A community plea for help has turned into a story of generosity, gratitude, and a successful recovery for one of Nature of Wildworks’ most beloved residents.
Earlier this week, the wildlife center announced that Gwen, a peregrine falcon who has called Nature of Wildworks home since 2022, would need surgery after veterinarians determined that a severe infection had damaged one of her talons beyond repair.
The wildlife center first noticed something was wrong when Gwen began chewing at one of her talons. Concerned staff immediately sought veterinary care, beginning a series of examinations, treatments, medications, and consultations with specialists.
Despite those efforts, the infection continued to worsen, and veterinarians ultimately determined that the affected talon would need to be surgically removed to protect Gwen’s health and prevent further complications.
The surgery, expected to cost approximately $790, prompted Nature of Wildworks to reach out to the community for assistance with medical expenses and Gwen’s ongoing care.
The response was immediate.
Following the appeal, community members stepped forward to help support the beloved falcon and her recovery.
Now, Nature of Wildworks has shared some welcome news.
“We are thrilled to report that our feisty Peregrine falcon, Gwen, made it through her surgery with ‘flying’ colors and is home at Wildworks being cared for by the crew,” the organization announced.
Gwen is currently receiving four types of medication for pain and infection twice each day. Staff members have found a creative solution to administering the medication, mixing it into one whole defrosted quail.
“We are quite happy that we can syringe them all into her food (one whole defrosted quail) without her refusing to eat the bitter tasting stuff,” the organization said.
According to Wildworks, Gwen grabs the quail with her good foot and quickly devours her prey.
The recovery process will take time. Gwen is currently being housed in an airline kennel inside the house for several weeks while she heals, an arrangement that staff say she is not particularly happy about.
Her right foot remains wrapped in a gauze bandage shaped into a ball, preventing her from gripping with that foot.
“She can’t grip with any part of that foot and I’m sure it’s pretty frustrating for her,” the organization shared.
Adding to the challenge, staff must change Gwen’s bandage every three days, a procedure that requires restraining the falcon.
Fortunately, Wildworks says Gwen is not the type to hold a grudge.
“We are confident that she will be comfortably perched on our glove again in no time. Talons crossed.”
Nature of Wildworks Expressed Heartfelt Gratitude
Many supporters who contributed directly to Gwen’s surgery. Those donors include Carolyn Pedone, Doug Van Aman, Eileen Jackson, Rose Wright, Sue Picard, Joanna Grymkowski, Maria Papi, Tracy Gutleber, Derrick Kaneshiro, Kathleen Teater, Vicki Pedone, Nancy Erwin, Jodi Klare, Heather Taylor, Pauline Jackson, Maryeileen Corcoran, Richard Birmingham, Susan Matheson, John Cross, Debby Cronin, and Gloria Sterling.
“We couldn’t have done it without you!” the organization said.
Gwen arrived at Nature of Wildworks as a retired falconry bird. While little is known about her life before arriving at the wildlife center, she quickly became a favorite among visitors and an important member of the Wildworks family. And for many supporters, Gwen represents the organization’s mission of providing lifelong care for injured, orphaned, and non-releasable wildlife while creating opportunities for education and conservation.
With surgery behind her and recovery now underway, Gwen’s caretakers remain optimistic about her future and grateful for the community that helped make her successful treatment possible.
