This project will give the unreleaseable birds that live at Fellow Mortals more spacious housing and 'furniture' that will enrich their existence in captivity. Although the birds cannot fly due to the injuries that placed them into captive care, some will spend decades with us, and deserve the largest and most natural accomodations we can provide in return for their work as education ambassadors and foster parents to young of their own kind.
In addition to acting as role models to orphaned young of their own species, permanent birds also work as education ambassadors, accompanying wildlife educators to programs that teach humans how to appreciate wild creatures and prevent unnecessary injury and conflict. The birds that work in these roles require housing that is both properly structured and large enough to allow freedom of movement and choice, both for their health and for their quality of life in captivity.
Successful funding of this project will allow the building of four indoor habitats which will be used to house Screech owls, Short-eared owls, Saw-whet owls and American kestrels. The habitats will be built to exceed the minimum standards required for these species in captive care. The oldest of these birds is 'Cody,' an 18-year old American kestrel, who has lived at Fellow Mortals nearly his entire life, after he was admitted with an injury to his spine and tail that grounded him for life.
Fellow Mortals is more than a place; it is a living philosophy based on the belief that encouraging compassion in humans toward all life brings out the finest aspects of our humanity. Fellow Mortals provides an irreplaceable service to wildlife, as well as the opportunity to educate and inspire people in our communities how to live harmoniously with wildlife in their backyards. Fellow Mortals strives to continue to reduce the numbers of animals admitted through community outreach and education.
