In Memory: Bellatrix the Great-Horned Owl

Sad news always seems to come in threes. We're heartbroken to share that Bella the great-horned owl passed away earlier this month on May 10th, 2023.

Bellatrix (Bella) was found in January 2014 in New Ellenton, SC, by the side of a road with a broken wing, likely from colliding with a car. Her injuries were treated at Carolina Raptor Center, but because she never fully regained her ability to fly, she could not be released. Bella arrived at Piedmont Wildlife Center in September 2014. Over the next 8 years, she helped teach thousands of students and adults about the great-horned owl's importance in North Carolina, and inspired awe in everyone who looked into those big yellow eyes.

In 2019, we noticed a suspicious plaque growing on the roof of Bella’s mouth. She was examined by multiple avian and exotic vets over the next several years, and underwent a variety of treatments to try to resolve the problem. Unfortunately, these treatments failed and we were never able to get a concrete diagnosis. By Spring 2023, her plaque had begun to spread and required twice-weekly removal by our staff to help her breathe and eat properly. Rather than put Bella through this stress indefinitely, we decided it was in her best interest to euthanize her before her quality of life declined further.

Most of our Ambassador Animals, including Bella, came to us from wildlife rehabilitators and other rescues. (Note: Piedmont Wildlife Center focuses on education and conservation, and does NOT rehabilitate injured or orphaned wildlife.) Their life histories before receiving treatment are usually unknown, and some have long-term health issues. It's our responsibility to give these beings the highest quality of life possible, from the minute they enter our care to their very last day with us.

We're able to provide this level of care because of YOUR support. Whether you worked with Bella as a volunteer, donated to our Wildlife Ambassador fund, or met her at a program, thank you for helping us tell her story, care for her, and keep her life interesting to the very end. If you would like to make a gift in Bella's memory, you may do so at the link below or at https://www.piedmontwildlifecenter.org/donate

In Memory: Pickles the Opossum

We are heartbroken to announce that Pickles, our younger female opossum, passed away suddenly on Tuesday, March 21st. In the wild, opossums only live about one year. While this is often the result of predators, they are also prone to health conditions that limit their lifespan.

Pickles came to PWC in August 2022 from Our Wild Neighbors. She immediately won over our staff and volunteers with her calm, gentle, and curious temperament. Even though she had a permanent injury to her paw, she was very active and enjoyed using her exercise wheel, taking walks outside in her harness, and climbing our staff to sit on their shoulders. (She was definitely a "shoulder opossum," and was known to grab staff members' shirts to "ask for" a ride!)

Pickles was also a wonderful ambassador for her species. Kids and adults who might have otherwise thought opossums are "dirty" or "scary" were charmed by her sweet demeanor and willingness to be pet. We're sure anyone who met Pickles walked away with a new appreciation for our misunderstood marsupial neighbors.

Even though she wasn't with us for very long, Pickles made a lasting impact on PWC, countless local elementary students, and our staff. We would love to hear your Pickles stories and see your photos of our sweet girl. If you would like to share, please e-mail conservation@piedmontwildlifecenter.org.

If you feel moved to make a donation in Pickles' memory to offset the cost of her veterinary care, please visit https://www.piedmontwildlifecenter.org/donate or click the button below.