Fete du Feather Gala 2014

The 2014 Fete Du Feather Gala & Auction, Fly Me To The Moon, was an absolutely delightful evening filled with great people, beautiful animals and energizing entertainment. The night was a great success for World Bird Sanctuary as we exceeded our fundraising goal.

The photo op with Xena the Eurasian Owl was the first thing guests encountered as they entered (photo: Sandra Lowe)

Guests began arriving around 5:30 pm and were greeted at the entrance to the event by Xena, a Eurasian Eagle Owl.  Attendees lined up for the opportunity to not only meet Xena, but were tickled by the amazing opportunity to have a photo taken with her, courtesy of Sandra Lowe and her beautiful photography.  With the help of WBS staff, guests were able to hold Xena in their photos.

Guests had their photo taken holding Xena through the combined efforts of staff member Lisbeth Hodges and the photography of volunteer Sandra Lowe  (photo: Alisha Cole)

Guests then moved into the silent auction room where they were able to browse through auction items while mingling with and meeting staff, volunteers and animals from the World Bird Sanctuary.  Guests also mingled with the talented Marilyn Monroe and Frank Sinatra impersonators who entertained us later in the evening.

During the silent auction guests mingled with entertainers and WBS animals and staff (photo: Alisha Cole)

Rene Knott, News Channel 5 KSDK Sports Reporter, emceed the event and kicked off the night with the Super Silent Auction.  Rene Knott was fantastic throughout the evening keeping everyone entertained and energized.  Rene has a remarkable enthusiasm for the mission of World Bird Sanctuary and we thank Rene Knott for emceeing such a fantastic, successful event.

WBS Executive Director Walter Crawford kicked off the Fund A Need dinner portion of the festivities (photo: Alisha Cole)

Next, guests moved into the beautifully decorated ballroom for dinner and honored speakers.  Founder and Executive Director of World Bird Sanctuary, Walter Crawford, welcomed everyone with jokes and many thanks for their support of WBS. 

Dr. Stacey Schaeffer, volunteer Veterinarian for 16 years, spoke of the vital importance for support and her love for WBS.  Other guest speakers included Scott Liebel from Ameren MO.  Scott is also Vice President of the WBS Board of Directors. Richard Mark, director of Ameren Illinois and Dr. Peter Raven, President Emeritus of the Missouri Botanical Garden, also made uplifting speeches for the event.

Staff member Cathy Spahn and Tundra the Snowy Owl (photo: Alisha Cole)

The highlight of the evening was the Fund-A-Need Auction. Barn Owl, Minerva flew over the seated guests wowing the crowd.  WBS staff came onto the stage one at a time with different WBS birds as emcee Rene Knott and auctioneer Rob Weiman introduced each staff member and bird while explaining the importance of donations and how the funds raised are used to support WBS.

The evening was a huge success and World Bird Sanctuary exceeded their fundraising goals.  Many thanks to all that supported this wonderful event for it would not be possible without your support.  Thank You.

Submitted by Alisha Cole, World Bird Sanctuary Social Media and Fundraising Intern

Nigel, the White Pelican

Nigel, the White Pelican, was found on December 3 2013, in a field near Macon, MO. He then was brought to the MU Vet school raptor rehab, and transferred to the World Bird Sanctuary's wildlife hospital. 

Nigel in his evening quarters, in the Wildlife Hospital.

 Nigel had suffered a right wing injury, his left leg had an old fracture and he was very thin. It was touch and go for many weeks until he was able to gain some weight, but now he is on his way to recovery. Unfortunately he will not be able to recover 100% because the old leg break won’t let that leg fully function, so he will be placed at another facility to live out his days. 

Nigel in his physical therapy water tub

White Pelicans are found on inland bodies of water in North America. They are an aquatic species, preferring to be on the open water for most of the day, feeding on primarily fish. They are not a small bird by any standards, having the second largest average wingspan of any North American Bird and having one of the largest bills of any bird on Earth! They migrate for winter, following major rivers, from as far north as central Canada, to the Saint Louis area and all the way to the Gulf of Mexico.  
 

Scoop, an unreleaseable White Pelican that calls World Bird Sanctuary home

Most days Nigel can be found in the main room of the hospital standing around preening and eating fish. Nigel also receives acupuncture once a week at St. Louis Hills Veterinary Clinic, which is also helping to increase the range of motion in his leg.  He also receives physical therapy.  Nigel is put in a small pool so he can stretch and work on moving and using his left leg. He also enjoys snapping at and carrying on with the swan that is in rehab.  They aren't too sure of what to think of one another, but they do seem to enjoy having each other’s company.  

Submitted by Adam Triska, Supervisor