| Hoo Haven and Harlem/Roscoe Fire Department team up to rescue DEER (Betty White) |
Hoo Haven was asked to go out on a Deer Rescue along with Harlem/Roscoe Fire Department. Betty White as she was named by them had been trying to cross the river when she fell in and was unable to get out. An individual call them and us for a rescue. |
March 18, 2019
AREA’S FIRST PELICAN AMBASSADOR PASSES AWAY
Durand, IL — With heavy hearts, the volunteers of “HOO” Haven Wildlife Rehabilitation & Education Center share the sad news about the loss of their beloved Ambassador, “Marshmallow” the American White Pelican. Karen Herdklotz, Director stated that, “Marshmallow passed peacefully in his sleep. While his true age was unknown to us, he was approximately 15-20 years old and likely had heart failure. Our hearts are broken, but we know that he is soaring high across the Rainbow Bridge and we are thankful for the time we had with him. He touched so many lives during his time with us and we were honored to share him with the community.”
Marshmallow was rescued by fishermen in Erie, IL in the spring of 2012. He sustained a horrific amputation injury to his right wing as he flew into a cell tower guide wire. The bird lived thanks to their quick action and rescue, but recovery was difficult and he would never be releasable. Hoo Haven obtained special permits from the U.S.Fish & Wildlife Service to allow him to live out the rest of his natural life with them. Within a few weeks, it was evident that his personality would allow him to be an important wildlife Ambassador for his species. He was the first of his kind to do this in the Midwest- the only educational pelican for a 900 mile radius. As one of the crowd favorites, “Marshie” was known for his silly demeanor, love of playing the game of ‘catch,’ and his famous lop-sided ‘Happy Dance’. Children especially loved him as he was often as big as they were and a true inspiration to people with special needs. Marshmallow appeared in more than 300 educational programs all over the region, educating thousands and thousands of people of all ages. Hoo Haven wishes to thank all who have offered loving words of support and Marshmallow memories on their FaceBook page. While we will truly miss Marshmallow, the community can look forward to seeing his pelican friends, “Raleigh” and “Charlie” after they complete training. Like Marshie, each of them has their own personality and will continue his mission to teach people about their species in fun and interactive ways.
Hoo Haven has served the area with licensed wildlife rehabilitation and impressive education programs for more than 35 years and presents about 150 Ambassador programs annually. Hoo Haven is federally and state licensed for wildlife rehabilitation services and home to the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Services “Regional Eagle Recovery Center.” The organization is the State’s largest private, 100% volunteer-operated wildlife rehab. Because Hoo Haven does not receive any State or Federal funds, any and all donations of supplies, fish, deer meat, or monies are greatly appreciated.
To inquire about wildlife rehabilitation or education programs, please call (815) 629-2212 or send an email to karen@hoohaven.org. For more information on “Hoo”Haven Wildlife and Education Center, volunteering or donations, please visit www.hoohaven.org or Facebook page “Hoo Haven Events.”
Marshmellow making his painting for the Wine tasting
he hosted.
Solar Energy At "Hoo" Haven
