Rescued Yellowstone Osprey to be Released in Miami Beach
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City of Miami Beach, 1700 Convention Center Drive, Miami Beach, FL 33139, www.miamibeachfl.gov
OFFICE OF MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS, Tel: 305.673.7575 MEDIA ALERT
Tonya Daniels, E-mail: tonyadaniels@miamibeachfl.gov
Melissa Berthier, E-mail: melissaberthier@miamibeachfl.gov
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 12, 2017
Rescued Yellowstone Osprey to be Released in Miami Beach
— Bird Release on Thursday, December 14 at 10 a.m. —
WHO/WHAT: Earlier this year a Western Osprey made a rare flight across the country
from its home in Yellowstone National Park. After exactly one month of
care, the now healthy predator will be released into the wild on
Thursday, December 14.
Eighteen-year Miami Beach Police veteran Traci Sierra found the injured
bird unable to perch or stand. Sierra, a devout animal lover, brought the
weak, winged creature to the Pelican Harbor Seabird Station.
“Pelican Harbor Seabird Station has helped with numerous animals that
we have come across in need of medical care,” shared Sierra, who
personally made a donation to the organization thanking them for their
help with the Osprey. “Without their support and care for our native
wildlife, many of these animals in need would not survive.”
Serving the wildlife community since 1980, the animal rehabilitation
center treats over 1,500 patients annually – nursing a majority of native
species. Recognizing the non-profit’s successful efforts throughout the
years, the City of Miami Beach recently awarded the organization with a
$15,000 grant to educate the general public and train city employees on
humane resolution of human-wildlife conflicts.
The young, wayward raptor was one of 375 birds banded in the nest by
scientists at Yellowstone National Park last summer in an effort to
stabilize the population. A majority of the birds migrated down to Texas
and Mexico, one was observed in Costa Rica and this special visitor
migrated to Miami Beach – marking the easternmost return for an
Osprey.
“We are deeply grateful to Officer Traci Sierra who acted quickly in safely
securing the bird,” expressed Executive Director at Pelican Harbor
Seabird Station Christopher Boykin. “Considering 11 percent of our
patients come from Miami Beach, we celebrate the partnership we have
with the city and the many injured birds they have rescued and
transported for us over the years. Having a small facility, it’s important for
us to work in conjunction with other organizations, especially wildlife
We are committed to providing excellent public service and safety to all who live, work and play in our vibrant, tropical, historic community.
facilities. In the case of this Osprey from Yellowstone, our friends at the
Florida Keys Wild Bird Center provided the large flight cage for the final
portion of patient 1342’s rehabilitation."
Join the City of Miami Beach and long-time partner Pelican Harbor
Seabird Station for a public release recognizing the remarkable journey
of the resilient animal.
WHEN: Thursday, December 14 at 10 a.m.
WHERE: Maurice Gibb Memorial Park
1700 Purdy Avenue
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