CASPIAN, Saker Falcon
Caspian is a male, captive bred Saker Falcon. Saker Falcons are native from Eastern Europe to Asia. This endangered falcon is the second largest falcon species in the world. Due to their size and hunting style they have been coveted as falconry birds for centuries. Caspian is a member of our flying demonstration team and also takes part in our endangered species programs.
JUNEAU, gyrfalcon / peregrine falcon hybrid
Juneau was originally bred for falconry and is a hybrid between a Peregrine Falcon and a Gyrfalcon. This striking bird was sent to the Center when the facility he was at previously was moving across the country and needed to downsize. Due to his already advanced age and limited eyesight a move that far was deemed unnecessarily stressful for him. Juneau has settled into his retirement home where he enjoys going for walks on the trail and eating a lot of quail!
SAVANNAH, lanner falcon
Savannah the Lanner Falcon spent the beginning of her life with a private falconer. Sadly, when her human passed it took six months to find a new home for this beautiful bird due to her special needs. Savannah had undergone corrective lens replacement surgery for both eyes. While this surgery was meant to help her eyesight she still cannot see well. Savannah has thrived here at her new home and her favorite pastime is spending time with her handlers in the sunshine!
SHERLOCK, turkey vulture
Sherlock was raised by people and became permanently imprinted. Alone and afraid in the Southtowns, he did not know where to find food so he looked to humans for helpwhich was mistaken as aggression. Sherlock had rocks thrown at him, a baseball bat swung, and even a gun drawn. He was very close to losing his life before he was rescued. His story is an important reminder that all animals deserve compassion and respect.
FESTER, Turkey Vulture
Fester arrived at the Center as an egg! Even though we were able to incubate his egg, it had been out in the cold too long which led to developmental abnormalities that affect his behavior and mental processing. Since he cannot survive in the wild, he has become an ambassador at Hawk Creek. Fester is very inquisitive and is enthusiastic about his training and enrichment. His favorite enrichment is heads of lettuce that he can shred!
BARF, Turkey Vulture
He was rescued by the World Bird Sanctuary, who were notified of a turkey vulture that kept following people around begging for food. The turkey vulture’s natural defense mechanism, vomiting, is certainly unique. The appropriately named Barf is a human imprint from St. Louis, MO. Since imprinting is irreversible, he will remain with us as an example of the need for proper wildlife rehabilitation training.
CLEO, Egyptian Vulture
With less than a dozen Egyptian Vultures in the country, Cleo is a rare sight. This bird is a vital part of our endangered species education and breeding program at the Center. We have partnered with several organizations in an international search for a suitable mate for Cleo. Vultures in Africa and Asia are critically endangered, including the Egyptian Vulture whose populations have declined between 92%-95% throughout their range due to poisoning.