PATIENT TALES

We currently have six permanent raptors which are non-releasable after all attempts to improve their health in order to allow for reentry into the wild. These raptors are used during educational programs given to a variety of community organizations.

Turkey Vulture:
In 1997 the clinic received a Turkey Vulture that had been found by hunters. Unable to fly, the Turkey Vulture had sustained a fracture on his right wing that had healed incorrectly. Our veterinarians were unable to repair the fracture and he has made a wonderfully entertaining education bird ever since.

Barred Owl:
In July of 2007, our permanent Barred Owl was rescued after being hit by a car. She did not suffer any fractures, but due to the forceful impact, she sustained a luxated left lens and lesions to the right retina rendering her partially blind in both eyes. Still fully flighted, she offers a great display during educational programs.

Great Horned Owl:
On April 8, 1996 a Great Horned Owl, with a severely damaged left wing, was brought in to the Wildlife Care Clinic. After further examination of the owl, the veterinarians decided it would be in the best interest of the bird to have the wing amputated. This Great Horned Owl has been an education bird at the clinic ever since.

Eastern Screech Owl:
In December of 2000, the Wildlife Care Clinic received an Eastern Screech Owl that had been hit by a car. After visiting the optometrist it was determined that the little bird was blind. The Care Clinic began looking for a home for it, but when our own Screech Owl died in the spring of 2003, we were able to make the owl our own.

Red-Tailed Hawk:
Our Red-Tailed Hawk was brought to us on June 8, 2002 with a repairable wing fracture and an irreparable shoulder dislocation. Since her arrival, this Red-Tailed Hawk has been an excellent education bird.


Long-Eared Owl:
Our Long-Eared Owl came to us the day after Christmas in 2008. He was hit by a car which resulted in the dislocation of his right shoulder and a proximal fracture of his right humerus. Unfortunately, we were unable to repair the dislocation through surgery and so he became a permanent resident at the clinic. Long-Eared Owls are a threatened species in Iowa.

American Kestrel:
On August 15, 2002, a female American Kestrel was brought to us with an open wing fracture. She was found on the tarmack at the Des Moines Airport. Having the appropriate permits to use a kestrel for education, we decided to amputate the wing and save the bird's life.