And the Winner is ...

THE RECIPIENT OF THE HAPPY HIPPY HERO'S AWARD 2005 is

Detta van Aardt-Buch
Founder of W.O.R.C., the Wildlife Orphanage & Rehabilitation Centre (Trinidad & Tobago) .
Admired and rewarded for her selfless dedication to the cause of caring for and rehabilitating wildlife in Trinidad & Tobago.

A proud Detta with one of her patients

Happy Hippy Productions is proud to present Detta with a donation towards W.O.R.C. and a commemorative item to honour the occasion.

Elspeth Duncan, Happy Hippy Productions, presents Detta Buch with a H.H.P. cheque for W.O.R.C.

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Detta receives her HERO trophy containing a symbolic $10 note

Click on that link to read more about the origins of the trophy and the $10 concept.

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The name Detta Buch has become virtually synonymous with the cause of rehabilitating wildlife in Trinidad & Tobago. If you have ever found an injured wild animal, you have more than likely been referred to "Detta". Her name is a salve for the wild and wounded.

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Rather than write about the recipient of the first annual Happy Hippy Hero Award, I decided to ask her a few questions so that she could represent herself and her thoughts in her own words. Click here to read the full interview with Detta. A must-read for anyone interested in wildlife rehabilitation and/or willing to assist W.O.R.C. (financially or otherwise), with their much needed work.

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An excerpt: Detta's answer to Question #8:
E: What is your greatest joy in this work?

Detta: Being able to release a healthy animal into its own environment, after an illness or injury is a profoundly satisfying and humbling experience. It makes one appreciate the grander picture and raises ones spirits above the disappointments and let-downs. The other unique feature of the work is becoming intimate with each patient and discovering the rich emotional landscape of its personality and species. I have learned more from the cases I’ve treated than I could articulate in common language. It is translated in the way I approach other cases and has influenced the way I engage people.

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Detta poses with the piggy bank trophy, which she says will accompany her to conferences at home and abroad, where it will sit on a table and gather funds for W.O.R.C.
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Click here to see more photos from yesterday's prize giving (complete with a brief written commentary for each photo so you will understand the story behind it)

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Click here to visit the W.O.R.C. website which, although still a work in progress, is quite informative.
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Cash/cheque donations may be made to the Wildlife Orphanage & Rehabilitation Centre,
Account # 901 101 100 5 at any branch of RBTT, Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. Donations go towards food bills, medical and repair equipment and infrastructure.

Image shows prayer written on right side of piggy bank trophy.

Interested in helping/volunteering in some way... or want more information?

Drop Detta a note or letter or call her at (868) 637-3842.
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In closing ... congratulations, Detta! May you be blessed with continued health, strength, guidance and assistance in following your calling.

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TOMORROW: THE OSPREY'S LOG

(Notes on the healing journey of an Osprey brought in with gun shot wounds - inclusive of photos.)

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Elspeth