Did you know that the fastest animal in the world is found right here at Rock City?
That’s right, the peregrine falcon, among other birds of prey, are regular visitors as part of the Rock City Raptors show.
Get up close to hawks, a bald eagle, owls and other incredible birds, and watch some fly overhead in this live program hosted by Wings to Soar, a nonprofit organization that rescues and rehabilitates injured birds of prey. Shows take place in the Critter Classroom on Legacy Lane Thursdays through Sundays, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Injury, among other factors, have rendered these highly adept and intelligent birds incapable of survival in the wild, but they now live comfortably in the care of husband and wife duo John Stokes and Dale Kernahan, who have trained with birds for a combined 58 years and counting.
The relationship between bird and trainer is surprisingly dynamic, which Kernahan says is quite amusing to see play out in front of the audience.
“Casey, for example, our black vulture, actually loves doing these programs,” Kernahan said. “What I love most is seeing the reaction of guests enjoying this beautiful experience and having the bird enjoy it as well.”
Getting within wing’s length of these birds also presents an opportunity to dispel popular myths and misunderstandings that are unfairly attributed to these birds.
“People time and time again come up and say, ‘My favorite bird in your show ended up being that black vulture,’” Stokes said. “We didn’t know that they’re animated and intelligent; she [Casey] changed my whole opinion about these birds.’”