May 2008

Dear Humans, Birds and Elephants,

Upon returning home from Florida, last month, I found one very friendly and loving scarlet macaw in my living room. Aristophanes acted as if he really missed me. He sat on my lap and was warm, gentle and nuzzling. Even Jackie, who doesn’t necessarily think he is the most wonderful companion in the world, was pleased at his demeanor. It lasted one day. Mugsy, my sweet and adorable great Dane, came home the next day from the kennel where he and my other dogs had stayed during out trip and Aristophanes became himself again. He should be the poster bird for not buying a macaw. Emma is a good boy and Zeke is his own sweet self as always. I am going to attempt to bring Emma to our meeting tonight. The reason I say, “Attempt,” is because sometimes Emma just does not want to go anywhere and I respect that. I would like to bring him to Juan’s training session and see what he can learn.

Our club was involved in the SPCA’s ADOPTATHON last weekend. I had sent out an email, to those members whose email address I have, asking for volunteers for our table. I also called some others. The response was not too enthusiastic, but we did get some people to participate. The number of dogs and cats without homes is staggering. We do a great kindness by involving ourselves if we can help some of these homeless animals find good homes. The local SPCA has a sordid history, but we must look at the animals, not the organization. Hopefully, the people who are running it currently will not be imbued with the problems of the past and the animals will get a good chance of being adopted. Unfortunately, Saturday was rainy, chilly and unpleasant but Sunday turned out better. I hope our presence helped the animals in any way it could. I would really like to thank those people who gave of their time. Kindness is always appreciated. I met a sixty two year old Asian elephant named Mary when I was in Florida. She was quite a gentle soul. Elephants can live to that age and even older depending on the condition of their teeth. Elephants, both African and Asian, grow six sets of four molar teeth in their lifetime. They grow laterally from back to front, in each side of the jaw, and each new tooth replaces the tooth before it when the lamellae, or ridges wear out. Elephants normally die by literally starving after their final teeth are worn smooth and they can no long masticate the vegetation on which they live. Unfortunately, most elephants in captivity do not reach this advanced age due to severe arthritic conditions that set in and cripple their feet. This is caused by a lack of movement and exercise. For this reason, most captive elephants are eventually euthanized before attaining the age they could reach in the wild state where they walk up to forty miles in a day in search of good feeding places.

Back to birds: Jackie and I saw some beautiful macaws at the Disney Wild Animal Kingdom. You should see some pictures of them in our newsletter. We saw scarlets, hyacinths, green wings and militaries.. There was an interesting program presented about birds that stressed the need for intelligent conservation of bird species. There was also a plea for people to NOT buy parrots without fully realizing what responsibility they are undertaking. This is a concept that we, as a club, are constantly trying to proselytize.

Tonight is very special. Juan Romero, of the Wildlife Conservation Society, should be with us to show how parrots are trained. I have invited all our members to bring their own bird, if they so choose, to participate in this workshop. I believe that the right kind of training (that which, of course, is non abusive) can do much to stimulate a parrots mind as well as please its human.

Next month, June, brings Dr. Lonnie Kasman back to us. He is an avian specialist with much knowledge and a great heart. Be sure not to miss his presentation.

We have to pick a date for our 21st anniversary party in July as I cannot be there the 2nd or 3rd Thursday. I am performing in Fiddler on the Roof, produced by the Sullivan County Dramatic Workshop. Come see me wear another hat. The dates are July 10, 12, 13, 17, 19 and 20th. Until next month..............have a great time with your birds and your elephants. With love, Richie