Announcements

Wildlife education comes to life at the Paul C. Kupchok Wildlife Rehabilitation Center. The Center is is home to nearly 50 permanently disabled or imprinted raptors and other wildlife. It is licensed by the Department of Environmental Conservation and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service to maintain and rehabilitate birds of prey. Staff treat, rehabilitate and release injured, orphaned or distressed birds. We specialize in hawks, falcons, eagles, owls, and vultures. Songbirds and small mammals also are helped on occasion.
Children learn from a staff of state-licensed wildlife rehabilitators, an environmental educator and animal caretaker. Environmental classes provide opportunities for children to learn and appreciate nature and promote awareness of environmental conservation. Students assist in animal care by preparing diets, cleaning bowls and participating in various aspects of animal medical treatments.
Leir Interns support the program by assisting wildlife classes, working one-on-one with students, learning about wildlife rehabilitation, maintaining the Center and serving as primary caregivers for the animals.
The flightless emu is the largest bird native to Australia, but this particular emu didn’t travel that far, he’s from Massachusetts. Since he was 3 weeks old, Eli was hand-raised by the children at Green Chimneys and is imprinted, especially comfortable around humans and even other animals. In fact, Eli doesn’t mind sharing his paddock with sheep Bo Peep. At first, children can be afraid of Eli’s intimidating large beak and beady eyes.