We had a very good presentation last night for the Hawthorne Cub Scout Pack. They learned about some very interesting animals that live across the globe and we all had a wonderful time in the process. Daisy, the red-tailed boa, made an appearance giving some of the scouts the experience of touching a snake for the very first time. Tango, the Patagonian cavy helped educate the scouts about rodents and how unique animals can be. He did an amazing job, especially since this is only his second show. And, of course, Zoe the Red Lored Amazon parrot stole the finale with her boisterous personality. She does love to show off in front of an audience.

Thank you Hawthorne Cub Scouts, we all had a great time visiting!

Lovie, the lovebird, has joined the family of Animal Wonders. He is a very sweet little bird who loves to sit on your shoulder and hang out. Lovie has successfully been introduced to Ray, the rainbow lorikeet. They give each other the companionship only a bird can give another bird. We are very happy they make such good roommates and both are thriving in each others company. Welcome, Lovie!

Shelby, the gopher snake, passed away. The lab results are still pending as to why she passed. She was a new-comer and sometimes these things happen when we don't know the full history of an animal. She seemed healthy and happy, so we are interested to know what was wrong. She will be missed.

Thank you Lou and Shirley Lunte for your generous donation. We appreciate your kindness especially in

I figured it was about time to give a few updates on some of the animal residents that are continuing the rehabilitation process.

Coconut, the umbrella cockatoo, was making real progress with his feather plucking/biting behavior. Unfortunately he has taken a turn for the worse. Whether the neurotic behavior is worsened by the change in seasons is unknown. Though after almost a year of daily interaction and work, Coco has finally learned that when we give him a cardboard box there is usually something tasty inside and he should rip it open like a birthday present! We will continue to give Coco daily BE (Behavioral Enrichment) in the hopes that he will eventually learn to displace his plucking/biting behavior onto the toys (cardboard boxes, pine cones, dry pasta, etc.).

Ray, the rainbow lorikeet, is making great progress in his feather plucking behavior. He now has colorful feathers covering most of his lower chest and legs. We hope this good behavior continues. We're continuing to work with his fear of hands and nervous personality. He has learned that a stationary hand means for him to step up. Though, he's still quite afraid of moving hands near him. We
are very proud of how Ray is coming along.

Dusty & Ash, the chinchilla brothers, are growing their fur back beautifully. Looking at Dusty now you would never have known at one point he only had half his fur. Ash's fur is almost completely restored as well. Way to go boys!

The rest of the residents that are still undergoing rehabilitation from their past experiences are: Chongo (lilac crowned amazon), Oliver (sun conure), Sugar (sugar glider), Sherman (hedgehog), Molly and Charlie (dogs), and Pashta (horse). We are happy to say they are all in advanced stages of recovery to normal behavior.

Everyone else is happy and healthy. We are looking forward to this season's Animal Presentations so we can share all these wonderful animals with the world (well maybe just Montanans for

Augusto and I made it back from Peru to find all the animals happy and healthy. They were as excited to see us as we were to see them. Tango, the Patagonian cavy, has doubled in size and Dusty, the chinchilla, has a full coat of fur now. We are so happy to be home and enjoying the animals again. The temperature dropped to below zero while we were away, but luckily all the residents stayed warm and cozy. Construction continues on the new Animal Compound and we can't wait to move everyone in.