November | 2012 | Fauna NYC

Christian Morehouse feeding a baby English Budgie

Christian has always loved animals. He grew up in a small rural town in northern Connecticut where he spent most of his days looking for anything that would crawl, slither, or swim. Much of this time was spent in the woods or on a riverbank flipping over rocks and logs just to see what he could find. In particular, he has always loved fish. He loves the level of diversity one can find in the water and especially a coral reef. It has been a fascination and border-line obsession that has stuck with him throughout his life. He set up his first saltwater aquarium when he was a sophomore in high school and was instantly hooked. One tank became many in a fashion not too different than the urban sprawl of Manhattan. Aquariums filled his room and outlined his bed until he was quite literally, “sleeping with the fishes.” Being known for such an interest, his best friends would (and still do) call him, “Fish.”

Christian at the Academy of Sciences in San Francisco

By the time he graduated high school, he got a job at a local aquarium store where he gained a lot of experience working with different species, techniques, and methods of keeping aquariums. He was able to keep the job throughout college while attending Wesleyan University where he double-majored in environmental studies and dance. It was a combination that baffled some, but for him, it provided inspiration for both aspects. Since freshman year, he had a small 10 gallon S.P.S (small polyped scleractinian, or hard corals) tank in his dorm and he was often introduced and occasionally even recognized, as, “the kid with the fish tank.” This title was quickly shortened and he was once again known simply as “Fish.”

A photo of Christian’s 10 gallon from college

He also studied topical marine biology at Murdoch University in Western Australia. The classes were half lecture, and half scientific studies and sampling (aka: snorkeling.) It was amazing for him to see so many fish and corals he recognized in the wild.

Tridacna Maxima

Acropora sp

During college, he also developed an interest in dart frogs. The design of a dart frog vivarium shared many similar traits with a saltwater aquarium. He quickly had as many as four vivariums at once, all with different species of captive bred dart frogs. Through his studies he has also developed a strong belief in conservation and environmental education. His care for the animals and the environments they live in play a strong and obvious role in his character.

Three Dendrobates azureus from one of Christian’s first vivariums

After he graduated college he moved to south western Connecticut to work in another aquarium store just outside of New York. Here, he was able to continue to grow in the field for the next year while keeping a small 8 gallon sps tank. With the increasing desire to move to the city, he happened to be looking for apartments when he stumbled into Fauna. He knew immediately that it was different. After talking to Daniel, he saw a deep level of passion and care for the animals in his life. Christian knew that this was the place to be. More interestingly, Daniel’s interest in birds mirrored Christian’s interest in fish. The opportunity to learn about something completely new from someone so knowledgeable and passionate was very intriguing and exciting. Under Daniel’s guidance, he began interacting with the birds and raising the babies, which has certainly been the most rewarding part. The most memorable experience so far in the past 5 months? Bringing home 11 baby birds while staying at a friend’s house during Hurricane Sandy.

Christian Morehouse with Fauna’s baby Duyvenbode’s Lories

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Daniel Kopulos

Daniel was raised in Nashville, TN, where the forest and nearby farms nurtured his passion for nature. During part of this time his family was actively involved in wildlife rehabilitation. Although they did have the typical pets such as dogs and cats, there was nothing odd about unusual animals scurrying about the house. From the time he was in sixth grade, he could be found spending his time after school at the local fish store where he eventually started helping out and then working at a young age. At this point his interest and experience in the reproduction of exotic birds was rapidly growing.

OJ (a Black-capped Lory) and Daniel

Once in college he started working as a zookeeper at the Nashville Zoo, while maintaining a sizable flock of birds at home. A few years later his desire to know more about animal medicine had increased and he accepted a position as a veterinary technician for a prestigious veterinary clinic in Nashville. It wasn’t long before he became the lead technician where he remained for several more years.

Daniel with Jack, his Hyacinth Macaw

In 2001, Daniel moved to New York City, bringing a select few of his feathered flock along to join his then partner. He continued his work as a veterinary technician, while doing some animal handling for theater, film and photography on the side for the next several years. During a meeting with one of his avian clients, the concept of opening a store was conceived. Through his work at clinics Daniel had always felt a strong need for there to be a place for people who wish to share their lives with exotic animals to be educated on how to properly care for and to make responsible choices for those animals. In 2007, Uptown Birds was formed. Uptown Birds was however, just a shadow of what Daniel had imagined it should become. When the time came to close Uptown Birds he chose to strive harder to bring his vision into fruition with Fauna.

Fauna has opened its doors in New York City as an awareness and education hotspot for all.

With its programs for children, educational presentations for adults, expert staff and active conservation efforts in the field, Fauna represents the evolution of the ‘pet store’. As Fauna continues to mature, Daniel’s involvement in wildlife conservation grows.

Daniel and Karin in Guatemala

In early 2012 he and staff member Karin spent a month in Guatemala continuing work started the previous year with endangered Scarlet Macaws, Mesoamerican River Turtles and Jaguars.

Daniel teaching the veterinarians how to take a blood sample from the Mesoamerican River Turtle

With the generous donations of friends and customers, they were able to set up a small medical laboratory to improve the work the team was currently doing in the jungle.

Daniel and Karin with members of the Guatemalan team

Through the donations from private individuals each year, Daniel and his staff are able to directly bring knowledge and supplies to a select few of the underfunded programs currently underway across the globe.