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American Bald Eagles
Bilfred's Story
On April 12th, 1996, the Fish and Game Department brought Bilfred to the Peace River Wildlife Center. The American Bald Eagle was found injured
in the Punta Gorda Landfill on U.S. 41 South. The age of the Eagle was two or three years old.
Upon an examination, it was found that there had been impact to the left wing which subsequently became infected. The treatment for the infection was unsuccessful necessitating a complete amputation
of the left wing. Dr. Gingerich performed the surgery on June 13th, 1996.
A newspaper article was written about the Eagle including the fact that a suitable habitat was not available for the bird. A local resident, who preferred to remain aonymous, donated $5,000 for a flight cage.
She wished the Eagle to be named "Bilfred", in honor of her deceased husband. The benefactress has remained a long time supporter of the Peace River Wildlife Center
In May of 2000, DNA testing was done and Bilfred was found to be a female and is still a member of the Peace River Wildlife Center
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Captain Arthur's Story
On Saturday, January 25th, 2001, Wilburt Sanchez found an injured nestling Bald Eagle in the Prairie Creek section of Port Charlotte. Previous to this date, Mr. Sanchez had been watching two Eagles
near his friends home in Prairie Creek. At 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 27th, he noticed two Eagles circling the area over their nest. He investigated and found that the old tree where the nest was situated had
fallen. He found two nestling Eagles at the site, one dead and the other injured. Mr. Sanchez brought yhe injured nestling to the Peace River Wildlife Center.
The Eaglet was found to have several fractures to the radius and ulna of the left wing. Osteomyelitis (infection) was also present indicating that the bird's wing had been injured for a period of time
before it had been discovered. The wing could not be repaired and the distal part of the nestling' wing was amputated.
The selection of a name for the Eagle was presented to the Pre-K class of 20 children and the third grade class of 34 children of St. Charles Borromeo Catholic School. The name was to include the name "Arthur",
to honor Art Berglund who was a volunteer responsible for building cages, remodeling buildings, repairing plumbing and creating new habitats. Tony Uhler-Barrett,a 3rd grade student came up with the
name "Captain Arthur" and received a stuffed Eagle from the gift shop.
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Tucked neatly into the mangroves overlooking Charlotte Harbor at Ponce de Leon Park, the Peace River Wildlife Center (PRWC) is a non-profit organization, started in 1978, dedicated to the rescue, care, protection and preservation of native small wildlife. (more ...) |
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Anxious to put your values to the test? Fly like an eagle and volunteer today with the Peace River Wildlife Center in Punta Gorda, Florida. Currently the center has over 30 active volunteers contributing more than 2000 hours a year in the service of injured wild birds or wild animals. (more ...) |
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Members give the Peace River wildlife Center its heart. Rescuing, rehabilitating, and restoring wildlife to their proper place in nature is at the core of the PEACE RIVER'S mission. Some creatures cannot prosper in the wild, even after care, they become life-long residents at our center in Punta Gorda. (more ...) |
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The PRWC is currently home to 125 birds and small animals living in 15 different habitats. Food and care for these feathered and furry friends costs $5500 a month. You can help assure their future. (more ...) |
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Tours are provided at no cost to visitors. Patients are accepted gratis and we provide the educational programs as part of community service. We depend upon private donations for our existence. (more ...) |
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Awareness and Understanding - You and Your Community, Habitat Restoration and Data Gathering and Monitoring. (more ...) |
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Come See Us at Upcoming Events and Fundraisers, Check Here to See Where we will be Next. (more ...) |
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View Live Video Feeds of our Habitats and Enjoy Wildlife with Disabilities at their Best in the Comfort of your Home. (more ...) |
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The Gift Shop at the Peace River Wildlife Center is a Hidden Treasure. A Vital Part of the Centers' Fund-Raising Drive - Our Gift Shop Offers Many Fine Items. Be Sure to Visit Our Gift Shop before Leaving the Center. (more ...) |
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Please Visit our Business Sponsors and/or find out how your Business can Sponsor The PRWC. (more ...) |