May has arrived, and with it comes warmer seasonal weather leading to the hot rainy season. Our club continues to thrive now with more than 230 members, all of whom have a deep and abiding passion for wildlife.
- Our most recent speaker was Brett Chisom of Gaterland. His presentation has become an annual event here in Solivita attended by a large crowd with some grandchildren attending. Brett is very talented and engaging, and the guest he brings with him – fascinating. This year’s stars of the show included a tarantula, black scorpion, corn snake, Burmese python and (of course) a three-foot alligator. We always learn so much from Brett, most especially that wild animals are NOT hostile and aggressive, most often retreating at the sight of a human when not cornered. For those who encountered a snake in their yard his advice is to give it space and time and it will disappear. If it lingers your best tool is a garden hose at a safe distance. Sprayed water will encourage the snake to flee without harm.
- We received news from Taylor Morrison that they will be engaging a professional landscaper to remove the dead/downed trees that a littering the waterline around Bird Island. No other destruction or changes of landscaping will be made to the natural environment. However, to protect the birds during their nesting season (March – August) the work will be delayed until the season is over.
- Our scheduled a presentation by Dr. K. Simba Waltz, CEO and Director of Central Florida Animal Reserve has been postponed. We are planning a new, annual club fundraising gala whose profits will go to support the Reserve. Simba will speak to us after that event. We will announce more information on that topic as it develops. As for now we are actively seeking volunteers to serve on a planning committee for the event. Those with the experience and time in party planning are asked to volunteer by contacting us at [email protected].
We actively invite all residents to join our ranks. Ours is an active social organization that has a very important mission:
Protecting Wildlife from People ~ Protecting People from Wildlife
Our speaker from Central Florida Animal Reserve has been temporaily postponed. Look here for future postings.
SPEAKER DATE $5.00 ADMISSION DONATION PLEASE PRINT RECEIPT AS YOUR TICKET
Gatorland's Brett Chisom
Once again Brett Chisom, Educator-in-Chief for Gatorland visited Solivita, providing wildlife enthusiasts of all ages with an opportunity to learn more about Florida’s abundant array of exotic creatures as well as a chance to see them close up.
This time Brett brought along an array of exotic creatures who call Gatorland home. The list included a bald python, a corn snake, a hairy scorpion, and a large black tarantula that glow in the dark under black light. Fascinating.
Of course, the star of the show was a 3.5 foot long alligator, a recent arrival at Gatorland. He sat peacefully perched on Brett’s arm, surveying the room. Later, after Brett had gently taped his jaws shut for safety, audience members were permitted to touch his beautiful soft, cool skin. A unique experience.
Brett explained that gators provide a great service to Florida communities by keeping populations of small mammals, rodents, fish and other vermin in check. They also eat dead animals, keeping the wild areas tidy and smelling fresh. There is a myth that gators run very quickly, However, with 50% of their body weight in the tail they rarely run fast over land more than very short distances. This is especially true as they get larger.
Thanks Brett for another great experience .
