Ambassadors to the Rescue

By Eric Bailey
DAVID AND LISA JACKSON introduce “Spike” to the audience for a hands-on meet-and-greet.

The Aquarium of the Pacific played host to the Conservation Ambassadors organization this past weekend showcasing a variety of rescued animals in an educational meet-and-greet presentation.

Conservation Ambassadors, an animal rescue non-profit based in Paso Robles, Calif., by David and Lisa Jackson. The husband-and-wife duo provides a home for displaced and injured wild and exotic animals and through its Zoo to You outreach program helps educate people of all ages about conservation.

“It’s something that we started 30 years ago as a way to give [rescued] animals a place that need a permanent home,” said Mrs. Jackson. “We use the animals for conservation education, so we kind of give them a second-chance at life, and they get to be ambassadors to their species.”

Many of the animals the ambassadors rescue tend to come from illegal ownership.

“People try to make all kinds of things into pets,” said Mr. Jackson. “We just had to do a rescue up in Auburn, Calif. of a Pygmy Hippo. Couldn’t find it for three weeks!”

Aquarium guests were treated with meeting some of the animals the Jacksons brought with them; an African bullfrog, a lemur, a Harris Hawk and a beaver to name a few. Each animal was presented with their rescue story and their species’ impact on the environment.

“Spike,” a 24-year-old alligator was the highlight of the show; giving everyone in attendance an opportunity to get up close and even pet the gator at the end of the show. Spike was rescued about 15 years ago from a drug raid in Los Angeles.

Mr. Jackson also spoke very highly of Pacific Visions, the $53 million expansion exhibit that opened at the aquarium May 24.

“What Pacific Visions has done really well is it talks success; that we can make a difference,” said Jackson.

The ambassadors visited the aquarium for their first time Oct. 19 and 20 but hope to return soon.

The Conservation Ambassadors work routinely with the San Diego Zoo, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom as they see their ideas about conservation as “like-minded.”

For more information of the Conservation Ambassadors or to donate you can contact www.conservationambassadors.org/

eric@beachcomber.news

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