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Oasis Diary - March 22, 2003

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The nights become warmer. The roses and other bushes begin to bud. Spring is around the corner here at The Oasis. It is our third Spring here…

It has been 6 weeks since The Oasis Sanctuary has gone into Voluntary Quarantine and instituted our Medical Biohazard Protocols. We still cannot take in any new birds. We still cannot have any visitors. But The Oasis Flock remains healthy and safe.

The Oasis' employees have been wonderful about taking these extra precautions in stride. Their love and concern for the birds here is heart-warming ! (Click here for information on the Voluntary END Quarantine).

So far no birds in Southeast Arizona have been effected, but the threat has not yet been contained in California. It is important to remember that the last major outbreak of END lasted from early 1979 through late 1981…We can only hope that this will not last that long and that the end is in sight…

The Oasis continues to hear from people needing to place birds and have done one of the following few things:

1. Found foster care for them with friends around the country whose facilities are not at risk. We are *financially obligated* to provide care for those birds whether they are here or not. We have done this for ten birds so far.
2. Found other permanent sanctuary for birds. Several American Sanctuary Association affiliates as well as other smaller facilities have stepped up and taken in birds whose caregivers/facilities would have wished them to come here. Most of the birds we have placed in this manner were small (cockateil, budgies and finches) birds who were slated to come here from a couple of major rescue situations. Needless to say, they are safe and well cared for.
3. The owners have agreed to hold on to their birds until the threat of END is over and we can take the birds here. This comprises over a dozen birds...

Although people cannot visit at this time, we are "open" via the Internet and e-mail, as well as the phone, to help with problems and to answer questions …whether immediate behavioral issues or questions regarding future care plans and estate planning. The Oasis Sanctuary remains here for the birds!

It is surprising, however, how the threat of END and our Voluntary Quarantine has trickled down into daily life. The obvious things…additional time taken to disinfect vehicles, staff clothes changes, extra "site only" shoes and such were expected and anticipated. But the situation has impacted on our ability to receive and acquire some of our supplies. At one point there was the suspicion (fortunately unfounded) that END was found in Maricopa County. This is the county Phoenix, our business office, as well as the manufacturer of the Oasis' bulk-seed are in. The Oasis scrambled and with the help of some of our supporters, located a bulk distributor back east who could pick up the slack in the event that Maricopa County ever comes under quarantine. So we are putting back up plans into effect… just in case…

The almost 400 animals currently in our care are doing well. They are healthy, their care in unimpeded. In fact for the first time since arriving at the new site two and a half years ago we have truly a full Staff. The Oasis now has enough people to do what is needed daily as well as working on projects for the future.

…But due to not being able to have guests, and not being able to take in more birds...our donations are down. Whether we are "open" or "closed" our expenses remain pretty much the same. As tax season comes around, please don't forget that our birds still rely upon your generosity!

All of the birds here at The Oasis Sanctuary thank you for your continuing and ongoing support!

Sybil Erden, Executive Director
On Behalf of the Staff and Board of Directors of The Oasis Sanctuary

P.S. If you wish to keep yourself updated on the END epidemic, please visit our END Links page.

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