Part of the mission of Utopia Wildlife Rehabilitators is to treat and release native Indiana wildlife back to its habitat. Some animals, however, must remain in captivity if they are no longer able to survive in the wild. If comfortable and cosmetically sound, these animals begin a new career as educators to help teach the public about local wildlife. "You want people to be impressed with the beauty of these animals," said Kathy Hershey, who heads the center and gives presentations across the state. There are approximately 30 birds at Utopia, and some of their back stories are just as interesting as their appearances. Princess Arabella, a peregrine falcon, is a former falconry bird raised in captivity. She has a large personality and is exceptional as an educational bird, but she does not mix well with members of her own species. She has killed two of them.
Parker, a turkey vulture sometimes lovingly referred to as "Parker Boo Jellybean," is the center's celebrity bird. He is also "malimprinted" and was captured because he was harassing people by untying their shoelaces. He occasionally vomits in the presence of company.
Squeaky Pete, a broad-winged hawk, was raised by humans and is "malimprinted," which means he does not identify himself as a hawk. Instead, he thinks he's a person, so he would never be able to have a wild mate.
Roswell, a barn owl, came to the center at 2 days old from a zoo. Wild adult barn owls do not behave well in captivity, so zoos breed them specifically for educational purposes.
Kiki, an American kestrel, was also hit by a car. Although she regained her strength at the center, her flying abilities are restricted. After rehabilitation, birds are tested in an outdoor enclosure with live prey to see if they are eligible for release. "She flunked mouse college," said Hershey.
Gareck, an eastern screech owl, was hit by a car and suffered detached retinas. He can see a little, but not well enough to hunt.
Part of the mission of Utopia Wildlife Rehabilitators is to treat and release native Indiana wildlife back to its habitat. Some animals, however, must remain in captivity if they are no longer able to survive in the wild. If comfortable and cosmetically sound, these animals begin a new career as educators to help teach the public about local wildlife. "You want people to be impressed with the beauty of these animals," said Kathy Hershey, who heads the center and gives presentations across the state. There are approximately 30 birds at Utopia, and some of their back stories are just as interesting as their appearances. Princess Arabella, a peregrine falcon, is a former falconry bird raised in captivity. She has a large personality and is exceptional as an educational bird, but she does not mix well with members of her own species. She has killed two of them.
Parker, a turkey vulture sometimes lovingly referred to as "Parker Boo Jellybean," is the center's celebrity bird. He is also "malimprinted" and was captured because he was harassing people by untying their shoelaces. He occasionally vomits in the presence of company.
Squeaky Pete, a broad-winged hawk, was raised by humans and is "malimprinted," which means he does not identify himself as a hawk. Instead, he thinks he's a person, so he would never be able to have a wild mate.
Roswell, a barn owl, came to the center at 2 days old from a zoo. Wild adult barn owls do not behave well in captivity, so zoos breed them specifically for educational purposes.
Kiki, an American kestrel, was also hit by a car. Although she regained her strength at the center, her flying abilities are restricted. After rehabilitation, birds are tested in an outdoor enclosure with live prey to see if they are eligible for release. "She flunked mouse college," said Hershey.
Gareck, an eastern screech owl, was hit by a car and suffered detached retinas. He can see a little, but not well enough to hunt.