Conan the Warrior 2

Isn't she magnificent?

She is a Black Shouldered Kite and has been named Conan the Warrior 2 as she is our 2nd Bird of Prey to be brought to ACE.

We rescued her from El Nada Land Zoo a week ago tomorrow, as she was left in direct sunlight with no place to escape the extreme sun.

She had no perch and was forced to sit on hot paving stones, desperately trying to hide in a corner of what is a small aviary for birds. It's about 70cm square and 1.5m high.

A bag of small fish had been thrown in and a water bottle had been cut to make a bowl for her to drink.

Stressed, overheated, hungry and completely out of her natural environment, we made the very quick decision to remove her and take her to ACE.

A member of staff told us they had bought the bird from 'Someone' that had taken her from her mother. It is not the first time we have heard of such things. Now, she had ended up in this prison to become a spectacle for children to poke sticks and throw rubbish at.
The staff were confident that she was fine, happy and would survive, but we were not. Another day left there and she would surely die.

Conan seems to be doing well and is happier after resting and eating in a peaceful room for a few days. We take her out everyday to stretch her wings, but she is not quite ready to fly.

Fascinating and most exquiste bird, but look at that tongue!