NEWSLETTER

Spring, 2018

At the Wildlife Center of Venice (501c3

Non-Profit), we are committed to the

preservation, rescue and rehabilitation of

wildlife in our local community. We ser-

vice all of Sarasota , West Charlotte, and

South Manatee counties in the State of

Florida. We work hard each day to up-

hold these values, but we need each and

every one of you to help us in this noble

cause.

Wildlife Center of Venice 925 North Jackson Road,

Venice, Fl. 34292 (mailing address) 941-484-9657 941-416-4967 (Emergency)

AN INTRODUCTION TO OUR NEW “DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS”

I first started working at the Wildlife Center of Venice in 2012 as a volunteer aid-ing in the daily cleaning and feeding of sick, injured and orphaned wildlife. After time I became a Head of Rehabilitation while treating more than 15,000 patients, with the hopeful return to the wild. As I venture into my role as the wildlife cen-ter’s newly appointed Director of Operations, I meet these new challenges with great enthusiasm.

So many wonderful things are happening at the center. The biggest is the up-coming move to our new facility. We have also added a bigger and better bird hospital to handle our continued growth of patients and expanded our in-house training program that allows more staff, volunteers and shift leaders to advance their knowledge and offer more one-on-one care to our critical patients. I am also very proud to say that we have the largest team of well qualified rescuers in all of Sarasota, Charlotte and Manatee counties to ensure quicker response times to injured wildlife. The Wildlife Center of Venice is also the only rehabil-itation facility to offer 24 hour assistance to call-ers with wildlife emergencies.

It is my continuing goal to ensure that all sick, injured and orphaned wildlife that enter our fa-cility receive the best quality of care in hopes for a swift return to the wild.

Thank you to all of our supporters, staff,

and volunteers, without you this vision

would not be possible.

Pam DeFouw Director of Operations

2018—New Bird Hospital

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OWL BABIES GO HOME

WCV was called about a Great Horned Owl nest that was blown out of a tree in Placida. Fortunately, the two baby owls that were in the nest at the time survived the 35 foot fall. Unable to fly, they had to fend for themselves on the ground. One was rescued and taken to WCV while the other is still at large. Ted, Lynn and I were able to locate and capture the second owl. I climbed about 30 feet up and found a nice branch for them to perch on. Ted and Lynn did a great job gathering them together and sending them up one by one in a pillowcase while watch-ing out for the angry parents. I put both owls on the branch where they would be safe, took one

last look and climbed down. The original callers kept us updated on their progress as they slowly learned to fly until the last one took off.

Matt Tosi

OSPREY RESCUE

This Osprey decided to utilize a piece of silt fenc-ing for its nest construction. Unfortunately, while flying close to a tree it managed to get entwined dangling 25 to 30 feet up. Contractors nearby saw the incident occur and contacted WCV. We were able to respond within minutes. Thankfully the contractors had a tall extension lad-der we were able to use. The Osprey was cut loose, silt fence removed, quick check for any injury and she was freed to con-tinue making her nest.

Mike Kipp

Juvenile Bald Eagle—currently in

Rehabilitation at the Center.

WE DESPERATELY NEED THE HELP OF OUR LOCAL BUSINESSES!

The philanthropic businesses of our community, as financial leaders, are one of the single most important members of our team at The Wildlife Center of Venice. We soon will have city rezoning for our new facility, and then the hard work begins.

We need your assistance with construction and financing to make our new home the perfect place to serve the community. We need local businesses to spon-sor and help with building of aviaries, sidewalks, drives, caging and fencing. Think about a state-of-the-art 120’ Bird of Prey Flyway aviary towering over all other aviaries with your company or organi-zation’s name stretched across it for all to see.

Please call our Site Coordinator, Mark Martell, at our office (941) 484-9657 to schedule an appointment to learn more about all of our corporate sponsorship opportunities. The Wildlife Center of Venice needs the help your corporation or organization can give.

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“Thanks to all who came out, supported

us and donated to help our amazing

Florida wildlife at our second pelican re-

lease party. We sent four rehabbed peli-

cans back home on 12/17/2017.Three of

them flew off into the ocean where they

belong, but one chose to hang out on

the beach and show off a bit for our

amazing supporters before joining the

others.” Matt Tosi

Thanks to Leslie Chabek for capturing the mo-

ment with the amazing photos!

WHILE WE ARE THANKING PEOPLE…

Let’s add 3 more “thank you’s” - to everyone who was able to attend our three most recent activities—the “Intro Cocktail Party” at the new site in December, the “Open House” in early January, and the “Mardi Gras” party in February!! The progress being made toward the final move into the new property is exciting for all of us. We want-ed to give our friends and supporters a “preview” of the new facility, and a chance to see the progress made at both the old and new sites! The first two events were on the “chilly” side - but we DID have sun (for most of the afternoon) at the Open House. Tours of the “old” facility gave everyone a chance to see the aviaries (used for final “rehab” conditioning before release) and some of the small enclosures for the patients still under active medication and treatment. These facilities will need to be moved to and/or re-built at the new site.

