Who Lives at the Ocala Wildlife Sanctuary?
Keith Belisle
Keith Belisle has over twenty-one years of experience with birds of prey. He is deemed an expert in his field and is often called upon by local veterinarian offices for hands-on assistance in surgeries and alternative husbandries.
Keith works closely with many educational programs to spread awareness and teach about rehabilitation, nutrition, and releases. The long list of academic programs in Keith’s repertoire includes:
- 4H Clubs
- Department of Juvenile Justices
- Sheriff’s Departments
- Schools
- Homeschool Groups
- Animal Cruelty Programs
In addition to education, Keith also leads individual cage building sessions built for flight and holding.
Keith is a registered Native American Indian and works to advocate for the belief that animals are put on this earth for us to protect and preserve.
Kenneth Lane
Kenneth Lane has assisted Keith with rescues, releases, and educational programs for more than eighteen years.
Kenneth is dedicated to the proper care and treatment of the wild animals in the sanctuary’s care.
Kenneth has a strong devotion and loving drive to give the animals the attention and care that they deserve.
Kenneth films the educational programs and releases. Plus, he serves as the treasurer for OWLS-OCALA INC.
Hobie
Hobie is approximately 25 years old. She was rescued by Keith and Kenneth approximately twenty years ago.
Hobie was the victim of an animal cruelty case. She got caught in a snare-type trap and someone chopped off her wing with a machete.
Thankfully, Hobie was medicated and stabilized. After her period of quarantine was over, she was introduced to the other Great Horned Owls at the sanctuary.
Hobie found a mate in the Mew. Unfortunately, she lost her mate, causing her extreme grief.
Yet, two weeks after her loss, while Keith was feeding her in her pen, Hobie walked up to him and nudged his leg. Keith bent down and acknowledged her actions. From that moment on, Kieth and Hobie forged an incredible bond.
Now, every time Keith enters her mew, Hobie will jump down from her perch, getting on the ground level.
Hobie spreads her feet apart, in anticipation of getting picked up, knowing this is the only way she can experience what it is like to fly free with Keith counter-balancing to equal the loss of her wing.
Nevertheless, for having such cruelness instilled upon her, Hobie has a heart of gold. She truly enjoys participating in educational tours.
We are all so proud of Hobie and how far she has come to surpass her disadvantages and make such a positive, lasting impact on the sanctuary.
Hobie is also a diva for the camera. If she sees a camera, she will look towards it, even if we are in the middle of our program, and will get annoyed if there aren’t any cameras around.
Buttercup
