I came across this story today about a couple in Illinois who asked a construction company to delay building a new home so a killdeer could safely hatch her eggs. The company listened, confirmed the birds were protected, and postponed construction until the chicks could leave the nest. It immediately reminded me of April/2018 when construction began on our first wildlife center for All Things Wild in Texas. A killdeer nest delayed our project by two weeks. It was a small delay for something much bigger. Since opening in March/2019 with only a volunteer staff, ATW now employs full and part-time trained staff, supported by volunteers. They offer excellent medical and husbandry care for the approximately 5,000 injured, orphaned and sick wild patients admitted each year. ATW has outgrown their current location and has an eye out for another blessed opportunity to expand. I miss working directly with the animals more than I can put into words. Sometimes I find myself wondering why I left. But then I remember that life has a way of moving us where we are needed most. Trade-offs can hurt sometimes. But I truly believe we end up where we're supposed to be, helping in the way we're meant to help. If I hadn't stepped away, I wouldn't be here building Empowering Animals, sharing stories, resources, and opportunities to help animals from all over the world. If you'd like to learn more about the incredible work being done at All Things Wild or support their mission, you can visit :https://allthingswildrehab.org/donate Animals can teach us so much about patience, and that sometimes life has a different plan for us than the one we imagined. ❤️

I am lucky enough to live between two houses, My partners and my older kids house and between us we have lots of animals. ❤️ My whippet Reggie is 8 years old he’s an absolute legend to everyone that meets him as he is the softest greediest pups 🙈 My cat is called Moriarty he loves sleeping on my oldest daughter’s shoulder especially when she’s trying to sleep 🙈 We then have 3 Guinea pigs called mushroom, Badger and squirrel 😂 they are absolute characters! We also have a hamster called Sable. Then to the wet ones 🙈 we have a koi pond outside which also has large goldfish in and lots of frogs. We also have a tropical fish tank which has lots of different fish, snails and frogs 🐸 Finally we have a axolotl called Falcore we’ve had her for 4 years she’s really friendly and actually responds to her name being called at the top of her tank. So yes I don’t think I missed anyone 😬🫠😂😂❤️

There was a story I read today on Good News Network about a young girl who found an axolotl under a bridge in South Wales while she and her family were on vacation. She was learning about these fascinating and endangered creatures when she stumbled across this lone axolotl. She told her mother, but her mother did not believe she found an axolotl because they are from Mexico. She was instructed not to go back in the water, and luckily, she didn't listen and did it anyway. She was able to find the axolotl, catch, and bring them to safety. I felt so thankful for this young girl's heart when I read that. More than likely this was a pet that had been let go in the wild. This baby would have eventually died of starvation or been eaten if it were not for the chance that these two came across each other. The family ended up cutting their vacation short to research how to properly care for this animal and get a proper enclosure set up. Now, this special axolotl is very loved, cared for, and is recovering nicely from some injuries sustained in the river from other animals trying to make a meal of them. This is a great example of why people need to research the responsibilities of bringing a life into their world, especially if they are exotic. Animals depend on us for proper nutrition, shelter, care and love, not just until the new wears off, but for the rest of their lives. Send some special appreciation vibes to this beautiful little girl and her family for making this axolotl's life a priority. Animals deserve this kind of love. So grateful for her. 💕

On May 20, 2026, the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust team received reports of a baby elephant trapped in a septic tank. Because it was nighttime, it was fortunate that someone spotted her at all. The SWT rescue team responded quickly and was able to save the young elephant. Despite searching the area, no other elephants could be found, leaving her alone and in need of help. She was flown to the Nairobi Nursery, where she was given a second chance at the life she was meant to live. Although Zuri is healthy and doing well now, she is still recovering from the trauma of her ordeal and the loss of her family. Thankfully, she is surrounded by experienced keepers and fellow orphan elephants who will help her learn to trust and thrive again. I’m including the video below of her rescue and her first days getting to know her new home. ❤️🐘. https://youtu.be/z7bx8Bxdhas

@Michelle Cyr @Kate Bullock @James McDonald @Arlana Tanner @Morgane Lemattre @Butterfly Love you were all a yes or maybe so here are some times I am currently available. I have a couple maybes too that I am going to add in just to see where everyone is at. I am thinking I will keep the call open until we are done playing. No agenda, just getting to know each other. Vote on the time that best works for you and add any additional dates that will work for you in the comments. Yah!!! Tea Time!