CeeJayee's Critter Care & Wildlife Education Center

                                                                 Atitunowhiho

                                - Cherokee meaning "one who lives below"

                                                               - also known as "Chuckie"

Welcome to Atitunowhiho's page! He is a "Marmot monax", in another words a "Woodchuck", "Groundhog", or "Whistlepig".

Ati came into care in May 2007. He was an eyes-closed baby, acquired by another wildlife rehabber in NY. Ati (or "Chuckie") has a problem with his upper incisors. They grew in crooked.  The lady & her vet decided to remove them. From what I understand, they were removed twice.

Chuckie's top teeth are not growing in much as yet - the top right one, is growing in a bit, but the other is not. I don't think they were "removed" but clipped short.

He is QUITE bonded to people already. The gal I got him from, knew that he was most likely going to be a "special" needs animal, and gave him extra TLC. So, he may turn out to be a wonderful educational buddy. He is already well-loved here.

Oct 14th, 2007 - I tried getting in touch with the vet I was supposed to be using for wildlife for about 3-4 mos!! I called numerous times and left messages, AND even went to the office 3x! Apparently, he either was not getting my messages, or changed his mind. Like it'd be so hard to just TALK to me & let me know?? So, that left me in a pickle! (LOL) I HAVE to have a vet to see Chuckie. . . he has to have a health certificate, dated within 30 days of any programs I do!! So, I looked up a few vets that were recommended to try.

THANK goodness, I found a new vet recently!! He is about 40 mins from me, but that's ok. I take Chuckie for his first visit on 10/24/07! I will post how that goes!

Chuckie's vet visit went great! Dr says he is wonderful & healthy;)

Chuckie prefers to use litter - in a litter box, or corner of his cage:) REALLY!! lol  (For photos, see the slide show below)

THANKFULLY, Chuckie's license was approved! YEA!! Thank you DEC!! I received it on the 21st of Sept. It has to be renewed each year. I do have to fullfill several requirements in order to keep him, the biggest of which, I need to provide 12 educational programs a year, that involve him. That's ok, because that is what I WANT to do! I want to educate people about our wildlife! One of my mentors asked if I would be interested in going to a cubscout meeting, so I was like sure! LOL And then, I will be giving some programs at our local Elem. school (where my daughter goes). I have a couple other schools I am going to contact too - because they were interested when I had spoke with them previously. But, either way, I will probably have 4-5 programs done by the end of Nov! :)

If interested, contact me for details!!

 

We are in the process of getting Chuckie's outdoor cage built & finished up. If not done before winter, we will finish it up in the spring. Once I finish it up, I will be calling & getting a USDA inspection.

Chuckie's cage will be 6'x8'6' as per minimum standard guidelines. I am sure he will love to play out there when it is done. Anyone interested in donating supplies or a monetary donation for his cage, it would be greatly appreciated!! Gift certificates to Home Depot are also welcome!! We will also need CLEAN fill dirt to add to his cage when the time comes, if anyone has some they are willing to donate, please contact me! Thanks!!!

Specifics:

hardware cloth

locks

poles

fill dirt