“Mardi Gras” Day was beautiful and sunny— a delightful time at “Golden Beach”! Many thanks, as well, to Beth and Gary who graciously (and beautifully) provided mu-sic for those occasions!

You can tell we have a LOT more work to make this dream move a reality. At the time of this note, we are waiting for the final zoning and permitting from the City of Venice. Until that permitting is completed, the animals cannot be moved. Our ad-ministration, however, is in place and enjoying the much more efficient work space!

Thanks to all for your on-going support in this project to improve and expand on our service to all the wildlife in the tri-county area.

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Thanks Matt—Awesome Bird

“Rescued a juvenile northern gannet

tonight; a first for me, I have never

even seen one before. They are

probably the most fascinating spe-

cies that I’ve had the privilege to

help. Second picture is a Google im-

age showing how they torpedo dive

for sardines. They are amazing!”

From Matt Tosi

The 2018 “Giving Challenge”, sponsored by the

Community Foundation of Sarasota County will

happen in May. Every dollar we raise during the

24-hour giving period ($25 to $100) will be

matched by the Patterson Foundation! If you

give $100 the Center gets $200.

The Giving Challenge will start at NOON on May

1 and end at NOON on May 2.

The donations must be made by credit card on-

line during that 24 hour period at the special

Challenge website to be eligible for the match.

We will notify you where to go to make your do-

nation.

Be sure to sign up for our emails right now here so you can be totally up to date and not

miss this excellent chance to support Venice Wildlife:

Note, working a better thing than this.

http://wildlifecenterofvenice.us10.list-manage.com/subscribe?

u=f81af67704ade4d7863277ff2&id=5cb2af5860

We will have a number of computers available at the Center – with support people – for

any who may wish/need to make their contribution in person in this manner.

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MEET OUR 2018 BOARD MEMBERS: .Larry Corl is a retired Nuclear Fusion Engineer with degrees in Engineering Science and with 39 years of experience in the preservation, rescue and protection of wildlife. He began rescuing with the Pelican Man in 1995 and continued with the WCV at its start in 2004. He resides in Venice, and rescues wher-ever the dispatcher sends him. Jan Steber has BS and MS degrees in Petroleum Engineering from Penn State. He retired from Mobil in 1992 after 37 years in Exploration and Producing, 28 of those years overseas. Jan began rescuing with Pelican Man in 1993 and continued with the WCV in 2004. He lives on Siesta Key and res-cues in the Sarasota /Siesta Key area. Karen Durette is a retired Business Executive with a Fortune 500 corporation with degrees in Biology and Business Management. She has 10 years of experience working in wildlife rescue and rehabilita-tion. Karen lives in Venice with her husband, Andy, who also helps WCV, their pit bull rescue, Rosie, and numerous home care wildlife babies. She rescues in Sarasota, Venice and Englewood Linda Barton has a BS degree in Accounting from USF and the fifth year required to sit for the CPA ex-am. She took early retirement from her own CPA office in Venice in 2006 due to health problems. She has been the bookkeeper for WCV since its founding in 2004.

Jan Steber Karen Durette Larry Corl

COMING EVENTS!!

LECTURE SERIES (Every 3rd Wednesday Beginning in March—Jacaranda Library 1:00—2:00)

APRIL RESCUE CLASS—(Date/Time TBA) Celery Fields—Sarasota

GARAGE SALE—(April 7/Time TBA) - New Site (925 N. Jackson Road, Venice)

RESCUE CLASS—(April 21 4:00 p.m.) New Site (925 N. Jackson Rd.—Venice)

WINE TASTING—(May 11, 5:00—7:00 p.m.) Island Times Spirits—Venice Island

MAY

CONGRATULATIONS We just received word that the WCV just passed the Florida Fish & Wildlife Inspection – and passed with the best results in our history! Kudos to Pam Defouw, our new Director and the Center’s federal and state per-mit holder, for pulling this off in the midst of moving the Center between the original and new sites! Awe-some job, Pam, staff, and volunteers!!!

