Coyotes by my house in Lake Arrowhead
Recently I began studying the wildlife commonly found in the San Bernardino Mountains: Black bears, mountain lions, mule deer, bobcats, coyotes, foxes, and magnificent birds of prey, just to name a few. I thought that by understanding their habits and habitat, I could come to enjoy and respect their presence, as well as avoid any foolish mistakes that might endanger their lives or mine.
Having done this with horses, I learned the value of “thinking like a horse” which makes working with them easier and loving them richer. Rather than projecting human thoughts and needs and fears into their heads, I want to be aware of what brings them pleasure and comfort, what piques their curiosity, or what scares the bejesus out of them. A filmmaker may find beauty in an air-born plastic bag (American Beauty), but any horse-owner will tell you, a white bag blown about by a gentle breeze is as terrifying to a horse as a stalking mountain lion. Maybe worse for, What the hell is that thang?
In addition to reading some great books on wildlife (I’ll post a list soon), I also began training as a Wildlife Care Provider at Wildhaven Ranch a wildlife sanctuary near Lake Arrowhead, and with that new responsibility, I began visiting local zoos and talking with zookeepers and curators as well as vets. As a result, I discovered not a hobby or part time activity but a burning fascination that is clearly the next chapter in my life: Working with wildlife in captivity.
Orphaned 6 month old mountain lion at Orange County Zoo
I used to have a problem with zoos; seeing animals in captivity broke my heart. But I came to learn that most animals in zoos and sanctuaries cannot be released into the wild. Some would not survive due to injuries and disabilities, such as a hawk with a broken wing; others because they are human habituated. While rehabilitation facilities strive to rehab and release, some animals become imprinted on the humans that care for them and cannot be successfully placed back in the wild. Animals orphaned at a young age are often brought to facilities where they are hand-fed and cared for and thus become imprinted on their caretaker. Others are former “pets” of people foolish enough to think a cute little bobcat or fawn could be a part of their family. Some are former “performing” animals bred and raised for this purpose, and others are actually born in captivity.
So here they are, living their lives in a zoo or sanctuary; why not make it the best life they can have? Amazing changes have taken place since I was a little girl visiting a zoo and seeing tigers in small cages. Not only have the exhibits been improved to provide the animal with a more natural habitat, but care providers work hard to enrich the lives of their animals in other ways to keep them active, stimulated and challenged.
I am so excited about my new venture. I have met fascinating people devoted to their work, and most importantly, I've become acquainted with some amazing animals. There is nothing like looking into the eyes of a black bear or a mule deer--up close and definitely personal.
So expect to be reading everything I learn or experience as I pursue my new passion.
Mule deer at Wildhaven Ranch
Spectacled Bear at Binghamton Zoo
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