Tuesday, June 7, 2011

Dumpling Retires from Education

 Dumpling, our 16-year old Bantam Cochin Chicken, was officially retired in May.  

Dumpling is a firm favorite with visitors to our Visitor's Information Center, and she had her own loyal band of followers who would come to WBS just to see her.

Dumpling has been diagnosed with arthritis and severe cataracts, and as much as our visitors enjoyed seeing her, it was no longer safe for her to be out in public.  As many of you know, she would wander freely around the Visitor's Information Center, greeting all the visitors that came through the door.  However, as age has caught up with her, she doesn't move as fast or see as well, and she has almost been stepped on a few times.

Dumpling has been a wonderful Education Ambassador for World Bird Sanctuary over the last sixteen years.  In many instances she has been the first bird that a young child has interacted with – she patiently allowed young and old alike to run their hands over her back to feel her soft feathers.

No doubt Dumpling will be missed by staff and visitors alike, but rest assured, she will be enjoying her retirement in a warm, safe enclosure in our behind-the-scenes areas, where she will be pampered and safe.

Submitted by Catherine Redfern, World Bird Sanctuary Naturalist/Fundraiser

3 comments:

Unknown said...

How is she right now? I just watched a video posted two years ago...

Photog said...

@Ailin - Unfortunately, old age finally caught up with Dumpling. She is sorely missed by all of us. Here is a link to her obituary.

http://world-bird-sanctuary.blogspot.com/2011/12/dumpling.html

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