a hawk he was treating. He has remained in contact and we have put him in touch with a network of vets. It’s amazing to realize that this gift opens the entire world to us, and us to them. Our sincere thanks to Jeff and Jason who have spent countless hours adding information and pictures to their site for Rehabitat.

Wednesday, January 20 - Free public program sponsored by Sierra Club - 7:00 PM - Camp Hill Mall Community Room. Slides and live birds will be presented. All are welcome. Saturday, January 30 - PetSmart on Carlisle Pike - 10 am to 2 PM

had the unpleasant experience of having a family pet sprayed by a skunk? If you have, it’s an experience you will not soon forget! Believe me, until this happens, you only THINK you know what a skunk smells like. SKUNK SPRAY NEUTRALIZER developed by Paul Krebaum Ingredients: One quart of 3% hydrogen peroxide One cup of baking soda One teaspoon of liquid soap Directions: Apply it to the sprayed areas Wash off with tap water The solution must be mixed as needed. It can’t be contained in a bottle

Try his “WILDLIFE REPELLENT RECIPE” reprinted with the permission of Carol Martino. Ingredients: 1 whole Spanish onion 1 jalapeno pepper 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper Directions: Chop up the onion and the pepper. Mix together and boil in 2 quarts of water for about 20 minutes Let cool, and strain the water through a cheesecloth. Using a garden sprayer, spray any area outside where wild animals or even neighborhood pets are being a nuisance. This probably will not work for birds (birds do not have a sense of smell). This process may have to be carried out for a period of two weeks to ensure success. This mixture is non-toxic and it will not harm any animal, but it will succeed in keeping them away.

This is the time of year that rodents and other small animals may move into your home, garage, basement or barn. Because of the damage they can do, it’s understandable that it cannot be tolerated. Poison is usually the remedy of choice. But keep in mind that the common poisons you purchase at your local grocery store also cause secondary poisoning. There is a time span between the time the rodent eats the poison and the time of death. During this time, they may leave your home and be eaten by a wild predator, or maybe by your family cat. The poison will most likely sicken or kill that animal also. Whenever possible, use traps. This targets only the animal you choose. However, YOU are responsible for the animal you trap. Check your traps frequently. Dispose of dead animals immediately. If you are using a live trap, relocate and release the animal promptly! If you prefer to use poisons, there are poisons available that will not harm raptors. Purchase poisons from a professional who can advise you on the proper use and secondary affects.