Sun Metro to Host Community Meetings
Serving your community, meeting your transit needs, Sun Metro begins with YOU!

Sun Metro urges the public to attend one of a series of upcoming community meetings to provide first-hand experiences and offer specific suggestions that will assist us in identifying transit improvements of benefit to the entire community.

Sun Metro’s latest endeavor begins next month with the first phase of a detailed service analysis that will not only address existing transportation needs, but also explore ideas that could help meet increasing transit demand. The analysis will explore opportunities in which to provide an efficient transit service while implementing potential service expansions on high ridership routes. Community involvement is critical in adding to the quality of the final recommendations which will complement our internal transit system analysis.

Sun Metro Service Improvement Plan
3 Stage Transit Analysis

• Local Input on current and future service
• Broad-based data collection, analysis and on-site examination of existing transit system
• Final recommendations for route improvements and service expansion plans

1. Local Transit Coverage & Commute Patterns
2. Traffic Volumes and Potential Rail Corridors
3. System-wide passenger count
4. Passenger Survey
5. Existing Service Evaluation and Ridership Trends
6. Fleet and Facilities Inventory
7. Route improvement and Service Expansion Plans
8. Financial Plan

Public Input
The upcoming meetings are a perfect avenue for the community to help Sun Metro identify potential service improvements. Sun Metro is confident the meetings will result in improvements designed to encourage a larger segment of the community to use public transportation. Beginning next month, as part of an effort to gather ideas from the public, Sun Metro will conduct Community Meetings throughout El Paso. A brief informal overview of the project will be provided at each meeting, but the primary purpose is to listen to the public discuss the improvements they would like to see made over the next several years. The meeting locations, dates and times are listed below.

1. June 13th @ 6:00pm (Westside Branch Library)
2. June 14th @ 6:00pm (Centro de Salud de la Familia La Fe)
3. June 19th @ 12:00pm (Irving Shwartz Library)
4. June 20th @ 2:00pm (Grandview Senior Center)
5. June 21st @ 6:00pm (City Hall- Conference Room 8th Floor)
6. June 27th @ 12:00pm (Archeology Museum)

Sun Metro continues to move forward in providing the community with “a safe, reliable, clean bus, driven by a professional coach operator that practices excellent customer service”. Please join us so, collectively, we can continue to improve our public transportation system!

POLICY CHANGE FOR RECYCLING - SENIOR / DISABLED WAIVERS

Effective this week service for recycling route waivers will be picked up on the 2nd and 4th week of the month

Environmental Services has found that many of the blue recycling container waivers that are being serviced are mostly empty. Therefore, effective this week the waivers which are on the recycling routes will now be serviced on the 2nd and 4th week of each month. This ONLY applies to the recycling containers. Trash waivers will continue to be picked up weekly due to health and safety factors.

El Paso Museum of History Grand Opening
Saturday, June 16th, 2007
Noon - 5 p.m. Free Admission

Come celebrate 400 years of history.

Music, dance, craft activities, face-painting and much, much more……bring the entire family!

The new El Paso Museum of History is located just off I-10 in downtown El Paso's Cultural District (on the corner of Santa Fe and Missouri). Enjoy exploring more than 400 years of regional history as you meander through visitor-friendly, bilingual exhibits designed for all ages.

The El Paso Museum of History is one of three City-operated museums overseen by the Museums & Cultural Affairs Department, including the El Paso Museum of Art and the El Paso Museum of Archaeology. The El Paso Museum of History was established in 1974 as the Cavalry Museum but quickly served a scope and purpose beyond its title and began to function as a local history museum. In 1980, the name of the museum was officially changed to the El Paso Museum of History.

Entrance to the museum is always free. For more information, call 915-351-3588 or visit the Museum's website at: www.elpasotexas.gov/history

Hours of Operation:
Tuesday - Saturday, 10am - 5pm
Sunday, noon - 5pm
Closed Mondays

Volunteer and be a part of the fun at the Grand Opening of the El Paso Museum of History!

The staff at the El Paso Museum of History is excited about the Grand Opening, and we know you are just as excited! Many people have said they would like to volunteer and be a part of the fun - now is the time to sign up. We need your help!

There are two shifts for most positions:
Shift A: 11:30-2:30 (includes set-up)
Shift B: 2:30-5:30 (includes break-down/clean up)

We really appreciate your support and look forward to working with you on this major event. Please contact Jessica Santascoy at SantascoyJS@elpasotexas.gov or 915-351-3588 ext. 7010 to sign up.

