Last week, at a moving event at Raanana Park, 22 falcons were returned to nature, after spending several days at Park Raanana, in order for them to become accustomed to their natural surroundings before their final release.  This past year, the falcons have been treated at the Wild Animal Hospital run by the Nature and Parks Authority, the Safari and the Ramat Hanadiv Nature Park.

Raanana children, attending the ‘Nature, Animals and Experiences’ summer camp and the ‘Green Environmental Protection’ camp took part in this special event.  Also on hand was the director of the Raanana Park Animal Corner, Nelson Shabhaman.

Raanana Park closely collaborates with the Nature and Parks Authority with regard to the rehabilitation and treatment of wild animals, such as porcupines, water birds and wild rabbits.

The 22 falcons, which underwent a long rehabilitation treatment, were raised to maturity almost with no human contact and prepared to live in the wild.  After various rehabilitation periods, they were transferred from Ramat Hanadiv to a special acclimatization cage at Raanana Park and after a few days of adapting to this environment, the falcons were released into nature by the campers.

Mayor Nahum Hofree:  “We invest a great deal in assimilating environmental values, protecting our municipal nature, developing our contact with animals through various educational programs, starting at an early age.  I am pleased that the Raanana children have taken part in releasing of the birds, which will raise their awareness with regard to the needs of animals and their rescue in Israel.”

Uri Kaizer, Nature and Parks Authority Inspector for the Sharon Region:  “Cooperation between a number of institutions has led to the return of the falcons to their natural habitat.  The fact that the children, who are attending a green camp, took part in the release of the falcons is a sign that there is a future for environmental and nature protection in Israel and that the younger generation considers the saving of our natural resources to be of importance.”

In the photos:  The director of the Raanana Park Animal Corner and the campers releasing the falcons at Raanana Park.  Photographer:  Sharon Bokov.