Excitement took flight at Fort la Reine Museum this week as the Prairie Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre (PWRC) hosted a captivating event showcasing Manitoba’s prairie raptors.
Families gathered to learn about birds of prey, meet live owl ambassadors, and discover the vital rescue work done by the PWRC, blending education with hands-on wonder.
Julia Burcar, PWRC Education Coordinator, emphasizes their mission, saying, "Prairie Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre is a nonprofit organization that works towards supporting and rehabilitating animals that have been injured, sick or are orphaned in attempts to return them back to nature."
She highlights their growth—from 230 patients in 2008 to 2,053 last year—and the power of public education, adding that, "Learning about wildlife is the greatest way to help support wildlife in our environment."
Feathered superstars steal the show
Attendees learned about raptors’ "super abilities," including silent flight, powerful talons, and extraordinary sight.
Burcar detailed Manitoba’s diverse species, including "...the Bald and Golden Eagle, all 10 different types of Hawks, five Falcons, 11 owls and the Osprey, as well as Turkey vultures."
The event’s stars were PWRC’s non-releasable owl ambassadors: Nadii, a Great Grey Owl (Manitoba’s provincial bird), and Yahzi, a Northern Saw-whet Owl (the province’s tiniest owl).
Emma Ens-MacIver, Museum Director, praises the dynamic shift from static exhibits, noting that, "It’s fun to see something alive and engaging. It's different than old museum stuff, but still has a really important educational element."
She notes that the PWRC’s reach extends to "over 320 of these [presentations] a year" and that the museum’s goal is to offer "accessible, fun programming to get kids and families out."
Kids react with awe and insight
Young attendees buzzed with excitement.
Six-year-old Brooks Lopez lights up as he recalls the live birds, "My favourite part was when they brought out the great grey and the small owls." He notes, "They were different sizes and they weighed differently."
Sisters Alexis and Kate Musters shared sharp observations.
Alexis explains, "That vulture’s talons aren’t very strong. They don’t rip up anything, they just use their mouths, and they eat dead things, so they don’t need to use their feet as much."
Kate adds that, "They have different types of feet, so some can grip and some are more land." Both agreed the owls were unforgettable: "They brought the biggest owl in Manitoba and the tiniest owl!"
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Burcar loved the crowd’s energy, adding that, "Everyone seemed super engaged and super curious. There were lots of fantastic questions... The kids were super stoked about it." The event closed with a raptor-themed craft session, cementing newfound knowledge.
Wings carry the message forward
PWRC invites the public to their Walk for Wildlife fundraiser on September 6 at Winnipeg’s St. Vital Park, featuring pancake breakfasts and ambassador animal meet-and-greets.
Ens-MacIver hopes to host similar events, echoing the kids’ enthusiasm, and when asked if they’d return, Brooks, Alexis, and Kate all responded with a resounding "Yes!"