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Cooper’s Hawk Release Back Into The Wild Highlights Inaugural Folke Peterson Wildlife Hospital Benefit Luncheon Feb. 19 at International Polo Club
By YA Teitelbaum
February 10, 2006

WELLINGTON, FL – A Cooper’s Hawk will be dramatically released back into the wild prior to a high-goal polo match, highlighting the inaugural Folke Peterson Wildlife Hospital benefit luncheon Sunday, Feb. 19 at International Polo Club Palm Beach.

Cooper's Hawk
Photo by Dan Mackey

The benefit luncheon will begin at 1 p.m. at the Grand Marquee overlooking Field 2 at International Polo Club. Dennis and Marsha Dammerman of Wellington are Honorary Chairpersons.

Tickets are $125 per person and $50 for children under 12 years old. A limited amount of tables of 10 for $1,250 are still available. A permanently grounded great-horned owl will be a special guest at the event. For tickets and information, please call the center at (561) 793-BIRD (2473) or visit the website at www.FPCAW.com.

The injured Cooper’s Hawk was brought to the Folke Peterson Wildlife Hospital in Wellington on Jan. 16 by an officer with the Palm Beach County Animal Care and Control. After one week in the 5,000-square foot state-of-the-art hospital, the hawk was placed in an 80-foot long flight cage, allowing it to self-feed and exercise its wings in a comfortable, quiet and safe setting. It was observed for almost three weeks to make sure it was flying and behaving normally.

The Folke Peterson Wildlife Hospital opened in the summer of 2004 and has treated almost 3,000 animals, including owls, pelicans, ducks, ospreys, hawks and opossums. Officially registered as The Folke Peterson Center For Animal Welfare (FPCAW) is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit, tax-exempt organization licensed by the state and federal government to provide care for sick, injured and orphaned native Florida wildlife. Their primary goal is to return healthy, rehabilitated animals to their natural habitat as soon as possible. The center also has recently begun public education programs promoting tolerance and appreciation of wildlife.