After months of rehabilitation, five majestic birds were transported in 4x4 Jeep Wranglers and released into the skies of Sedona, Arizona.
(Sedona, Arizona) Oct. 12, 2015 – Today, the skies high above the surrounding red rocks of Sedona will have new residents for locals and visitors to admire as five rehabilitated birds are released. Runnin’ W Wildlife Center and Pink Jeep Tours have teamed up to release five recently rehabilitated birds of prey including 2 Cooper’s Hawks, a Swainson’s Hawk, Red Tail Hawk and Barn Owl. These majestic birds are now once again free to soar above Sedona’s beautiful red rocks thanks to the efforts of the volunteers.
The birds and the volunteers were loaded into two pink Jeep Wranglers and the group headed out towards Doe Mountain as it was the perfect spot surrounded by open fields, Juniper Pines, and plenty of space for the birds to fly freely. Although not all the birds will be released in one place, the focus will be to find native habitats for each hawk to thrive in their natural environment.
“I thought partnering with Pink Jeep Tours would be a great way to combine the company’s love of nature and Sedona with the opportunity to get “up close” to several of its most revered animals, the birds of prey,” said Runnin’ W Wildlife Center’s Founder Billy Harvey. After several months of rehabilitation, this was the moment Billy and his team had been waiting for and they were excited to see each bird get a new chance at freedom in nature.
As it turns out, Pink Jeep Tours are not just for visitors and residents who love Sedona’s mighty red rocks, they also focus on conservation, “We believe in preserving Sedona and beyond our work on the trail, we are excited to partner as a community to help rehabilitate the wildlife as well” said Chris Epper, Marketing Director for Pink Jeep Tours.
The Runnin’ W Wildlife Center is Northern Arizona’s only USDA State and Federally fully licensed wildlife rehabilitation center. Located in Cornville, the Center is a 501c3 non-profit institution founded in 2001 by Billy Harvey and his father Wes. Although they had been caring for animals for many years, it was the opening of the current Center that allowed them to create a true sanctuary - which today cares for over 300 injured and orphaned animals every year.
For more information, photos or video on the birds of prey release or the center and their work, call the Runnin’ W Wildlife Center at 928-821-0098 or visit http://runninw.com/.
About Runnin’ W Wildlife Center
Founded in 2001, The Runnin’ W Wildlife Center is Northern Arizona’s only wildlife rehabilitation center and one of only a small handful of facilities that are USDA, State and Federally licensed in Arizona. Every year, 300 injured and orphaned animals are cared for by the trained staff undergoing medical care and rehabilitation, 25 permanent native wildlife residents who cannot be released due to the severity of their injuries or inability to adapt to life in the wild call the center home and over 50 exotic animals that serve as ambassadors for their species. The Center is open daily by appointment only from 9:00 to 5:00.
ABOUT PINK ADVENTURE TOURS
Founded in 1960 and based in Sedona, Arizona, PINK Jeep Tours provides unique, unforgettable tour experiences for visitors from around the world in Sedona, the Grand Canyon, Las Vegas, Branson and the Smoky Mountains. Originally inspired by a striking Hawaiian hotel in the late 1950s, the iconic color has become synonymous with world-class adventure. A customized fleet of over 150 cutting-edge vehicles ensures that tours are safe and comfortable. Guides are expertly trained and certified, with each completing the Certified Interpretive Guide program, Smith System© Driver Safety Training, CPR Certification, and First Aid Certification.
Herschend Enterprises purchased PINK Adventure Tours in 2018, marking its entry into the adventure travel industry. Herschend Enterprises owns a portfolio of companies that are committed to providing wholesome, immersive entertainment which allows families to connect in meaningful ways.