Nonprofit Specialist Julia and Community Education Specialist Andie talk about how you might encounter requests outside of the scope of your mission or your capacity generally, and in particular when those requests concern wild living animals. We offer a framework where you can say no, while still offering support, and also what to do when you feel you must say yes! Andie offers additional guidance on safely assisting wild living animals while prioritizing sanctuary staff and resident safety as well!
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This Episode’s Referenced Open Sanctuary Project Resources:

• Compassionate Wildlife Practices At Your Animal Sanctuary | The Open Sanctuary Project

• Compassionate Wildlife Practices At Your Sanctuary Infographic | The Open Sanctuary Project

• Managing Requests to Take In and Help an Animal Outside the Scope of Your Sanctuary's Mission | The Open Sanctuary Project

• Biosecurity Part 1: Introduction | The Open Sanctuary Project

• Biosecurity Part 2: Creating And Implementing A Biosecurity Plan | The Open Sanctuary Project

• Going Green: Your Animal Sanctuary and The Environment | The Open Sanctuary Project

• Determining Your Animal Sanctuary's Capacity For Responsible Care | The Open Sanctuary Project

• How To Create An Effective Rescue Policy For Your Animal Sanctuary | The Open Sanctuary Project

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Nonprofit Specialist Julia and Community Education Specialist Andie discuss the importance of peaceful and compassionate coexistence with wildlife. Whether it's through careful environmental management, robust predator protection for residents, stringent biosecurity protocols, or engaging educational programs, animal sanctuaries can be at the forefront of demonstrating how humans and wildlife can truly share space compassionately. It's about recognizing the interconnectedness of all living beings and actively working to create a safe and harmonious environment for everyone. Just as a gardener carefully tends to a diverse array of plants, cultivating each one to thrive while also fostering a healthy ecosystem that supports beneficial insects and wildlife, a sanctuary cultivates a compassionate environment where all residents —both wild and domesticated — can flourish together.
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This Episode’s Referenced Open Sanctuary Project Resources:

• Compassionate Wildlife Practices At Your Animal Sanctuary | The Open Sanctuary Project

• Compassionate Wildlife Practices At Your Sanctuary Infographic | The Open Sanctuary Project

• Late Elementary-Age Sanctuary Education Lesson Plan #3 | The Open Sanctuary Project

• Managing Requests to Take In and Help an Animal Outside the Scope of Your Sanctuary's Mission | The Open Sanctuary Project

• Predator-Proofing For Bird Residents At Your Sanctuary | The Open Sanctuary Project

• Biosecurity Part 1: Introduction | The Open Sanctuary Project

• Biosecurity Part 2: Creating And Implementing A Biosecurity Plan | The Open Sanctuary Project

• Going Green: Your Animal Sanctuary and The Environment | The Open Sanctuary Project

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You can learn more about our organization here!

You can send us a question, comment, or topic idea here!

Want more Open Sanctuary Content? Follow us on Facebook and Instagram!

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Executive Director Mckenzee and Nonprofit Specialist Julia dedicate an episode to a specific bird type: Pigeons! Pigeons may not be the first animals you think of when it comes to sanctuary, but they are very special individuals who, for many reasons, may find themselves in need of sanctuary, and they deserve individualized, compassionate care. We discuss some of their background, behaviors, and needs, and ways you can help them!

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This Episode’s Referenced Open Sanctuary Project Resources:

• Language Choices At The Open Sanctuary Project | The Open Sanctuary Project

• Pigeons: How We Got Here | The Open Sanctuary Project

• A Guide To Safely Catching Stray Birds For Your Animal Sanctuary Or Rescue Part I: Supplies Helpful For The Safe Capture Of Birds | The Open Sanctuary Project

• Predator-Proofing For Bird Residents At Your Sanctuary | The Open Sanctuary Project

• Why Residents Shouldn’t Breed At A Farmed Animal Sanctuary | The Open Sanctuary Project

• Microsanctuary Resource Center

• Palomacy

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You can learn more about our organization here!

You can send us a question, comment, or topic idea here!

Want more Open Sanctuary Content? Follow us on Facebook and Instagram!

Want to support our nonprofit’s work? Donate here!