Initially, Ernie seemed like a great little hambone that loved everyone and loved to be held. Then he started acting out and biting one volunteer after another, while terrorizing the poor female in the habitat. Nancy took him out of the enclosure and arranged for the veterinarian to neuter him, something that had not been done as we were led to believe. It’s amazing how his personality has turned around from a grouchy hormonal male to a loving and happy ambassador.

Ernie eagerly greets guests walking through the gates with a happy chirping sound while also playing tricks on people by taking his siesta in a “dead prairie dog” position laying belly up. The hit of guests and volunteers, Ernie is a big personality in a small package doing his part to educate people about wild prairie dogs as well as the needs of those kept in captivity.