South Florida's Wild Side - Summer 2023

Executive Director

Alessandra Medri

Medical Director

Charlotte Cournoyer, DVM

Veterinarian

Erica Sheppard, DVM

Office Manager

JoAnne Mayz

Director of Outreach

Carolina Montano

Business Development Manager

Noreen Abrams

Development Specialist

Steven Faviano

Clinic Supervisor

Shelby Slevin

Rehabilitation Supervisor

Maria Vanegas

Release Supervisor

Mariangelique Diaz Fallick

Volunteer Coordinator

Camila Pulido

Outreach Coordinator

Khrystyne Jamerson

Outreach Specialists:

Jessica McHugh

Kasandra Camejo

Lead Wildlife Rehabilitators:

Nick Sonzogni

Melanie Lemieux

Wildlife Rehabilitators:

Jessica Ferrigno

Lisa Bergwin

Erika Piechowski

Oasis Saenz

Eloisa Valencia

Mercy Torres

Shannon Doherty

Joe Hausfeld

Sophia Campanella

Sharmicha Moore

Robert Silva

Veterinary Assistants:

Joscelyn Bentz

Shannon Lamontagne

Sandy Pagel

Natalie Hess

Facilities Manager

Glenn Georgis

Facility Technicians:

Anthony Weare

David Grant

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BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Jeffrey J. Arciniaco

President, Board Chairman

Thomas J. Sabatino Jr.

Vice Chairman, Secretary

Thomas A. Bartelmo

Treasurer

Ardath Rosengarden

Director

Doug Koger

Director

Eric L. Bernthal

Director

Check out some of the amazing rehabilitation stories our hospital has seen this quarter, from a Virginia Opossum who needed the tip of his tail amputated to a Juvenile Bald Eagle who healed from a shoulder fracture to Gray Fox kits which were orphaned and given a second chance at survival.

We are grateful to our community and proud of our accomplishments as we continue to successfully achieve our mission to protect wildlife through rescue, rehabilitation, and education. This recognition fills us with pride and we are thrilled to share it with you.

MID-YEAR REPORT

ADMISSIONS SO FAR

The South Florida Wildlife Center has admitted over 4,075 patients from 196 species over the last six months. Along with increased public awareness, our Outreach Department worked with the public to reduce patients admitted to our hospital by re-nesting developing babies when possible and helping keep healthy wild animals out in the wild.

The top three reasons for admittance to our hospital include orphaned wildlife (54% of intake), injuries from unknown causes (15%), and vehicle collisions (11%).

In the first half of 2023, we have admitted 2,336 birds, 1,604 mammals, and 135 reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates. Our most common patient was the Virginia Opossum at 876 individuals. These patients make up 21.5% of our total intake. A rare species we have seen this year was a Mud Snake. This was the only individual admitted to our hospital in the last five years. Rare birds admitted to our hospital so far this year were the Tree Swallow, Connecticut Warbler, and Great Crested Flycatcher, all of which were the only admitted in the last five years.

To learn more about our work, how you can get involved, and for general wildlife questions, head to our website and follow along on social media! @SouthFloridaWildlifeCenter

Missed previous editions of South Florida’s Wild Side?

Check them out at https://issuu.com/sfwc

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Making a regular monthly donation is the easiest and most helpful way to support our work at SFWC.

Your contribution of any amount is securely deducted each month, channeling each dollar to save wildlife.

THANK YOU SPONSORS

YOUR GENEROSITY HELPS OUR MISSION BECOME A REALITY.

Your contributions over the years have demonstrated your deep commitment to our work of rescuing, rehabilitating, and releasing Florida’s wildlife. Your support has repeatedly played a key role in our success in helping thousands of injured, sick, or orphaned wild animals. We cannot thank you enough for all that you do for us.

Monkey Jungle

Broward Performing Arts Center

Seminole Casino - Coconut Creek

Tito’s Vodka

Sawgrass Recreation Center -Evergladestours.com

NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale

Urban Air Adventure Park

Our local community’s generosity made our photo contest extra special this year!

Thank you to South Federal Animal Hospital for sponsoring 6 of our Junior Wildlife Vet Programs and Lauderdale Pathology for sponsoring 6 of our Who Gives a Hoot Workshops!

