Carson Hughes remembered – Wildlife abounds at Sanctuary
HarleyJo Kennedy Photo
Hope, the beaver, Knows! The grass is greener and tastes so much better outside of her outer enclosure. She is just one of the many animals who now make their home at the Red Wolf Sanctuary and Raptor Rehabilitation Center.
One arrives to Red Wolf Sanctuary and Raptor Rehabilitation Center (Ohio County) after a drive that is a bit of a challenge. Fortunately, Google Maps will take you right to their door. Do not be discouraged by the warning sign that tells people to stay in their car and not to come further without an escort.
Tours are by appointment only. One can reach Red Wolf Sanctuary on-line: www.redwolf.org. One can also reach Red Wolf Sanctuary at: www.facebook.com/redwolfsanctuary or by phone: 812-438-2306.
Red Wolf Sanctuary can accommodate tours of many sizes with both RTV and walking tours. Tours are both enjoyable and educational. The Sanctuary is 452 acres of naturalized enclosures. There is a suggested donation or $20 per adult per tour, $10/teens, and $5/children ages three to 12 years.
On Monday, April 22 a group of Milan High School Students were waiting to be taken on a tour. While touring it was enjoyable to observe the children petting animals and interacting while in a safe environment.
Red Wolf Sanctuary houses many North American predators. One cannot see the entirety of most of the enclosures as they are big enough to provide a natural setting for the animal’s comfort. This facilitates the animals to live as natural a life as possible.
There are bald eagles, bears, bob cats, a golden eagle, hawks, owls, wolves, a beaver, and an array of foxes. One can also find an infant rabbit or four. One of the volunteers offered to foster the neonate (recently born, eyes closed) baby bunnies after they were delivered to the Sanctuary.
Paul E. Strasser M.E.d. is Director and founder of The Red Wolf Sanctuary and Raptor Rehabilitation Center. It was incorporated in 1979. A non-profit, the Sanctuary provides an educational service for all who visit.
Nobody gets paid at the Sanctuary. It is run by Paul, and wife, Jane. Jennifer Creager and Linda Bill are irreplaceable volunteers. To raise a fawn cost approximately, $1000. That is only formula, grain and hay for one year. No cost is figured in for housing.
All the animals are vetted and vaccinated. Dr. Steven Hubbard, DVM, Bright, takes care of the birds. Rachel Nichols, DVM, Rising Sun, takes care of the small mammals. Males are neutered to control population and temperament.
The birds of prey are in one location, the facility housing the birds of prey is shaped as a Phoenix. Two flight cages house the bald eagles on one side and the golden eagle on the other. Barred owls and others raptors are in the connecting “barn.”
There are three bald eagles. They are named: Liberty, Justice, and For-All. The golden eagle is the newest resident. The Strasser’s requested to name the golden eagle in memory of a very special young man, Carson Hughes.
Many of these animals are rescued from individuals that cannot house or “control” them as they mature. Most of these animals can be purchased from unscrupulous breeders or handlers.
When these animals can no longer be housed and cared for by private individuals, they “give” them to the Sanctuary with no monetary provisions for the rest of the animal’s natural life.
Red Wolf Sanctuary and Raptor Rehabilitation Center is open by appointment only. Schedule a tour with your youth group or school. All proceeds go to support the Sanctuary. Stores, schools, or other facilities may be able to donate uncooked or unprocessed meat to feed the animals.
If you are seeking to connect with the wild in our area, Red Wolf Sanctuary is the place to visit. Donate in person or on-line.
