Sad news on our Peregrine

A stunning peregrine falcon (bird of prey) was found grounded and underweight at the weekend and brought in by an Inspector. On initial examination staff were expecting further issues with its wing/shoulder but due to its emaciated condition it was decided that it was not in a state to be put under for an x-ray.

Like many birds of prey that arrive at Stapeley this peregrine was to receive the required veterinary attention, cage rest and some feeding up before its eventual release back to the wild. Our birds of prey are kept in our isolation area to recover quietly, away from the hustle and bustle of the main hospital.

Handling this type of bird however needs caution! Aside from their hooked beaks, their talons are razor-sharp and can maintain a powerful grip, essential for capturing prey in the wild. Using a towel to wrap the falcon in keeps its wings in place and gives it something to grip onto, keeping it (and me!) safe from any injury. 

Sad news as I arrived to work today - our beauty had been put to sleep.  The x-ray had discovered a major problem -a fractured and displaced coracoid  (which is part of the shoulder).  There's no way such a beautiful creature should be retained in captivity and with such an injury he would never have survived back in the wild, so as sad as it was to hear I know it was the correct thing to do.

Sponsors of Stapeley Grange's summer wildlife assistant position