Animals

Laker (Scout)

Sunday, 13 December 2009 13:12 |

Written by Administrator |

Bald Eagle

We are very excited to have the opportunity to host this amazing bird right here in Columbus. Laker is on loan from Return to the Wild, a raptor rehabilitation and education facility located in Nashville, IN. Laura Edmunds and Patti Reynolds have been long time friends and we jumped at this opportunity to introduce this bird to the members of our community.

Last Updated (Thursday, 05 August 2010 12:01)

Storm

Sunday, 13 December 2009 12:58 |

Written by Administrator |

Great Horned Owl

Storm is a rehabilitated Great Horned Owl who had severe head trauma and a wing tip amputation after being struck by a car. He is doing well, and has been deemed non-releasable. We are working with him to determine his suitability for use in education. Not all great horned owls are suitable for education due to their aggressive nature. It is important that the animal be comfortable around people and unpredictable situations. At all times it is necessary to maintain the safety of the animal and keep its stress to a minimum. Storm is doing very well in his handling and we look forward to being able to use him in our nature programs.

Rascal

Tuesday, 07 April 2009 12:44 |

Written by Administrator |

Skunk

Rascal

We care for a wide range of native Indiana wildlife, and enjoy 'myth busting' many of the common misconceptions surrounding our backyard friends. The skunk is one of the most misunderstood of these. Rascal was surrendered to us after being kept illegally as a pet. New research is continually being done on nutrition and other requirements for keeping wildlife healthy. Many of the 'old school' baby formulas and foods may actually cause an animal harm. Rascal the skunk suffered metabolic bone disease as a result of improper diet. His bones are improperly formed and he has difficulty using one leg. We were fortunate to have corrected his diet in time, but he will suffer the consequences of these nutritional deficiencies for the rest of his life.

Last Updated (Monday, 20 April 2009 18:41)

Zephyr

Tuesday, 07 April 2009 12:39 |

Written by Administrator |

Turkey Vulture

Zephyr

A Turkey Vulture must rely on its acute eye sight and remarkable sense of smell to find the carrion that it needs to survive. Zephyr, a young bird, was found in someone's yard. He was taken to a rehabilitation center in Fort Wayne where veterinarians determined that his only problem was his long distance vision. Zephyr, it was found, could not avoid obstacles while flying. He is basically near sighted and cannot be released. Zephyr loves participating in programs and enjoys interacting with people. Our greatest satisfaction is fostering an appreciation of this amazing species in our audiences.

Last Updated (Monday, 20 April 2009 18:44)

Obie

Tuesday, 07 April 2009 12:06 |

Written by Administrator |

Barred Owl

Obie

Humans are the most dangerous predator animals face. We receive dozens of animals that are stuck by cars each year and Obie was another of these. Because raptors are increasingly forced to hunt in urban areas they are relying more on roadkill and small animals attracted to the road by litter. This is by far their greatest hazard. Obie's wing fracture was adequately healed but unfortunately Obie suffered additional damage to his patagium (the skin web between his shoulder and wrist). He has some flight but can't fully maneuver the affected wing..

Last Updated (Monday, 20 April 2009 18:48)

Star

Tuesday, 07 April 2009 12:00 |

Written by Administrator |

	Great Horned Owl
	Star came to us in December 2005. She was another inexperienced bird attempting to survive her first winter by eating roadkill. She was hit by a car and suffered head and wing injuries. Though initial treatment looked promising, her injury necessitated the amputation of her wing tip. Approximately one half of raptors never reach reproductive age because of the dangers they face in the wild.

Last Updated (Monday, 20 April 2009 18:49)

Katie

Tuesday, 07 April 2009 11:55 |

Written by Administrator |

Red Tail Hawk

Katie came to us in 2004 and was our very first educational ambassador. Katie was a first year bird with little experience at hunting and was hit by a car while eating roadkill. This is a frequent problem among young birds who do not possess the necessary skills to survive. Her fracture was treated surgically and pins were placed to assure that the bone would regrow properly. Katie, however, had other ideas and removed the pins. An attempt was made to replace them, but the fracture was too close to the joint. We were forced to rely on a bandage which did not allow the bones to align properly. Katie can fly but lacks the necessary flight skills to be able to catch prey well.

Last Updated (Monday, 20 April 2009 18:52)

Roswell

Sunday, 15 March 2009 16:08 |

Written by Administrator |

UTOPIA Acquires Imprinted Baby Barn Owl For Educational Programs

by Audrey Blackman, Volunteer

2 Weeks Old

Our baby barn owl now has a name, Roswell, named by Laurie Wright.

Barn Owls are now endangered in the state of Indiana and through many areas of its range due to changes in farming practices and habitat loss. In some areas, this species has attempted to adapt by living in other structures like heated factories and industrial buildings.

UTOPIA volunteers were recently surprised when we received one from Bartholomew County. Until now, we have only heard of a few confirmed sightings. This one had a wing fracture sustained when it was hit by a car.

Last Updated (Sunday, 11 April 2010 07:41)