It’s not every day that a red-shouldered hawk makes a dramatic return to the treetops above an okapi habitat—but this one did, with a little help from some very dedicated people.
Earlier this summer, guests strolling through the Congo Expedition region of the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium may have unknowingly passed beneath a very special nest. Tucked high above the okapi yard, a red-shouldered hawk had chosen a quiet, leafy perch to raise her young. But nature isn’t always predictable, especially when you’re a fledgling learning to fly.
One of the chicks took a tumble, landing near a public walkway and ending up with a broken wing. Fortunately, zookeepers were quick to notice. And thanks to their sharp eyes and quick coordination, help arrived swiftly. The Zoo's Australia and the Islands care team—known for their work with birds—was called in. With steady hands and calm voices, they gently netted the injured chick and transported her to the nearby Ohio Wildlife Center (OWC) for expert care.
Fast forward to mid-July, and this young hawk is soaring again—literally.
After a successful recovery that lasted over a month, the young hawk could fly again and was cleared to go home by OWC staff. And that’s exactly what happened.
Members of the Congo Expedition team and Australia and the Islands team gathered once more beneath the same tree. They placed a transport carrier, with a now-healthy hawk on-board, back into the okapi habitat yard. The door opened. The hawk paused, blinked at the open air, and then took a leap.
One hop. Two. Three. Then, with the confidence that only a brave and curious bird can muster, she took to the branches—testing each one, rediscovering her sky-high territory. The other birds nearby took notice, chirping and fluttering in curiosity. The hawk didn’t mind. She had found her way back.
And below, the zookeepers watched with smiles and a quiet kind of pride.
This moment wasn’t part of their normal daily checklist, but it’s a shining example of what our keepers do every day—not only for the animals who call the Zoo home, but also for the native wildlife that shares our space.
During National Zookeeper Week, and all year long, we celebrate their passion, their quick thinking, and their unwavering dedication to all species—whether they’ve traveled from halfway across the world or hatched in a tree right here in Ohio.
It also reflects a long-standing and meaningful conservation partnership with the Ohio Wildlife Center, one of the state’s leading wildlife rehabilitation facilities. For decades, the Columbus Zoo has collaborated with OWC to support the rescue, medical treatment, and successful release of thousands of native animals—from hawks and owls to foxes, turtles, and songbirds. Our teams regularly assist in transporting wildlife in need, sharing expertise, and even volunteering in OWC’s triage and recovery spaces. Together, we’re committed to conservation not just on a global scale, but right here in our own backyards.
Whether it’s responding to injured animals or supporting local conservation initiatives, the Columbus Zoo and OWC work hand in hand to ensure that Ohio’s wild creatures have a chance to thrive. We’re proud of our continued partnership with the Ohio Wildlife Center, and proud of the people who make moments like this possible.
A young hawk has returned to the treetops. And, thanks to the people who cared for her every step of the way, the sky is hers again.
