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Ken & Susan Lockwood
Hatteberg's People
Reporter: Larry Hatteberg
| June 26, 2005--Ken and Susan Lockwood have spent thousands of dollars of their own money building the Eagle Valley Raptor Center near Cheney. It’s a rehabilitation and education center for birds of prey. But it is in danger of closing. Real danger! |
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“Right now we are stretched beyond our limits.”
And that is the problem.
Ken and Susan Lockwood’ have spent thousands of dollars putting the Eagle Valley Rapter Center together.
“My wife Susan and I fund this totally on our own. We never like to tell anyone no. Anyone who calls us with an injured or orphaned bird we take it.”
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“If we get the word out, maybe we can get the support we need to maintain the place and keep it here.”
It is here, they work with area veterinarians, wildlife agencies and others to rehabilitate these
birds of prey like this bald eagle. |
| “He’s just becoming a mature bird. He got his white head and tail this year. As you can see in his left wing, he was shot. To be able to take one to trust you and to work with you…there is no greater joy.” |
| But that joy could be short-lived. Despite building a shelter where they can provide programs for groups, plus expensive public bathrooms, and this huge facility to house the birds, money isn’t coming in. |
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“The whole point of doing this is not to make money. We would like it to be self-sustaining, just to be able to pay for itself. But we do it, because we just love working with these animals.”
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| Ken works a night job to keep the money coming in -- food and veterinary costs for the birds are high. The Lockwood’s also do programs for schools and community groups teaching about these birds of prey. |
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“And we can continue to do this as long as we get the donations that help us survive that will help keep us going.”
“For something so tiny to trust something so big to him, it’s just a real neat feeling.”
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The question is, can they keep it open. Without grants or subsidies, probably not. Ken notified many of the volunteers and supporters of the fact he may have to shut it down unless support is forthcoming.
“It would just be the ultimate devastation, that would just be the worst.” |
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Saving these majestic birds is difficult and expensive. It is an endeavor that for Ken and Susan Lockwood is down to a wing and a prayer.
“Good boy!” |
If you would like to help or donate at the Eagle Valley Raptor Center, they can be reached through their website at:
www.eaglevalleyraptorcenter.org
All donations go directly to the birds. |
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