A Journey of Rescue , Rehabilitation , and Return to the Wild
by Ryann Hoffman , Senior Park Naturalist
Meet Honey , a remarkable black rat snake who has been on quite the journey . Rescued from a local home ' s air vents , Honey came to us in critical condition . She was severely dehydrated and in desperate need of immediate care . When we first laid eyes on her , we knew that we had to do everything in our power to help her thrive again . Though snakes can sometimes be feared or misunderstood , we always see them as individuals with unique stories . For us , it ’ s not just about saving an animal — it ’ s about giving them the chance to return to where they truly belong : the wild .
Honey ’ s condition was alarming . She was malnourished and dehydrated , likely struggling to survive in the confines of an air vent where access to food and water was nearly impossible . After the homeowner carefully transported her to our nature center , we immediately began her recovery process . We provided her with the proper hydration , nutrients , and quiet space she needed to rest and recuperate . Slowly , she regained strength and began to show signs of her old self — a powerful reminder of how resilient animals can be when given the proper care .
At our nature center , we believe that every animal deserves the chance to live freely in the wild . This is why we always strive to return animals back to their natural habitats whenever possible . We don ' t view our educational ambassadors as pets ; instead , we see them as coworkers who play a critical role in educating the public about wildlife and the importance of conservation . It ' s a responsibility we take seriously , and for Honey , the goal has always been clear — help her heal and give her the freedom to roam the wild once again .
Our educational ambassadors are a vital part of spreading awareness and fostering respect for nature . We have four other animal ambassadors that unfortunately did not show the capability of surviving on their own in the wild for many different reasons . We strive to give them the best life possible by providing large enclosures , lots of outdoor time , and diversifying their diet to best match what they would be eating in the wild . We feel fortunate to have the resources to provide this to our animal ambassadors and look forward to being able to release Honey back into her natural home .
As we prepare to release Honey back into the wild , we are reminded of the incredible bond we share with the creatures we help . It ' s not about ownership — it ' s about partnership . We support them , care for them , and , if able to thrive on their own , return them back into nature . Honey ’ s journey from the air vents to rehabilitation and , finally , to her release is a testament to the power of compassion and the importance of giving wild animals the freedom they deserve . Watching her slither off into the wilderness will be a bittersweet moment , but we are filled with pride knowing that she is ready to live the life she was meant to lead .
If you would like to join us for her release and a day of learning all about our resident animal ambassadors , we will be having her release day at McCloud Nature Park on May 10th at noon . Meet at the Nature Center at noon for a talk , followed by a hike and then her release .
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