If you don't have the time to volunteer, please accept our invitation to join the festivities on this special, historic day.

Join the El Paso Youth Council Today!

The City of El Paso is seeking teens in grades 10-12 to serve on the El Paso Youth Council (EPYC pronounced "epic"). What is EPYC? It is a group of young people from diverse backgrounds who will work together, with the support and mentorship of El Paso's municipal leaders, to serve the community and give civic leaders insight on issues affecting youth. Becoming a member of EPYC will allow students to improve their collegiate applications or resumes, get to know the Mayor and City Council, develop life and leadership skills and much more. Membership is open to all students who live in the El Paso City limits, maintain a "C" average or better and are interested in representing their peers and becoming El Paso's future leaders. The El Paso Youth Council is a new initiative of the City of El Paso designed to get young people more involved in City Government. There will be 2 members appointed by each District, 2 by the Mayor's Office and 2 from the library's teen hangout program. There will also be several at-large selections. Applications and additional information are available by calling 543-5495.

The El Paso Museum of Art presents:
Sister Cities: Testing Boundaries: Art and Artisans Along the U.S. - Mexico Border Contemporary Crossroads
May 5 - August 26, 2007

Including artists such as Margarita Cabrera, Gaspar Enriquez, Carlos Gomez, Louis Hock, Alfred Quiroz, Mauricio Saenz and Einar and James de la Torre from the sister cities along the U.S. and Mexico border, (S.C.T.B.) investigates why the U.S./Mexico border and the frequent passage of ideas, culture and people found there has become an increasingly crucial subject that produces numerous misunderstood realities and paradoxes. This multi-state and binational exhibition explores the work of emerging and established living artists working in a variety of media and testing physical, aesthetic and conceptual boundaries.

The Museum is now open until 9:00 pm Thursday evenings for your convenience. Please join us!

Keep Kids Mentally Active This Summer

El Paso Public Library's Summer Reading Club (SRC) kicks-off on Saturday, June 2 at all public library facilities. This year's theme is Sail Away with Books! Children just completing the eighth grade and all those younger are eligible to participate. It is easy and fun to join. Simply visit any Public Library, fill out a registration form and start reading. Kids are encouraged to read just 8 books or 8 hours depending on their reading level. At the end of Summer Reading Club, each child who meets or exceeds these goals will receive a certificate of completion. Some branches offer other reading incentives such as prizes, goodie bags and toys for those completing the program.

Summer Reading Club also has hundreds of special programs for young people and families throughout the summer such as karaoke, storytelling and virtual reality demonstrations. Still other programs offer children and parents insight into El Paso history, law enforcement, fire prevention and water safety.

Summer Reading Club is just one of the ways parents can help children fight summer learning lag. The phrase refers to the period of time between school sessions when children's cognitive development slows due to the lack of academic instruction. Programs such as Summer Reading Club help curb summer learning lag by exercising children's brain muscle. The more children are exposed to activities that challenge the mind, the more likely they are to succeed academically. The best part is the programs are free.

For more information on Summer Reading Club call your local branch library, visit the Kids Zone at www.elpasolibrary.org or call (915) 543-5470.

- Summer Reading Club Flyer

Museum Taking Applications for Summer Youth Volunteers

Looking for something fun and rewarding to do this summer? Apply for the Summer Youth Volunteer Program at the El Paso Museum of Art and help out with children's art classes! Earn volunteer credit hours through applicable school programs. The Education Department is now taking applications for students 14 years or older.

Summer Art Camps will run June 5-July 27, 2007. A brief orientation session will be held at the El Paso Museum of Art before camps begin. For more information please contact Viola Chavez, Museum School Coordinator at 532-1707, ext. 27, or email chavezve@elpasotexas.gov to receive a City of El Paso volunteer application.

Ribbon Cutting: Zaragoza Bridge Expansion

If you haven't heard the news yet, the Zaragoza Bridge has opened two new vehicular lanes going southbound to our neighbors in Ciudad Juarez. The Zaragoza International Bridge officially opened December 1, 1990, with temporary state and federal facilities and with four (4) staffed lanes and (1) AVI (Automatic Vehicle Identification) lane. Now with the expansion there are six (6) staffed lanes with future expansion of an additional AVI lane. The increased volume of vehicles at peak hours is estimated at 90 seconds and the average wait time is 7 seconds. The new lanes will allow the City of El Paso to process vehicles faster, thus shortening wait times and eliminating congestion at the intersections of Zaragoza and Cesar Chavez. The total cost of these two additional lanes was $300,000, which included upgrading the entire automated toll software, some computer software, new booths and security cameras and the installation of a new wrought iron fence to protect pedestrians. Currently, AVI labels may be purchased only at the Toll Plaza office located adjacent to the tollbooths at the Zaragoza Bridge. In the near future, AVI's will also be available at the Stanton Street Bridge.

