The gift of animal adoption is ideal for the person who “doesn’t need a thing" this Christmas, family and friends who love animals, teachers (most adoption packets include terrific informational packets and lesson plans), and children (who may not need any more toys!).

Below are several adoption options.  A manatee or sea turtle adoption is a thoughtful gift for the person on your gift list who enjoys the ocean.  Birdwatchers will enjoy the adoption of a rescued bird of prey.

Another fun way to give this Christmas is to help out animals at a local science museum or petting zoo.  Our local science museum has a small zoo area and we found out what items they needed for the animals.  We bought baby blankets at the dollar store to give as Christmas gifts to the petting zoo animals.  Just reading through the list of items for each animal was an education!  We  discovered which animals enjoy having a variety of spices in their habitat, others need items to keep their beaks groomed, others enjoyed dried fruit, such as figs.  

 

• The San Diego Zoo Adopt-An-Animal program provides a wide variety of animals from which to choose.  http://www.sandiegozoo.org/adopt/animal.html   Check with zoos in your area or where the gift recipient lives.
  

• Save The Manatee Foundation:   Established in 1981 by Jimmy Buffett and, then Florida senator, Bob Graham to protect the manatees living mostly off the coast of Florida and South America.  Today, there are about 3000 west indian manatees living in the coastal waters of the United States.  They are protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act and the Endangered Species Act.
  

Giving the gift of manatee adoption is fun, easy, and affordable. The first step in the adoption process is to browse the online gallery and select a manatee to adopt.  You will find yourself captivated as you view the photographs and read the brief biographical sketches of each animal.

It’s exciting to select a manatee who shares a name or personality trait with your gift recipient.  Betsy, one of the manatees listed under the Homosassa Springs link, is described as being “very friendly and curious and is quick to investigate anything new”.  Betsy would be a great adoption match for a curious friend or family member, or for someone on your gift list named Betsy or Elizabeth

The gift recipient will receive an impressive adoption packet with detailed information about manatees, photographs, newsletters and a calendar (if you adopt at the $35 level).  Then, throughout the year, they will receive Paddle Tales, a monthly newsletter and the quarterly Manatee Zone newsletter.

 Our family received a gift of a manatee adoption last year and have thoroughly enjoyed the newsletters updates and visiting “our” manatee online.  The information packet is impressive and packed full of information.

• Adopt a Raptor:    Raptor centers are located throughout the United States.  Their specific mission is to rescue and rehabilitate injured birds of prey. However, not all of the rescued raptors can be released back into the wild.  Therefore, in addition to rescuing and releasing, these centers also provide permanent housing for the injured animals who can no longer survive on their own.  These animals must be housed, fed and tended.

Adopting a bird of prey includes an information  packet on the specific bird, and often  an invitation to visit the animal in person at the center, free of charge.  Many raptor centers provide a one-on-one session with the adopted animal. (Obviously, with a handler from the center staff on hand.) 

 The gift packet that is sent to the recipient often includes a biographical sketch of the bird, including the circumstances under which they were rescued, a description and update on their injuries and a beautiful photo.   (Note: the specific contents of the gift packet will vary by raptor center.)  A list of raptors centers located in the United States is listed below.

• Sea Turtle Rescue:  Adopt a tracked sea turtle at http://www.seaturtle.org/tracking/adopt/  It’s fun to browse through the animals and select the type of sea turtle and location. 

Thanks for visiting.  See you next week.

Michelle

Curious about The Old Schoolhouse® Magazine but not quite ready to commit to a subscription without seeing it first? Check it out for FREE! We're so certain you'll love our publication that we'll gladly send a FREE sample to anyone new to The Old Schoolhouse® Magazine - we even cover the shipping!

... Click here for more information ...