On Thursday August 21st three raptors, which had been in rehabilitation in RECS, were released. A Harris's Hawk, an American Kestrel and a Barn Owl.

The day began by taking the birds in portable cages to the the release point at the Middle Path. Rings and implements needed for the release were prepared and bird data registered in the journal.

Though the City Zoo is responsible for the releases the Center where rehabilitation is carried out is inside the RECS. (See mor information about the RehabilitationCenter

Ulises is taking the Barn Owl to the cage





Manuel is manipulating the Harris's Hawk

Tools and implements necessary for banding

At midday a hundred of people gathered half way along the Middle Path.

The Operations Manager, María Inés Lo Celso, opened the event. Zoo Personnel (Andrés Capdevielle, Manuel Encabo and Ulises Balza) explained the steps to be followed and answered questions.





From right to left: Andrés Capdevielle, in charge of the Rehabilitation Center, Lic. María Inés Lo Celso, Operatins Manager of the Reserve, Manuel Encabo and Ulises Balza, raptor trainers.

The American Kestrel was the first to be released by an American tourist. The kestrel flew away quickly.





The Harris's Hawk was released by Francisco González Táboas from Aves Argentinas. As soon as it freed it perched in a nearby tree (the following day we saw a bit farther but in very good health).



Francisco putting gloves on


Seen next day


The owl, a nocturnal raptor, was placed on a branch in thicker wood so that it could hide till night to find a place.





People were at all times very respectful and attentive to the instructions to avoid bothering the birds. Everybody was happy and birds recovered their freedom.

Text and phtos, except those identified as Gustavo F. Brahamian, belong to J. Simón Tagtachian