El Paso International Airport News

Butterfield Trail on Track for June Unveiling
Construction is nearing completion at Butterfield Trail Golf Club, located just a long iron shot away from the El Paso International Airport. The par-72, desert-style layout was designed by internationally acclaimed architect Tom Fazio, who took advantage of the site's distinctive desert topography, incorporating natural sand dunes and native flora and fauna. Complementing the course will be a spacious practice facility and an 8,800-square-foot clubhouse, which will house the Salida Del Sol restaurant and bar, open for breakfast and lunch daily (evening hours will be available for private functions).

Butterfield Trail Welcomes Trio of New Staffers
KemperSports, manager of Butterfield Trail, recently appointed Paul Amaya, an El Paso native, as sales and marketing director. Class A PGA member Val D'Souza came on board as head golf professional, and Lawrence Mosher joined the Butterfield Trail staff as executive chef/food and beverage director.

In the News
See Butterfield Trail Golf Club in the April issue of LINKS Magazine, a national golf publication. The course was featured in a story called "Sweet Spread" in the magazine's "Leaderboard" section. According to LINKS, "Butterfield Trail is no ordinary muni...Highlighted by natural sand dunes, the 7,293-yard course takes advantage of the distinctive desert surroundings and the elevation changes."

For more information, visit www.butterfieldtrailgolf.com.

Upcoming El Paso Zoo Events

June, July & August - Zoo Camp 2007
It's our Zoo Society's summer camp right here at the Zoo. With a fabulous, fun theme: the Amur leopard, kids learn about our animals, tour behind the scenes at the Zoo, enjoy craft-making and playing games. Each child gets a themed T-shirt. Hurry to sign up - classes fill quickly: 532-8156

July 7 - Military, Fire & Law Appreciation Day
We honor the men and women who save, serve and protect with half price admission for all.

July 27 - Zoo Society Member's Appreciation Party
Join the fun as we send out a big, warm, fuzzy, furry thanks to our Zoo Members. Call (915) 532-8156 for all the details. You can purchase a Zoo membership the night of the event.

Fire Department Works With Community for Fundraiser

On Wednesday May 2, Baskin-Robbins ice cream stores partnered up with the El Paso Fire Department and the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, the organization that honors America's fallen fire heroes and their families, and kicked off the summer season early with a special 31-Cent Scoop Night celebration. Ice cream lovers went to their local Baskin-Robbins stores and enjoyed their favorite ice cream flavor for only 31 cents while paying tribute to El Paso's Bravest. El Paso Firefighters visited the following locations to meet and greet the public:

5640 Montana
9574 Dyer
10790 Pebble Hills
3434 N. Mesa
5610 N. Desert Blvd. (at Redd Rd.)
12135 Montwood
1320 N. Zaragosa


The above Baskin Robbins stores sold a total of 12,720 scoops for 31 cents from 5-10pm. 12,720 scoops equal about 330 gallons of ice cream. The store at 5640 Montana sold the most scoops that night. They sold about 2,431 scoops.

Baskin-Robbins representatives recently presented a check for $1000 dollars to the El Paso Association of Firefighters Local 51.

Street Department Salvage Operation Helps to Beautify and Preserve 30 Palm Trees

Viscount from Montwood to I-10 is the beneficiary of some 30 palm trees that the Street Department has salvaged from the Paso Del Norte Bridge. The Palm trees were going to be destroyed due to construction at the bridge. The El Paso Street Department saw an opportunity to not only preserve the 30 palm trees but to also beautify an area of El Paso. The Street Department lowered the grade in the medians, a water meter has been installed and boring has been done for connectivity of the medians. The Street Department started removing the palms from the Paso Del Norte Bridge on April 16, 2007.  The palm trees are Mexican Fan Palms, 25 to 30 feet tall. Planting was done simultaneously with the excavation of the Palm tress. In approximately 3 to 6 months, once the palms are established, additional beautification will be done on the Viscount medians.

