Give Orphaned and Injured Wildlife a Second Chance

Rockfish Wildlife Sanctuary is known for rescuing, rehabilitating, and releasing orphaned and injured native Virginia wildlife. In addition to this primary mission, RWS serves to educate the public about the needs of wildlife.

One way this is done is by providing care for “education” animals. These are non-releasable animals unable to fend for themselves in the wild. The role of the RWS education animals is very important. They are taken to public events, and are viewed during tours of the Sanctuary, to help RWS educate about the conservation and care of native species. On the other hand, animals that are expected to be released will have very limited human contact by staff only.

Jack, a Red-tailed hawk, has joined this special group of education animals. Jack is missing one eye due to an unknown injury as a fledgling. Because of his limited vision, Jack is unable to hunt, and would starve if left on his own. Instead of this unpleasant fate, Jack lives at RWS in a large outdoor enclosure which was especially built for him. Jack’s diet is mostly mice – many mice! Training “on glove” is part of Jack’s daily routine. Under the laws of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, and because hawks are a Federally protected species, Rockfish Wildlife Sanctuary was required to receive education permits from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries to care for Jack. In addition, RWS staff has completed special training and certification to qualify to have a resident raptor.

Caring for Jack requires a big commitment from Rockfish Wildlife Sanctuary – both of staff time and financial resources. RWS budgets $60 per week for mice and to provide the specialized training required to keep Jack happy and healthy. We think he’s worth it!