Adrenaline Rush

by Tracy Haddock, Winter 2005

     I've lived in a tent for seven months in northern Minnesota, ran roller-coasters for three summers, and worked as a camp counselor for seven years.  I've never had more adrenaline run through my body than I have at the Northwoods Wildlife Center.

     The adrenaline started surging through my veins the second I walked through the door.  I was handed a key and a phone card and asked if I wanted to unpack or go on an eagle rescue.  As I rode in the truck listening to the other interns, I started thinking, "What did I get myself into?"  It turned out to be one the greatest experiences that I will always remember.

     Every day was a different rush, some of the highlights were: waiting for baby flying squirrels to open their eyes, having a bobcat growl at you as you tried to change her food and water, having eight fawns run at you because they knew you had the formula, removing the stitches from a turtle, transforming into a spider for the Halloween trail, or waiting upstairs for a rescued animal to come in and then hearing the door bell go off.

     There were also moments of ecstasy and sheer bliss: feeling a Red-tailed hawk's heart beat against your chest, cleaning the bear cage as they were growling for food and all of a sudden seeing a little black paw then another and then a head with two little eyes looking to see what you are doing, or cleaning the barred owl cage and having them snap their beaks at you as if saying hurry up and get out.

     Another occurrence was when a Great Horned owl came in with a foot caught in a trap.  In the following days of soaking his foot in warm water to restore the blood flow, there were many times I had eye to eye contact with him.  When looking into his eyes it was almost as if he understood that we were trying to help and he was saying thank you.

     I also want to draw attention to Bald eagles.  Everyone knows how majestic they are, but holding one in your arms is a whole new ballgame.  Through the numerous tubings or force feedings you start to realize how fragile they really are.  While holding on to their feet and getting an up close glimpse of their talons and beaks you would think nothing can them.  You soon realize how quickly they can be affected by West Nile Virus, poisoning, starvation or impacts with vehicles.

     I have to mention the Bald eagle release that I had the honor of performing.  It's bizarre to think I was the last human that touched that eagle.  Holding him before I let go, it was like he knew he was being released and couldn't wait to get back to the wilderness.  It's an unbelievable feeling wondering if the Bald eagle I see soaring way above the trees is the one that was lucky enough to be grounded for a short time at the Northwoods Wildlife Center.

     I want to thank all of those who make donations to the Center to assist in its' operation.  You generous souls have given myself and my fellow interns the experiences of a lifetime.  I also want to thank Warren, Sybil, Mark, Jaime, Bart and all the weekly volunteers for a welcome laugh or two everyday.  A big thank you to Mark for being patient with us interns and teaching us about wildlife rehabilitation.