Congratulations to Fellow Employees for Achievement

A special congratulation goes to the following individuals for receiving their Masters Degrees:

Officer Adrian Alvillar, Pebble Hills Regional Command Center
    Master of Arts in Education, Education Curriculum and Instruction
Officer Sylvia Garcia, Police Headquarters/Accreditation Unit,
    Master of Science in Administration of Justice and Security
Sgt. Justin Monarez, Northeast Regional Command Center,
    Master of Science in Administration of Justice and Security.

April Supervisory Academy Graduates

El Paso Zoo Volunteers Attend Wolf Conference in Arizona

Left -- Zoo Volunteers Nancy Bain (right) and Helen Stark manning the wolf bio fact table

Zoo Volunteers Nancy Bain and Helen Stark love wolves. They are often seen at El Paso Zoo conservation events showing children a display of wolf bio facts and telling them the important role that wolves play in healthy ecosystems. They are especially fond of the Mexican wolf because there are fewer than 60 in the wild. This past April, they traveled to Flagstaff, Arizona for the 19th Annual North American Wolf Conference. The event gives an update of the wolves in North America (including the Mexican wolf) and discusses the viability of re-introducing the wolves into their historic ranges.

"I thought the conference was excellent. It has a lot of information, covered many, many different facets of reintroduction programs, "says Helen Stark, "there were over a hundred people at that meeting." Stark says people traveled from all over the country to attend the conference.

In contrast to the problems facing many endangered species, it's not shrinking habitat but human conflict that is proving a challenge to reintroducing Mexican wolves to the wild. Mexican wolves became extinct in the wild but were maintained in zoos across the United States and Mexico, including the El Paso Zoo. Now that the Mexican wolves are being re-introduced in Northern New Mexico and Arizona, animal conservationists and ranchers are at odds as the wolves enter territories where cattle and other livestock are present. Bain says the conservation group Defenders of Wildlife and other groups compensate ranchers when a Mexican wolf takes livestock.

Nancy Bain says wolves bring wild places back into balance. "They keep elk and deer herds healthy by taking out the old and sick. Elk and deer feed on a lot of aspen and other small young plants in the areas along creek and stream beds," says Bain, "this allows the water to erode the stream beds and muddy the waters. Keeping the elk herd smaller allows the areas to reestablish which in turn eliminates erosion and allows more native species to live and nest in those areas."

Zoo volunteers Nancy Bain and Helen Stark took the trip to Arizona for the wolf conference because the wolf is one endangered animal that is very special to them. The El Paso Zoo, Bain says "represents the ability for just the average person to be able to see a magnificent, intelligent creature - one that should be allowed to live and breed in its original habitat without the fear of humans and the possibility of extinction." Bain and Stark are on a mission to save the Mexican wolf. Making people aware of conservation and nature through education is the El Paso Zoo's mission, too.

TAKE ADVANTAGE

Enjoy Ciclovia's Last Sunday in May

It's time to get outside! Ciclovia takes the parks to the streets every Sunday in May from 7:00 am-11:00 am. Rim Road, Scenic Drive, McKelligon Canyon Road and portions of Alabama Street will be closed to motor vehicles; and pedestrians, cyclists, rollerbladers and walkers will take over bringing a new level of fun to the Sun City fit for all ages.

The following are a few tips when planning for this event:

• Parking areas are designated at the five parks on the route including, Tom Lea Park (Lower), Rim Road Park, Arroyo Park, Newman Park and Scenic Drive Park.
• Some additional parking areas will be available
• Commemorative Ciclovia T-Shirts are still available for sale
• Existing street restrictions on parking ( parking on driveways along the route is prohibited)

Hurry…spaces filling up for Zoo Camp 2007!

El Paso Zoo Camp 2007 runs June, July & August! This year's animal theme is: Leopards. Campers will explore the world of our Zoo's exotic Amur Leopard and those in the wild; learning about their habitat, diet and intelligence of these magnificent animals. Zoo Campers will have the opportunity to visit behind the scenes, talk with zoo keepers, participate in animal presentations, work on crafts, play games, eat healthy snacks and receive their own official "Zoo Camp 2007" t-shirt.

