HELENA — A new chapter is taking flight for Montana’s wildlife community. Tuesday, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks opened the doors to their new avian walkway, a space designed to support the care, rehabilitation, and education surrounding Montana’s birds.
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“They seemed so relaxed. Our Swainson's hawk was seen sunning himself with his wings out,” Ali Pons, the Montana Wild wildlife rehabilitation program manager, said.
The raptors were moved into the building Tuesday, following a groundbreaking last November and delays in construction.
The new building allows visitors to view the 13 ambassador raptors on the west side without having to come for special programs.
“I really hope they see these birds and take away the message of why it is important to conserve these wild places in Montana, not just for our use but also for wildlife,” Pons added.
The east side provides more rehabilitation space for the nearly 200 injured and orphaned birds Montana Wild takes in each year.
Another addition that will help the mission at Montana Wild is the new flight barn.
“That is where the bird is going to learn how to, or relearn how to fly and use muscles that it hasn’t been able to because of the injuries, or disease, or whatever reason it came to the center,” Pons said.
The project cost around $860,000 and was authorized by the 2021 and 2023 legislatures. Much of it is funded by private and business donations through Montana’s Outdoor Legacy Foundation and Foundation for Animals.
There are still a few finishing touches, like interpretive signage and exhibits for the different raptor species and renovation of the eagle enclosure.
