WATERTOWN â Last winter, a great gray owl came to Zoo New York with a lost wing and damage to his eye after getting hit by a truck in Alaska.
Beaker, that injured great gray owl, ended up needing medical attention last summer to save his eye, so he went to the VCA North Country Animal Hospital for treatment that cost about $2,000.
It was because of that situation the zoo at Thompson Park and the Northern New York Community Foundation came together to establish a new charitable fund to provide animal care and habitat revitalization at the zoo.
Partnering with the Community Foundation, the Zoo New York Animal Wellness Fund is designed to assist in supporting medical care costs for zoo animals and enhance animal habitats. The Community Foundation recently awarded a $25,000 matching commitment to encourage charitable gifts from the community toward the new fund.
Owlâs injury leads to creation of new animal wellness fund at Watertown zoo
Zoo New York s animal wellness fund By Abbey Buttacavoli | March 9, 2021 at 4:14 PM EST - Updated March 10 at 7:07 AM
WATERTOWN, N.Y. (WWNY) - When it comes to injured animals, sometimes zoos have to make difficult decisions.
Watertownâs Zoo New York is launching a new fund to help make sure money doesnât make those calls.
Beaker, a great grey owl, is a recent example.
âHeâs doing fine now,â zoo executive director Larry Sorel said.
He sits tucked away in his habitat at Zoo New York, unable to fly.