Today (Wednesday – the date stamp on these late-night posts is misleading) I talked at length with Brookfield Zoo’s Associate Curator of Birds Anne Oiler, recently interviewed for All Things Considered, and Chicago Zoological Society President and fellow ornithologist Dr. Stuart Strahl. I was gratified and encouraged that Dr. Strahl reached out to me in response to an e-mail similar to the one I sent to Wisconsin Humane Society Director Victoria Wellens (who did not bother to respond, which is just as well since others who have have written WHS on this issue received rude and dismissive responses from other staff members).

Dr. Strahl and I share a lifelong love of birds and Arizona connections (he worked on long-running Mexican Jay field studies at the American Museum of Natural History’s Southwestern Research Station). I’m frankly envious of his extensive work on Hoatzins, which he says are far more fascinating birds than even ardent bird lovers imagine. He’s a compassionate scientist who expressed disgust at the thought of leaving the mango to die. Most importantly, he was open to hearing the multiple lines of reasoning behind the campaign to send the mango to Texas for release.

Though I’m cautiously optimistic about these conversations and expect to hear from Dr. Strahl tomorrow (Thursday), I may not get any news until late in the day. Thanks for your patience and continuing support for a second chance for the mango, and please tune in tomorrow evening for the latest news.