Your support will help us to provide these workshops to more kids in our community!

Publix # 1097 in Harbor Shops, Publix # 70 in Coral Ridge Shopping Center, and Whole Foods Market in Fort Lauderdale.

2023 Wildlife Photography Contest Prize Sponsors:

SPONSOR HIGHLIGHT

The Brady Hunter Foundation (BHF), a nonprofit founded by a group of philanthropists and animal lovers committed to ending animal cruelty, protecting wildlife, and making a positive impact in the lives of children, announced a generous donation of $118,600 to the South Florida Wildlife Center. This contribution enabled the center to acquire a much-needed ambulance, significantly enhancing our response times and ability to provide assistance to the local wildlife in need, and the funding of an additional staff member.

The Brady Hunter Foundation firmly believes in supporting initiatives that align with its core value of animal advocacy. Recognizing the immense value of a dedicated ambulance and driver, the foundation's generous donation will ensure the safe transportation of injured and orphaned wildlife to the South Florida Wildlife Center, guaranteeing timely and professional care.

The Brady Hunter Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization operated by a group of philanthropists, humanitarians and animal lovers committed to ending animal cruelty, protecting wildlife, and making a positive impact in the lives of children. The Brady Hunter Charitable Fund was established in 2022, with The Brady Hunter Foundation formally launched shortly thereafter in early 2023. BHF is dedicated to creating sanctuaries all over the world to save animals from endangerment, abuse and neglect, while also recognizing the importance of uplifting children and providing them with opportunities for a better future. We were honored to be chosen as one of the organizations they support.

WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHY 2023 CONTEST WINNERS

South Florida Wildlife Center’s third annual Wildlife Photography Contest once again received nearly 1,000 entries from photographers nationwide. The entries all showed us the wildlife neighbors we are so lucky to have and the passion these participants had for capturing some amazing moments.

Congratulations to our six winners for their outstanding work and talent in capturing these photos. We truly appreciate the incredible talent and support we received this year. We will showcase entry photos on social media, in other publications, throughout our website, and in a 2024 calendar.

Featured on the cover of this newsletter is a Bobcat Kitten by Justin Cheah, who not only won the Best in the Mammal category but also won the Best Overall photo.

A special thank you to renowned National Geographic photographer and book author Joel Sartore and his team for helping us judge all the entries.

REPTILE CATEGORY WINNER

Cuban Knight Anole

By Frank Balestrieri

BIRD CATEGORY WINNER

Great Egret

By Paula Taylor

URBAN CATEGORY WINNER

Red Fox

By Justin Schmidt

UP-CLOSE CATEGORY WINNER

Sandhill Cranes

By Robbie Potter

JUNIOR CATEGORY WINNER

Tricolored Heron

By Joshua Rubin

REHAB STORIES: OPOSSUM TAIL AMPUTATION

BEFORE AFTER

Meet patient 23-1818, a Virginia Opossum who was found in the pool of a Miramar home. The homeowners noticed he could not get out of the pool and had an injury to his head and tail. Upon admission, the clinic staff cleaned the wounds, gave him fluids, prescribed medication for the swelling, infection, and pain, and planned to remove the necrotic portion of the tail surgically.

Virginia Opossums have a prehensile tail. A prehensile tail is adapted for grasping and wrapping around things like tree limbs. Virginia opossums are agile climbers. Juveniles use their prehensile tail to swing from branches. Adult opossums are too heavy to support their body weight with the tail; however, adults still use their tails to grasp bundles of leaves or bedding material.

Because their tails are so important for getting around, the goal for this patient was to leave as much of his tail as possible. If you're familiar with our organization, you'll know we had an Ambassador Virginia Opossum named Cabbage, who was deemed non-releasable due to not having a tail. He served his community by educating everyone on the local wildlife and how everyone could make a difference. Thankfully, patient 23-1818 has healed and is currently finishing his rehabilitation and is on track to be released into the wild soon.

The Virginia opossum is North America’s only marsupial and is so beneficial for the ecosystem. Did you know that they reduce the spread of Lyme Disease by consuming thousands of ticks each year? They also keep neighborhoods clear of unwanted pests like roaches, mice, and even snakes. On top of all that, they are aiding scientists in producing anti-venom, as they are immune to bites from venomous snakes!

