PAWS Founder, Wildlife Friends Visit 6th-Graders

Paws Animal Wildlife Sanctuary, Inc. (PAWS) founder Mercedes Curry -- better known as MAC -- visited St. Joseph's and delivered a fascinating presentation to students in the Sixth Grade Academy in the JPII Center on Thursday, May 15.

PAWS is a volunteer based non-profit organization focusing on wildlife education, rescue and rehabilitation. MAC has more than 40 years of experience with North American wildlife. She holds multiple state and federal permits and has been licensed for wildlife rehabilitation in two states.

MAC brought four of her wildlife friends along with her: Orso, a barred owl; Rudder, a red-shouldered hawk; Sasha, a barn owl; and Emerson, a great horned owl. Each is non-releasable and under the care of PAWS because of a particular problem, such as with a wing or a foot.

MAC took each of the birds from their carriers, one at a time, and explained what each was like. Each time, she spoke to the bird in advance, making sure it was ready to face the students. She pointed out that some birds are more nervous than others when it comes to presentations.

The students were fully engaged. They were patient and quiet as MAC prepared the birds for the students, and they asked intelligent questions when called upon. MAC commented on their excellent behavior and said she would gladly come back to the school any time.

We appreciate MAC coming to our school and providing such an excellent educational program for our students!

PHOTO GALLERY