Dear Friend of WBF,I am writing today to share a story with you about a young red-tailed hawk named Stephen Hawking and a young New Yorker, Juan Zorrilla, who saved his life. Thanks to the generosity of supporters like you, the Wild Bird Fund was there to coordinate Stephen’s care and rehabilitation. Back in July, while cycling on the Hudson River Greenway at 172nd Street in Manhattan, Juan watched a young red-tailed hawk hit a tree while chasing his dinner. The injured bird was lying on the ground. Juan quickly took off his shirt, wrapped the bird for protection, and then enlisted the help of two officers from the NYPD 33rd Precinct (upper left image). He hopped into their patrol car and brought the hawk to the Wild Bird Fund on the Upper West Side. A month later the pins were removed. One week later, following cage rest, on September 7, 47 days after his accident, Stephen was transported to The Raptor Trust in New Jersey for flight time in outdoor cages (upper left image). Within a couple of weeks, he should be strong enough to be released back into the skies. Everyday acts of heroism are not unique to the Wild Bird Fund; this story has a happy ending because of New Yorkers like Juan. I know this story has inspired me, and as a result, between now and midnight on October 20, I am offering to double-match all gifts up to $40,000 — if you give $100, I’ll add $200. With your generosity, we can raise more than $60,000 for WBF this fall and ensure that other birds can get the care and rehabilitation that Stephen did. The Wild Bird Fund is New York City’s only wildlife rehabilitation center. Every year, they treat more than 6,000 sick or injured birds, including hawks like Stephen Hawking. You may not know this, but the Wild Bird Fund is almost completely reliant on the generosity and volunteer labor of New Yorkers and supporters like you. Thank you. |