Download - Global Wildlife Winter 2014 Newsletter
WINTER 2014
Enter to win two Child’s
Safari Wagon Passes !
GWC’s staff expert and
Psychology Graduate
Student gives us insight
into the benefits of human-
animal interaction!
Inside This Issue
News + Updates
From the President’s Desk..…….3
A look into GWC in 2014, & what’s to come!
A Tall Announcement!…………....4 Introducing our newest baby reticulated giraffe.
The Wild Engagement……………….5
A staff member pops the question on tour!
Wild Wonders
Amazing Aquatic Antelope..…….….8 Learn about the South African Red Lechwe.
Animals Helping to Heal…………....12
Inside look into the therapeutic benefits of learning
through touch from one of Global’s own.
YOU in the news!
Safari Selfie CONTEST…………...……....6
WIN 2 FREE Child Wagon Passes!!
Member’s Only Fall Fest…..…………….7
A thanks to all who attended this year’s event.
For the Young at Heart
Animal Mix n Match……......…..15
Can you help us match our favorite animals at
Global Wildlife Center to their proper names?! “Look deep into Nature, and
then you will understand
everything better.”
- Albert Einstein
..
2
A NOTE FROM THE
PRESIDENT’S DESK...
W ow, 24 years later and we get to wish you all a Merry Christmas! You are
part of our family! What an incredible year it has been! We welcomed
three baby Reticulated giraffes to our frisky long legged family. They are very
playful and already interacting with the tours.
We are fortunate that 2014 brought a mild winter, and as it approaches,
we start our annual winter feed ups. The tractors go out and start blowing their
horns, and the animals come out from everywhere - a sight to be seen. We have
also started Santa's list of winter projects at the Center. As we are open seven
days a week, we get to make most of them while you are busy with family and
friends. As you do every year, you will see many new things that make a trip to
Global exciting and fun, so bundle up and come see us!
We have added large corporate events to the venue this year, which has
been fun for both staff and the visitors. Global was honored to host The Louisi-
ana Organ Procurement Agency's annual donor picnic. Families of organ donors
and recipients came together to celebrate life in a relaxed environment. What a
great event for all!
As always, thank you for your continued support. We have once again been
named "Best of Louisiana" and "Best NorthShore Attraction", and we take all of
these awards with great pride. We have had another record year of visitors and
outreach programs, and we believe we have the best staff possible who love
what they do. They work very hard to make your every visit a lasting memory.
They even make special memories of their own. This year we even witnessed a
marriage proposal on tour!
Most of all, the millions of people that have been exposed
to this unique and educational facility make us very proud to
deliver back to our communities and state. Have a safe holiday
and we will see you all soon!
President of Advisory Board
Ken Matherne
Board of Directors
William Breaux
Steve Cart
Lance Kern
Karla Meche
Brittany Ricks
William Wainright
Managers
Sara Coulon
Brittany Ricks
Ambur Senac
Shelby Jo Magee
Sarah Parmley
Editors
Maci Matherne
Brittany Ricks
Creative
Contributors
Brittany Beeson
Brittany Ricks
Ambur Senac
Jenniffer Smith
3
A n n o u n c e m e n t !
T
A
L
L
Our
We are ecstatic to welcome our newest addition to
the giraffe family this fall. We would like to formally introduce Sky, our precious 5 month old reticulated
giraffe! She is a playful little gal, already eating from
the wagons and interacting with our guests! Book your
Private Pinz Tour to see her up close, and who knows,
you may even get a kiss from that long tongue of hers!
4
n n o u n c e m e n t !
THE WILD ENGAGEMENT
{A LOVE STORY}
There is constant excitement and love at Global
Wildlife Center. Many visitors bring their loved
ones out to visit our exotic and endangered ani-
mals. Our private tours make for a great retreat
for a first date or even an intimate proposal.
This particular love story started earlier this
year right here at Global Wildlife. Sarah and
Russell, long time tour guides and best friends,
met here and have been dating since February.
They share a love for wildlife, adventure, and
the outdoors. On October 25th, Russell’s 26th birthday, dressed up in their
Halloween costumes, Sara and Russell enjoyed a day on tour together. Little
did Sara know, Russell had an amazing surprise for her. As their last tour
came to an end Russell announced over the loud speaker for Sarah to stop
the wagons. Russell then began to dedicate the next five minutes to her as
he shared their love story to the 120 guests aboard. As he finished, Russell
got down on one knee and ask Sarah if she would marry him. She said,
“YES!!”. They will tie the knot on April 4, 2015 in honor of Sarah’s deceased
father’s 72nd birthday. Watch the video of Russell’s proposal here!
By Brittany Thomas Ricks
Russell & Sarah pose for a Halloween pic on
the morning of their engagement!
5
Aquatic
An inside look into the life of our South African Red Lechwe.
