As parents drop off their students at Western New Mexico University during new student orientation, a rescued hawk will simultaneously be released back into the wilderness, symbolizing the new found freedom of the newest residents of the Silver City community.
WNMU has partnered with Gila Wildfire Rescue for the releasing event, which will take place Tuesday, August 9 at 1:00 p.m. on Ridge Road, just outside the city limits.
“This is an exciting initiative that showcases the importance of growth and development by our students, who have chosen WNMU as a place to spread their wings,” said Isaac Brundage, Vice President for Student Affairs.
Several hundred incoming students make up the Class of 2020 which will begin fall classes on August 15, and who will be on campus throughout the preceding week for New Student Orientation.
Dennis and Denise Miller with Gila Wildlife Rescue, directors of a local animal rescue and rehabilitation center, will be releasing a Swainson’s Hawk in a symbolic measure that will emphasize the commitment of WNMU and the Silver City community to its university students.
“Just like these parents of entering freshmen are placing their children in the university’s care of the purpose training them to be successful and fly free, these animals are in our care for the same reason,” said Miller. “The symbolism of placing this bird into the students’ and parents’ arms and have them be the ones to give the bird its final freedom is just awesome.”
A family of parents and students will be selected to participate in the hawk release. Members of the community are invited to attend the event, which will take place on Ridge Road, about two miles north, outside of the city limits.
“We are excited to partner with Gila Wildlife Rescue for this special event that will showcase how much we value the time we have with students who are entrusted to be under our care and guidance,” said Dr. Joseph Shepard, WNMU President.
Gila Wildlife Rescue, a non-profit organization located in Silver City, rescues hundreds of animals throughout the year including birds of prey and large mammals. The Swainson’s Hawk selected for release was recued as a nestling, found on a ranch near Deming when it was blown out of its nest during a storm. The hawk is now three months old.
For information on local animal rescue activities, contact Gila Wildlife Rescue at 575-590-0118 or visit the organization’s Facebook page.