Et cetera : NCCC Helps Celebrate Wildlife alongside Many Others

By Olivia Brown

Since May 8 AmeriCorps NCCC team Oak 8 has been serving diligently side by side with Taltree Arboretum & Gardens in Valparaiso, Indiana. The team had assisted the staff with invasive plant removal, trail maintenance and the building of an animal shelter for the groups’ goats and pigs.

Oak 8 had the immense pleasure of participating in the areas annual Celebration of Wildlife, a two day exhibit featuring wild, exotic animals and sheltered animals that guest are encouraged to adopt. Oak 8, serving in teams of two, are helping Taltree volunteers at the organizations table, encouraging guests to come visit the Arboretum and experience nature at its finest.

Oak 8 members were also able to tour the venue and enjoy all the exotic animals. Members were able to see a wide range of animals; everything from camels to kinkajous, boa constrictors to alligators, Patagonian cavy’s to groundhogs.

“I really loved the giant snakes! The yellow snake was actually really soft when you felt his scales. And seeing the little baby monkeys wrapped up in blankets is really cute,” said Oak 8 member Maeve.

When asked where all the animals came from, Taltree Naturalist Maddie Grimm replied, “Most are bought at swap meets, since they are generally illegal to have as pets here in the states. They [the animals] find their way to shelters after owners abandoned them.”

Despite the sad beginnings for some of these truly beautiful animals, it is agreed that they have found an incredible home among the caring exhibitors at Celebration of Wildlife.