September 10, 2004

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Lisa M. Green, lgreen@vinsweb.org, (802) 457-2779 ext. 107

Quechee, VT - The Vermont Institute of Natural Science (VINS) announced today that their female American Kestrel has been diagnosed with cancer. The female American Kestrel is one of VINS' most popular feathered educators in the Predators of the Sky program at the VINS Nature Center, delighting audiences with her sparkling personality and cheerful song as she teaches about cavity nesting. VINS' staff noticed she had not been feeling well several weeks ago, and after many tests, it was determined that she had cancer.

The American Kestrel was hatched in 1995 in the Fair Haven area. She was brought to VINS by the Fair Haven Animal Control Officer in June of 1995 who had confiscated her from a local citizen who was raising her illegally. Because she was raised by humans from a very young age, she had become imprinted on humans, which meant she did not understand what species she was. Although she flies well and seems healthy, she does not understand how to hunt or who she should mate with. The human imprinting made her survival in the wild impossible, therefore, she came to VINS to join other non-releasable raptors to begin her career as an environmental education ambassador. Since joining VINS, the female American Kestrel has participated in hundreds of educational programs throughout Vermont and its surrounding states, including schools, libraries, parks, and even the Vermont State House. She has been an invaluable educational resource for VINS and everyone she has taught and will be sorely missed.

At the moment, the American Kestrel is holding her own at the rehab facility at the VINS Nature Center. VINS staff are doing everything they can to make her last few days comfortable and pain-free.

The Vermont Institute of Natural Science (VINS) is a non-profit, member-supported organization dedicated to protecting our natural environment through education and research. You can learn more about American Kestrels and VINS' other raptor ambassadors by visiting www.vinsweb.org or calling (802) 457-2779.

Lisa M. Green Director of Marketing VINS/Vermont Institute of Natural Science 27073 Church Hill Road Woodstock, VT 05091-9642 (802) 457-2779 ext. 107 (802) 457-1053 (fax) www.vinsweb.org www.vinsnaturecenter.org