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THE ELUSIVE COYOTE Karen Durette

You have probably heard about the “coyote problem” on Venice Island. Sightings of the animals during the day, most appearing sick and starving, have caused a lot of concern among local residents. The Wildlife Center of Venice has received many, many calls about them and, of course, we respond to them all even though catching a wild coyote is no easy task. It's pretty tough to outrun a coyote, even a sick, injured, or aged one. I think I made about a dozen unsuccessful rescue attempts myself and fellow rescuers did the same. It was late afternoon on a weekend when I got the call. It was a sighting just about 4 blocks from my house so I dashed off pretty sure it would be another “wild goose” chase. Two lovely young women spotted a very mangy coyote as they were driving home from the beach, and they were concerned about its welfare. They told our dispatcher they would keep eyes on the animal until I got there. They were true to their word and they showed me exactly where it was. Of course, as soon as I approached (as slowly and quietly as I could) it looked at me, let out a snort, and took off through the neighboring yard. No surprise there. My noble assistants, though, would not hear of giving up and told me they would tail it in their car and keep me posted on where it went. Off they went in the car and I set off on foot (huffing and puffing and swearing to go on a diet) through the backyards of the neighborhood. I caught up with sighting number 1 to watch it take off again. We tracked it to sighting numbers 2, 3, 4, 5 and probably more. By then I was gasping for breath and I spotted it slip into a culvert across the way. It was a very long culvert and there was no way I could get into it or reach the coyote with a catch pole. A neighbor who had been watching this show told me the animal often slept in there for hours. I admit part of me was glad this chase was over. (continued next page)

Happy and Healthy Again… Submitted by a wildlife lover and supporter….

Ivy Smart, our office manager, received a call at The Center on Jan. 20, 2018 about a squirrel that was sighted with a mass about the size of a golf ball on its throat. A photo was sent and Ivy sprang into action and sent Ted Scovitch, our “squirrel whisperer”, out to capture her. Ted set traps and put out some “yummy” food. With Ted’s patience and hard work, the squirrel was cap-tured on Jan 25. “Lilly”, the squirrel was taken to our WCV veteri-narian for treatment. The mass was an abscess and was success-fully drained. “Lilly” was put on antibiotics and was soon released

back to her home. Lilly is now living a happy and healthy life.

Thank you, Venice Wildlife Center and Ted for

your perseverance.

Squirrel with golf-ball size abscess

Lilly now at home—happy

and healthy!!

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Business & Organizations

These local businesses and organizations reg-ularly help The Wildlife Center serve our community!

Veterinary Assistance Donated by:

Nokomis Veterinary Clinic

Laurel Road Veterinary Clinic

Jacaranda Veterinary Associates

Bayshore Animal Hospital

Animal Eye Care, Inc.

Discounted Fish Provided by:

A.P. Bell Fish Company

Aylesworth Fish & Bait

Dog Food & Cat Food Donated by:

Cat Depot

Sarasota Humane Society

Suncoast Humane Society

Produce Donated by:

Costco and Publix

Cremation Services Donated by:

Belspur Oaks Pet Crematorium

Board of Directors Lary Corl, President

Jan Steber. Vice-President

Karen Durette, Secretary

Linda Barton, Treasurer

Advisory Board

Andy Durette, Business Consultant

Mark Martell, Site Coordinator

Peg Magee, Education

Julia Schreuder, Social Media

Rehabilitation Staff

Pamela DeFouw, Director of Operations

Beverly Groom, Rehabilitation Staff

Adrianna DeFouw, Rehabilitation Staff

Office Staff

Ivy Smart, Office Manager

Linda Kronholm, Newsletter Editor

Photos Pam DeFouw, Leslie Chabek, Linda Kronholm, Matt Tosi,

Ivy Smart , Julia Schreuder , Kevin Lindberg, Ted Scovitch

Spring is here!! We are so grateful to all of

our donors, supporters and volunteers for

“being there” for the Center and—most im-

portantly— for our wildlife!! 2018 will be a

big year for WCV while we continue to transi-

tion to our new permanent home. Check out

our very own WCV Tervis Tumblers that will

be for sale very soon in our new online

store. Stay hydrated while supporting the

Wildlife Center of Venice and help the local

economy by buying lifetime guaran-

teed Tervis Tumblers manufactured right here

in Venice, Florida!

Visit http://wildlifecenterofvenice.org/ for the

latest and greatest!!

I trudged back to my car and drove around the corner to head home. As I passed the culvert, the same neighbor waved me down to tell me the coyote had come out and had run into the yard across the street which was fenced in! This guy was a trooper and offered to block one side of the yard while I approached it from the other. It worked. The poor animal saw him and took off right toward me and I easily slipped my net over it. I guess it was as exhausted as I was. I loaded it into a large crate and got it to the Center as fast as possible. Meds were administered immediately and I wish I could tell you that there was a happy ending. Unfortunately, it passed within a few days, but it was a noble effort with the help of three animal loving neigh-bors. I didn't get your names but you were terrific and your help was really appreciated. We won't give up!

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Your donation in any amount helps the Wildlife Center of Venice

in its mission to rescue, rehabilitate and release injured, ill, and

orphaned wildlife.

Please make donations payable to the Wildlife Center of Venice at

925 North Jackson Road, Venice, Fl. 34292 (mailing address)

941-484-9657 (Day) 941-416-4967 (Emergency)

(drop off for animals is at 3252 Border Road, Venice)

Wildlife Center of Venice 925 North Jackson Road, Venice, Fl. 34292 (mailing address)

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