Press Releases

October 14, 2008
For Immediate Release
Media Contact: Angela Speed
Direct: (414) 431-6104
E-mail: aspeed@wihumane.org

Rehabilitated Red-tailed Hawk to Soar Once Again

MILWAUKEE – Celebrate freedom with the Wisconsin Humane Society Wildlife Rehabilitation Center staff as they release Reese, a Red-tailed Hawk. Reese was found sick and disoriented on the freeway and was rescued by a Milwaukee County Sheriff’s deputy and a WHS Wildlife Center volunteer.

Reese was very sick. He was weak, thin, dehydrated and was likely suffering the effects of West Nile Virus. The WHS wildlife team worked quickly, treating the hawk with an electrolyte, glucose and water solution to combat dehydration and keep him from going into shock. Weeks of supportive care followed. Now, more than five weeks of top-notch care has Reese fully recovered and ready to take flight!

West Nile Virus is a mosquito-borne disease, primarily found in birds, but it can also affect people. People can help prevent mosquitoes from breeding by eliminating standing water in their rain gutters and other overlooked containers that collect water around the yard, such as buckets, watering cans and old tires.

WHAT: Red-tailed Hawk Release

WHEN: Tuesday, October 14, 2008. 2:00 p.m.

WHERE: Wisconsin Avenue Park, 104th and Wisconsin Avenue

PHOTO OPP: The hawk will be held in-hand for several minutes for media photographs before being tossed into the air to take flight!

MEDIA CONTACT: Angela Speed, (414) 431-614, Scott Diehl, (414) 659-1618 (cell in field)

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