There are lots of non-flying critters at Hawk Creek. This female river otter , Misu, was caught in a leg hold trap, causing her leg and many teeth to be surgically removed. She was brought to the veterinary hospital at the University of Iowa where she underwent five surgeries. Having difficulty placing her due to her handicap, Hawk Creek provided her a permanent home. Misu’s very playful and knows the best angles for her close-ups.
Tundra is a Siberian Lynx. She was placed at Hawk Creek from a family when they found out that it was illegal to own exotic cats in their state. Exotic cats form strong bonds to their owners, making them difficult to transfer from owner to owner. Tundra was still young enough when she went to Hawk Creek to build a bond with her handlers. She was in a sleepy mood when we saw her on Saturday - how unlike a cat!
Laguna, a North American Ocelot, came from the Carnivore Preservation Trust in North Carolina. Housing over 170 felines, they were in desperate need of placing some cats after a hurricane destroyed many cages. Overcrowding produced an Ocelot kitten, Laguna. Habitat & research was being done in the US to help this severely endangered cat but at the time, there were no breeding or release programs. Fortunately, Hawk Creek was able to provide a home for this very rare cat. This shot was taken during the Earth Day Expedition live show, she was chewing a treat - hence the grimace.
While I would have happily stood near a creature like Laguna, I was having no part of going near the Bearded Dragon. Thank God for a zoom lens.
Tundra is a Siberian Lynx. She was placed at Hawk Creek from a family when they found out that it was illegal to own exotic cats in their state. Exotic cats form strong bonds to their owners, making them difficult to transfer from owner to owner. Tundra was still young enough when she went to Hawk Creek to build a bond with her handlers. She was in a sleepy mood when we saw her on Saturday - how unlike a cat!
Laguna, a North American Ocelot, came from the Carnivore Preservation Trust in North Carolina. Housing over 170 felines, they were in desperate need of placing some cats after a hurricane destroyed many cages. Overcrowding produced an Ocelot kitten, Laguna. Habitat & research was being done in the US to help this severely endangered cat but at the time, there were no breeding or release programs. Fortunately, Hawk Creek was able to provide a home for this very rare cat. This shot was taken during the Earth Day Expedition live show, she was chewing a treat - hence the grimace.
While I would have happily stood near a creature like Laguna, I was having no part of going near the Bearded Dragon. Thank God for a zoom lens.
I can see why you love visiting Hawk Creek. The animaals are beautiful and there is so much to learn. Your pictures are amazing!
ReplyDeleteHello! I'm a volunteer at Hawk Creek. I can't thank you enough for coming to our event and even posting about it in a blog! Hawk Creek truly is a magical place, and I'm glad you can share that with others.
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