We wanted to give a shout out to all those who extended the holiday spirit here at Animal Wonders and sponsored an animal through our Adopt An Animal Program. Among those that were adopted are: Chongo the Lilac Crowned Amazon Parrot, Babbette the Brush-Tailed Bettong, and Lovie the Lovebird. Those adopted will receive new toys, special treats, help with medical expenses, and anything else they may need or want. Whatever is left over from the donation will go to benefit the rest of the animals. Of course the majority of our expenses are specific foods for the 40+ exotic animals that reside here, but it also goes into improvements on enclosures, expanding our on-facility care center, and continued education on the newest research on animal nutrition, training, and husbandry.

Thank you to all our Animal Adopters!!!!

Kemosabe, the prehensile porcupine aka: coendou, came down with a cold last week. He's been on antibiotics to help him get feeling better. We're happy to say that he's back to his spunky self just in time for Christmas. Kemo does not like to take his medication because it does not taste very good. But we've had success syringing it into the side of his mouth while deftly avoiding his quills. Kemo might have realized that the meds were making him feel better and allowed us to put the bitter paste into his mouth, but I think he just decided it was pointless to try to avoid it, we were going to get the meds in him no matter what. We're so lucky to have a vet that is willing to give an exam on a porcupine and take x-rays of his chest and check his teeth. She is so patient and we're happy that she's such a good sport! Merry Christmas Kemo, glad you're feeling better!!!

It was about time for our annual USDA inspection of our facility and today was the lucky day! In order to keep certain animals and offer educational presentations to the public there are certain permits that have to be obtained. We are regulated by the federal government through the USDA and the state authorities through MT Fish, Wildlife & Parks. Both require inspections of the facility, animals, and records. The USDA is mainly concerned with the welfare of the animals kept in our care. They look at cleanliness, proper housing, vet care, diet, and overall health and happiness of the animals. The MT FWP is mainly concerned with the safety of the public and local environment when animals are introduced into the area. They want to make sure the animal's enclosures are secure and no animals can escape and reek havoc on the native environment or inflict injury on anyone or anything.

So the USDA inspector came and inspected Animal Wonders this morning, and we have been given a clean report. We discussed improvements that can be made as well. We are constantly trying to find ways to improve the care for the animals, and we will never stop trying to make their lives as happy as they can be. We appreciate that there are legal regulations that require a certain level of care for animals. It's important to make sure the animals are never neglected and that's what Animal Wonders is all about. We take in those that need a fresh start on life and provide the environment in which they can strive. But there are also improvements that can and will be made. For example: We will soon be replacing the current flooring with a new flooring that will make it easier to clean. We will also be moving our Food Prep and Food Storage areas to a new location that is easier to organize. Expansion is happening all the time and we are working on ways to make the daily cleaning, food prep, and general animal care easier in our progression toward volunteers in the future. As we take in more animals the facility morphs to accommodate them. We see a bright future coming soon and we get excited as every improvement moves us closer to that goal. Until then, we will continue to give the best to our animals and constantly research the newest methods of care.

And we give ourselves a pat on the back for another good report from the powers that be.

  'Twas the night before Christmas and all through the compound,
Every creature was stirring and making many sounds!
The Chinchillas were tucked all snug in their beds,
As visions of treats and toys danced in their heads!
And the bettongs in their pouch, and the birds in their nests,
Had just settled down for a nice little rest.
When inside the Mammal Room there arose such a clatter,
They sprang up in wonder to see what was the matter.
They saw the donations piled high in the corners.
And knew in a moment it must be their donors.

      As we come to the end of the year, everyone at Animal Wonders would like to take a moment to say thank you for your support!
      Each of our Ambassadors play an important role here at Wild Wonders and we ask that you don't forget about these amazing animals when you are planning your holiday shopping list.     
     Giving, especially at this time of year, makes you feel that you have really made a difference.  Take the opportunity to reach out, and ensure that Ray the rainbow lorikeet receives all the special food he will need for the next year, or that Blueberry, Jumbuck, and Argos, can move into new larger enclosures.
      Our animals thank you in advance for your thoughts and support!
To Adopt An Animal, please see our Adopt page for details.

        Since Animal Wonders Inc. is an IRS recognized 501(c)(3) charity, your year-end gift will not only help our animal ambassadors, it will benefit you in the spring when you file your taxes.

Jade was our amazing and beautiful Eastern Legless Lizard. She came to Animal Wonders only 7 months ago but she made the most of her time with us. She was a wonderful Animal Ambassador teaching children and adults alike that snakes are not the only animals without legs. She was also the star of a visit from a local children's book author Sneed B. Collard and will be featured in his soon to be published book. Jade came to us with an unknown past and she passed away from unknown causes. It was a surprise for us since she looked so healthy and was eating and drinking well. It makes it that much more of a tragedy not knowing what happened. Jade will be sorely missed, her time with us was too short, may she rest in peace.