U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. -- There’s a new bird in town at the Air Force Academy today.
Cairo, a nine-year old Anatum Peregrine, joined nine other falcons used during community outreach events at the Academy.
The falcon was given to the Academy by Leslie Egbert of Idaho, who specializes in rehabilitating predatory birds.
“Cairo belonged to a falconer who hunted with her,” Egbert said. “She developed a heart condition and can no longer stand the stress of flying.”
Col. Jennifer Alexander, officer in charge of the Falconry Club, picked up the bird from Egbert in Salt Lake City. Alexander said Sam Dollar, the Academy’s master falconer, will monitor Cairo’s health.
“We hope to share her with Academy fans by football season,” she said.
Falconry Club member Cadet 3rd Class Casey Miller said Cairo had a lot of potential despite her heart condition.
“She’s shown an even, calm temperament that is very helpful to us when we handle her,” Miller said.
“Our team is really excited to start working with her and showing her off at events.”
The Academy’s Class of 1959 voted for the falcon to be the school’s mascot.