[E-updates] Additional News From Lawrence Parks and Recreation Department

[Lisa Patterson]

From: Roger Steinbrock 
Sent: Thursday, September 06, 2007 3:37 PM
Subject: Additional News From Lawrence Parks and Recreation Department

 

Additional News From Lawrence Parks and Recreation Department for
Thursday, September 06, 2007

 

Source: Marty Birrell, 785-832-7980

Prepared by Roger Steinbrock, 785-832-3458

NATURE CENTER TAKES IN ANIMALS WHILE THEY ARE NURSED BACK TO HEALTH

LAWRENCE -Over 200 animals and amphibians were welcomed at Prairie Park
Nature Center last night. The animals were taken by the State of Kansas
Animal Health Department from a western Kansas pet store and brought to
Lawrence Parks and Recreation Department's nature center for
rehabilitation.

 

The animals and amphibians were seized due to care and neglect. 

 

Marty Birrell, nature interpretive supervisor, said the nature center
has been a refuge for other animals in the past when business operations
have been closed down. 

 

"We became involved because the Lawrence Humane Society had asked us to
house some animals in the past," Birrell said. "The Lawrence Humane
Society is seen as one of the best in the state and is often called upon
to assist in this type of matter."

 

Snakes, frogs, rabbits, turtles, crabs, guinea pigs and spiders are now
residing at the nature center, being cared for and nursed back to
health. Once they've regained their weight and are healthy, the animals
and amphibians will be used in educational settings by educators and
nature centers across the region.  

 

"We want to ensure these animals are given a home where they are taken
care of properly," Birrell said. "Some of the animals are less docile,
while others need specific things like a certain climate to thrive."

 

The animals' food and other necessities are being provided by the
Prairie Park Partners, an organized non-profit friends group of the
nature center, as well as by a local pet store.  The partner group is
also volunteering their time in caring for the animals.

 

Birrell said the animals will not be on display for the public while
they are at nature center, but a few of the amphibians may become part
of the nature center's permanent collection.

 

 

-30-

 

 

Roger Steinbrock

Marketing Supervisor

Lawrence Parks & Recreation Department

947 New Hampshire Street, Suite 200B

Lawrence KS  66044

785.832.3458

www.lprd.org

 

-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: http://web.ci.lawrence.ks.us/pipermail/e-updates/attachments/20070906/a8e28878/attachment.html