One of the falcons at Rotorua Museum has been injured, and the possibility she was deliberately harmed is not being ruled out.
Three young karearea (New Zealand falcons) were released at the museum earlier this year in the first ever urban release of a threatened species in New Zealand.
OnSunday, volunteers monitoring the falcons noticed the female, Te Rangi Rere I Waho, known affectionately as 'Maureen' after the late Maureen Waaka, was limping and was looking generally unwell.
Staff from Wingspan, the National Bird of Prey Centre, captured her and took her straight to Central City Vets in Rotorua.
Checks have revealed the falcon has a significant abrasion on one of her legs and a smaller abrasion on one of her wings.
Wingspan executive director Debbie Stewart said that falcon had "a major body infection and swelling to both legs".
"She has been given fluids, painkillers and antibiotic injections. Thankfully, X-rays show no broken bones."
Vets tend to the injured falcon. SUPPLIED
The falcon will be closely monitored at Wingspan for the next few days where she will be treated with pain relief, anti-inflammatories and antibiotics.
After about a week she will be reassessed in the hope she will be fit enough to be re-released from the Museum later this month.
At this stage Wingspan has not been able to determine the cause of the falcon's injuries but is not ruling out deliberate harm.
"Sadly, most of the falcons we receive at Wingspan are the result of deliberate shooting, and this happening follows a press release from Massey University Vets just last week of another falcon shot," Ms Stewart said.
