Happy Father’s Day from the Wildlife Center of Virginia

The Wildlife Center of Virginia occasionally uses a surrogate parent – a mature animal that can help serve as a role model for younger animals of the same species.  This is a particularly useful technique for bird species in which imprinting or habitation to human is a high risk.

This Father’s Day, the Center would like to share the stories of two surrogates – one a tried-and-true veteran, the second just taking on his first assignment.

Papa G’Ho

In December 2001, a Great Horned Owl came to the Wildlife Center from Henrico County, Virginia.  The owl had sustained injuries to its feet and wings, likely after it was struck by a vehicle.  Despite rehabilitation, the owl never regained the ability to fly silently – a critical trait for Great Horneds – and cannot be released back into the wild. 

That owl has played a very important role at the Center as a surrogate parent for any young, orphaned Great Horned Owls that we admit. After their initial examination and treatment, young owlets are moved into the mature owl’s enclosure, where the older owl helps them develop natural owl behaviors.

Our staff takes great care to keep our surrogate from becoming comfortable around humans – by keeping the owl “wild,” we can ensure that the owlets have their best chance to survive, and thrive, on their own.

Now, based on the owl’s large size and incredible feistiness, Wildlife Center staff always thought that this owl was a female, and she was given the nickname “Mama G’Ho”.  Recent genetic testing has determined that “she”, in fact, is a “he” … so now it’s Papa G’Ho.  In fact, the way that “Parent G’Ho” has interacted with young owls at the Wildlife Center is more consistent with the behavior patterns of male owls – for example, we’ve never observed the adult actually feeding an owlet [generally a role for mom in the wild]. 

Thus far in 2011, the Wildlife Center has not had any young GHO’s that needed a surrogate.  So this Father’s Day – no extra responsibilities for Papa G’Ho.

Papa Kestrel?

Earlier this year, the Center admitted a mature male American Kestrel with severe eye injuries – injuries that preclude the bird’s return to the wild.  However, the Center rehabilitation staff would like this bird to serve as a surrogate for young kestrels. 

“Papa Kestrel” is now taking on his first case.  On June 10 the Center admitted a young American Kestrel from Pulaski, Virginia – a bit thin and believed to be orphaned, but otherwise bright, alert, and healthy.  This bird was assigned Patient #11-1267.

For the time being, #11-1267 is being housed inside the Center’s clinic , and Papa Kestrel is in an adjacent enclosure where the birds can see each other.  With continued improvement in #11-1267, both kestrels will be moved to outdoor enclosures, with the ultimate goal of having both in the same flight pen.  

Looking for a special Father’s Day present – for a father, or someone who has served as an important role model?  How about a Caring for Critters sponsorship of Papa G’Ho … or Papa Kestrel?