2024 Patient Success Stories

AMKE 865 and 1327 receive shocking news

Two American kestrels apparently received the surprise of their life today as they were released back into the wild.

Kestrels 26-865 and 26-1327 arrived to our center from Hogle Zoo staff who mobilized after these wild birds were attracting attention from other wild birds and zoo guests during their slightly early fledge.

While they were out of the nest at an appropriate time, the high traffic area left them vulnerable to injury (getting stepped on by a guest!)

We are incredibly impressed with Hogle Zoo who also renested some Great-horned owl chicks this year whose nest was crumbling under the weight of growing chicks, showing not only care for their own animals, but also for the wild animals that call the zoo home.

If you visit Hogle, keep an eye out for CKX and CKW as they reacclimate to the area and reunite with their family. Thanks HawkWatch International for banding these birds so that we can track survivability which helps us reassess our rehabilitation practices. The birds also donated samples to HWI for their database.