What’s Happening in the Mammal Room?
The Mammal Room is located near the front entrance of the house. Its residents are: Alfie, the cockatoo, Chupa Chups, the squirrel, Cocoa and Winter, the rabbits and siblings, Lilo and Lila, the chinchillas. The public is not permitted in the room but can observe from the doorway.
Alfie, our cockatoo, was caught attempting to steal Chupa’s lettuce. She timed her clever stunt and waited until Chupa was nestled in his hammock sound asleep. She stealthily strutted over to the area underneath his cage and happily walked away with it. Who knew she’d go after lettuce, of all things (although she’s known to eat baked ziti). Turns out, she really likes it. After she was caught in the act, she disappeared. She initiated a game with us by hiding under a sheet of brown paper located on top of her cage, occasionally peeking out. She had us playing along, thrilled to know that she could successfully hide from us.
Winter, the rabbit has her own game going on. At the end of the day, she knows when it’s time to get into her hutch. That’s when she hides behind the hutch and begins to play hide and seek! She stalls, just like a child at bedtime. Her hutch-mate Cocoa, is no different. They seem to take turns in this act of resistance but Winter is by far the most capricious.
The Mammal Room’s most infamous resident is our notorious squirrel, Chupa Chups. His escapades top all the rest! That is why Alfie decided to finally teach him a lesson by trying to take the lettuce out of his cage. Most days, Chupa has the run of the place. According to one of our animal care volunteers, he’s been known to get Alfie riled up by eating her leftover scraps found under her cage, then keeps himself out of reach of her long neck and beak. Chupa entertains himself by laying hidden, stretched out on top of the Chinchilla cage, flat as a pancake, until he springs off onto a very surprised volunteer’s shoulder or arm.
Usually, the Chinchillas remain quietly in their cage but watch out if they happen to spot an escape route! It takes a clever, experienced staff person to manage to catch up with them.
The Mammal Room is a bright, sunny, airy room that invokes a warm and happy feeling. What goes on at night is anyone’s guess. Have you ever wondered what our residents are doing as you drive by the area late at night? I imagine them breaking out in full party mode, free to let loose to their hearts’ content. They may even have their own Alexa playlist!
You’ve never heard of the infamous Mammal Room? Take a peek (admittance is not permitted) the next time you stop by for a new, educational and fun experience!
Anne Marie Tognella, Sweetbriar Volunteer