STAFF FEATURE

Meet Jessica Ferrigno! One of SFWC's passionate and dedicated team members. You will typically find her in the nursery caring for our smallest rehabilitating patients, while mentoring interns and volunteers on the work that goes into properly raising wildlife babies in human care.

When did you first start volunteering/working for SFWC?

I started as a rotational intern at the center in February 2021. After my internship ended, I joined the team as a staff member in May.

What is your favorite part of the job?

My favorite part of the job is getting to work hands-on with all the animals and all the different species we see. I enjoy learning how to care for each one and the specific needs for each species, which is information that I can refer to in the future.

Do you feel like your role plays a part in SFWC’s mission?

For sure! When I’m in the nursery, I work in every row or every area that we have, the raccoons, the mammals, the birds. In the off season, I help the Rehab Department and the Clinic with what they need. I enjoy that I get to play a part in every place in the center and help in every way that I can.

Fun fact about you.

I like to do diamond paintings, similar to paint by numbers but with diamonds instead. I also enjoy cosmetology type things, like hair dying and getting my nails done.

What do you look forward to in your future career?

I am getting experience so I can go to vet school. I really like the wildlife and animal career path which is not something I would have thought I could do without this position. I want to pursue a wildlife veterinary career because I enjoy working with all the different types of animals we see here at SFWC.

What is your favorite patient story?

When I first started, I got to foster a group of seven opossums. I had them for a week or so during Thanksgiving. My family was there when I was caring for them. When they were old enough to leave nursery, I got to take them over to the Rehab Department for the next part of the rehabilitation process. They were able to record their release for me, so I got to see the video of them get released as well. It was truly special.

POLLINATORS: CRITICAL FOR CONSERVATION

When wildlife centers picture the spring and summer seasons, the first thing that comes to mind is baby season. This time of year is critical for wildlife to raise their young before the approach of colder temperatures in the fall and winter months. Wildlife species are not the only things in nature that are more active. Plants also come to life with vibrant displays of colorful blooms. The flowers you see are the tools that plants use to create their seeds, while pollen is transferred to other flowers of the same species to allow them to reproduce.

How does pollen get moved from one plant to another? While most plants are not able to move on their own, they rely on vectors to transfer pollen and allow fertilization of another plant. These vectors can include elements like wind and water or pollinators such as animals or insects that transfer pollen from plant to plant. Pollinators play a critical role in the reproduction of many plant species and help to ensure their survival.

Insects such as bees, butterflies, moths, and beetles, along with other animals such as birds, bats and mammals, may seek nectar or pollen from flowers, or unintentionally gather pollen on their bodies as they move from place to place in their search for nourishment. This inadvertent act forms a beneficial relationship between the pollinators and plants that rely on them to ensure their reproduction. This process is an essential part of the ongoing cycle of life in nature. The role of pollinators is intricately woven into the web of connections within the natural world, contributing to the evolution and survival of plant life.

Why is this process important for us? Studies have shown that 75% of the world’s flowering plants, as well as around 35% of global food crops, rely on animal pollinators for their reproduction. Additionally, over 100 different crops cultivated in the United States depend on the vital role of these pollinators. Their absence would result in a substantial decline in the availability and diversity of fresh produce, affecting human nutrition and the overall health of terrestrial ecosystems. Pollinators are responsible for one-third of our food supply and play a role in providing fibers, oils, raw materials, and medicines.

The decline in pollinator populations threatens ecosystems worldwide due to factors like habitat loss, pesticide use, climate change, and diseases that jeopardize their crucial role in plant reproduction. Conservation efforts aim to protect and restore pollinator habitats, promote sustainable agriculture, and raise awareness about their importance. Research and education are also essential for understanding pollinator behavior and developing targeted conservation measures. You can help protect pollinators by creating pollinator-friendly landscapes with native plants, reducing pesticide usage, and helping to preserve natural habitats. Pollinators are indispensable for maintaining biodiversity, food security, and ecosystem stability, making their protection vital for a sustainable future.

2023 Wildlife Photography

Contest entry by Victor DelCorro.

WILD LECTURE SERIES

The South Florida Wildlife Center offers a free monthly virtual series of public lectures covering various topics presented by professionals in their respective fields. We hope those who join us learn something new about nature, how it correlates to wildlife, and what we do at SFWC. Missed our talks this quarter? Check them out on our YouTube channel!

