REHABILITATED RED-TAILED HAWK BROUGHT TO
NORFOLK BOTANICAL GARDEN FOR RETURN TO WILD
Nine months after injury, raptor released to natural habitat
November 1, 2007 (Norfolk, VA) -- A rehabilitated red tailed hawk will soon be released at Norfolk Botanical Garden. The bird of prey was found injured earlier this year in the Garden’s Renaissance Court.
Reese Lukei, research associate from the Center for Conservation Biology at The College of William & Mary, was called January 25, 2007 to assist with the hawk. Lukei brought the bird to Lisa Barlow, president of Wildlife Response, for emergency care and rehabilitation.
After nine months of daily care and treatment, officials at Wildlife Response in Virginia Beach report that the badly damaged wing has healed and the muscle has responded normally. According to Barlow, the raptor will be released at the Garden on November 2 or 3 near the site where it was found. Two additional rehabilitated hawks also will be released. The timing of the release will be determined based on the final medical exam that will take place November 1.
“Amazingly, he has regained full function of the injured wing and can now survive on his own,” said Lukei. “Without the capability to fly, we would never have been able to successfully reintroduce him to the wild.”
Visitors to the NorfolkBotanical Garden will have an opportunity to see the hawks released. Images of the release will be posted on the Norfolk Botanical Garden website.
About Norfolk Botanical Garden
Norfolk Botanical Garden is dedicated to enriching life by promoting the enjoyment of plants and the environment through beautiful gardens and education programs. The Garden is managed by the Norfolk Botanical Garden Society in cooperation with the City of Norfolk. Now recognized as a Virginia Historic Landmark, it also is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
