Pets & Animals

After 47 days in the field, 227 threatened gopher tortoises have been spared an inhumane death and 28 gopher tortoise eggs have been saved from a development site in Apopka, Fl. The Humane Society of the United States, Nokuse Plantation, D.R. Horton and Bio-Tech Consulting teamed up to rescue the tortoises and eggs from the Rock Springs Ridge subdivision before relocating them to a permanent home at Nokuse Plantation, a nature preserve in Walton County. The eggs started hatching on Sept. 6.

One of South Walton's most loved organizations has big news! Alaqua Animal Refuge is a non-profit, no-kill animal refuge founded and run by Laurie Hood and dozens of volunteers. The refuge is located on ten acres of farm land west of Freeport. A recent gift of 85 acres of land was received for relocation and expansion from local resident M.C. Davis. The new location will continue to focus on providing animals shelter, safety, and second chances, but will also host educational exhibits and a zoological design for tours.

Alaqua Animal Refuge is a no-kill facility founded in 2007 on a sprawling, 10-acre farm in Freeport, FL. Alaqua Animal Refuge believes that every abused, neglected and homeless animal deserves a second chance. The private, nonprofit animal sanctuary is committed to serving the Emerald Coast as the premier no-kill refuge, providing protection, shelter and care to animals in need. Alaqua is a full-service animal adoption center serving as a peaceful, proactive animal welfare advocate through educational outreach and community programs.

End of July Update: South Walton Turtle Watch (SWTW) is reporting the most current count of sea turtle nests is up to 55. Some of the first nests of the season are approaching 50-60 days and we should start to see hatchlings and/or their tracks to the water any day.

If you've been to one of South Walton's state parks this season, you  might have noticed extra activity along the shore in low-lying dune areas. We have some very special visitors to our shores and this story and photos by our friend Jeff Talbert, Park Services Specialist at Topsail Hill Preserve State Park, is welcome information about our feathered friends.

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Parents looking for a truly inspiring setting for their children to develop creativity, art skills and an appreciation for nature and the visual arts need look no further than the E.O. Wilson Biophilia Center located at 4956 State Hwy. 20 East in Freeport, Florida. The Biophilia Center is hosting Abrakadoodle-Northwest Florida for an impressive array of affordable, nature-themed camp programs for children ages 5-12. Summer camps kick-off June 5, with weekly sessions each Wednesday through July 31 from 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Attention SoWal Beach and animal Lovers: Mark your calendars and help get the word out. 30A Games has announced a one-week long fundraiser to benefit the Alaqua Animal Refuge. Beginning Monday, April 8 and extending through Sunday, April 14, $10 from every MONOPOLY®: Visit South Walton Edition game sold at the 30A Games website or at any of the local retailers will benefit Alaqua Animal Refuge.
 

The Art of the Egg fundraiser for Alaqua Animal Refuge will be held on Saturday, March 30, 2013 at Donna Burgess Gallery in Grand Boulevard. Local artists will transform eggs, laid by Alaqua's resident Emu sisters, Zsa Zsa and Eva, into works of art. The egg creations will be available for purchase through a silent auction along with original paintings.

Here's a grayt story and photos of a recent Pelican rescue by our friend Edmond Alexander of Grayton Beach. When Edmond isn't rescuing local wildlife, he's painting it, or photographing it. Or he's down on the beach helping our local charter fishing Captains in the Grayton mosquito fleet launch their boats.

Looking for a great volunteer opportunity that will help a most worthy organization and warm your heart at the same time? Alaqua Animal Refuge needs the support of our community, and you can help. As an independent, non-profit organization that advocates the general welfare and humane treatment of animals in need, the refuge provides shelter, a full service adoption center, educational outreach, and community programs.