Last week I had the amazing opportunity to participate in the release of Taylor's Checkerspot butterfly larva. This is the first time I have participated in a release for this species and the first time that I have visited Hornby Island! And what a journey it was!
Thursday night Andrea and I loaded 2000 TCB larva in the hatch of my vehicle, where they remained overnight as they needed to remain acclimated to ambient temperature and not become too active. Raina and I were up at 4:45am, packed and ready to begin the journey. We picked up our passengers (Andrea and Eddie), crammed our luggage, food, and toys into the back seat of the vehicle, and were off to catch the 7 am ferry. Three ferries, no heat, and nine hours later, we reached our cabin, along the shoreline of the beautiful Hornby Island.
As a parent, we all want our children to follow in our footsteps. Constantly pondering what career path they are going to choose? At a young age they are still very interested and engaged in their parents but as they age...personalities and career options tend to evolve with them. it is for this reason that moments like this are so very memorable. Being able to share my passion with my daughter, being able to be the proud Mama, watching her be so invested and engaged in species conservation...priceless.
Being GVZoo employees, we have opportunities available to us that others may never and will never enjoy. I encourage you to get involved. Volunteer for our conservation programs, participate in a release! I challenge you to learn more about our conservation initiatives so you too can become a champion for our conservation initiatives. Save lives! Every little action matters! Zoos matter, and there wouldn't be a zoo without every single one of you. (Supporters, members, readers, staff, volunteers, partners and so many more.)
- Menita Prasad
