Editor note: To safeguard the well being of the falcon, media access cannot be permitted at this time.

SEATTLE - A female peregrine falcon released into the wild last week has returned to Woodland Park Zoo for treatment of puncture wounds, shock and dehydration. After a three-week period of rehabilitation at the zoo for a previous flight injury, the zoo reintroduced the falcon into the wild at the Montlake Fill and monitored her with a satellite transmitter. The falcon returned to her favored territory in the West Seattle vicinity where, unfortunately, another female falcon had overtaken her territory and, in defense, attacked her. A zoo raptor keeper found the injured falcon on the ground at Harbor Island.

“The falcon is under intensive care and her condition is guarded,” says zoo Associate Veterinarian Dr. Darin Collins. “We will continue to handfeed her and administer fluids,” adds Collins. According to zoo Deputy Director/General Curator Bruce Bohmke, it is not unusual for raptors to defend their territory. “If the falcon recovers adequately to return to the wild, we will explore options to release her in the summer during non-breeding season and when the supply of prey is abundant,” says Bohmke. “This should reduce the likelihood of another territorial attack.” Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife brought the falcon to the zoo in April after being found in Safeco Field where she sustained head trauma and severe swelling to an eye, apparently during flight. The falcon hatched in the wild in 1997 and was banded in the San Juan Islands. According to members of the Falcon Research Group, the falcon for the past two years has favored the West Seattle Bridge as her home. To date, she has not produced any offspring.

Peregrine falcons are distributed worldwide but nest mostly in arctic and temperate regions. The species is found in many major North American cities, as skyscrapers mimic their preferred cliff habitats. Peregrines form long-term pair bonds and are highly protective of their nesting territory, which they use year after year. The falcons are best known for their remarkable speed and spectacular stooping ability, with diving speeds recorded well in excess of 200 miles per hour! Their quarry is almost always a bird that is captured in midair.

As a valuable conservation center for the region, Woodland Park Zoo has been rehabilitating injured and sick raptors since 1971. Since then, the zoo has received more than 200 bald and golden eagles, peregrine falcons and other birds of prey. More than 70 eagles and many other birds have been rehabilitated and returned to the wild.