CSUS Dept of Biological Sciences: Critters!: Events and Activities

Come See Us! Schedule a tour of the Biology Department here!

Late April:		Critter Fair and Fundraiser
		Earth Day
Open:		Visit the Critters

"Barney" our Boa constrictor has lived (and worked) in the Biology Department for over 10 years. (For a picture of Barney at work, scroll down to bottom of page.) During that time, he has been used in classes such as Herpetology, Zoology, and for presentations to visitors from the community at large. Unfortunately, he has grown to a size too large to safely manage in a classroom situation and so when (about a year ago) I received an e-mail via the Northern California Herpetological Society stating that the Sacramento Zoo was looking for a FEMALE Boa - I followed up on it anyway. Besides, "Barney's" sex had never been determined by a veterinarian - he was a rescue animal - and there was a chance that "he" may be a "she".

Many of you have followed our efforts to get "Barney" our Boa constrictor to the Sacramento Zoo where he could live out his life in a beautiful environment, well cared for - and even with a mate.

But now for the great news. Barney passed his initial clinical tests and the Sacramento Zoo has agreed to take Barney "as is" (in other words, they will take care of the operation and the associated costs) and they are willing and able to take him this semester! I know many of you know Barney well and would like an opportunity to say goodby. He will be outside of SQU 105 on Weds. the 15th of December between 12 and 2PM. The next day, I will deliver him to the Sacramento Zoo to live out the rest of his life in luxury. After the 15th, you will have to go to the Zoo to see him.
Many thanks to Prof. Sue Solomon, Maggie Liguori (Sacramento Zoo), and Dr. Richard Marshall for their help in this effort. This story has a happy ending in large part thanks to them!

(By the way, you may want to bring your camera on the 15th if you like - Barney has agreed to have his picture taken one last time with anyone brave enough..)

Please forward this to anyone you think might want to see Barney 1 more time .
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Critter Fair and Fundraiser

Near the end of April we hold our "Critter Fair and Fundraiser". This event raises money for the veterinary care of the Department's animals, many of which were adopted and some of which were abandoned on our doorstep. Over the years our Department has been home to iguanas, snakes, frogs, rats, squirrels, our campus chickens, some wild ducks, and others.

Our involvement started in 1995 with campus chickens Ranger the rooster and Frieda, his hen. Frieda became sick and was diagnosed with a blood parasite. The diagnosis was made by one of our former students, now a veterinarian. This veterinarian, Dr. Jugtar Purewal, and another former student, also a veterinarian, Dr. Ken Pawlowski, have attended to our campus critters. We started an informal contribution system to the "Frieda Fund." Now, we have a formal University Account for "Critter Care" which pays for medicines, surgeries (tumors and abscesses most frequently), treatments of infections and treatment of animals. Typically there is a bake sale, a raffle of items (pet supplies, toys, plants, etc.), photo opportunities with our animals and other fun things to do at our event. We hope you can join us in supporting the animals.

Would you like to visit our critters? Groups and individuals are welcome to contact Jana Shober; via email at janashob@csus.edu, by phone at (916) 278-7677, or by visiting her office room 16C in Sequoia Hall; to make arrangements to visit our critters as well as other activities in the Biology Department.