Wild and Exotic Animal Medicine Society

Public education is another important focus for the members of WEAMS. Each year, student volunteers host booths at the Saskatoon Pet Expo and at the Saskatchewan Wildlife Art Association’s Art Show. During these events, WEAMS members introduce people of all ages to Jasmine, the Swainson's hawk, plus they answer visitors' questions about wildlife health and the group's activities.

WEAMS also helps to enrich the education and hands-on experience of veterinary students at WCVM. Each year, WEAMS organizes and hosts four wetlabs in:
• avian physical examinations and injections
• necropsy
• radiology and anesthesia
• endoscopy.

Jasmine is a mature Swainson’s hawk that serves as WEAMS’ teaching bird. Throughout the year, Jasmine and her team of volunteer caretakers travel to local libraries and schools where they help to teach children about wildlife.

Jasmine was first brought to the Western College of Veterinary Medicine in 2002. After she recovered from her injuries, WEAMS volunteers released Jasmine — but a concerned citizen brought the hawk back to the College during the summer of 2003.

Although she had no obvious health problems, her clinical team suspects that she has some underlying neurological problem. Since Jasmine is unable to live in the wild, WEAMS members decided to keep her as the organization’s education bird.

During the winter of 2003, veterinary students helped to train Jasmine so she could perch on a fist and be comfortable in crowds. After many hours of training, Jasmine and three WEAMS members gave their first public performance at the Pike Lake Provincial Park in July 2004. Since then, Jasmine has made dozens of public appearances throughout Saskatoon and the surrounding area. Jasmine takes the place of our previous education bird, Sultan, who is now retired. We hope that Jasmine will be our resident education bird for years to come.

If you would like Jasmine to come to your school or group please contact WEAMS.