Wild Lecture Series - April

BATS 101

Presented by Brian Pope

Director of Lubee Bat Conservancy

Wild Lecture Series - May

FLORIDA KEYS ECOLOGY

Presented by Madalyn Mussey

Education & Outreach Program Manager for REEF

Wild Lecture Series - June

IF YOU CARE, LEAVE THEM THERE

Presented by Mari Diaz

Rescue & Release Supervisor for SFWC

SECOND QUARTER IN REVIEW

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thankful to be able to provide these learning opportunities to fellow wildlife enthusiasts from all over the world.

Meet Amrika, our latest Veterinary Extern from Trinidad & Tobago! Amrika is currently attending vet school at University of the West Indies. Her professional goals include becoming a wildlife and exotic surgeon. Amrika chose SFWC because she was she wanted to gain knowledge and experience working with wildlife and exotic species. Her favorite species to work with so far have been the Brown Pelicans, snakes, and tortoises. SFWC is a teaching hospital and we are

REHAB STORIES: GRAY FOX PATIENT HIGHLIGHTS

Gray Foxes #23-2672, #23-2951, and #23-3423

During baby season, our typical intake consists of orphaned Virginia opossums, raccoons, birds, and gray squirrels. This season we were surprised to have three fox kits admitted to our hospital within one month of each other.

First female was transported on May 8th when a concerned citizen spotted the kit on the side of the Hollywood Turnpike alone. An intake exam revealed the orphan was suffering from a bilateral ear infection. There were also multiple abrasions on the head, neck, and back. Despite the poor shape the baby was in, the fox remained alert and mobile.

Ten days later, a second orphan was brought to our center from a similar area where the first female was found. This kit had a severe flea and tick infestation that required medicated baths and tick removal by the clinic staff. Fortunately, this patient had no major wounds or injuries. After a lengthy evaluation process, the two fox kits were deemed healthy and stable for introduction to each other and to be moved to one of our outdoor nursery habitats. This space is vital for these kits, as they continue to grow and develop in a more natural habitat.

On June 6th, a third fox kit was reported after Cooper City residents discovered the baby entangled in their soccer net. Staff quickly responded to the call to free the kit and transported her back to the hospital for a thorough exam by the clinic staff. Although she had older wounds on her head that had started to heal, no constriction injuries were present from the net. After undergoing treatment to clean the old injuries, SFWC Rescue & Release Team transported the fox back to the area to attempt a reintroduction with her family. Unfortunately, their efforts to reunite them were unsuccessful.

These three foxes are currently in our outdoor Fox Habitat where they are honing skills that will allow them to be successful in the wild.

Did you know? There are over 30 species of foxes and all of them have things that make each one of them unique. The Gray Fox is no exception. Gray foxes have different colorations than red foxes and desert foxes, and they prefer to live in regions that have more trees and brush. The Gray fox is common throughout most of North America. With sharp claws and strong legs, gray foxes are adept at scaling vertical surfaces, making them excellent tree-dwellers. Their diverse diet includes small mammals, birds, fruits, and insects. These intelligent and adaptable hunters thrive in various habitats, from forests to urban areas. Gray foxes live much longer in the wild than other foxes, usually up to about 12-16 years, and can live up to 20 years in captivity with the right care and environment. Their survival in the wild is due in part to their stealthiness and ability to hide from predators as well as their solitary behavior that keeps them from most human populations.

SPECIES SPOTLIGHT Downy Woodpecker

Dryobates pubescens

Widespread throughout most of the United States is the smallest woodpecker species in North America. The Downy Woodpecker inhabits open woodlands, but it is widely adaptable and has been found in suburban neighborhoods and parks. Weighing in at one ounce, this species can feed in areas where larger woodpeckers are unable to reach. They have an incredible ability to locate hidden prey relying on sound and scent to unveil their meals. Their diet consists primarily of insects such as beetles, ants, and caterpillars, while a quarter of their diet consists of plant material.

When defending their territory or asserting dominance, the Downy woodpecker employs unique displays such as raising their head feathers, spreading their tail feathers, and elegantly swaying their beaks. The rhythmic drumming sounds they produce on trees serve as both a territorial declaration and a melodious symphony echoing through the woods.

