Wildlife Education Project reports on death of Trouper
The Wildlife Education Project recently shared the loss of its wildlife ambassador, Trouper the Raccoon. At the age of 12, he died on March 28 in the presence of Dorothy “Dot” Lee, his caretaker and teaching partner. Together, they educated children and adults around the world on their core teaching, which is to always “Extend Respect and Kindness to All Living Things.”
At 8 weeks old, Trouper survived an injury by a human that left him blind, brain damaged, and unable to feed or defend himself. Lee rescued and nurtured him through incredible odds. Their work inspired the founding of the WEP and its core principles, in the hopes that fun, interactive educational programs could make a difference in the protection and preservation of living things.
Lee is a licensed wildlife rehabilitator, retired physical education teacher with a master’s in special education from the University of North Carolina and former Special Olympics swimming coach. She has devoted her life to wildlife rehabilitation and educating children and adults.
Residing in Southwest Florida, the Trouper and Dot duo are internationally known across the United States, Europe and Latin America. They were featured in Nat Geo WILD’s “Unlikely Animal Friends,” People, All Creatures Magazine and a multitude of news outlets and websites. Trouper also has a children’s book, “Trouper: The True Adventures of a Blind Raccoon.”
On behalf of its team of volunteers, the WEP thanked the community of fans and followers for all of the support and love that they have shown to Trouper throughout the years.
Tax-deductible donations to honor the memory of Trouper and show support to Dot and their legacy together are being accepted. Donations can be made at https://gofund.me/1b850236 or at www.WildlifeEducationProject.org; cards and donations can also be mailed to Dorothy Lee, Wildlife Education Project, 12901 McGregor Blvd., Suite 20, Box #218, Fort Myers, FL 33919.