James Crowder, owner of Painting With A Twist, leads Painting with a Purpose on Wednesday. The class created paintings in memory of the two flamingos from the Hattiesburg Zoo that died earlier this month. (Photo: Eli Baylis/Hattiesburg American )
The Pine Belt has pulled together to help the Hattiesburg Zoo recover from the loss of two adult Chilean flamingos earlier this month.
The female flamingo was euthanized after being severely injured after she was removed from the zoo Oct. 7. Her mate also was hurt when she was taken and died Oct. 8.
Devin Nottis, 19, a University of Southern Mississippi freshman, was charged with grand larceny, two counts of animal cruelty and trespassing in the case.
Nine other college students were being investigated in connection with the theft. They, too, could face criminal charges as well as disciplinary action from Southern Miss.
The Delta Mu chapter of Pi Kappa Alpha has been suspended indefinitely by the university and placed on administrative suspension by the national fraternal organization. Law enforcement officials said they learned the students were on a fraternity-related scavenger hunt.
On Wednesday, Painting With A Twist held a fundraiser that generated $200 for the effort.
"We just wanted to come together as a community and show our support for the zoo," said James Crowder, owner of Painting With A Twist.
He added 10 amateur artists turned out to each create a piece titled "Neon Pink Flamingos," one of which was donated to the zoo.
One of the artists — Joy Pickering, 37, of Hattiesburg — said she participated because she has always loved the Hattiesburg Zoo and felt it was a wonderful and creative way to help the cause.
"I remember going to the zoo as a child, it was a big deal," said the Covington County native. "I feel like God gave us these beautiful creatures to look at and appreciate. I was upset to learn that someone went into the zoo as a prank and did something that led to their deaths. It really bothers me."
On Oct. 9, Vicki's on Walnut's house mixologist Tony Hill created a special "Pink Flamingo" cocktail that sold for $5 with all proceeds going to the zoo. The cocktail — made up of Absolut vodka, Malibu Rum, peach Schnapps and a touch of Grenadine served in pink flamingo goblets and cups — generated $500.
"It was something we decided to do. Stuart Gates, the restaurant's owner, came up with the idea," said James Benge, general manager of Vicki's on Walnut. "I am from Hattiesburg, so is Stuart, and the zoo is a cornerstone. ... We've got to take pride in it and let the zoo know we do care about what happened."
Benge said outstanding public support made the 5 p.m.-midnight event a success.
"A lot of our loyal customers came out, but we also had a bunch of first-timers who came in to support the zoo," he said. "By 10 p.m., we had sold 85 cocktails, business dropped off after that, but by end of the night we had sold 100."
The animals were two of 19 remaining birds in the Chilean flamingo exhibit that opened at the zoo in April 2013. The exhibit had 21 flamingos when it opened, but two died of natural causes.
Hattiesburg Tourism Commission Executive Director Rick Taylor said the zoo plans to replace all the flamingos that have died. He explained, in order for the birds to successfully nest and breed, a flock needs at least 20 to 22 animals. The original flamingos were purchased from Zoo Atlanta, at a cost of $1,700 for each adult bird and $1,200 for juveniles.
"We are extremely appreciative of the businesses and individuals who have decided to do something on their own to benefit the zoo," Taylor said. "It really shows how much the community appreciates the zoo. ... Any funds generated for the zoo will solely go toward the acquisition of additional birds."
He added he has been contacted by other groups including The Laughing Flamingo Croquet Club of New Orleans about fundraisers.
The Laughing Flamingo Croquet Club's "Croquet for a Cause Fundraiser" will be from noon-3 p.m. Nov. 22 at Audubon Park at 6500 Magazine St. in New Orleans. The event was the brainchild of Heather Roundtree-Seaman, a 2001 Southern Miss alum.
"I was part of the Greek community while at Southern Miss and I was saddened about what happened," she said. "I wanted to show the zoo that we care and a different side of the university's Greek life."
She said the croquet club already holds monthly events and when she mentioned the fundraiser to other members, they were very receptive to the idea.
"It will just be an afternoon in the park," Roundtree-Seaman said. "The event will include croquet, free food, a champagne toast and all proceeds will benefit the zoo."
To help out
• To contribute to the Hattiesburg Zoo, checks should be made out to The Hattiesburg Zoo, with a note slugged flamingos. Mail to the Hattiesburg Zoo, 107 S. 17th Ave., Hattiesburg, MS 39401. For more information, call (601) 545-4576 or email zoo@hattiesburg.org.
Croquet for a Cause
• The Laughing Flamingo Croquet Club of New Orleans will hold "Croquet for a Cause" from noon-3 p.m. Nov. 22 at Audubon Park at 6500 Magazine St., New Orleans. Tickets to the event are $25, and all proceeds will benefit the Hattiesburg Zoo. To purchase tickets or make a donation, visit www.eventbrite.com. For more information, call Heather Roundtree-Seaman at (504) 520-0418 or visit the club's Facebook page.
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