What truly sets them apart is their extraordinary partnership, as both male and female actively participate in every aspect of the nesting process. From the creation of the nest cavity to the incubation of eggs and nurturing of their young, these devoted parents work tirelessly to ensure the success of their offspring. After leaving the nest, their parental care continues with adults providing sustenance to their fledglings as they learn the art of independent foraging.

Homeowners in Plantation, FL discovered these Downy Woodpecker (23-1878) nestlings after they fell from a tree. Unfortunately, attempts to reunite the family were unsuccessful and they were transported to our hospital for rehabilitation. During the nestling stage in a bird’s life cycle, babies are extremely dependent on their parents for food, protection, and shelter. While receiving care in our nursery, they began to grow and develop feathers. Nursery staff regularly observed them taking shorts flights, before transitioning them to one of our outdoor aviaries to better hone their flying skills and instincts as wild birds. After 46 days of rehabilitation, they were ready to return to the wild.

EDUCATION & OUTREACH

Are you or your group interested in learning more about the wildlife of South Florida and how you can help? Join us for one (or all) of our educational programs!

Junior Wildlife Vet Kids Program

Sponsored by South Federal Animal Hospital

Your child can immerse themselves in the world of wildlife medicine with our Junior Wildlife Veterinarian Kids Program. Junior Vets will learn the steps we take to rehabilitate wildlife in our hospital for successful release back into the wild, and treat a patient of their very own. Please note: No handling of live wildlife occurs during this program. This program is open to ages 6-12 years old.

Nocturnal Wonders Night Hike

Find out “Hoooo’s” out and about making raucous noises in the night. Join us at Snyder Park to discover the secret life of South Florida’s nocturnal residents and learn about adaptations that allow wildlife to thrive at night. Our Animal Ambassadors will make special appearances and we might even see wildlife going about their nightly routines. This night hike is family friendly and open to all ages.

Who Gives a Hoot! All About Owls Workshop

Sponsored by Lauderdale Pathology

Soar into the world of the owl! Join us to learn all about these elusive birds. Participants will learn traits of owls and dissect an owl pellet, while getting to meet one of our owl Animal Ambassadors. This program is open to ages 8 and up.

Wild Talk & Tour

This program will cover general information about SFWC and our work as an active wildlife hospital. Participants will have the opportunity to meet a couple of our animal ambassadors, as well as participate in a brief tour of our outdoor rehabilitation areas.

ROLLIN’ ON THE WILDSIDE

Bring wildlife to your school or business! With SFWC’s offsite programs, our outreach team will travel to you. This program will cover general information about SFWC and our work as an active wildlife hospital, along with the opportunity to meet some of our animal ambassadors.

Space is limited and advanced booking is required. For more information and pricing, please contact kjamerson@southfloridawildlifecenter.org.

To stay up to date on programs and the work we are doing to rehabilitate South Florida wildlife, visit our website at www.southfloridawildlifecenter.org and follow along on our social media platforms.

Help support our Wildlife Education initiatives by sponsoring some of our amazing programs!

As a supporter of the South Florida Wildlife Center, your sponsorship will provide crucial, lifesaving support to South Florida’s native animals. Our mission is to rescue and rehabilitate sick and injured wildlife for release and educate the community about our wild neighbors. For more than 54 years, we have been a critical community resource for wildlife and the citizens of South Florida by treating thousands of patients.

For more information, please contact info@southfloridawildlifecenter.org.

REHAB STORIES: PATIENT HIGHLIGHTS

GOPHER TORTOISE #23-1839

On April 8th, a Fort Lauderdale resident was surprised to discover a Gopher Tortoise that had been painted by an unidentified person.

An intake exam confirmed the tortoise had no major injuries or wounds, however, the paint would prevent this turtle from absorbing muchneeded Vitamin D. Additionally, the bright colors will make it difficult for them to camouflage in their native habitat. This patient is currently in our outdoor Gopher Tortoise habitat as we wait for the paint to fade before returning the tortoise to the wild.

While Great Blue Herons are not unique patients to SFWC, we rarely see white morphs of this species admitted to our hospital. This heron was discovered in Davie unable to fly.

An initial exam revealed swelling and significant bruising over the left wing. Radiographs confirmed a fracture of the left radius. The fractured limb was thoroughly cleaned and placed in a wrap to allow for proper alignment while healing.

