
“Chough”-ed to be here!
Posted onMarch 22, 2023bySarah Falconer|Canada's New Noah, Canada's New Noahs, In the News
Oi, Hola, Bonzour, 你好,Saluer, നമസ്കാരം, Hallo, Salama, and hello from Jersey! This diversity of greetings captures the wonderful diversity of my fellow “DESMAN” (Durrell Endangered Species Management) classmates. Our cohort is composed of 13 students, representing a whopping 11 different countries! We have gathered from the far reaches of the world on Jersey Island to participate in this three-month intensive course. It seems appropriate then, given our range in backgrounds that our host, Jersey, is a bit of an amalgamation of countries itself. Located only 14 miles from the North Coast of France, this Brit-“ish” island is a blend of French and English species, people, and languages!
Since we participants have a variety of education and experience, our courses for DESMAN began with a general introduction to biodiversity and some basic principles of conservation like disease management, invasive species, and climate change to get on the same page. But we were soon pushed outside of our comfort zones with a challenging (but rewarding!) few weeks in facilitation and practicing the Conservation Standards methods. I can’t wait to have the opportunity to apply these techniques when I’m back in Canada!
The whole island is our classroom! Enjoying the scenery with some of my fellow DESMAN participants.
It’s easy to get inspired for conservation work when you’re working in Gerald Durrell’s own study!
With my background in conservation breeding and reintroductions, I was particularly excited to visit the chough (pronounced “chuff”) reintroduction program, run in partnership with States of Jersey, Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust, and Jersey National Trust.
The chough had been extinct on Jersey for about 100 years, but a dedicated reintroduction program has brought them back on Jersey Island. As a marker of success, populations are starting to establish as far away as France! Similar to WPC’s Loggerhead Shrike program, it’s a great example of how zoos can help combat species extinctions.
The chough is a type of corvid, similar to a raven or crow, but with a bright red beak and feet
Meeting the locals – Jersey cows are known for being very docile, disease resistant, and produce high quality milk!
Outside of the classroom, it’s nearly impossible to not love the charm of Jersey island. People keep telling me it’s winter, but this recent Winnipeg resident is having a hard time believing them. From bright, blooming daffodils, to fields of the sweetest cows I’ve ever met it feels to me like a spring paradise!
Although we are only about halfway through the course, I have already learned so much, both from the program instruction, and from the experiences and stories of my fellow DESMAN participants. I am gaining such important insight from these international perspectives, and I can’t wait to learn even more.
The spring DESMAN cohort celebrating Commonwealth Day at the Lieutenant-Governor’s house. Recently appointment, Vice Admiral Jeremy Kyd CBE shared the King’s Commonwealth Day address, which followed the day’s theme for 2023 – Forging a Sustainable and Peaceful Common Future.
A sculpture of some local fauna, made from the local flora! These puffin sculptures are made from woven willow branches!
Goodbye, tchau, aurevoir, 再見, Veloma, Txau, Orevwar, Selamat Jalan, വിട, Au revoir for now!
– Sarah Falconer
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