October 19, 2016 at 3:38 p.m.
Boy Scout builds enclosure for injured animals
Boy Scout builds enclosure for injured animals
By Kayla Thomason-
Zach Goodrich, 13, and a group of volunteers, worked on the project Saturday, despite persistant misty rain.
"Wild Instincts is in need of a new, sturdier cage for the small mammals that come into their care," said Goodrich, a member of Troop 660 since he was a first- grader.
Goodrich guided the project, which included raking the space and leveling the terrain. He learned how to square the area, so the cage will be level and critters can't get in or out, and set up the framework. He said he thought the hardest part was squaring the area.
The new cage, which measures about 8 feet by 15 feet with a peak height of about 7.5 feet, is made from a versatube cart corral frame. The gap in the meshing is 1 inch by a half inch.
The enclosure has a double door system so the animals that are being rehabilitated can't escape. Wild Instincts used donated funds, approximately $1,000, to purchase the cage from Menards.
"This one will be chipmunk-proof, mouse-proof, and so we don't have to worry about accidental animals getting in and eating the food for the animals we do want the food for," said Mark Naniot, director of rehabilitation at Wild Instincts.
The new cage will be used for porcupines and small mammals, he said.
The enclosure will be a good fit for porcupines because it fits the proper dimensions and will have height for climbing, according to Naniot.
"It's going to help us out tremendously," Naniot said, adding that he was very pleased when Goodrich approached him about completing his Eagle Scout service project at Wild Instincts.
"We were very happy," he said. "I gave him several different options, we've worked with Eagle Scouts in the past."
Other cages have been made as part of Eagle Scout projects.
"People don't realize how much work actually goes into a cage," Naniot said. "We have to do predator-proofing on the bottom to make sure other animals can't dig in, there has to be a double door system to make sure the animal doesn't accidently escape. So there's a lot more to it than what people think."
"We are very appreciative for Zach and the Scout group to come and help us out today, it makes a big difference to have some extra hands coming and doing stuff," he added.
"I chose this project because I like to help animals and have volunteered for Wild Instincts in the past," Goodrich said.
The teen said he has worked with the non-profit for about three years, cutting up the venison for the eagles and cleaning cages after animals are released. He and his family are also on the call list to pick up injured birds and other animals, he said.
"I think Mark and his staff are a super group to work with and very caring," Goodrich said. "Animal rehabilitation is important because it helps detect problems or threats to animals, helps endangered species, helps educate us, and it's just the right thing to do."
Wild Instincts helped 663 animals last year.
As of Aug. 20, the organization has surpassed that number, treating approximately 800 animal patients this year.
"It has been a very busy year for us and so we have a great need for more enclosures," Naniot said.
The non-profit organization is comprised of all volunteers. There is no paid staff.
Goodrich is using his Eagle Scout service project as one of four toward the Hornaday Award, a prestigious conservation award. He hopes to try for the Hornaday Award next year.
There are approximately 50,000 new Eagle Scouts each year, and there are only about five Hornaday Award recipients.
Kayla Breese may be reached at kayla@ rivernewsonline.com.
Comments:
You must login to comment.