The amazing
ante lope
Story by: Maci Matherne
Photo By: Pat & Cindy Bonish
Even as an avid tour-goer, it is possible
that you have not yet had an up close en-
counter with the Red Lechwe, or kobus
leche. As we’ll find out, our family of five
prefer to watch us from their favorite
watering holes, instead of grazing in
open areas.
Our professional animal finders, also
known as Global Wildlife Tour Guides, give
us our first clue as to where we might
find these elusive antelope today. As we
venture into the west corner of the prop-
erty, it is fairly easy to spot the family of
Red Lechwe amongst the other antelope
and deer species. A beautiful mix of red
and brown hues that line the Lechwe’s
upper coat is a stark contrast to the
light neutrals of the surrounding fallow
deer.
Of course, today we find the Lechwe
near the terrain they love the most,
shallow water. The Red Lechwe love the
water so much, in fact, they are consid-
ered the second most aquatic antelope
species in the world.
Two male Red Lechwe stand alert in Lake Field.
9
Continued... Native to Zambia, Namibia, and Bot-
swana, their affinity for Southern Afri-
ca’s marsh and swamplands make
them a perfect fit for GWC’s conserva-
tion efforts in South Louisiana.
What makes them so fit for the
wetlands? The Lechwe’s hind limbs
are noticeably longer than those in
front, making them well adapted to
moving swiftly and gracefully through shal-
low waters. In the wild, females and their
young rarely venture from the water
source, as the species is, in comparison,
actually quite clumsy on land. We also
notice the hooves are small and pointed,
instead of shorter and flat like most of our other hooved animals at Global. This
peculiar structure allows the Lechwe to secure their footing in damp or muddy areas.
What is the best way to see the Red Lechwe at Global, you ask? “If you haven’t
been on a Private Pinzgauer Tour, this will be your best bet to see some of our favor-
ite antelope at the Center. The Swiss army vehicles allow visitors to go almost any-
where on the property, and customize how long you’d like to stay at each stop within
the hour-long tour!” - Amber Breaux, Tour Guide 10
‘Tis the Season 2014
NOVEMBER 26TH—DECEMBER 23RD
20% OFF
ALL GIFT SHOP
MERCHANDISE!
Find your holiday gifts for all ages this
year in Global Wildlife’s Safari Gift Shop!
Here’s a special offer to celebrate
this holiday season!
(Promotion valid from 11/26/14 to 12/23/14 only.
No extension on expiration date. Gift Shop merchandise
only. Redeem in Safari Gift Shop.)
WIN A FREE WAGON TOUR!
ENTER TO
WIN!
GLOBAL WILDLIFE SAFARI SELFIE CONTEST Enter to win two FREE Child Passes for our Safari Wagon Tour!
1. Send us your favorite picture of yourself, your friends, or family at Global Wildlife
Center via Facebook or email to [email protected] OR
2. Connect with us via Instagram @globalwildlife using the hashtag #SAFARISELFIE. ***Only photos taken at Global Wildlife will be eligible to win.***
**Last day to enter is January 10, 2015.**
Thanks to all of our Global Wildlife Members
who came out to our Fall Fest this year!
By Brittany Beeson
MEMBER’S ONLY FALL FEST
On October 11, 2014 the center held its annual Member’s Only Fall Festival. The children painted pumpkins, roasted
marshmallows, and participated in a scavenger hunt! There was also a silent auction held in our gift shop for the adults.
The center holds two member’s only events a year. A
Beach Party is held every May and a Fall Festival every October. Become a member today and join us for our
next event! Visit our website at www.globalwildlife.com for more details.
A special thanks to all of our silent auction donors this year!
7
HELPING TO HEAL A Story of Animal Based Therapeutics
Anyone who has been on a Safari
tour knows that it only takes a few
minutes with our furry friends to
bring about a smile and lift your
mood. But did you know that inter-
action with animals has the power to
alleviate symptoms of learning disa-
bilities, physical disabilities, and
emotional disorders?
Donkeys, llamas, alpacas, cattle,
and birds, all of which are found at
Global Wildlife, are commonly used
in animal-based therapy. Therapy
with the use of animals may be best
known for bringing affection, com-
fort and happiness to people in
confined living situations, whether
they are in a hospital for a short stay
or living in an assisted living home.
Although this example is the
most popular scenario that comes to
mind when thinking of therapy
animals, there are many other situa-
tions involving human and animal
interactions that can be beneficial to
the psychological and physiological
wellbeing of both sides involved.
Just visiting with animals has been
shown to lower anxiety and motivate
participation. Connecting with an
animal by petting, feeding, or sharing
a laugh can bring positive feelings
and warm memories to those who
feel ill, lonely or neglected.
Therapy by use of animal interac-
tion also serves people with learning
disabilities, those involved in physical
therapy, or those recovering from
stressful life events such as a natural
disaster or trauma. Research sup-
ports the idea that contact with an
animal can improve a patient’s
physical, mental, and emotional
state, which in turn helps them to
better engage and participate in
social settings.
