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By: Mary Bradford 
Although, some time ago, Ricki Lake died of an intestinal blockage, it goes without saying that his legacy lives on here at The Tropics. Had it not been for the generosity of Peter Mennen, The Mennen Foundation and Ricki Lake, The Tropics would not be the state of the art facility it is now.
Ricki was very special in that his intelligence outsmarted us and most other birds here. He was comical, a good flier, loved to eat; especially foods he shouldn't have, like his favorite…pepper jack cheese. He got that and other treats sparingly but on a regular basis which helped lend to his outgoing personality and charm. From the time Ricki came here to live, life was never the same. Peter Mennen, on behalf of Ricki, took good care of The Tropics by providing the funds for "The Half Moon Dome", named after Ricki Lake, and by absorbing Tropics' debts that we could only pay small amounts at a time on. The building of the dome was a 13 year dream of ours that came true as a result of Peter Mennen seeing us on Jack Hanna's Animal Adventures. He traveled all the way from California, his home, to bring Ricki, spent 10 days here making sure his adjustment went well, and left behind a little bundle of love and a lot of funding for us. There is no way in which we could ever repay that goodwill. Mr. Mennen is quoted as saying, "I admire and respect the work you are doing, and that I ask others to help keep you going in Ricki's honor and memory." "I hope others will help fund repairs and the dome's further development for the birds." Therefore, in loving memory and honor of little Ricki Lake, we re-dedicate our work and our dream to this little, but influential being that can only be described as a small part of God come to earth. Sincerely, John & Mary Bradford The Tropics Exotic Bird Refuge |