Editor note: For possible gyrfalcon sightings, call the zoo’s Raptor Center at 206.684.4013. Staff will also check voice mail round the clock. See attached digital images.

Seattle - Woodland Park Zoo is seeking the community’s help in searching for its 9-year-old gyrfalcon (juhr-fall-kon), which is on exhibit at the zoo’s Raptor Center and used in public raptor demonstration programs. The female bird of prey has been missing since Saturday when she flew from the zoo during a flight demonstration. Almost immediately after takeoff, zoo staff lost the signal to the radio transmitter she was wearing. The gyrfalcon was captive bred by a licensed breeder and has been at the zoo since 7 weeks old for use in zoo educational programs.

“We’re asking bird enthusiasts and anyone to contact the zoo if they spot a large gray bird not common to this area,” says zoo Curator of Birds Greg Toffic. People should look for a large raptor about the size of a football when perched; a gray back and head with dark eyes; a white belly and breast; a wingspan of approximately 4 feet; and yellow feet and a hooked beak. She was last seen with 6-inch long straps (known as jesses) hanging from each leg, as well as a thin wire radio antennae hanging on her left leg. The bird may be missing one or more of these at this time. If anyone has a sighting, please call the zoo’s Raptor Center at 206.684.4013. “They should also try their best to keep their line of sight on the bird.”

According to Toffic, birds occasionally fly off during a program, staying away for several hours and, on rare occasion, overnight. The birds are not trained to hunt and are accustomed to getting food from the keepers. The gyrfalcon has never left zoo grounds for such a long duration.

Zoo officials immediately solicited the help of several local bird organizations, including Tweeters bird listserv, The Falcon Research Group, and Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, for assistance in locating the missing raptor.

Gyrfalcons range throughout the arctic regions of North America, Greenland, Europe and Asia. A powerful and agile hunter, falcons usually catch their prey, primarily birds, in the air. Gyrfalcons can live up to 25 years in zoos.