., has been selected for the Monthly Volunteer Recognition Award for January 2012. He has been a volunteer at Sulphur Creek Nature Center since 1987, with over 2,300 logged volunteer hours since becoming a volunteer.
Dr. Gandolfi has been instrumental in helping with the care that goes into the over 100 resident animals that live at Sulphur Creek, as well as the 800 injured, sick and orphaned wildlife that are brought in for rehabilitation each year. He has offered his veterinary skills free of charge to the District, has sponsored vaccines and medications required for the resident animals during their annual exams and has been on call for veterinary support for hundreds of wild animals. His services have also included X-rays, pathology tests, exams and even a variety of unusual surgeries. His latest feats have earned him our highest respect in that he took on the task of de-scenting both Shadow and Penelope, our resident skunks, which necessitated shutting down his office. Dr. Gandolfi has also become our specialized bat surgeon and recently treated a Townsend Big-Eared Bat, which has been deemed a Species of Special Concern for the State of California. “Bugsy” is now being used in many of our educational programs and became a media star as well. He also had the gruesome duty of treating a Hoary Bat, another wildlife ambassador for Sulphur Creek’s educational programs.
The skills and services that Dr. Gandolfi has provided to HARD through his care of animals at Sulphur Creek is an amazing gift. For 25 years he has worked to keep our resident animals healthy and has provided a second chance to the native wild animals we support. He is very worthy of this volunteer honor.
He will be eligible for the Volunteer of the Year Award for 2012, which will be announced in January of 2013. |
Dr. Rene Gandolfi, D.V.M