Erie County Legislator Joe Lorigo and Hawk Creek are excited to announce that Freedom, an injured bald eagle, was symbolically adopted on Nov. 20, 2012. During a tour of the facility and presentation marking the center’s 25th anniversary, Legislator Lorigo adopted Freedom, supporting Hawk Creek’s ongoing efforts to provide educational programs and care for its animals.
“I want to congratulate Hawk Creek on 25 outstanding years and for creating an incredible facility to care for so many animals. The care, love, and dedication shown to the animals there was inspiring. Thank you to the staff for the tour of the center. It really is a unique place and a hidden treasure in our community,” said Legislator Lorigo. “I chose to adopt Freedom because of his amazing story. He lost part of his wing as a result of being shot and has been cared for by Hawk Creek since 2006. After seeing the quality level of care provided to the animals, I was happy to support the adoption program, knowing the funds are being well utilized.”
Founded in East Aurora in 1987, Hawk Creek Wildlife Center, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to providing wildlife education, rehabilitation, and conservation services to the community. More than 90 non-releasable animals from around the world call Hawk Creek home while hundreds more are rehabilitated at the center each year. Hawk Creek has been featured on Rachael Ray, Conan O’Brien, PBS, and was voted a Blue Planet Hero by National Geographic.
“It’s always great to introduce our animal ambassadors to individuals that care about wildlife and the challenges that many animals face in today’s world,” said Hawk Creek’s Director of Wildlife Education, Tanya Lowe. “Each animal is a teacher and has an important lesson for us, we just have to listen. The staff and animals of Hawk Creek would like to thank Legislator Lorigo for taking the time to meet our animals and listen to their stories.”
Hawk Creek has over 90 permanent residents who cannot be returned to their natural habitat and will spend the rest of their lives there. There are many reasons these animals cannot be released back into the wild. Unlike domestic animals, they cannot be adopted out to new homes. Hawk Creek’s Adopt an Animal Program allows people to symbolically adopt wildlife ambassadors contributing to their food, housing, medical, and enrichment needs. As the holidays approach, consider an animal adoption as the perfect gift for the person who has everything. To learn about adopting, please visit Hawk Creek’s online store at
Additional information about Hawk Creek is available at www.hawkcreek.org.
Legislator Lorigo’s adoption of Freedom was paid for with his private finances. In addition to adopting the bald eagle, Legislator Lorigo presented a certificate to founder Loretta Jones in recognition of Hawk Creek’s longevity and wished her continued success.
To contact Legislator Lorigo, please call 858-8922 or email joseph.lorigo@erie.gov.