Teachin' ...

A wood ape bust and the old silverback ... one of two
upright bipeds you may encounter out in them woods!

     Howdy-do!  The North American Wood Ape Conservancy was invited by the Baytown Nature Center to help do a little teachin' at their Nurture Nature Festival, held on Saturday, November 1st.  Christina Butcher, Naturalist for the center had contacted the NAWAC to be a part of this fun, free family event!  It couldn't have fallen on a much-more beautiful day, even though it happened to fall on openin' day of deer season (if you're a gun hunter, that is).  Our only other challenge was the 20+ mph. northeast wind, which combined with temps in the low 50's made me wanna nurture my dang huntin' jacket!  I had no idea that this park even existed, and was blown away by all of the amenities it had to offer.  From playgrounds to fishin' to hikin' & bikin' trails, this park is first-rate.  If you live anywhere near the Houston-Galveston area, this park would be well worth the drive to experience for yourselves!  For more information on the park, please visit their Web site at http://www.baytownnaturecenter.org/.

 

     NAWAC members came from as far as the Dallas-Ft. Worth area to help with our outreach, which is to educate the public about the existence of the North American wood ape.  Members who helped included Tod Pinkerton, Daryl Colyer, Travis Lawrence, Tony Schmidt, David Haring, Ken Helmer and myself ... along with family and friends who enjoyed the festivities as well.  While settin' up, we realized that we would have a tough time keepin' exhibit and teachin' materials on our display tables due to the brisk bay breeze.  But as far as the NAWAC goes, our team members always go prepared!  Colyer produced an 8' by 20' blue poly-tarp which we secured as a windbreak.  After goin' through Hurricane Ike, I'd never thought that I'd be so happy to see another blue poly-tarp again!  Ken Helmer and family showed-up, and produced a 4' by 4' full-color printed informational/pictorial banner that he had designed which helped seal the deal as well as bein' another break from that northeast wind.  As the mornin' wore on, we noticed other participants followed suit to help secure their enclosures as well ...

 

The curious crowds visitin' the North American Wood Ape Conservancy displays in our enclosure on Saturday;
pictured answering questions are Daryl Colyer (foreground), Travis Lawrence (left) and David Haring (right).

 

     According to Park Superintendent Tracey Prothro, close to 2,500 folks came out to attend this awesome event.  From the curious to those who were somewhat familiar with this undocumented mystery animal, the NAWAC answered any and all questions to anyone who asked.  There were even a few witnesses who provided their brief encounters, as well as one that I found particularly interestin'.  An older gentleman stopped by and inquired about this animal, and had stated that he used to be a hunter.  After a brief conversation with Daryl Colyer, he asked what kind of vocalizations this animal made.  Colyer answered that he has heard whistlin', grunts, and cries or howls from these animals ... and went on to elaborate that he's even heard a type of chatter.  That's when the old hunter then asked, "What type of howls?"  Daryl answered, "Well, not really an 'ooo' sound, but more of an 'awww' sound."  At that point, the old hunter said thanks and walked away.  Hmmm, interestin'; I guess that Daryl answered his question correctly, and maybe that's why the old southern gent said that he used to hunt.  One has to wonder; I don't know what else could keep a true hunter from pursuin' his passion.  Most true hunters are fearless; although, another team member said that some of his huntin' buddies simply don't wanna know that these animals are out there.  I guess that if you have the understandin' that this is a real animal and not a "monster" you won't have fear; just awe and appreciation of one of nature's wonders.  Folks, this is why we're out there teachin' ...

 

It appears that almost everyone was curious about wood apes!  Pictured are Ken Helmer and Daryl Colyer;
Tod Pinkerton explaining what the NAWAC is all about; Daryl and Tony Schmidt field some crowd questions.

     For more information on the North American Wood Ape Conservancy and any future community outreach events, please visit the NAWAC Web site or our Facebook page.   Recognition of the species and teachin' folks about this mystery animal is an important goal.  And once this animal is finally properly and scientifically documented, then we can move on to the next step … which will be the protection of this species and its habitat.