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Conservation

Ensuring the survival of these amazing animals by licensed and caring staff.

The average lifespan of a Red-Tailed Hawk in the wild is less than five years. Not only are they in danger from other predators or injuries from taking prey, but man-made dangers are their biggest threat. Vehicles, rat poisons, power-lines, barbed-wire fences and the like are more dangerous to them than you can imagine. These hazards affect all our native birds of prey. That's why we do what we do.

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Take Journey, for example. She is a Red-Tailed Hawk that hailed from the Chattanooga area. She was found alongside a railroad track after having a collision with the side of a moving train car. She had injuries to her wing and head that nearly killed her. Prior to us receiving our rehabilitation permit, Journey spent almost six months with another licensed rehabber while recovering from her injuries. Once those were healed, she came to us to work on regaining her flight strength and ability to hunt on her own. The injuries to her head left those skills in doubt, but only for a while. After almost a year of work, and going through her first molt, Journey is almost ready to return to the wild. When her "freedom day" arrives, we'll post a video of her fond farewell when she takes to the skies once more. In case you're wondering, those are Journey's big, beautiful golden-brown eyes looking at you from behind these words.

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At MTRC, we see several patients a year with injuries from minor to major. Journey is one of many, and she's one of the lucky ones. Some wounds are quick fixes while others take time. Years, even. Some, sadly, are not able to be fixed. We have taken the burden upon ourselves to do everything we can to ensure the best possible chance for their survival. We won't sugar-coat this next statement: It all takes money.

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Here at MTRC, we have committed our time and personal resources to bring this endeavor to life, and it is because of generous donations from our supporters like you that we can accomplish this labor of love. We are grateful for each and every one of you and for your support. Please click the button below to donate to our cause. Our birds will continue to fly because of you.

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