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Whisper |
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This adult female bobcat is an example of the growing trade of exotic and wild animals. She is a confiscated pet from Southern California where she was found chained in a basement and abused. She has flourished wonderfully here and with her quiet and shy demeanor, Whisper is definitely a Center favorite. Born: 4/15/98 |
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Thunder |
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This male bobcat was born at Hawk Creek. Sinew and Shadow, his parents were saved by Hawk Creek because they were illegally kept in a 5’ pet store window in New York City. We were surprised one morning to find two cubs, Thunder and his sister. Captive bred bobcats cannot be returned to the wild. His sister and parents are now living at the Thompson Park Conservancy. Born at Hawk Creek: 5/31/99 |
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Phoenix and Journey |
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These graceful African servals were
living in a house in Long Island until a change in their owner’s life
made it impossible for her to care for the cats. She placed her
beloved pets with us after caring for them for many years. Twice a day
our trainers work with Phoenix and Journey to make them feel
comfortable in their new home. |
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Tundra |
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This female Siberian Lynx was placed at our Center from a family when they found out that it was illegal to own exotic cats in their state. Exotic cats form strong bonds to their owners, making them difficult to transfer from owner to owner. We were fortunate to receive Tundra while she was still young enough to build a bond with her handlers. Born: 5/30/02 |
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Laguna |
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Laguna came from the Carnivore Preservation Trust in North
Carolina. Housing over 170 felines, they were in desperate need of placing
some cats after a hurricane destroyed many cages. Overcrowding produced an
Ocelot kitten, Laguna. Habitat & research was being done in the US to
help this severely endangered cat but at the time, there were no breeding
or release programs. Fortunately, we were able to provide a home for this
very rare cat. Needless to say, she has an important role in helping
preserve her species. |
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Misu |
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This female river otter was caught in a leg hold trap,
causing her leg and many teeth to be surgically removed. She was brought
to the veterinary hospital at the University of Iowa where she underwent
five surgeries. Having difficulty placing her due to her handicap, Hawk
Creek provided her a permanent home. Misu’s incredibly positive,
playful attitude became clear right away, despite her disabilities. We
all have a disability of one sort or another and Misu is an inspiration
to all of us on how to shine through adversity. She has paid a high
price to teach us these lessons. |
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Spike and Quillber |
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Sporting the perfect name for a porcupine, Spike was
originally found in the forests of Maine when he was young. Some children
thought he was abandoned and took him home to care for him. Unfortunately,
he is now a human imprint and cannot be returned to the wild. Quillber, a
male porcupine that arrived in 2002, was relocated from another center to
become a companion for Spike. Even though Spike and Quillber are the only
non-predators housed here, there are over 60,000 reasons between the two
why no one questions them.
Quillber born (estimated): 6/95 |
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Fossil |
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This adult female opossum was found in the pouch of her mother, who was killed by a car accident. Because she was the only baby that survived and needed to be tube-fed every two to four hours, she unfortunately became imprinted upon humans. She was raised at a wildlife center in Florida and sent here for educational outreach.
Born: 3/00 |
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Highway |
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This female skunk was found in our drop-off box outside the
center. Because she was extremely tame and de-scented, we suspect that she
was kept as a pet. When the owners realized that she didn’t make a good
pet and/or that it was also illegal to keep wildlife, they dropped her off
at our center. Highway is an enthusiastic member to our mammal programs. |
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Aquila |
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Aquila was born at Hawk Creek, and unlike the other animals at the sanctuary, Aquila has no injury. Raising Aquila since he was a foal has made us rethink the myth that horses are not intelligent. He plans, preys upon, and plays with everything and everyone, and seeks praise for his skill as a trouble-maker. Since it is illegal to allow the public to interact with most wildlife, the horses allow visitors to have a hands-on encounter with an animal. Aquila is a Trakehner warm blood whose bloodline can be traced back to East Prussia in 1732. The most outstanding attributes of this breed are its intelligence, even temperament and eagerness to please. Born at Hawk Creek: 4/30/94 |
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Bailor |
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Bailor is a male Percheron draft horse, whose bloodline traces back to Le Perch, France. He was born one mile from the center, and his mother died when he was one month old. Due to the breed’s pleasant disposition and by being hand-raised, he has turned into a large lap horse! Percherons are extremely strong which makes them useful for logging in tight areas, consequently avoiding and saving young trees. Their independent four-wheel drive conquers mud and snow to the shame of all man-made machines. It has been difficult to test Bailor’s attributes because most of the time he refuses to move! Born:
5/3/00 |
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