November 17, 2009
MLA Slater Recognizes Owl Rehabilitation Centre

VICTORIA- Boundary-Similkameen MLA John Slater spoke in the Legislature today to recognize the South Okanagan Rehabilitation Centre for Owls. Below is a transcript of MLA Slater’s statement:

“I am fortunate to live and represent a very unique area. The Okanagan and Similkameen along with the Thompson valleys are home to 14 of the 15 species of owls that are found in British Columbia, which can be seen at various times throughout the year.

“SORCO, the South Okanagan Rehabilitation Centre for Owls, is a non-profit society whose mandate is conservation through rehabilitation and education for orphaned birds of prey. Ken Fujino, who is the centre's facility manager, along with a volunteer board of directors treat and care for injured and orphaned birds. These birds are also known as raptors. Some examples are owls, hawks, eagles, vultures, falcons and osprey. Once the birds are capable, they are released back into the wild, and 98 percent of all orphaned chicks that are brought into the centre have been released.

“Two great horned owl fledglings have been nursed since February 2009 and were recently set free, one in Kelowna and one in Naramata. Several species of birds that have been restored to health at the centre are red-listed, which means they are facing global extinction.

“British Columbia's only endangered owl, the burrowing owl, is found in the Okanagan grasslands and not only does the well-known Burrowing Owl Winery pay tribute to its distinctive bird by naming their winery after it, the owner, Jim Wyse, has volunteered his time and skills to assist in making habitats for these endangered birds.

“As mentioned before, SORCO is a non-profit society that has been operating since 1987. Like any other society in the province, most of the work is done by volunteers who struggle with funding their organization and activities. Unfortunately SORCO is not a zoo, and visitors are not able to drop in. However, they do visit schools and various organizations regularly as part of the society's educational program. They do have an adopt-an-owl program and will be looking for additional members and fundraising opportunities. I encourage everybody to go to www.sorco.org to learn more.”

For his previous statements in the B.C. Legislature, visit MLA Slater’s website at www.johnslatermla.bc.ca

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