There’s Good News: Think Wild introduces new, adorable wildlife ambassador animals for education, conservation
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Think Wild has introduced two new wildlife ambassador animals, a western toad and a gopher snake, to help educate the community on wildlife and habitat conservation. These animals will participate in education and outreach programs across Central Oregon.
The ambassador animals, both native herpetofauna, will visit classrooms and community events to teach students and the public about native species and coexistence. Both animals were approved for the ambassador program by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife after being deemed non-releasable.
The western toad, named Timmy, had his name submitted and voted on by local students from Barnes Butte Elementary, Jefferson County 21st Century After School Program and Warm Springs K-eight Academy. Timmy arrived at Think Wild as a patient after being kept as a pet for about one year. He was deemed non-releasable due to habituation concerns, as wildlife accustomed to humans often lose critical survival behaviors needed in the wild. Timmy's story serves as a reminder that keeping wild animals as pets is illegal and harmful to both animals and ecosystems.
Western toads (Anaxyrus boreas) are a Species of Greatest Conservation Need in Oregon, facing threats from habitat loss, disease and changes to wetland and riparian ecosystems. Amphibians are particularly sensitive to environmental changes because they depend on both aquatic and terrestrial habitats throughout their lives. Timmy will serve as an ambassador for his species, highlighting the importance of wetlands, clean water and habitat connectivity.
The gopher snake was rescued from a construction site in Tumalo with significant trauma near the cloaca that required stitches. Isaiah Bagley Blessing, the gopher snake rescuer, brought the animal to Think Wild Wildlife Hospital. "While working in Tumalo , I stumbled upon an injured gopher snake. After a quick glance, I noticed the excavator accidentally moved concrete blankets and injured him pretty badly," Blessing said. "After my girlfriend suggested taking him to Think Wild Wildlife Hospital, we brought the snake in with little hope, but against the odds, they survived. Seeing them pull through meant a lot to me, I've always had a deep love for animals, especially reptiles and I've always been the kind of person to rescue even the smallest creatures, from snakes to spiders."
Due to the injury, the gopher snake cannot defecate independently and requires physical assistance from trained staff approximately once per week. An animal unable to perform essential biological functions on its own is not suitable for release. Blessing expressed gratitude for Think Wild's efforts. "Thank you to all the people at Think Wild for taking him in and all the other conservation they do," he commented.
Gopher snakes (Pituophis catenifer) are non-venomous and native to Central Oregon, playing a role in controlling rodent populations. They are often mistaken for rattlesnakes due to defensive behaviors such as flattening their head, hissing loudly and vibrating their tail. Despite this mimicry, gopher snakes are harmless to humans and are an important part of a balanced ecosystem.
These new animals will join Wild's existing ambassador, Shar, a red-tailed hawk, in supporting the organization's programs. They will help students and community members learn about native wildlife, habitat conservation and how everyday actions affect local ecosystems. Becca LiPuma, education manager at Think Wild, emphasized the animals' role. "while these animals may be small, they represent a big opportunity to connect people with wildlife conservation in a fun and meaningful way. Our education programsss are about to be hoppin'," LiPuma said.
Think Wild is inviting the community to submit name ideas for the gopher snake until April 24. Following the submission period, voting for the snake's name will be open to the public.
