Updates

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