12
Animals who offer therapeutic interaction
come in all shapes and sizes, and their most
important characteristic is not their species,
breed or appearance, but their temperament.
They are friendly, patient, confident, gentle, and
at ease with strangers. They provide acceptance
and never fail to put smiles on the faces of chil-
dren and adults. So why not use a friendly Fallow
deer or a curious European Red deer for the use
of therapeutic interaction also?
Here at Global Wildlife Center, we offer
animal interaction and engagement throughout
our hour and a half long tours. From the physical
therapy point of view, the guest may be motivat-
ed to feed the animal or touch it. Because the
wagons sit high off the ground, the animals only
have access to the wagon windows with their
upper bodies while not allowing their feet or
constantly swishing tails to make contact with
anyone on tour. If the guests feel uncomfortable
with the close presence of animals through their
wagon window, they can simply move away from
the barrier and enjoy the animals from a more
desirable distance. This offers important sensory
stimulation without it becoming overwhelming
to these guests. From the cognitive therapy point
of view, for those with social deficits (as in the
autism spectrum) the animal is sometimes seen
as more welcoming and inviting in comparison to
engaging in a social setting with a person. The
animal can be presented as a new friend. This
allows a safe and exciting atmosphere which has
the potential to lower anxiety and offer a new
type of enjoyment and interaction.
One species known for positive therapeutic
interaction who calls Global Wildlife Center their
home are our family of llamas. Llamas are
indigenous to the high Andes of the South
American countries of Peru, Bolivia and Chile.
In North America, there are nearly 110,000
llamas located on ranches, farms, and privately
owned facilities. Llamas are clean, intelligent,
and have a face that will surely make you smile.
Their personalities are more similar to cats than
dogs, horses, or other livestock.
Due to their friendly demeanor, llamas are
an outstanding animal to choose to interact with
here at Global Wildlife. They are the most gentle
of eaters on the wagon tours and will often trot
alongside your wagon window to show extra
affection. Llamas are quiet, peaceful animals and
make soft humming sounds to communicate.
Just watching the llamas as they play, graze and
interact with each other is a great way to lower
your blood pressure and increase your feeling of
well-being. Llamas have a very gentle and inquis-
itive nature which is why they are becoming a
commonly used species in the field of compan-
ionship therapy and often provide comfort
through their visits to residents of nursing
homes, hospices and hospitals which provide
often needed stimulation and enjoyment.
13
In my continued academic studies of psychology, I
have focused my attention to companionship thera-
py and in more detail, the use of llamas as compan-
ions in therapy type settings. Llamas are amazing for
this because they are so loving, friendly and of
course non-judgmental, they are very straightfor-
ward and do not care how someone looks or how
they do things. They are amusing to watch with their
antics and laughter can be a great release for those
who are generally overwhelmed by their difficult
lives.
The importance of touch is necessary for our
emotional and physical well-being. For children and
adults who have been ill-treated or abused a touch
from another human can be a very difficult concept
to accept, but the touch of a warm fleecy animal is
non-threatening and offers pleasure to that individu-
al. Although llamas are large creatures, they offer a
feeling of loyalty and peace which takes away their
size. Also, a llama’s humming harbors the same
physiological benefits that a cat’s purring has which
is known to lower blood pressure and lessen anxiety.
Throughout my years at Global Wildlife Center, I
have had the opportunity to witness firsthand the
countless benefits offered through the interaction
between our guests and all of our animals that call
this place home. We are actively involved with many
local schools in the southern part of Louisiana as well
as hosting groups like Camp Tiger regularly through-
out our time here in Folsom. I have seen the faces of
children and adults light up when given the chance
to hand feed or touch the animals here.
I have personally never had a tour be able to
refrain from laughing from the enjoyment of their
contact with the animals and have never been able
to keep from laughing myself. It is an incredible feel-
ing to be safely surrounded by so many different
species, watching them interact with each other and
the tours full of guests. There truly is no feeling com-
parable to that joy. The increase in morale when en-
gaging with these animals is noticeable from the
time the tour makes its first stop in the field and you
can see the expressions on people’s faces glow with
excitement and happiness. I am proud to say that I
am a part of this.
So the next time you find yourself feeling down in
the dumps, stuck in the doldrums of life, or simply in
need of a pick me up from a stressful week, schedule
a trip to see us here at Global Wildlife Center for an
instant mood enhancer. Whether you prefer hands
on interaction or find yourself more of the observing
type, you will not be disappointed. You might even
find yourself making it a new addition to your
regular de-stressing regiment.
- Story By Jenniffer Smith, Master’s of Psychology
Candidate 2015
14
Animal mix n match
Can you help us match each of our animal’s picture to their species name?!
A
B C
D E
1 Red Lechwe 2 Grant Zebra
Scimitar Horned Oryx Sicilian Donkey
Kangaroo 3
5 4
Key: 1. E 2. C 3. B 4. A 5. D