Page 29 - August 2016 Life In Naples Magazine
P. 29

COMBINING FOR COMMUNICATION

                                                                                         Just like a parent is a doctor’s best source of information
                                                                                      on a child’s ongoing symptoms, so keepers are a veterinarian’s
                                                                                      best source of data for noting any irregular behavior that
                                                                                      may indicate an animal isn’t feeling well. To ease this flow of
                                                                                      information on animal health, the new hospital is also the hub
                                                                                      for the Zoo’s professional keepers. An expanded meeting room
                                                                                      can handle growth for the current daily meetings between
                                                                                      the Director of Animal Programs, supervisors, keepers, and
                                                                                      veterinary staff. Keepers will also have increased workstation
                                                                                      space where they can input daily animal records and provide
                                                                                      updates to the registrar.

procedures. I am so lucky to be a part of this wonderful team and see this
project from the ground up.”

A PLACE FOR PANTHERS                                                                  HEALTHY GOALS

   Beyond caring for the animals living in the gardens, the new veterinary               While we look forward to the completed hospital and
hospital will be able to assist in caring for our iconic local panthers.As part of a  expanded capacities filled with a sea of stainless steel and
cooperative effort with the US Fish and Wildlife Service and the Florida Fish         advanced medical equipment, the goal is not the building
and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Naples Zoo created an educational               itself. Our goal is that bright look in an animal’s eyes telling
Florida panther habitat last year. This is now the permanent home for Uno,            you that all is well. And knowing that when those dark days
a panther that was blinded after being struck by two shotgun blasts. As part          arrive with their sad eyes, you’ve got the team and resources
of this effort, the Zoo also opened a behind-the-scenes rehabilitation area for       to heal them so they can live a long, healthy, and happy life.
Florida panthers for injured or orphaned cats. The new veterinary hospital            As animal lovers, we hope you enjoy seeing this new hospital
is the second phase of this program as it provides panther biologists a single        being created as much as we do.
local location to quickly bring cats. Once on-site, panthers can receive both
emergency procedures as well as any ongoing care from the Zoo’s veterinarian             As this effort for our veterinary hospital funded by private
as well as other area specialty veterinarians.                                        donors comes to a close, we’re focusing on the next steps of our
                                                                                      campus-wide campaign. If you are interested in learning more
   As Naples Zoo President and CEO Jack Mulvena states, “Providing                    about the Naples Zoo’s upcoming mission-based projects,
even greater healthcare for our animals is reason enough to be excited about          please contact Marci Seamples, Director of Development, at
this next step. The fact that we can combine that mission with increasing             239.262.5409 ext. 147 or marci@napleszoo.org to learn more
the available medical options for local endangered species makes it a perfect         about the joy of enriching the lives of these extraordinary
win-win.”                                                                             animals, our community, and the natural world.

                                                                                         Far from the simple menageries of the past, today’s nationally
                                                                                      accredited zoos are centers of learning and natural crossroads for
                                                                                      biologists, educators, environmental scientists, and researchers - as
                                                                                      well as for students, conservationists, and all animal lovers. Naples
                                                                                      Zoo at Caribbean Gardens is an award-winning, private 501(c)
                                                                                      (3) nonprofit serving wildlife and families here and around the
                                                                                      world. More information at www.napleszoo.org.

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