Categorized | Environment, Featured

Endangered Hawaiian hawk heading for Honolulu Zoo

Hawaii's Warrior Princess (Photo courtesy of Hawaii Wildlife Center)

Hawaii’s Warrior Princess (Photo courtesy of Hawaii Wildlife Center)

MEDIA RELEASE

The Hawaii Wildlife Center (HWC), the state’s only native bird and bat hospital, announced today that an endangered Io (Hawaiian hawk) from Volcano that had sustained injuries from a shooting and received specialized medical and rehabilitative care from HWC, is tentatively scheduled to be transferred to the Honolulu Zoo in the next week.

As a federally listed endangered species, the shooting of the lo is currently under investigation by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Office of Law Enforcement. The Io, which can only be found on Hawaii Island, has cultural significance and is regarded by many as an aumakua.

The Io was brought to the HWC at the end of January and her condition was assessed by staff members and HWC’s veterinary consultants.

Although the trauma was not surgically reparable, staff continued to monitor the hawk and saw her behavior and condition continue to improve.

Her feisty behavior earned her the nickname, “Hawaii’s Warrior Princess” among staff and community members involved with the rescue and recovery process.

“We are grateful to the community that rallied together to rescue this ‘Io as well as for the partnerships that allowed HWC to find a forever home for her,” said HWC President and Center Director Linda Elliott. “It is our hope that this Io will be an ambassador for native wildlife and help to inspire others to protect them for future generations.”

Killing or injuring wildlife protected under the Federal Endangered Species Act is a serious offense and is punishable by a maximum fine of up to $100,000, one year in jail, or both. Members of the public are encouraged to report any wildlife incidents to the Hawaii Division of Forestry and Wildlife or the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

The Hawaii Wildlife Center (HWC) is a professional wildlife rescue, rehabilitation and conservation organization that specializes in the care and protection of native Hawaiian birds and the Hawaiian hoary bat.

The HWC wildlife hospital in Kapaau is the only facility in the state that meets all federal, state, and local standards for rescue and rehabilitation efforts to aid sick, injured and oiled winged wildlife.

HWC serves all main Hawaiian Islands and the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands extending to Midway and Kure Atolls.

HWC is fully permitted for the rehabilitation of all native bird species and the Hawaiian hoary bat.

— Find out more:
www.hawaiiwildlifecenter.org

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