Co-Existing with Wildlife As we continue to develop open
space, can we peacefully co-exist
with wildlife? How can you handle
calls from people asking for help
with wildlife problems?
Sharon St. Joan
One of the founders of Best Friends Animal Society, Sharon St. Joan established Wild and Feathered Friends, the Bird and Wildlife Department. In the late eighties, Sharon began to work with orphaned and injured native wildlife, especially birds. As a licensed wildlife rehabilitator, she has cared for and released back to a life of freedom in the wild a wide range of birds and small mammals -- from Great Horned Owls and Ferruginous Hawks to Black-chinned Hummingbirds and Saye's Phoebes.
Sharon is now able to devote more of her time to wildlife education. In addition to her speaking engagements, she writes on wildlife issues for the general public and Best Friends members, as well as for wildlife rehabilitators. As Best Friends Bird and Wildlife Consultant, Sharon responds to requests for help from all over the country and is actively involved in wildlife advocacy.
Sharon is also engaged in addressing the plight of captive parrots now suffering from a growing overpopulation problem, as well as from a lack of appreciation of their nature as wild birds who were born to live in the rainforest. To this end, she works together with a number of individuals and organizations, including the Avian Welfare Coalition. A writer, poet, and artist, Sharon seeks to communicate a love of nature and respect for the magnificent, wild beings who inhabit our planet earth.
