In this last post in the series of “Virginia Bear Updates” we’ll talk about her treatment. Administering Virginia’s daily medicine takes a bit of time, but fortunately the team has figured out a routine that works well. Below is my bucket of grapes and dried fruit, along with syrup ( and my stool to sit on while giving meds). If you want to see Kate preparing and giving Virginia meds, click here. (This is a link to a 30 minuteRead more
Posts filed in: Behind-the-Scenes
Christmas 2020
This might be the coldest Christmas I’ve worked at the Museum. I’ve worked wet ones, warm ones, and lonely ones, but I don’t think I’ve worked one this cold in quite some time, if at all. I also have never worked a Christmas with so many helpers! Three incredible volunteers along with “Keeper Nicole” made for a smooth and easy morning. More changes this year: Because I have the above dream team I didn’t set my alarm until 6:30. IRead more
R.I.P. Chandler
We said goodbye to our beloved opossum, Chandler, Friday night. We noticed over the past week that he was not his usual self. (I.e. not interested as much in food, some “coughing”, or deep abdominal breathing, and generally having a harder time getting settled). Upon exam, he had a prevalent heart murmur, and further assessment late Friday confirmed heart issues. So, with a heavy heart, the decision was made to euthanize him. At just shy of 3 years old, heRead more
Virginia Bear Update–Post #4, Sedation and Safety
We left off the last Virginia bear update with her being wheeled into the room to get ready for the work that was to come. The first part of getting Virginia “seen” by the team of specialists was getting her to sleep– or sedated. Our bear crate has a variety of doors and little “windows” we can use to help make this happen safely. The general plan was reviewed with the team, and then we began: I “called” Virginia toRead more
Virginia Bear Update- Post #3, People
You saw in the last post, Transporting Virginia, how many people we needed. Probably about 20 Museum staff helped. Tasks included preparing the crate, gathering materials for securing the crate, creating the actual “catch” plan, scheduling bodies for lifting the crate, or actual moving of the crate, as well as a few people tending to all the internal and external communicating this effort required. Once in Raleigh, there were probably over 50 people at the College of Veterinary Medicine atRead more
Many More Gifts
The gifts keep coming- and not just from our wish-list. My neighbor has left a few items for the animals recently. The sweet potatoes will be enjoyed by the animals. Thanks Donna. Our volunteers Cassie and Cathy brought in fabric to make animal beds, and Lyndi brought us in a new kitchen scale for weighing food. Thank you all– the hard work volunteering with us is more than enough (but gifts are great too!) And wishlist items, large and small,Read more