Julie Warriner, Gifted Youth Coordinator
Jun 1, 2025
In May, our Gifted Youth group went wild (in the best way) during a behind-the-scenes tour of Busch Wildlife Sanctuary. From animal encounters to curious questions, it was a day to remember! Plus, meet Cypress—the white-tailed deer we “adopted” in honor of the amazing staff who made it all possible.
In May, our Gifted Youth group had the incredible opportunity to tour Busch Wildlife Sanctuary in Jupiter. The event was a wild success (literally and figuratively) - filled with excitement, learning, and lots of curious questions from our young naturalists.
Highlights included up-close animal encounters with an opossum, an alligator, a rat snake, and a falcon, helping our group gain a deeper appreciation for Florida’s native wildlife and the people who dedicate their lives to protecting it.
A huge thank you to everyone who attended and to the amazing Busch Wildlife staff and volunteers who brought the experience to life. Be sure to check out our website to see photos from the event!
A Special Thank You - Giving Back to Busch
Following our unforgettable visit to Busch Wildlife Sanctuary, a special donation was made in the name of the our Gifted Youth program as a heartfelt thank you to the staff and volunteers who led our tour with such passion and care.
As a small token of appreciation, Cypress the white-tailed deer - one of Busch’s beloved animal residents - was "adopted" in honor of the sanctuary team. While the donation was personally funded, it was made in the name of our group to recognize the incredible impact the visit had on all of us.
We’re proud to support a place that not only rescues and rehabilitates animals, but also inspires the next generation of wildlife stewards. Want to help too? Learn more about Busch Wildlife’s animal adoption program and how you can support their mission at Adopt an Animal.
About Cypress
Cypress lives at Busch Wildlife Sanctuary because he was mistakenly “rescued” as a fawn by a well-meaning person who thought he’d been abandoned. In reality, his mother was likely nearby, as is common with deer.
Cypress also has a condition known as cactus buck, a hormonal imbalance that causes his antlers to grow in a bumpy, irregular way. Unlike most male deer, he’s unable to shed them each year.
Despite his unusual antlers and rough start, Cypress now serves as an ambassador for Florida’s native wildlife, helping educate visitors about responsible wildlife interaction and conservation.
Cypress’s Adoption Papers
We received our official adoption certificate for Cypress - plus a fuzzy little stand-in to help us celebrate!