This patient is undergoing treatment in our Wildlife Ward that includes regular bandage changes and physical therapy to maintain range of motion.

Did you know? The largest heron in North America, the Great White is very rare outside central and southern Florida. Though they are regular throughout most of the southern half of the state, Florida Bay holds the majority of known Great White Herons, with about 850 breeding pairs. Very few are known to breed anywhere else in the world. Given their apparently small population, Great Whites exhibit a rather strong tendency to stray. They prefer saltwater, inhabiting mangroves, tidal shallows, or coastal ponds.

Did you know? In Florida, the Gopher Tortoise is designated as a threatened species under the Florida Endangered and Threatened Species Rule. Gopher Tortoises share their burrows with more than 350 other species, including the Eastern indigo snake, rodents, gopher frog, and hundreds of invertebrates like beetles and crickets who also depend on the burrows for shelter and predator protection. This makes Gopher tortoises a keystone species — one without which many other species would not survive.

GREAT WHITE HERON #23-3865

BALD EAGLE 23-2071

Fort Lauderdale residents discovered this juvenile Bald Eagle on the ground, unable to fly. Following transport to our center from a Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission officer, clinic staff conducted a full intake exam. Radiographs confirmed a right coracoid fracture. For the last two months, the eagle has undergone extensive rehabilitation and physical therapy to maintain range of motion in the shoulder. This patient is currently in our large flight cage and has regularly been observed by staff flying back and forth. After further evaluation, he has been cleared by our veterinary team for release! Please follow us on social media for updates.

Help support our Wildlife Education Ambassador Program by symbolically adopting one of our resident animals!

Through the South Florida Wildlife Center’s Wildlife Education Ambassador Program, our resident animals help us provide education and advocacy for wild animals. The program’s nonreleasable animals have unique stories that allow our Outreach and Community Services team to inform the public about the different species, conservation, respect, and appreciation of our South Florida wildlife.

Your adoption of an ambassador animal helps to provide the best possible veterinary care, staffing, training, and husbandry, as well as habitat maintenance for our Wildlife Education Ambassador Animals.

MEET POMELO THE FLORIDA BOX TURTLE

Nestled within the vibrant landscapes of Florida is a species that thrives in forests, marshes, and swamps. The Florida box turtle is known for its distinct appearance possessing a dark brown and black shell with bright yellow radiating lines, along with yellow lines along its head and toes. While most turtle species can hide in their shell, the box turtle has a special adaptation. Their hinged plastron allows them to almost completely close their shell for added protection when threatened.

These omnivores are active year-round in Florida with a diverse diet including fruits, berries, seeds, vegetation, and small prey such as insects, amphibians, worms, eggs, and invertebrates. Their longevity is remarkable with individuals noted to live up to 50 years in the wild.

Box turtles face a variety of threats in their natural environment including predation, road mortality, exploitation from the pet trade, and habitat loss. You can help box turtles by being mindful when you are driving. If you see a box turtle crossing the road and your safety is secure, you can assist by moving the turtle in the direction it was headed. If you see a box turtle in the wild, observe them from a distance and never try to relocate them to new areas.

Pomelo, a male Florida Box Turtle, has embarked on a unique journey. After spending more than 15 years in the care of his previous owners, Pomelo was surrendered to SFWC for permanent placement. Recognizing his potential to contribute to educational efforts, our staff welcomed him into the Ambassador Animal program. Since January 30, 2023, Pomelo has found solace and purpose at SFWC, his new forever home. As a valued member of the Ambassador Animal team, Pomelo receives specialized care tailored to his individual needs. He thrives in an environment that mirrors his natural habitat, all the while captivating the hearts of visitors who have the privilege of encountering him.

Pomelo serves as an extraordinary educational ambassador, helping to enlighten and inspire the local community about the importance of preserving reptile species in their natural ecosystems. His story exemplifies the impact that responsible pet ownership and conservation efforts can have on the lives of these extraordinary creatures. By sharing his journey and serving as a living testament to the resilience of Florida Box Turtles, Pomelo encourages us all to become dedicated stewards of the natural world.

2023 Wildlife Photography Contest entry of a Belted Kingfisher by Ashley Schmal.