Male Golden eagle in current enclosure

Tucson Wildlife Center (TWC) and Tucson Electric Power (TEP) started construction on February 7, 2013, on two new eagle flight enclosures at TWC’s east-side property.

TWC’s current raptor enclosure isn’t large enough to be fully functional for eagle rehabilitation. The wingspan of a golden eagle can reach seven and a half feet. Most of the eagles TWC receives have lead poison and require intense and lengthy treatment. The current enclosure serves as the final stage of rehabilitation for all of TWC’s large raptors and can be very busy, but is essential to these magnificent bird’s recovery and ultimate survival in the wild. TWC has one golden eagle being rehabilitated in the current raptor enclosure.

The need for these new enclosures is a result of TWC’s increased intake, so funds were raised specifically to build two massive side-by-side enclosures. They will be the largest of their kind in Southern Arizona.

Lisa Bates, co-founder of TWC, estimates the entire project should be completed by July 2013. She says, “This is a great opportunity to showcase the cooperation between TEP and TWC and will ultimately benefit the entire community.” TEP has donated 17 power poles and volunteered man hours to set the poles and run wire across the top of the structures. Ben Cole, Architect is credited for his volunteer work in designing this one-of-a-kind custom masterpiece.

Tucson Wildlife Center offers a 24-hour emergency room, volunteer veterinarians on call, trained rehabilitation experts to care for injured and orphaned wild animals, release transportation to native habitat, and educational opportunities. All services are provided free to the public.

Photos above & below taken by me today during a visit. TEP crews constructing first of two new raptor enclosures, 10 x 15 x 80 feet and 20 x 20 x 100 feet, double the length of current enclosure.

Photos of the only Golden eagle currently at the TWC, a one year old male which was picked up on October 30, 2012 starving in Wilcox, due to lead poisoningg from eating shot prey. He will be released when his stamina has improved and the weather is warmer.

Tucson Wildlife Center is located way out east at 13275 E. Speedway. I reported in October, 2012 when they held the groundbreaking ceremony for construction of their future Sam Goodman Wildlife Hospital (click here for photos).

To report injured wildlife, call 520-290-WILD. Their current “critter count” was at 68 animals today, see photo below. No injured roadrunners are in captivity at the present there, but I did see two wild ones just running around the enclosures.

On February 16, 2013 downtown Tucson will be the place to be for the 2nd Annual Tucson Science In The City festival, a Signature event of the statewide Arizona SCITECH festival.

Experience Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) events and activities for everyone.

10:00 am – 2:00 pm – Get engaged in the Science In The City Family SCIFest with hands-on activities for children of all ages.

1:00 pm – 4:00 pm – Checkout the Tech in Tucson Showcase and and the Technology and Innovation Forum for adults, high school, and college students. You will learn about Tucson’s technology industries and their contribution to the Tucson economy, technology development at the University of Arizona, STEM careers and education opportunities, and lots more.

Mark your calendar today. You won’t want to miss these engaging and educational events!

The 2nd Annual
Science In The City Family SCIFest

10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Children’s Museum Tucson in downtownTucson (200 S. 6th Ave.)
Free Admission

Pre-K12 children will see fascinating demonstrations and experience exciting hands-on STEM activities that will stimulate interest in science and math. Families will discover some of Tucson’s many innovative K-12 STEM student projects and school and community programs. The Pima County Joint Technical Education District and many Tucson Schools will be there along with the University of Arizona, the Children’s Museum Tucson, the Mathematics Road Show, the Southern Arizona Rocketry Association, and many more.

Arizona Technology Council
Tech In Tucson
Showcase and Innovation Forum

Tucson scientists and innovators in industry and the University Of Arizona are at the cutting edge of global Science and Technology. They are growing the Tucson economy and creating exciting and high paying jobs.

These amazing industry professionals, engineers, educators, scientists, and even college students are engaged in the development of some of the greatest advancements in science and technology such as new space exploration missions; creating new energy sources; developing new food supplies to feed the hungry; inventing new fuel efficient cars; engineering tiny nano technologies used in electronics, medical devices, and even stain resistant clothing; designing video games or the next generation Internet; developing new technologies to protect the environment; working to prevent and treat disease and more.

Careers in these industries require significant skills in math and science. Science, Technology, Engineering & Math (STEM) education provides students with critical thinking and problem-solving skills to prepare them for science and technology careers.

Tech in Tucson Showcase

1:00 – 4:00 pm
Tucson Electric Power Headquarters in downtown Tucson (88 E. Broadway)

The Showcase will feature exhibitors representing industry, education and community organizations. They will showcase their research, technology innovations, or education programs and resources. Adults, high school and college students will meet amazing Tucson scientists, educators, engineers, and other professionals from industry and the University of Arizona working at the at the cutting edge of science, technology and industry. You will see some of the latest and greatest innovations in Optics, Information Technology, Biosciences, Aerospace and Defense, Electronics and Semiconductors, Environmental Technology/Alternative Energy, and more being developed in Tucson.

You will also learn about science and technology careers and meet representatives from education and community organizations showcasing STEM education programs and resources and talking with you about what STEM education is and why it is important for our children and the Tucson economy.

As they say on TV, wait, there is more. You will also get connected to technology industry organizations such as the Arizona Optics Industry Association, the Arizona Technology Council, the Bio Industry Organization of Southern Arizona, the Arizona Nanotechnology Cluster, and the Arizona SCITECH Festival.

Forum – Technology Innovation and
Economic Development In Southern Arizona

2:00 – 3:00 pm
At the Tech in Tucson Showcase

Tucson Mayor Jonathan Rothschild and Congressman Ron Barber will headline this Forum on technology innovation and economic development in Southern Arizona. They will be joined by CEO’s from innovative Tucson companies and a representative from the University of Arizona to share with you how science, technology and innovation creates high paying jobs and drives economic development in southern Arizona.

More Info: http://azscitechfest.org/events/tucson-science-city. My previous post announcing this state-wide SCITECH festival and events in Pima County through March 16 at various locations, click here.

On Veteran’s Day holiday Monday Nov. 12 a “Books are Fun” Book Fair is being held at the huge Tucson Election Power corporate headquarters at 88 E. Broadway downtown, from 9 to 3 p.m. in their 2nd Floor Auditorium.

Proceeds from this event are to benefit homeless vets through HUD-VASH, a program providing permanent housing, case management & supportive services.

The Book Fair will feature:

Veterans from American Legion Posts & veterans of foreign wars

Holiday Mail for Heroes

Purchase snacks from Cafe 54, www.cafe54.org (one of my favorite restaurants at 54 Pennington St. downtown)

Hosted by the Library & Resource Center of T.E.P.

More information – Jan Prideaux, jprideaux@tep.com, 520-745-3318.

Celebrate Veteran’s Day on Nov. 12 and honor our veterans.