James Crowder, owner of Painting with a Twist, left, helps Susanne Penny Wednesday. The class created paintings in memory of the two flamingoes. (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."
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 that, 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 each juvenile.
"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 they plan to hold for the zoo.
The Laughing Flamingo Croquet Club's "Croquet for a Cause Fundraiser" will be held from noon to 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."
To help
To contribute, checks should be made out to The Hattiesburg Zoo, with a note saying 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.
Read or Share this story: http://on.thec-l.com/1weJFqK
No comments:
Post a Comment