The Kaeli Kramer Foundation hosted our first Humane Education Summer Program at the Holtsville Ecology Center. Our program ran for one week, July 18-22 and was open to children ages 8-16, without charge. The experience was both educational and fun. Every day guest speakers educated the students on various aspects of animal care and rescue as well as humane issues.
Anne Marie Lucas discussed her experiences as an ASPCA officer and the challenges she faced daily. Her work has improved the quality of life for many animals. Terri Yezzi, founder of Save–A–Tail, brought three shelter rescues that she trained for agility.
Dr. Robert Perry, an equine veterinarian, explained many diseases affecting horses and treatment options. Each student had the opportunity to listen to a horse’s heartbeat and bowel sounds with a stethoscope. Sal the pony was a most cooperative patient.
Dorothy, Vicky and her pit bull rescue, Enya from The League for Animal Protection in Huntington discussed responsible pet ownership, the plight of shelter animals and the need to “ adopt not shop. “
Bobby and Cathy Horvath, licensed wildlife rehabilitators, brought many amazing animals including a python, owls, falcon, skunk, fox and deer. All were not releasable due to injury. Their message was clear: wildlife needs to remain in the wild.
Chris Magee, resident farrier for the Ecology Center, demonstrated the proper way to care for a horse’s hooves. Patti Earle, a former park police mounted ranger, and yoga instructor discussed her professions and showed the students how yoga can be done on horseback. Donna Cabble spoke passionately about her work with her therapy partner Bella, a former rescue dog.
Kellie Burke, Director of Animal Care at the Ecology Center took the students on “backstage” tours each day. She introduced many resident animals including a binturong and a coatimundi and shared their stories of rescue and rehabilitation.
Many sensitive topics were discussed: puppy mills, pit bulls, Premarin mares and their foals, mustang round – ups, factory farming, animal testing, humane euthanasia and animal abuse. Alternatives and solutions were shared so kind choices can be chosen.
We thank all who helped make our program such a success. Our students were enthusiastic and perceptive. Our volunteers and guest speakers gave their time and expertise so generously. A special thank you to the Holtsville Ecology Center Superintendent April Perry, Kellie Burke and the wonderful animals who teach us every day. We had a wonderful experience and plan to repeat the program again.
Another Great Event !!!