I looked into sponsoring a White Faced Scops Owl for us, but they were all in the UK or Africa and were all parts of packages that came with physical items and perks, so that all sounded a bit involved. Even if I did that though, I know there’s going to be owls I’ll never be able to find to adopt. I know this, because I tried for an hour to find a Buffy Fish Owl to sponsor so I could do all the Final 4 with no luck.

So I settled on buying a sponsor plaque for the office of my local raptor and critter rehab in our name since I know who they are and what they do. Looking at what different places say it costs to take care of an owl the size of the Scops, the donation probably covers one surgery or food for half a year for one owl. Rehab and care isn’t cheap, and it’s all done by donation only. No public funding goes to any of these hospitals.

I made a mock up of the plaque I ordered. I chose the Screech of their 4 available owl designs. It’s the closest they had, and it’s a Megascops, so still sorta a Scops. So that will go up in the office area of their hospital, and if they hold an open house this year (only open to the public 1 or 2 days a year usually) I’ll try and find it and take a photo of it. But my name isn’t on it, just what you see above. I won’t say how much it was, I’m not out to show off or get attention (except to support owls), I just want to say being here this year has inspired me to help how I can, and maybe it will for some of you too.

If you’re looking to make any donations this year, don’t hesitate to find your local rescue’s website. They usually have a donate whatever amount you want section or an Amazon wishlist, typically of cleaning items to keep things sanitary and cozy for the animals.

  • Chetzemoka@startrek.website
    2·
    11 months ago

    Dude, this is so amazing, thank you! I just found a raptor rescue a couple towns over from me that I didn’t even know existed because I never thought to look. I’m donating to them for Christmas. Thanks for bringing this to our attention

    • anon6789@lemmy.worldOP
      2·
      11 months ago

      That’s why I did the 50 States of Owls. These places tend to be hidden. I’ve driven past this place I donated to a million times and never knew what it was. The sign just says AARK and is hidden behind trees and bamboo, so no clue what that was or what they did until I found the first open house I went to. Lots aren’t typically open to the public either except for special occasions. So I wanted to highlight these places are all over, you just don’t know it.

      I’m glad you were able to help out. Most have social media pages you can follow and see their patients and all that so you can see where your donation went.

      Again, they’re all funded entirely through donations. That’s why I’ve never proposed a group collection or anything, you should support your community because your animals need help there. I hope it brings you happiness to have helped them. ❤️

        • anon6789@lemmy.worldOP
          2·
          11 months ago

          Same. I can’t come in here expecting you guys to do anything if I’m not doing something. And after meeting some of these people and seeing all they do at all hours of the day for practically free, these deserve support.