Look Who it Was Random video

One Hawk's Contribution

2,236 views · Published 18 August 2017 · 3:15 · Indexed 6 November 2026

Channel: Enoch Wildlife Rescue · 2017 · Pets & Animals

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From July 18th by our founder, Susan Tyner:
Dear Friends,
We have a little bit of sad news to report to the hundreds of thousands of good people who have attended one or more of Martin’s wildlife programs, “Birds of Prey of the West.”
His dear friend and one of our favorite wildlife ambassadors, “Thumper” the Harris Hawk, was killed and partially eaten in his chamber while he slept, by a wild raccoon. His chamber had a heating duct that ran through the floor. Somehow the raccoon was able to crawl into the heating duct, travel about 20 feet in the duct-work, push up the floor grates and enter his chamber.

Since then 3 wild raccoons have been trapped attempting to enter our rehab chambers and pigeon loft. By Utah State law, any raccoons trapped must be euthanized. It is illegal to rehabilitate or relocate raccoons in the state of Utah.

Thumper was the last baby Harris Hawk from Martin’s captive breeding program. He had a difficult time breaking out of his egg and so Martin had to assist him as he hatched. Thumper hatched in Martin’s hands. They became the best of friends.

Thumper was a dedicated game hawk as well as a wonderful wildlife ambassador for the Southwest Wildlife Foundation. He was 28 years old which is about three times longer that an average Harris hawk would live in the wild. At his age he was frail and a little senile, kind of like a hundred year old man. As long as the weather was nice and warm he would spend his days and nights outside in his chamber, but for the last many years when the weather would turn cold he would come into the house and spend time watching TV with the family. He was like an old retired hunting dog.
He will be missed.

P.S. Martin is getting ready for his “Birds of Prey of the West” program today. It will be his first program in almost 3 decades without Thumper.

_________

Please Visit:  https://www.gowildlife.org https://www.martintyner.com
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_Mail Donations_

You are welcome to mail us a donation or call to ask any questions about our organization.

Phone: (435) 586-4693 • (435) 590-1618
Address: P.O. Box 1907
Cedar City, UT 84721-1907
Checks Payable to: Southwest Wildlife Foundation of Utah

Official Site: https://www.gowildlife.org
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/gowildlifeorg
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Southwest-Wildlife-Foundation-Inc-160857687270134/
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_Our Mission_
Founded in 1997 in Cedar City Utah, we are a 501c3 non-profit organization dedicated to wildlife rescue and rehabilitation, wildlife and environmental education, and the development of the Cedar Canyon Nature Park.

_Rescue, Rehabilitate and Release_
The Southwest Wildlife Foundation of Utah (SWF) cares for more than 100 sick, injured and orphaned native wildlife annually. Restoring them to health and returning them to the wild is our primary goal, but for those that cannot be released due to disabilities, the Cedar Canyon Nature Park (CCNP) can provide them with a permanent home in a natural setting while enhancing our visitors educational experience at the park.

_Informing, Educating and Inspiring_
The SWF provides over 100 educational programs reaching over 30,000 people annually. We believe providing educational outreach programs to schools, scout groups and community events, with focus on children and families, will make the greatest impact in preserving our wildlife, the environment, our public lands and our resources for future generations to enjoy.

_Martin Tyner_
Since age twelve, with a bird on his arm, Martin has captivated audiences sharing his knowledge and experience of his wildlife friends.
 
At age nineteen, Martin was hired as curator of birds of prey at Busch Gardens, CA. He also worked in the movie and television industry training big cats, elephants, primates, sea mammals and raptors. 

“One of my greatest childhood fantasies was the desire to create a personal friendship with a wild eagle. I found myself with a love and fascination for these powerful creatures.” 

Martin Tyner is a federally licensed falconer, eagle falconer, wildlife rehabilitator, wildlife propagator, and wildlife and environmental educator. 

He has been providing wildlife and environmental programs throughout the western United States, to schools, scouts and community groups for over fifty years.

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