We are busy bees here at Animal Wonders! We just welcomed in 2 Blue Crown Conures, affectionately named Mom and Dad by their previous owner. They came to us because their owner wanted to find a secure bird-loving home as she aged and had less time to offer them. They have joined Blueberry in the Quarantine room and are settling in nicely. Their enclosure is set up exactly like they had it at their last home in order to reduce stress from the move.

Whenever a new animal resident moves in there is an adjustment period; for them and for us. We have to learn their personality and adjust our routines to fit their comfort level. After the first week we know a good deal about each other and after a month things really start to settle in and we will all easily mov into a new routine. Mom and Dad came in yesterday afternoon so today was their first morning at Animal Wonders. They woke up bright and early and announced the beautiful morning to the world! This is usual with most birds but they add another level of noise to the morning alarm clock... one we will eventually regard as routine.

Blueberry, the Blue Tongue Skink, came to Animal Wonders 2 days ago and is settling right in. She will be in Quarantine for the next 30 days but that doesn't mean she doesn't get the ultimate in luxury. She's enjoying new furniture in her enclosure and we've found she has a special place in her heart for sweet potatoes. Yesterday she went to the spa: well, actually it was just a nice long soak in water with a 30 minutes massage by yours truly. She enjoyed shedding off her old skin and came out shiny and new. She will be heading to the vet to take care of a few issues and then after she clears all the tests she can move into the Reptile Room and join the rest of the crew.

We're excited to be able to share Blueberry with local Montanas and we can't wait to see their reactions when they se

We had a great time at the Museum today. It was a week in Australia and the summer camp as well as a great crew of kids got to experience some of the animal wonders of Australia. Gizmo and Nemo,the sugar gliders, were a big hit. They even showed off how well they could jump and the kids were able to see how their skin stretched out to glide! Jumbuck, the bearded dragon, hung out with the audience and they were able to feel how unique his scales are. We're looking forward to

Stop by the Missoula Children's Museum tomorrow, July 22nd, so see our Australian Outback Presentation! We're going to have a great time and we hope to see you there!

Animal Wonders is now one happy family. The co-founders, Augusto Castañeda and Jessi Knudsen, became husband and wife on the 18th! Thank you to all who were there to support us and we can't wait to see the rest of you!

An update on the happenings at Animal Wonders:

After much anticipation, the Bird room and Reptile room in the Animal Compound are complete! The animal residents adjusted easily to the move and everyone is enjoying their new digs. The rooms feature time controlled lighting and specific temperature regulation as well as species specific accommodations and fun painted murals on the walls.

Louie, the sun conure, is still ill. We are amazed that he has been fighting this long. It is unusual to have a sick bird last over three weeks. We are doing everything we can for him. Unfortunately, the veterinarians were unable to diagnose him, but this is actually not unusual since birds are relatively new in the vet medicine world. He continues to get supportive care and a wide range of treatments that are only beneficial. He sure has a will to live and as long as he's fighting to live we'll help him fight. We hope that he starts the path to recovery soon so we can all rest easy once again.

The newest addition, Willow the ringneck dove, is getting along wonderfully with Madmartigan the baby dutchess pigeon. Willow is going to make a perfect Animal Ambassador for preschools since he is so incredibly calm. Madmartigan is in training for flights over the audience, he is already harness trained and is a quick study.

Chulo, our male Chilean rose-haired tarantula, passed away last week. Males only live to be 4 years old and he was 4 1/2. Females live to be about 12 years old, so Chalupa, the female, is still healthy and strong and will continue to be a great Ambassador for years to come.

Keep checking back to see the latest excitin

Louie our 5 year old sun conure has been sick for about a week. He's been to the vet and we're working hard to help him fight it off. We're still not exactly sure what is going on but we're going to find out. So, keep him in your thoughts as he struggles to keep his strength. Oliver, his best buddy, has become protective of him and has had enough of us sticking our hands in and messing with his sick friend. Louie is being tube fed four times a day to keep his weight up. Today he started munching on some millet sprigs on his own which is a great! We hope this is a sign that he's turning the corner.