Rough-legged Hawk Kennel Training In Learning Lab

Ever wondered how we transport birds from their enclosures to program locations? Here’s a look into our kennel training process at Teton Raptor Center. This Rough-legged Hawk is an Ambassador-In-Training. Blind in one eye, he cannot be released into the wild. Staff trainers work with him to ensure loading into a kennel is safe and comfortable.

Non-cavity nesting birds like this hawk face unique challenges during kennel training. It requires trust-based relationships with trainers and involves multiple steps: entering calmly, standing inside, adjusting to the kennel door opening and closing, transport, and exit. This process takes time, patience and involves a lot of skill-building for both birds and humans alike.

We’re thrilled with his progress and have started bringing him to different campus buildings. Soon, he’ll be ready to educate and inspire audiences about raptors and conservation.