Animal Ambassadors & Wildlife Education

Build a Connection to Something Wild---------------

--------------------It's Your Chance to Get it Right

>>>>>>> Schedule a Program for Your Group Today!

"We hold the future of the earth and its creatures in our hands"...




To Schedule a Gila Monster Presentation EMAIL: heiyou50@msn.com

In the end we conserve only what we love, we will only love what we know and we will know only what we are taught.

When you see an animal up close and learn its intricacies, you can understand how vulnerable it is and care about its survival.

Above pic----"RIO"-the real life version. Spix Macaws were listed as extinct in the wild, and now with protection and breeding colonies in several undisclosed locations there are about 165 and that number is growing.

---Eclectus Parrot populations are considered stable in the wild. Extreme sexual dimorphism meks these parrots unique in the world!

Below picture- "What it feels like to be a ???????"

I hope you enjoy this site. It is built for animal lovers of all kinds and animals of all kinds. In the "Click & Learn Library" you can target train the shark, the dolphin, track the migration of a monarch butterfly, watch a komodo dragon play with its keeper; or, learn about cures new disease treatment modalities being offered from the proteins of venoms.

Whether you are considering adopting a pet or snorkeling in Lofoten Norway with Orca (killer Whales). See right margin under "Activities, Organizations, & Rescues".

I hope that readers will visit often, as this site changes and evolves. It can be a great resource for anyone thinking about owning a pet. It can be a map for budding zoologists or any considering a career working in conservation, research, herpetology, ornithology or other vocation involving animals.

Picasso the Gila Monster is just one of the animals called the zoo crew. She helps me discuss how states protect animals through laws." Being North America's largest lizard and a venomous lizard, seeing her leads to the true story of America's MOST fabled lizard.

Picasso travels to schools and community as part of a TWSEP program to educate children about careers in conservation and science. The main mission is to educate people about Diabetes Type II. Picasso is 5 years old and she is very well-traveled having been to 2 different states and plans underway for a 3 state tour in the spring. Over 10,000 people have to date learned about Picasso. Gila Monsters are a "Protected" species and "Near Threatened" in wild populations. Picasso was bred and hatched in captivity. "Click" this to view a Gila Monster hatching. Picasso is a "Banded" Gila Monster and her species is called Heloderma.


"Protector, Healer, First Medicine Man, the Original Hand-Trembler, Bringer of Rain, Weaver of the Broken Strands, Foreteller of the Nature of Illnesses."

Several Native American tribes revere these animals and these are just a few of the titles applied to Gila Monster by them.

Considered living dinosaurs, Gila Monsters were alive during the time of Tyrannosaurus Rex. So, Naturally I bring a few fossils and a T-Rex head mount.

Derivatives of Gila Monster venom are used in treatment of diabetes II and Obesity, Byetta Exenatide Injection as well as trials now being conducted for the treatment of Parkinson's Disease, Lung Cancer and Alzheimer's Disease. Picasso the Gila Monster allows her audiences to have a learning experience from a living legend.

Many different venoms are contributing to ongoing research and cures...from Breast Cancer to Blood Stain Removers.

Site links to the AZA, AAZK, APWE, IZEA appear in the right margin in the Activities and Organizations Section. Job listings, internships and tons of contact information-

Investigate all the topics in the Right margin under the "Click & Learn Library"

It is my greatest hope for our young men and young women to embrace the ideas of career choices and interest in zoology, biology, research and outreach.


My encounters and associations within these personal areas of interest and the people involved in my life has been fulfilling beyond my greatest expectations.

The Zoo Crew (featuring the Gila Monster) has traveled within New Mexico, Utah and Idaho. 2012 will see us in Utah, Idaho and Wyoming.



ECLECTUS PARROTS
Interlocking feathers of eclectus parrots feel like hair...fine hair. No other bird has this. This type of feathering is unique in the world and makes the bird hypoallergenic. Photo by Beatrice Eclectus.

Eclectus Parrots are fascinating and beautiful birds. They accompany me as I talk about the incredible dimorphism found only in these birds. For many years scientists believed the male and the female separate species from each other.

The Eclectus Parrots are ambassadors extraordinaire in their beauty and attitude around people. Sacramento Zoo Lullaby for Robby the Eclectus

Currently Eclectus Parrots are considered thriving and robust in wild populations.

Found in the Soloman Islands, (a tektonic subduction zone), these birds have been a source of worship for centuries by the natives of these islands. They are also found in New Guinea and parts of Australia. This is a photo of my birds: Robby and Maia the Red Papaya.

These are the only birds like this in the world. Females exhibit more color than the males and up until the 1960's, scientist believed they were two separate species.

NM "CHARACTER COUNTS" PROGRAM

"DIGNITY" Sgt. Jerry L. Tuttle & "Wings" A Caparisoned or “Riderless Horse”

CHARACTER COUNTS
Tom Selleck and Pete Domenici created this program which establishes 6 Pillars of Character. As it relates to animal care and is the most important aspect of humans I choose to mention it and reward children when they overcome fears/accomplishing in relationship to animals. Our local Hinkle Family Fun Center gives me 1000's of certificates of accomplishment which then give children play time at the center.

The 6 Pillars of Character are:

Trustworthiness
Be honest • Don’t deceive, cheat, or steal • Be reliable — do what you say you’ll do • Have the courage to do the right thing • Build a good reputation • Be loyal — stand by your family, friends, and country
Respect
Treat others with respect; follow the Golden Rule • Be tolerant and accepting of differences • Use good manners, not bad language • Be considerate of the feelings of others • Don’t threaten, hit or hurt anyone • Deal peacefully with anger, insults, and disagreements
Responsibility
Do what you are supposed to do • Plan ahead • Persevere: keep on trying! • Always do your best • Use self-control • Be self-disciplined • Think before you act — consider the consequences • Be accountable for your words, actions, and attitudes • Set a good example for others
Fairness
Play by the rules • Take turns and share • Be open-minded; listen to others • Don’t take advantage of others • Don’t blame others carelessly • Treat all people fairly
Caring
Be kind • Be compassionate and show you care • Express gratitude • Forgive others • Help people in need
Citizenship
Do your share to make your school and community better • Cooperate • Get involved in community affairs • Stay informed; vote • Be a good neighbor • Obey laws and rules • Respect authority • Protect the environment • Volunteer