Comments on: Of Wallabies and Watermelons?

By: Valerie Stoddard

Valerie Stoddard — Wed, 05 Apr 2006 18:18:06 +0000

Thanks for sharing that information, Deborah. That is really, really interesting! I’ll have to try that out on some of my coworkers. As always, we appreciate everyone’s comments.

By: Deborah

Deborah — Tue, 04 Apr 2006 18:22:07 +0000

I had read this entry in the keepers’ log a few days ago, and noted the existence of a species – the pademelon – that I had not heard of before. Then yesterday, as I was reading a novel set in Australia, I came across a reference to – guess what? – the pademelon! It was just a passing reference, as part of the description of the animals and plants in a landscape, but it was good to know what a pademelon was. Just an anecdotal note here: this is an example of a phenomenon that my husband noticed and gave a name to – ” armadillo.” It often happens that one hears an unusual name or fact or word somewhere and files it away as a new bit of information – and then, only a day or so later, the same item comes up again in conversation or reading or whatever. The reason he calls it ” armadillo” is that he created an experiment that he conducted with some of his college classes, to demonstrate the phenomenon to them. He used the name ” nine-banded armadillo” as a cue for them on a Friday, and he predicted that at least a few of them would come back on Monday having encountered the term somewhere. It invariably proved true that several of them reported back having heard ” armadillo” somewhere. Interesting phenomenon, isn’t it? Maybe I should start calling it ” pademelon.”

By: Michelle

Michelle — Wed, 29 Mar 2006 16:11:36 +0000

Valerie, I find myself chuckling occasionally during the day thinking about ” dusty watermelons” All of you who write these blogs are really great story tellers. Please keep them coming; they brighten the day for many of us who are stuck in boring jobs!

By: Stacy

Stacy — Mon, 27 Mar 2006 18:13:39 +0000

Cute story, Valerie! I’m sure, if I had not visited Australia a few years ago, I would’ve been in the same boat. I’ve learned so much about ” new to me” animals from you and the staffs of the WAP and SDZ. It’s invaluable information, and I appreciate the time you guys take to tell us about your work. I hope to visit SDZ and the WAP in the next couple of years, but until then, I’m so glad to have the opportunity to visit via these blogs. I don’t comment on each one, but rest assured, I read them all!

By: Valerie Stoddard

Valerie Stoddard — Sun, 26 Mar 2006 17:37:44 +0000

Thank you, Shirley, and I’m really glad you enjoy hearing about our ” behind the scenes” activities. It’s easy for me write about them because I’m so proud of the work my colleagues do. If you ever decide to take one of the HVMC tours, stop by and say ” hello” !

By: Shirley Sykes

Shirley Sykes — Sat, 25 Mar 2006 02:46:35 +0000

Valerie, I so appreciate the glimpses you are giving us all into the workings of the HVMC and its invaluable vets and technicians. We take the health of our animals quite for granted most of the time, so it’s good to be reminded of the hard work and skills that go into caring for them all. Thank you so much, and please keep on educating us!!