Think Wild engages CO. with native wildlife through live, virtual programs
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) Think Wild, a wildlife hospital and conservation center in Bend, is engaging the Central Oregon community and beyond with native wildlife through a host of monthly, live virtual programming.
The successful, family-friendly online events with over 500 attendees in 2020, include online nature-film screenings, livestreamed animal treatments, and monthly wildlife trivia nights.
“The trivia nights have been especially popular, focused on a different wildlife topic each month with prizes from local businesses and guest speakers from the Sunriver Nature Center, the Marion County Soil & Water Conservation District and Chintimini Wildlife Center,” said Sally Compton, executive director of Think Wild. “Participants range from raptor biologists in Boise, Idaho to young families looking for an after-dinner activity here in Bend.”
A career in raptor rescue Gary Landers with a young golden eagle he taught to hunt through falconry.
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photo provided • • Rescuing an injured raptor is best left to the professionals. Large birds of prey like golden or bald eagles with wingspans sometimes close to eight feet, require expert handling and a licensed rehabilitator. In Sisters, for the past 20 years, Wild Wings Raptor Rehabilitation was the place to call when a raptor needed help.
As of January of 2021, Gary Landers, a permitted raptor rehabilitator is retiring. He and his wife Kellie have dedicated countless hours rescuing injured animals.