Hope, the red-tailed Hawk that was found last year in Hollister
with severe injuries resulting from a shotgun blast, has been in
intensive care at WERC since December.
Hope, the red-tailed Hawk that was found last year in Hollister with severe injuries resulting from a shotgun blast, has been in intensive care at WERC since December.
She was re-examined Feb. 10 by one of WERC’s veterinarians, Dr. Laura Bellinghausen. Hope’s previous examination and x-rays in January showed that though her wing had been kept wrapped for four weeks, the bone had not properly healed.
To stabilize the bone and inhibit movement and to give her even more time to heal, Hope’s wing needed to be kept wrapped for another four weeks. She also required twice-daily medication to help the healing and prevent infection. (Read the account of her January examination, “The Healing of Hope”, by Michael Moore and Lora Schraft.)
Hope’s February x-rays showed that though the fracture still hadn’t fused as straight as was anticipated, the bone is calcifying around the fracture, which helps the bone become stronger.
Due to the severity of her original injuries, Hope will continue to need intensive care and observation. At her next examination, the veterinarian will determine whether Hope needs surgery to pin the separated bone. This would require costly post-surgical medical care and would extend her stay at WERC.
In the meantime, Hope’s wing wrap has been removed and she was transferred from her small medical unit to an outside enclosure. This allows her limited exercise and serves as her physical and mental therapy, letting her build up strength, increase flexibility and enjoy the outdoors without stress to the injured wing. A closed-circuit camera has been placed in the enclosure so that she can be monitored.
This is the time of year when she would normally be out finding a mate, building a nest and raising a family. As a wild adult bird, she is restless at being confined and not being able to fly free over the trees and fields.
WERC has received many heartfelt inquires on Hope’s condition and when she will be released. She is on a long and rough road to recovery and will be allowed time to heal fully and be ensured of her ability to fly well and capture food. WERC is still cautiously optimistic for Hope’s recovery and eventual release.
