The birds, which arrived in late June, were transferred to Magnolia from Wildlife in Distress, a wildlife rehab center in Lafayette, La., after its educational program was discontinued.

Magnolia’s zoo curator, Chris Smith, contacted Wildlife in Distress after reading a posting for animals for placement on a wildlife rehab Web site. After permits were issued from the Department of Fish and Wildlife, the birds were transferred to Magnolia.

The collection consists of five species: a Great Horned Owl, an Eastern Screech Owl, a Mississippi Kite, a Red-Tailed Hawk and a Harris’ Hawk.

The birds are native to the United States. The Harris’ Hawk is the only one of the raptors that does not live in South Carolina.

Once the birds have had time to settle in their new homes, they will join the educational programs at Magnolia's Zoo and Nature Center. These programs focus on conservation of wildlife and the adaptation of the creatures that inhabit the Lowcountry.

The birds are not releasable due to a variety of injuries or illnesses.

The Great Horned Owl received a wing injury when it was young, and it can’t fly well enough to allow its survival in the wild.

The Eastern Screech owl suffered an injury to its shoulder and impaired vision after it was struck by an automobile.

The Red-Tailed Hawk suffered a leg injury that did not heal properly, leaving one of its legs bowed.

The Harris’ Hawk was confiscated from a falconer who did not properly care for her. After falling ill, she was nursed back to health by Wildlife in Distress.

The Mississippi Kite suffered from a nutritional deficiency when it was young. It was fed an improper diet of hamburger meat. The bird developed lesions on its wrists that now prevent it from flying.

The center at Wildlife in Distress ended its education programs after its Director, Chuck Williams, passed away in the spring. The center’s Assistant Director, Gina Stanton, was unable to continue the programs due to a personal reason.

Wildlife in Distress will continue to operate but in a limited capacity to rehabilitate injured animals that can be reintroduced to the wild.

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1 comment(s) found!

Posted by: Colin Purdy On: 7/30/2008

Comment Title: Rapturous Magnolia!
Fantastic that Magnolia's Chris Smith took the initiative to rehome these hard luck birds. The plantation is so wonderous, and the raptors will only enhance, especially because they are the beneficiaries of conservation efforts, some in response to hapless human circumstances. A bittersweet, but affirming story.
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