Irvine Nature Center

Goodbye Ray!

Over the holidays, Irvine's animal care staff said goodbye to an important and valued member of its team. Ray, one of our resident red tailed hawks, was euthanized.

Ray came to Irvine last year from a wildlife rescue whose director had passed away. Since then, Irvine had cared for Ray and used him to help educate visitors about respecting nature. With only one eye – his right, Ray was a rare sight: birds like him would likely not survive without our help. 

For a long time, staff had been hand-feeding Ray at the same platform daily. However, it appears that the eyesight that remained in his good eye had deteriorated further. Vets observed him flying into the walls and ceiling of his mew (pen), and his behavior during necessary activities – like cleaning the aviary and introducing food – had become erratic and dangerous.

"This was a very difficult, time-consuming and emotional decision for all of us involved," said Tracey Zurgable, Irvine's animal care and exhibit coordinator. "I really can't imagine being a blind bird of prey, since its most heightened sense is vision."

Irvine's staff is heavy hearted over the loss. Expressions of sympathy for Ray and for Irvine's staff may be left on Irvine's Facebook page.