"Focusing a different animal each year gives the instructors the chance to really go in depth with their lesson and the kids learn all about the animal whether it's an orangutan or Amur leopard - one of the rarest of the big cats in the world," says Liz Kern, spokesperson for the El Paso Zoo. "Seeing Amur leopards at the El Paso Zoo solidifies a connection to nature and we hope it inspires kids to take action to help protect Amur leopards in the wild." says Kern.

El Paso Zoological Society members pay $75 per week; non-members pay $85 per week and camp fees must be paid before campers are registered. Kids have to be 6 -10 years old to participate. The class sizes are limited to first come, first served. Sessions are open from 9:00 a.m. to Noon; June 18-22, 25-29, July 9-13, and 16-20. Hurry! Sessions are filling up. Zoo Society members get the first chance to sign up. (More reason to become a member). Call 532-8156 for more details.
El Paso Zoo: 4001 E. Paisano. Sun Metro Bus Routes 21, 22, 23, 24 65-Paisano@61, 62, 64

El Paso Museum of Art Summer 2007 Art Camps and Classes

The El Paso Museum of Art is offering a variety of studio art classes, camps and workshops this summer for adults, children and families. Weekly art camps begin June 5 and will continue through July 27, 2007. Camps are offered Tuesday through Friday, mornings: 9:30am-12:00pm or afternoons: 1:00-3:30pm, for ages 5 to 14. Weekend art classes begin June 2 and will continue through July 29, 2007. Tuition prices vary depending on the course and cost of materials.

Family workshops are offered the second Sunday of each month from 1:00-3:00 p.m. and all supplies are included. Ages 3 and up are welcome.

Pre-registration is required for all classes, camps and workshops. To register for classes or for more information please call 532-1707 or log-on to www.elpasoartmuseum.org.

For a full listing of classes, camps and workshops - click on the following link: -2007 Art Listing

Summer Archaeology Day Camp

The El Paso Museum of Archaeology will host various Summer Archaeology Day Camp sessions during the upcoming months. Sessions will take place the following dates:

-Session 1: July 17-20 (Grades 1-3)
-Session 2: July 24-27 (Grades 4-7)
-Session 3: July 31-August 3 (Grades 1-3)
-Session 4: August 7-10 (Grades 4-7)

Police: Upcoming Community Events in the Mission Valley Area

May 24th	9:00 a.m. -- Parade Ascarate Elementary (7090 Alameda)
May 25th	8:00 a.m. - Safety Fair (AMBER ID Card Program) State National Bank (7744 N. Loop)

HEALTH WELLNESS

Important Information from the City-County Health & Environmental District

NEWS from El Paso Fire Department Prevention Division

Code Enforcement
Fire Inspectors are meeting with Ysleta Independent School District officials to get ready and open up the new Eastwood Middle School located at 2612 Chaswood. The new school should be ready to open by the next school year. At this time students are having classes in portable classrooms at Hanks High School.

Public Education
El Paso Fire Department kicked off National Safe Kids Week. Through press releases and interviews, the message was put out that accidents kill one million children each year around the world and permanently disable many more. More children between the ages of 1 to 14 die from accidents involving fires and drowning than any other cause. And almost all of these injuries are preventable.
Public Education Inspectors provided CERT training (Community Emergency Response Teams) to 40 students and 7 staff members from Socorro High School. Faculty and students were very impressed by the professionalism displayed by the fire instructors and really enjoyed the 2 day class.

Safety Tips
Fires
Fires remain a leading cause of unintentional injury-related death among children in the United States. Simply installing smoke alarms on every level of your home and in every sleeping area cuts the chances of dying in a home fire in half. Keeping matches, lighters and other heat sources out of children's reach can help eliminate child-play fires, the leading cause of fire-related death for children 5 and under. Preparation and education are key elements of preventing fire tragedies. Planning and practicing a fire escape route with your family, and talking to your children about what to expect in a fire, are simple steps anyone can take. A prepared child is more likely to escape a house fire unharmed.

Drownings
Despite a 40 percent decline since 1987, drowning is still the second leading cause of unintentional injury-related death to children ages 1 to 14, taking more than 900 children's lives each year. For every child who drowns, four more are hospitalized for near drowning. Drownings and near-drownings tend to occur on the weekend (40 percent) and between the months of May and August (62 percent). Most drownings and near-drownings occur in residential swimming pools. More than half of these drownings take place in the child's home pool, and one-third occur at the homes of friends, neighbors or relatives. However, it's important to know that children, especially younger ones, can also drown in as little as 1 inch of water. This puts them at risk of drowning in wading pools, bathtubs, buckets, diaper pails, toilets, spas and hot tubs. A child should never be unsupervised in or near water, even shallow wading pools.

