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4 raptors die in bird sanctuary fire

News

February 18th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

JOHNSON COUNTY, Iowa (KCRG) – The North Liberty and Solon Fire Departments responded to a fire at the Iowa Raptor Project around 4:24am on Friday.

Crews arrived to find a fire in four enclosures, which were a total loss. The four raptors in the enclosures were killed. Those include two red-tailed hawks, one Harris’s hawk, and one gyrfalcon. Officials say the remaining birds are being closely observed for any signs of distress.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation and a damage estimate is not yet available.

The Iowa Raptor Project and the Macbride Nature Recreation Area will be closed until further notice.