Just down the road from me in Loveland, CO resides the headquarters for Heska Corporation. Heska makes diagnostic tests and other such things for the veterinary market, but that’s not why I mention them today. They recently announced the 2011 winners of their Inspiration in Action award. The goal of the contest is to encourage ideas that will "inspire and support" the veterinary profession.

The 2011 winner of the $25,000 grand prize was the Belize Wildlife and Referral Clinic. The announcement states:

The Belize Wildlife and Referral Clinic (BWRC) plans to make a profound contribution to wildlife conservation, animal welfare and public health for an entire developing country. BWRC is the only wildlife medical facility providing critical services to many rare and endangered wildlife species. By providing key equipment and services, BWRC will serve not only as the national wildlife clinic, but a referral clinic for veterinarians whose clinics are markedly under-equipped.

Prize money will help fulfill their medical facility with key equipment for rescuing and treating injured, diseased, orphaned or confiscated wildlife. BWRC will also provide veterinary training for students and professionals through continuing education opportunities, educate the public about wildlife, and support wildlife research.

Congratulations to the BWRC. Take a look at the Inspiration in Action website for information about the winner of the $5,000 second prize, as well as the 2010 recipients.

Friends of mine just returned from Belize; I hear it’s a great vacation destination. Hmmm, I wonder if I could persuade Heska to send me there to check up on their investment? Just a thought.

Dr. Jennifer Coates

Image: Baby barn owls by GMH Photography / via Shutterstock