Tuesday, December 08, 2020

Visit virtually with furry and feathered friends, as well as other wild animals, when the Fond du Lac Public Library hosts an online visit Saturday, Jan. 9 of Animal Ambassadors.

Joining the library at 11 a.m. via Zoom (register by clicking here)  in a program suitable for adults as well as children will be wild residents of the Wildlife in Need Center (WINC). Nestled in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin WINC is a non-profit organization that provides free medical care for sick, injured, or orphaned wild neighbors with the intention of returning them to their natural habitat.  

Virtual programs from WINC enable participants to meet (virtually) live Animal Ambassadors up close and personal as participants learn about the unique stories, species ecology and ways to promote Wisconsin's native wildlife from WINC’s educators. The program provides an interactive experience through the use of polls, visual display, and an open platform for questions. 

“The Animal Ambassador program not only spreads the good word about animal conservation, but since it consists fully of animals native to Wisconsin, it connects adults and children alike to their own immediate natural surroundings,” said Alana LaBeaf, Information and Outreach Services Coordinator for the Fond du Lac Public Library. “The community of Fond du Lac has responded well to our local history programming, so I hope this local natural history programming will equally delight.”

While it isn’t known until the time of the program which animals will be joining the Zoom call, Animal Ambassadors from WINC could include Dakota the Great-Horned Owl, Chase the Striped Skunk, Meadow the Bullsnake, and Antoinette the Western Painted Turtle. Because animal welfare is WINC’s top priority, Animal Ambassadors only work when they are 100% ready, so ambassadors participating in the program will vary.

Fond du Lac Public Library operates two locations: the Main Library at 32 Sheboygan St. in downtown Fond du Lac, and FDLPL Express at 1132 E. Johnson St. near Festival Foods. At this time, the main library is open for curbside service only on weekdays, and in-person on weekends. Computer use is available by appointment.

For more information on either of these locations, visit fdlpl.org.