Conservationist speaks to chamber members in Lamont center
Ashley Hunter
ECB Publishing, Inc.
Monticello-Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce members were treated to a unique presentation at their monthly luncheon and meeting on Tuesday, March 3.
Ryan David Reines, the founder and executive director of the Wildlife Conservation Center (WCC), was this month's guest speaker.
Reines came to the front of the room as he introduced The WCC, which is located between Lamont and Monticello (just south of the I-10 interchange on Highway 90).
The WCC has been in Jefferson County for less than a year, but the WCC's 10 acres is home to several lemurs, exotic birds, reptiles and a young Red Kangaroo joey.
The WCC is a not-for-profit conversationally minded organization, and Reines explained that his center is 100 percent volunteer-run; even Reines himself doesn't take a paycheck. Instead, every tour, sponsorship and donation goes directly into feeding, caring and conserving of exotic species and places around the world.
In addition to the center's bird, reptile and mammal species, Reines noted that The WCC assists with several conservation projects that directly aid endangered species or the species' habitats.
For example, Reines mentioned The WCC's involvement with a group called Green Again Madagascar, which is working to replant trees and rebuild woodland habitats in the Madagascar forest.
The WCC also works closely with St. Francis Wildlife (North Floridian wildlife), White Oak Conservation Center (Nubian giraffes), Comanche Nation in Oklahoma (native American species), Volpro in Africa (wild vultures).
“Our work is almost exclusively with non-native species,” says Reines, explaining that The WCC's focus is on non-native, endangered species. “We're not your average local wildlife center.”
Unlike other North Florida wildlife centers, which work almost exclusively with native, injured species that need rehabilitation or lifelong care, The WCC focuses on non-native species.
Reines says that his organization does have some native species, such as Florida pelicans, and will be soon housing a bald eagle, skunk and other small mammals, but their focus remains on non-native, endangered and exotic species of birds and mammals.
In addition to introducing his organization, Reines provided information on how local business owners and the community can help support The WCC.
“The best thing you can do for us and our animals is to visit,” said Reines. The majority of the center's financial support comes through community sponsorships and through tours of the facilities.
Sponsorships help support the animals and habitats at The WCC, and Reines says that sponsors are properly recognized at his center.
The tours at The WCC allows the community to direct support the center while also receiving a special opportunity to see species from around the world, but Reines noted that these tours (which range in price from $5-$50) also extend his facility's outreach programs.
While The WCC does programs with schools, libraries and nursing homes, having visitors come to the center and see the animals helps them understand how important it is to conserve endangered species.
The WCC, Reines adds, is big on educational outreach for children – adding that protecting the futures of endangered species: “always starts with inspiring the conservationist of the future.”
While the program was informative and interesting, everyone grew excited as Reines added that he had a “special guest” with him at the meeting.
Everyone loves animals, and a small kangaroo joey is hard to resist! Reines introduced his audience to Gili (pronounced “Kili” - a native Aborigine name meaning “Flame”), the Red Kangaroo.
At under a year old, Gili is still a baby and Reines answered questions on how he and his staff care for the young joey. Reines also explained how his facility will continue to care for Gili once he is fully grown and matured.
Gili is only one of the animals visitors can meet when they purchase a tour at The WCC, and Reines spoke on the future plans of his facility and how they expect to continue growing and introducing more animals to the the center.
Reines also answered questions relating to sponsorship opportunities, internships for high school and college students, as well as information on the care of the animals at his center.
Reines is an 2018 FSU graduate, with a B.A. in environmental science.
The Wildlife Conservation Center is located at 1386 Cook Rd., in Lamont.
Tours are fully-guided and range in price between $5-$30, but tourists can add animal-encounters with Gili the kangaroo and Black and the center's White Ruffed Lemurs for $10 each.
“You don't have to go to Australia or Madagascar anymore for those experiences,” says Reines.
To arrange a tour, contact the Wildlife Conservation Center at (850) 347-0921.
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