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Submitted by Ken Immamura
HPREC members, 23 to be exact went on a tour of Chintimini Wildlife Center on Lewisburg Road. The weather was warm and sunny. Jeff Picton, the executive Director gave an overview of the programs and future planning of the Center. While we waited for the birds of prey to be presented, we spent time in the 30-foot diameter yurt where we could touch and feel bones, talons and feathers of birds.
Kris Downing, a volunteer for over 20 years and Stacy Dean, a retired cardiologist, and two other volunteers brought out the birds of prey: Morgan — a Sparred Owl, Tskili — a Great Horned Owl, and Willow — a Screech owl, were brought out for us to see. Oqwapi — a Red-tailed Hawk, Junior — a Turkey Vulture and Flynn — an American Kestrel, were on gloved display with details about how they came to the shelter and reasons why these birds could not be sent back in the wild. They are a part of Raptors: “Hunters of the Sky,” an educational program held onsite and off-site through their community outreach program which includes schools.
We toured the animal cages and saw the exercise or flight cages and some animals held until they can be safely returned to the wild. There were a number of baby raccoons playful as kittens and a bald eagle, regal and elegant as he watched us watch him. We learned why the animals or birds had come to the shelter and we learned about the goals of the shelter to return them to the wild.
Attending were Karen and Steve Oda, Bill and Bonnie Albright, Sharon Davis with family, Neal and Linda Meyer, Frank Nitcher, Tom and Joyce Gravatt with family, Don and Joan Rodgers, Ron and Kay Larson, Bob and Jennifer Headrick, and Ken and Joanne Imamura
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