The North Liberty and Solon Fire Departments responded to a fire at the Iowa Raptor Project during the early morning hours on Friday, Feb. 16.
First responders were dispatched to the location by the Johnson County Emergency Communications Center following a report of a large fire in the area at around 4:24 a.m.
When first responders arrived on scene, they came upon a fire in four mews (a type of enclosure) at the Iowa Raptor Project property, which is located at 3673 Raptor Ridge Rd NE, in Solon.
The four enclosures were completely lost, as well as the four raptors in them, which included two red-tailed hawks, one Harris’s hawk, and one gyrfalcon. The remaining birds are being closely observed for any signs of distress.
"We are deeply saddened by the loss of our birds, who our community, including staff, faculty, volunteers, and students, have come to know and love over the years," says University of Iowa College of Education Dean Dan Clay. "Our support and condolences go out to everyone who cared for them, especially to our UI WILD staff and Iowa Raptor Project volunteers."