PRINT ADVERTISING SAMPLES..…………………….….….….…Page

Continued from Page 10E

window collisions, are also a common cause of injury for birds in our area. Window collisions are hazardous for birds because expanses of glass reflect the sky and trees fooling birds into thinking there is an open flyway.

Visit abcbirds.org for further information on techniques that will eliminate the reflectiveness of windows and solutions that will prevent birds from colliding with windows. Hanging windsocks along lanai screens can help alert birds to the presence of the screening. Migratory birds face so many dangers; preventing collisions with windows is something every homeowner and business can do that could potentially save millions of birds’ lives every year.

If you find a bird injured from a window strike, place the bird in a box, do not offer any food or water and bring it to the von Arx Wildlife Hospital. These birds can sustain significant injuries that require professional medical attention.

Naples Zoo staff saw a river otter behind the scenes of their public exhibits and realized the otter wasn’t using one of her hind legs properly. Zoo staff easily contained the otter in a pet carrier and brought her to the von Arx Wildlife Hospital for care. The river otter’s mentation was quite dull upon admission. Von Arx Wildlife Hospital staff took a radiograph that revealed the otter had a fractured leg and pelvis. Humane euthanasia was the only viable treatment option for the otter.

Thankfully, Naples Zoo staff was aware and took immediate action to help the injured otter. Please, offer assistance if you see an animal in distress. Don’t delay in calling the wildlife hospital if you need information and guidance. Staff will evaluate the situation, determine the appropriate course of action and provide capture information. The sooner a debilitated animal receives professional medical attention, the less suffering the animal endures.

Joanna Fitzgerald is director of the von Arx Wildlife Hospital at the Conservancy of Southwest Florida, 1495 Smith Preserve Way, Naples. Call 239262-2273 or see conservancy.org

The von Arx Wildlife Hospital continues to be amazed at the kindness and generosity of people post Hurricane Ian. Former resident of Southwest Florida and FGCU alumna, Hannah Tubiville, searched for ways to help in the aftermath of Ian. She contacted her former employers, Angela and Peter McDonnell from Wild Birds Unlimited in Tallahassee. The McDonnell’s graciously donated food items from the Conservancy Wish List for Hannah to bring to our facility. Hannah also collected blankets, towels, toiletries, and more from friends and co-workers to bring to Southwest Florida. She brought the donations to CROW, Gulf Coast Humane Society and Fk Your Diet Fort Myers. In an email Hannah stated, “I am so grateful to have been able to help and will continue to support the SWFL community as we continue to recover. Thank you for all that you do and know that the entirety of Florida has your back!”

Having support from people like Hannah, the McDonnells and so many others means the world to the entire staff at the von Arx Wildlife Hospital as we continue to see a high number of injured and orphaned wildlife admissions.

Recent Releases

Ten Virginia opossums, an ovenbird, six grey catbirds, a blue gray gnatcatcher, a common yellowthroat, two American redstarts, a black-throated-blue warbler, a Florida softshell turtle, a Florida mud turtle, four eastern cottontails, eleven grey squirrels, two gopher tortoises, a chicken turtle, two red-shouldered hawks, a raccoon and a hooded warbler were released this past week.

Opportunities to Help

There are many ways to support the Conservancy, become a member, donate and visit our website at conservancy.org/support-us/volunteer to see the many exciting volunteer opportunities at the Conservancy. Volunteers are essential to our success; by offering your time, talent and skills, you support the Conservancy’s work to protect Southwest Florida’s water, land, wildlife and future.