The story of the injured osprey, found outside the Media One studios in the early hours of 8/7/23, came to a quick and tragic end on 8/8/23 as the bird had to be humanely destroyed.

Sandra Emke of TSE Wildlife transported the osprey to the SPCA in West Seneca where veterinarians found it had a severely dislocated elbow.  

With birds this large she says the elbows a very delecate, and necessary to be able to fly.

Emke says further examination revealed another problem, that being bullet fragments found in his foot and ankle.  

SPCA leaders determined there would be no quality of life for the raptor and the decision was made to euthanize the animal.  

Exactly when the gunshot wound occurred was not clear.  The bird was not bleeding when it was rescued by Emke and Cheryl Burns of Emusing Wildlife.  

While not ‘endangered,’ ospreys are listed as a ‘species of special concern’ in New York. Shooting one is a violation of state and federal law.

If you come across a wild animal that is injured, remember to keep the safety of both yourself and the animal at the forefront. Try not to approach it. Try not to bring too big of a crowd into it because the more people there are, the more nervous the animal gets and could cause additional issues. 

• On weekdays you can call the DEC Regional Wildlife Office at 716-851-7010. 
• On weekends you can call the Environmental Conservation Officers dispatch line at 1-844-332-3267. 
• You can also contact a wildlife rehabilitator.  Wildlife rehabilitators are licensed by DEC to care for injured or orphaned wildlife for release back into the wild. Rehabilitators volunteer their time and do not receive funding for expenses associated with their services (veterinary care, food, medicine, etc.).

Important note on handling sick or injured wildlife: If you discover sick or injured wildlife, please contact a rehabilitator immediately for advice on safe handling, both for your sake and for the animal. Some animals require special handling, while others may have diseases that can be transferred to people. Extra precautions should be taken around bats, raccoons or skunks as these species have a higher risk of carrying rabies, which can be transmitted to humans and pets.

Donations to TSE Wildlife Center can be made by cash or check to: 

506 Eccles Road, Kennedy, NY 14747 or you can donate your cans at Don't Trash It Redemption Center on South Work Street in Falconer (just tell them it's for TSE Wildlife Center!) 

You can also make a quick online donation at this link.