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Stephanie Jennings

Please Consider Helping the Heard Animal Ambassadors This North Texas Giving Day

North Texas Giving Day

North Texas Giving Day is tomorrow (Thursday, September 18)!

This year, we aim to raise at least $30,000 to help cover the cost of exceptional care and veterinary treatment that each of the 75 animal ambassadors in our care receives. With your help, we can meet this goal!

So far, over 30 supporters have helped us meet this goal during Early Giving. Our board of directors has also pledged to match over $12,000 in donations from the public. We really appreciate each gift! All donations will help us get closer to this goal and we are grateful for your support. We also appreciate your help in spreading the word about our project.

Thank you to all of the generous supporters who have contributed to this goal so far!

Bobcat North Texas Giving Day

About Heard Animal Ambassadors

All animals residing at the Heard under human care are unable to survive in the wild and therefore non-releasable. Each has a unique story, but they all rely on the Heard for a home. Otherwise, the alternative is typically euthanasia.

These animals act as ambassadors for their wild counterparts, helping us fulfill our mission to educate and inspire by connecting people with the natural world. And, by providing a permanent home for these animal ambassadors, rehabbers we work with also have more opportunities to provide care to additional animals in need. 

Read below to learn more about a few of our animal ambassadors. Thank you for your consideration and support. Additional information is available below or here.

 

Meet A Few Animal Ambassadors

Pudge and Poe are Eastern Screech Owls and came to live at the Heard in 2013. Though they arrived at the same time, they both came from different situations that led to injury of one of their eyes.

Eastern Screech Owl Pudge

Pudge was found in the mouth of an English Mastiff (although it’s unknown if that caused the eye injury). Poe was found on the side of the road, after, presumably, being hit by a vehicle. Because of these injuries that would limit their ability to take care of themselves, they were deemed non-releasable. 

Easter Screech Owl Poe

You may notice that they are two different colors. That’s because Eastern Screech Owls have two common color morphs, gray and rufous (red). Pudge is rufous and Poe is gray. 

Coatimundi North Texas Giving Day

Project Background

The 75 animals under our care receive the highest standard of care, meeting or exceeding all standards for their species set by USDA, Texas Parks and Wildlife, US Fish and Wildlife Service, and others. Veterinary services and the daily care are cornerstones of maintaining the health and well-being of our animals, ensuring that they thrive. But it is expensive.

While we continue to provide exceptional care, veterinary costs for routine check-ups, emergency treatments, and specialized care are considerable and ever-increasing. Additionally, each animal requires a specialized diet and daily care routine. By supporting our Animal Care Fund, you are directly contributing to the health and happiness of these animals. Your support helps us fulfill our deep commitment to their well-being.

For example, the annual care for just one of our Eastern Screech Owls might easily cost over $4,000 which covers things like:

  • Food: $564
  • Specialized Raptor Veterinary Care: $50
  • Expert Veterinary Ophthalmology Care: $150
  • Medications (her prescription eye drops): $135
  • Raptor-specific care equipment: $50
  • Enrichment items such as perches, dust baths, and natural substrate: $100
  • Specially trained staff time: $3100.00
  • State and Federal Permit and Licensing Fees: $250

About North Texas Giving Day

Your donation goes further with bonus funds and prizes when you give through this link. Our board of directors has also committed a $12,000+ matching gift. With your help this North Texas Giving Day, we will be able to continue our mission to bring nature and people together. 

About Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary

Founded in 1967 by Bessie Heard at the age of 80, Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary consists of a 289-acre nature preserve and a natural science museum with the mission to educate and inspire by connecting people with the natural world. In a time when the rate of expansion of the Metroplex was slower than today, Miss Bessie foresaw the need to preserve a place where future generations could experience nature. 

Your support through financial and in-kind contributions will help ensure the Heard will be sustained for future generations to enjoy. We also appreciate you sharing our information with your friends and family! Because the Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary is private 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, any gifts made are tax-deductible as allowed by law. 

Marketing & Communications Director at Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary in McKinney, Texas. - Contact Stephanie at