As a voice for birds within the occasions they need assistance essentially the most, we’re happy to award Terry Fontenrose the Alice Berkner Award, the very best honor earned by an esteemed volunteer. We are going to honor her on the Taking Flight Fall Music Pageant this Saturday, November 18. Whether or not it’s a distressed chicken or a name for help, Terry is there, offering a compassionate ear and priceless steerage for individuals who want it.
After working in healthcare administration for about 40 years, Terry was wanting ahead to pursuing her ardour to assist wild birds. In July 2014, she started volunteering at Fowl Rescue’s Los Angeles Wildlife Middle. Through the years, she’s made an affect helping technicians in chicken care, coaching new volunteers, and all the time providing to assist out wherever wanted.
Not solely is Terry a priceless hand within the clinic, she has helped numerous individuals within the Los Angeles group and past who’ve known as the Fowl HelpLine, inquiring about birds they’ve present in misery. This function can current distinctive challenges relying on the chicken species, location, and particular person’s capability to step in if wanted.
“Working the HelpLine has taught me many issues: have endurance, listening is vital, and understanding the issue doesn’t all the time imply it’s solved,” she mentioned. “You need to settle for that you just can not presumably assist everybody, however you definitely can encourage them to do the suitable factor.”
Throughout the summer time, the busiest season for wildlife rehabbers, Terry acquired a name a couple of Mallard and her ducklings overstaying their welcome, messing up their yard, and dirtying their pool. With the objective to maneuver the household to a duck pond down the road, Terry beneficial amassing the ducklings in a field and bringing them to the pond, hoping that mother would observe. On the park, Terry suggested the caller to attend and see if the ducklings’ calls would alert their mother. After 45 minutes, she got here ahead, and the household was reunited of their new house within the wild.
By elevating consciousness and educating the general public about chicken conservation, Terry has helped create a extra knowledgeable and compassionate group, fostering a collaborative surroundings that advantages each the birds and the devoted rehabbers working to make sure their well-being. We respect her for making a distinction within the lives of each birds and chicken lovers alike.
“The chance to serve this group and make a distinction has been life-changing,” Terry mentioned. “The concept we’re right here to assist and maintain these wild birds is the place I wish to be.”
