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Each year the Trust receives a huge number of owls, hawks and falcons requiring remedial care. Many have been shot, caught in traps, entangled in barbed wire, poisoned by toxic chemicals, hit by cars, collided with power lines or orphaned. With the help of our staff and veterinarians these birds are cared for until they are capable of return to their natural environment. On arrival, each injured bird is
evaluated and stabilised. Along with veterinarians, we provide
emergency care, x-ray, surgical, medical and fluid therapy. We
then move to restorative diets and exercise to help the birds
regain the use of their wings and hopefully their freedom. Large
outdoor flight enclosures allow these raptors to exercise and
regain independence. When the bird is ready it is, where possible,
returned to the location where it was found for release. |
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Some birds
regain their health but can never fully recover enough to live independently
in the wild.
The Trust seldom permanently homes badly disabled wild birds of prey,
but sometimes un-releasable birds provide a unique opportunity for
the public to view and more intimately understand these majestic animals.
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CAPTIVE BRED
BIRDS OF PREY
There is currently a very worrying trend towards keeping birds of prey, particularly owls and also large parrots, as 'pets'. In most cases these birds make terrible 'pets'. Owls, certainly the larger ones such as the European Eagle owl, can be a very dangerous animal. They are being sold to and kept by inexperienced people in totally inappropriate conditions. The European Eagle owl can produce twice as much pressure with its feet as a German Shepherd dog can with its jaws. 1000lb per square inch ! In the wild they are quite capable of killing a fox by crushing its skull with its feet. Not a bird to be kept at the bottom of the garden by an inexperienced owner. It has a 6-7' wing span and needs a very large aviary if kept in captivity. Many of these birds find their way to the Trust, sometimes in an appalling condition, simply because their owner was unable to cope. Birds of prey do not make good pets. Captive bred, hand reared owls can be very sweet and good natured but it can never be forgotten that they are wild animals, have never been domesticated, and need thoughtful and experienced handling and care. |
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Some of the larger parrots are now coming down in price due to an increase in private breeders selling these birds to the public. To take on one of these birds is equivalent to introducing a two to three year old child into the house. Unless you are prepared for the commitment that would mean it would be better not to do it. It is also worth bearing in mind the age some of these birds can live to. The longest lived Triton Cockatoo recorded in captivity was at London Zoo. It was 145 years old when it died ! |