Updates

I have just returned from visiting the project for a couple of weeks, and have a lot to share! Our Costa Rican nonprofit association status is finally official, and we are in the process of setting up accounts for direct donations to the project, including a donations link on this website. As you can see from the images, the flight cage construction is well underway, with the foundation completed. Completion will require funding for steel mesh and supports, roofing and hardware for a large opening roof panel that will allow birds to leave and return to the cage during the last stages of rehabilitation. Our scarlet macaw that had recovered from a gunshot wound last year has found a mate, and the pair occasionally are seen on the property. They and wild great green macaws sometimes interact with our great green macaw that is currently regrowing its feathers that were cut during its illegal captivity. While this bird had a few rough early weeks with us last year do to malnutrition and other problems, it is thriving now, and beginning to molt and replace the cut feathers. The young white faced monkey remains with us for now and is doing well. Once he is fully mature, we will begin the tricky process of releasing him, most likely here on the property, to see how he establishes himself with the wild troupe that lives here. Other confiscated animals include three parakeets (orange-chinned and olive-throated) awaiting release, and seven baby white-crowned parrots that are being hand fed right now at Alex's house. Eventually they will be moved out to the Center when able to feed on their own. As they grow, they will hopefully take advantage of a completed flight cage to speed their development. The guest cabin has been finished enough to stay in for a few months now, and a couple of volunteers have spent extended stays in it. I was fortunate to stay there for most of the first week of my visit. Alex's hard work on this project has resulted in a gorgeous piece of craftsmanship that will make a great retreat for serious birders or field researchers that want a comfortable base of operations...I miss it already! Accompanying me on this visit were my special friend Sylvia Welsch, my daughter Mariana and her friend Jake Brown. The three of them took over animal care duties, giving our caretaker Alberto a much deserved week off. And he will probably be very busy now that he's back at work. With the recent conclusion of Semana Santa--the Easter holidays in Costa Rica--we are bracing for an influx of confiscated animals, as vacationers often return from seaside resorts or camping trips with wildlife they've illegally collected for pets. The government sets up road blocks to search cars during this period, and the result is often a larger than usual population of rescued animals at the Center. We are well prepared though. I brought along a large assortment of feeding dishes, various veterinary supplies and a great pair of "raptor gauntlets"--extra long, heavy gloves--for handling raptors, macaws and other sharp-talloned animals. These were generously donated and shipped to my house in Wisconsin by our stalwart supporter Matt Thompson of Ontario, Canada. With his contribution and those of previous donors, we are set for the foreseeable future with animal care supplies. Thanks again Matt!