Raptor Rehabilitation at the Oklahoma City Zoo
Abstract
A program of raptor rehabilitation has been conducted at the Oklahoma City Zoo in an effort to conserve wildlife, to assis the public, and to gain knowledge about the care and treatment of injured birds. From October 1973 through December 1974 Red-tailed Hawks and Great Horned Owls constituted 45.3 percent of all birds donated. Donations from the public comprised 89.0 percent of the birds treated. Wing injury was found in 52.0 percent; radiographs showed that 22.7 percent of all cases involved gunshot. Binding of the limb with Vetrap®, following surgery (where indicated) with ketamine anaesthesia (ca. 33 mg/kg), followed standard medical procedures. While recuperating, birds were kept quiet in small, dark containers, and fed on a whole animal diet. To reduce muscle atrophy and loss of condition, release was attempted as soon as possible. Large high cages, high perches, falconry techniques, and the assistance oflocal falconers all contributed to preparations for release. The release rate of 39.6 percent compared favorably with figures given for other rehabilitation projects.
There is a discussion of the need for more public education in raptor ecology and more exchange of information among rehabilitators. Techniques-the use of tranquilizers with anesthetics, practice in hunting before release, and banding, for example-are also discussed.
