Saturday, November 9, 2013
Lucy McGator "Eating from my hand" Study
This is an ongoing study I'm working on at CrocTalk Conservation in Kelowna BC. Focusing on an alligators ability to create or form a bond. Their ability to understand simple commands and hand jestures. I've also studied their ability to see and recognize colour and what colours they associate with and what colours they don't. A very misunderstood species and deserve so much more credit for their existence than have in the past been given credit for….stay tuned for more, enjoy! Doug Illman, Director of Operations at CrocTalk. http://www.youtube.com/v/LNNONp6V1HU?autohide=1&version=3&autohide=1&autoplay=1&attribution_tag=xtWkn19QMjB-bLgN84SkyQ&feature=share&showinfo=1
Wednesday, October 9, 2013
Monday, July 22, 2013
Coping With the
Death of a Pet
Coping with the sudden death of a pet can bring up many
issues and feelings.
Shock and disbelief are caused by the unexpected experience
of this loss and I’m still trying to come to grips with my friend’s death.
Carlos, my African Caracal, was not just a companion. He was an experience
enjoyed by all who knew him. During my educational “talks” of both our African
Wild Cats, Carlos, our Caracal and Cleo our Serval, Carlos would almost every
time whack me in the back of the head with this simple smirk on his face.
Sparked by my comment “right, Carlos?” would surely get a response from my 63
lb friend. He loved his monkey too.
Wouldn't let anyone touch his monkey! I miss my friend. I thought if I
could help someone else with what I’m going through, I might be able to help
myself through this as well as help others that may be going through the same
situation recently.
For me I went through feelings of severe vulnerability.
There are also feelings specific to sudden death that we all confront while
engulfed in this grieving process.
· - Shock. The initial news was devastating for me.
Overwhelming. I felt so disconnected from any feelings other than numbness and
that maybe it was a dream. This couldn’t be happening because he seemed so
healthy.
· -This unexpected death left me feeling “absent”
from my surroundings and anyone trying to comfort me. It was as if I was the
victim of a prank.
· -Carlos was sedated at the time I was informed
and after the news was the tough decision to “let him go” while he was not
really conscious though I know for a fact he knew we were beside him giving him
comfort. Caressing him with a closeness he wouldn’t allow if he were totally
conscious. He did have attitude and only liked attention when he wanted it
under his terms. I felt I was invading his privacy but it was for the last time
so it was different.
· -I felt guilty as I watched him peacefully
passover. Then depressed by feelings of unfinished opportunities with him.
Regretting things I hadn’t done with him and maybe if I only had told him how
much I loved him everyday. Maybe things would have been different. Believing
and wishing there was something I could have done to change the circumstances
leading to his kidney failure. This though is not the “truth”, but the feelings
are very real for me to this day.
· -Today, I’m copying with dreams of Carlos. Witnessing
our Serval Cleo, a friend of Carlos for over 10 years, sniffing around and
gurgly chirping looking for some evidence that her friend is still present
somewhere in our home.
· -
I know that I will come out the other side one of these
days. But until then I need to spread Carlos' love as much as I can through my
social media sites to those who didn’t have the opportunity to have known my
friend. One of my FB friends said about my grieving on FB…”take your time. We
all grieve differently and do what I feel I have to do”. Thank you Lee.
Appreciated.
So, here I am, spilling my guts. Crying while I write this
in hopes of comforting my needs and thus possibly comforting others as well.
You are not alone though I certainly feel that way. Lost. Empty. Feeling
guilty. Alone. Yet blessed that I had know my friend Carlos, my Caracal for as
long as I had. He changed my life, forever.
I’ll always love you Carlos and will always “keep a light on
in my heart for you”
Good night, my friend.
Sunday, July 7, 2013
Memory of Carlos
A much loved life July1st 2002 - July 3rd 2013 - Just a few of my favorite photos of Carlos. Known by some in the community as "Mr. Personality" Carlos passed away peacefully from kidney failure. Brenda and I were at his side throughout and he knew he was loved dearly and missed tremendously by us all at CrocTalk and all who had the pleasure of experiencing his antics with his monkey! I love you Carlos, my friend and will mis you always. I will keep a light on in my heart for you and we will be together again one day....God I miss you....
Saturday, June 22, 2013
Another big thank you to the Kelowna Capital News for this ad in Fridays paper. Also thank you Kelowna and all those who voted for Croctalk in these 2 categories we placed 2nd and 3rd in the Best of Kelowna. Kids are out of school now so be careful on the roads and watch for those excited children now on holidays. See you at the Zoo!
Monday, April 15, 2013
CrocTalk Zoo Nominated for Best in Kelowna 2013
CrocTalk Zoo, Kelowna's very own Zoo and the ONLY facility of it's kind in the province of BC, has been nominated for the "Best of Kelowna 2013" in one category. I understand 5 nominations are necessary to continue to the next round of voting. I and our animals, would appreciate your support in this nomination process. Believe in conservation and education? Believe in our Cause? Believe that crocodiles Need Love Too? Believe in CrocTalk Zoo? Then please go to the site on poster and lets make this 2013 a great year for CrocTalk. There will be a PRESS RELEASE in May/June on our new location. This outcome may assist our Directors in some positive encouragement on our future direction. I have never given up in confronting ALL of our challenges, politically and personally. Let's ensure CrocTalk Zoo has a future here so I'm asking that you don't give up on our Cause...blessings & thanks
Monday, April 8, 2013
Australian crocodile, Baru, prepares for debut at Toledo Zoo - Toledo Blade
An incredible challenge to transport a reptile of this size and temperment. Hats off Adam and thank you for sharing this successful storyAustralian crocodile, Baru, prepares for debut at Toledo Zoo - Toledo Blade
Wednesday, March 20, 2013
Sunday, February 10, 2013
World’s largest crocodile Lolong is dead
World’s largest crocodile Lolong is dead
This is a very sad day hearing of Lalong's passing. Condolences to all who fallowed Lalong's life in captivity and especially those who cared for him.
This is a very sad day hearing of Lalong's passing. Condolences to all who fallowed Lalong's life in captivity and especially those who cared for him.
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