DUMPLING

On Thursday, December 15, our beloved Bantam Cochin Chicken, Dumpling, passed away due to the natural processes of old age.  Dumpling was approaching 17 years.

Most chickens have an average lifespan of 6-10 years—occasionally living into their teens if they are well fed and well cared for.  Dumpling certainly had those advantages as an official greeter and goodwill ambassador for the World Bird Sanctuary.

Dumpling was one of our most beloved residents.  For many years she was a fixture in our Visitor Information Center (VIC).  Most of the time she freely roamed the VIC, greeting and entertaining guests as they entered.   In particular, she was extremely patient with our small visitors—allowing them to stroke her soft feathers, and in many cases experience their first contact with a live bird. 

Dumpling became so popular that she had her own following among our guests—many of whom made the VIC their first stop at the World Bird Sanctuary specifically to see her.

In recent months it had become increasingly obvious that old age was catching up with Dumpling.  She was not able to move as quickly as in the past and her eyesight was failing her.  This put her at risk for accidental collisions with guests while roaming through the VIC.  Therefore, in May of 2011 she was retired to safer quarters in our “behind the scenes” area. 

Dumpling will be sorely missed by staff and visitors alike.  

Submitted by Gay Schroer, World Bird Sanctuary Volunteer/Photographer

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

A Day with Dumpling

Anytime I work at our Visitor’s Information Center (VIC), I look forward to a little feathered friend that shadows me as I do my chores. Her name is Dumpling. She is a Bantam Cochin Chicken that was hatched at WBS in 1995.

During my work day, I let her roam free in the VIC building. She spends the majority of her time literally running after me, which the guests really get a kick out of. She was trained to run with her friend “Duster” in zoo shows, but I think she follows me in hopes that I will give her a treat. I take her outside at lunchtime, and she’ll get so excited that she almost jumps into my lap. You can bet that I have to share my lunch with her and that she won’t take “no” for an answer!

Dumpling has a sweet personality and has been used in zoo shows, children’s educational programs, BirdDay Parties and is a great educational bird. For instance, today a special needs group came by the Visitor’s Center, and Dumpling received all kinds of extra attention, and let the visitor’s pet her. She is enjoyed by adults and children alike.

Dumpling is just one of the birds at WBS that can be “adopted”. To adopt Dumpling, just click here, make a donation of $50.00, and specify in your payment notes “Adopt-A-Bird: Dumpling”.

Every donation helps to feed, house, and provide medical care for the bird of your choice! Adopt-A-Bird Parents receive:

• A personal visit with the bird you adopt!!!!! Call ahead to schedule a time for your personal visit.
• Certificate of Adoption
• Color photo of the bird you've adopted
• Sponsorship Card
• One year's subscription to Mews News
• Life History and Natural History of the bird
• 10% Discount off WBS merchandise
• Invitation to Sponsors-only events like Camera Day
• Discounts on WBS Special Events
• WBS Decal

Submitted by Billie Baumann, Outreach Coordinator, World Bird Sanctuary.