365DAA Day 14: Last Chance Forever
Ash and I are active visitors to our local Renaissance Festivals. And yes, we are the type who go all out and dress up in character. In fact, when we lived in up north, we used to take Spunky to the Minnesota Renfaire. He made quite the dashing pirate captain and everyone loved him. While the Scarborough Faire near Dallas doesn’t allow pets, they do allow another sort of animal: birds of prey. It was here that we met the folks of Last Chance Forever. They have a birds of prey show there and all of the birds that they work with were rescued and rehabilitated and after hearing their story, we knew we wanted to support them in some way. John Karger, the founder, is an amazing and passionate man who cares very deeply for his birds. We are both honored to have met him and I am so glad to introduce this group as our Day 14 organization.
Also see this shirt on flickr!
About Last Chance Forever: Birds of Prey Conservancy
Founded in 1978 by Master Falconer and Veterinary Technician John Karger, Last Chance Forever is a nonprofit, tax exempt organization dedicated to the rehabilitation of sick, injured and orphaned birds of prey, scientific investigation, and also just as importantly, the education of the public. Each year the project receives between 150-300 birds into the facility for care. An average of 65-80% of all cases are successfully returned to nature. Birds which are deemed non-releasable and are not suffering when possible are held to be placed in propagation projects, natural science centers for educational purposes, or humane research projects.
In addition to properly caring for the birds, Last Chance Forever has designed an educational program for presentation to children, civic organizations and interested individuals. This program is seen by over 500,000 people annually throughout the United States. It promotes a common sense attitude towards the interaction of mankind and our environment. Through this program, we also hope to encourage a change in attitudes concerning birds of prey such as hawks, owls, falcons, vultures and eagles.
Although we are not the only conservation or environmental organization in the US, we are part of a small group who actually give service to these birds. While Last Chance Forever primarily receives and cares for birds of prey, all wildlife is given assistance. Animals other than birds of prey are sent on to qualified organizations.
Where You Can Find Them
Don’t forget to pledge your own shirt to this project by emailing 365 AT iloverescueanimals.org. This project CANNOT happen without you! Thank you for your support! Find out more about this project on our 365 Days of Animal Advocacy page.
This is seriously one of my favorite shirts ever! “Everything else is just lunch!” I have wanted to become a falconer for such a long time! Hopefully someday in the future I’ll be able to fulfill that dream!
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