WERC Volunteer Frank Fantozzi and Zorro the Turkey Vulture.

 By Colleen Grzan, werc@werc-ca.org
 

It’s official…..the Turkey Vulture, formerly known as “No-Name, has been approved by the US Fish & Wildlife Service to become the newest member of W.E.R.C.’s educational animal team!  This is the young bird that basically admitted himself to the care of the Wildlife Education & Rehabilitation Center two years ago—read his story at  http://www.morganhilltimes.com/lifestyles/249518-werc-animal-of-the-month-turkey-vulture.  He has been given the name, Zorro, an apt appellation for this magnificent bird with his outstretched wings looking like a swirling black cape.  We realize he isn’t quite as handsome as Antonio Banderas or Guy Williams, but he is an inspiring addition to W.E.R.C.’s educational animal ambassadors and will be making his debut public appearance at the Taste of Morgan Hill, Sept. 25-26.  Come visit him and the other members of W.E.R.C.’s team.

Courtesy of Pet Talk

With the rapid growth of urbanization these days, people are coming into contact with wild animals more frequently than ever. This means that our domesticated animals are coming into contact with them as well, which can sometimes pose a dangerous situation.
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Q:
Our little yorkie dog, Bamboo, has had a cough for a while now. He’s overweight for his age (11) and he isn’t very active. He feels fine, other than the cough. But now it sounds like a loud honk when he coughs.

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Courtesy of Pet Talk

2010 has been the hottest year on record in the United States so far. The sweltering heat mixed with the wet summer days has increased mosquito activity. As mosquito season is still lurking, there are some important diseases associated with mosquitoes that can be transmitted to humans and pets that everyone needs to be aware of.

Heartworm disease most commonly affects dogs, however cats and humans are sometimes affected. Heartworm disease is caused by heartworms, which live in the blood vessel connecting the heart to the lungs. It is a life-threatening disease for dogs. Individuals are infected with the worm through the bite of a mosquito carrying the larvae of the worm. It can be prevented in dogs and cats with monthly pills or topical treatments. Once an individual is infected, treatment is very difficult and is risky.
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Matey is a 4-year-old tabby who has been neutered. He just had eye surgery and only has one eye, but he is playful and friendly. He has been at the San Martin Animal Shelter since June and is ready to be adopted. If you are interested an animal, call (408) 686-3900.

My name is Amy Behnke and I am a summer intern at the Wildlife Education and Rehabilitation Center. I am currently pursuing a career in veterinary medicine to become a wildlife/domestic animal veterinarian. That’s why when I first heard news that WERC was looking for a summer intern I quickly jumped at the chance to take part in this exciting opportunity.

The job came with some major perks: Getting to help rehabilitate some amazing animals, learning to handle the educational animals, and becoming a bobcat mom, just to name a few.

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Ty is a 6-year-old cocker spaniel who has been neutered. He is friendly, relaxed and knows some commands. He has been at the San Martin Animal Shelter since early July. If you are interested in adopting an animal, please call (408) 686-3900.

by Colleen Grzan, werc@werc-ca.org
Orphaned bobcat “Stanley” was only 4-weeks-old and 2 pounds when he was rescued in Stanislaus County in May and brought to WERC for rehabilitation. Stanley is now 4-months-old, very healthy (he has had all his feline vaccinations), and a robust 9 pounds.

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Courtesy of Pet Talk

Cool as a cucumber … but what if you are a horse!  Summer heat and humidity can be a dangerous combination for active horses.

“Heat and humidity affect the horse, and with intense exercising, the excess heat has difficulty dissipating,” notes Dr. Glennon Mays, clinical associate professor at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences.
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By Colleen Grzan, werc@werc-ca.org

This male Kestrel was just released at a large field in Gilroy. He was an orphaned fledgling when brought to the Wildlife Education and Rehabilitation Center two months ago (see June 17 blog). Eating up to three small rodents a day, he grew strong and healthy in WERC’s outdoor aviary.

Kestrels, the smallest falcon in North America, find their prey either by sitting on a perch or by hovering – also called “kiting” – flapping their wings in a way that lets them remain suspended in the same place.

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By Pete Keesling
Q:
Our older cat, Futz, came home with a bloody eye. When I looked at it more closely, I saw that there is actually blood inside the eye, not on the outside like I first thought. He seems fine otherwise. He’s eating normally and he doesn’t seem to have any pain or discomfort from this. I know you can’t make a diagnosis based on what I see. But what could cause this to happen? I’m guessing that he was injured in a fight.

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By Sue Howell, werc@werc-ca.org
Last week, the Wildlife Education and Rehabilitation Center admitted 18 nestling cliff swallows after a homeowner washed their nests down. Not only is it a federal offense to remove occupied nests of migratory birds, it’s also tragic loss to the area where they were located.

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Courtesy of Pet Talk

People have a special bond with animals because animals provide unconditional love throughout their lifetime. Therefore it can be very hard to cope after the loss of a pet. It is very common for people to experience grief as a response, and everyone grieves in different ways.
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Louie, left, is a 6-year-old terrier mix who has been neutered. He is sweet and would be best in an adult or older children home. Rocky, right, is a 5-year-old chihuahua mix who has been neutered. He is relaxed and quiet. They have been at the San Martin Animal Shelter since June. If you are interested in adopting an animal, call (408) 686-3900.

Baby Girl is a 7-year-old calico who has been spayed. She is sweet, quiet and curious. She loves to be pet. She has been at the San Martin Animal Shelter since June. If you are interested in adopting this or any other animal at the shelter, please call (408) 686-3900.