Mud 'n Cranes: A New Orleans Winter

Time to get up to speed, then.

Currently, I work at the Audubon Center for the Research of Endangered Species (ACRES for short), one of several of the Audubon Institute's footholds in the New Orleans area. Located far from the hustle and bustle of the city, ACRES is not open to visitors, but contributes not just to zoo and aquarium care, but to wild populations of endangered species. In addition to acting as an invaluable genetic bank for a variety of at-risk species (including the African black-footed cat, clouded leopards, and saddle-billed storks) , ACRES is the primary site for the captive rearing of the endangered Mississippi sandhill crane, a subspecies of the sandhill crane. Some of its other claims to fame include the first caracal cat created from a thawed embryo, the first serval born as a result of in vitro fertilization, and the first black-footed cat to be carried in the womb and given birth to by a domestic cat. Very cool stuff.

Due to the vast amount of land required for such an undertaking, ACRES also acts as a valuable habitat island in an area where wildlife is otherwise forced to live an urban life. Wetland birds, mammals, and a wide host of reptile and amphibian life call the grounds home. This makes life interesting for both keepers and the animals they care for, who almost certainly appreciate the natural enrichment (especially when it comes in the form of a tasty prey item).

Barred owls are a common sight early in the morning, and can be heard throughout the night.

Amphibians, such as this toad, in addition to anoles, skinks, turtles and a host of snakes take advantage of the space.

Turkey vultures (such as the one seen here) and black vultures migrate through the area en masse.

New Orleans itself is a city of contradictions; ancient-looking cemeteries filled with ornate mausoleums are nestled in neighborhoods where a few minutes walk leads to all the comforts of a modern city. A half-hour's drive from one of the most developed parts of this state leads to large wildlife refuges where the unique wetland and pine savanna habitat that Louisiana from other states are preserved. Refuges such as Jean Lafitte National Park, Bayou Sauvage, and Big Branch preserve species that can be found in few other habitats, such as red-cockaded woodpeckers, as well as more common wildlife, like alligators, ibis, and egrets.

Supposedly, this is the tomb of New Orleans voodoo queen Marie Laveau

This is a city of celebration, and nothing is more worth celebration than excellent food, something there is no shortage of here. Seafood is, naturally, abundant, and people are happy to take advantage of the bounty. There are few things that can't be thrown on a po'boy, fried, or rolled up into boudin. Excess is also celebrated, perhaps best illustrated by the wide variety of food challenges to be had here, such as the Tchoupitoulas Challenge of the Creole Creamery: 8 heaping scoops of rich ice cream with 11 toppings piled on high, then served in a bowl bigger than your head. Fortunately, yours truly was up to the challenge.

This city is nothing like New York or Chicago, where it's easy to feel lost among the towering skyscrapers and overwhelming crowds. It feels homey, and has a charm unlikely to be found anywhere else. If you ignore the cars and iPhones, its easy to feel like you're in an altogether different era.

Until next time, Rastaman and the gang say, "Don't worry, be happy."