Firework Enforcement
In 2005, about 9,700 people in the United States were treated in hospital emergency rooms for injuries associated with fireworks. Over half the injuries were burns and most of the injuries involved the hands, eyes and head. Half of the victims were under 15 years of age. The 4th of July holiday is on the horizon and El Paso Fire Department officials would like to remind the public about the dangers of using fireworks and that fireworks are illegal inside the City of El Paso. If you are caught with fireworks within city limits they will be confiscated and you will be issued a citation. Fines can go as high as $2000.00.

It is amazing that we are already on our 31st issue of the Employee Newsletter in only 2 ½ years. We have seen information reported that directly impacts employees. From Human Resources rules changes to information about initiatives that affect the community they live in, the Employee Newsletter strives to keep you, the employee, informed on what is going on in YOUR organization.

In order for us to continue providing the best quality newsletter, we would like to hear from you. We are interested in getting your perspective on the Newsletter. Please provide us your answers to the following questions:

1. Do you receive the newsletter?

2. How often do you read the employee newsletter?

3. How useful is the information included in the articles in the Employee Newsletter? (on a scale of 1 - 5; 1 being the lowest and 5 being the highest)
   
   1 - Not at all
   2
   3 - Moderately useful
   4
   5 - Very useful

4. What type of information would you like to see included in future Employee Newsletters?

5. Do you feel that there is improved information sharing with employees on important policies, events and services?

You can submit your answers to these questions by email to elpasopio@elpasotexas.gov, or to the Communications & Public Affairs Office at City Hall on the 10th Floor. We sincerely thank you for your input!

General Links

• Human Resources
• City Employees' Pension Fund
• Police and Fire Pension Fund
• Neighborhood Toolbox
• Employee Newsletter Archive
• The Portal
• City Events Calendar
• City News Page

Benefits Services

• Health Benefits - Access Healthsource
• Dental - Concordia
• Dental – Safeguard
• Pharmacy - RESTAT
• Vision – Block
• Unum Life Insurance – Disability
• ING Life Insurance – Dependent/Basic/
  AD & D
• ING – Deferred Compensation
• EP Fitness
• Del Sol Medical Center
• Las Palmas Medical Center

Contact Us

Do you have a question, comment or feedback on the Employee Newsletter? Let us know!

Send us an email at:
elpasopio@elpasotexas.gov

We value your opinion!

El Paso Zoo Helps Rehab 2 Golden Eagles: Now Taking Flight!

Photos Courtesy: Last Chance Forever/The Bird of Prey Conservancy in San Antonio, TX

On the far edge of the Texas Hill Country, out over the rolling landscape three Golden Eagles sought and received their freedom again. Once downed due to wing fractures and leg injuries, they soared their way to the evening sun and once again the earth, nature and the eco-system is complete. The work to save these eagles was done by the Chihuahuan Desert Wildlife Rescue, the El Paso Zoo veterinary team ( Dr. Victoria Milne, El Paso Zoo veterinarian and her staff Erin, Gris, Linda, and Enrique) the "Land Sky and Water" Flight Team and Last Chance Forever/The Bird of Prey Conservancy in San Antonio, TX. - John Karger, Director of Last Chance Forever/The Bird of Prey Conservancy

A successful partnership between the El Paso Zoo, the Chihuahuan Desert Wildlife Rescue, and the San Antonio wildlife rehabilitation group Last Chance Forever leads to the release of two Golden Eagles.

After much dedication and hard work by the El Paso Zoo Animal Medical Center and Last Chance Forever/The Bird of Prey Conservancy in San Antonio, the two golden eagles have now been released to the skies. "The national average for successful release of injured raptors is only between 20-35% - that means more than half never make it - they either die or don't heal well enough to be released," says Dr. Victoria Milne, the El Paso Zoo Veterinarian, "so having both of these eagles not only survive but be released is really outstanding!"

Last summer, the two injured golden eagles were brought to the El Paso Zoo. One bird, brought in to the Zoo in May after it was hit by a school bus in Sierra Blanca had lost a lot of blood and had two broken wings. In June, a larger, darker bird was found injured by an El Paso Electric Company employee. The Chihuahuan Desert Wildlife Rescue referred them to the Zoo. The eagle had a broken femur and had lost a lot of weight. No one knew exactly how she broke her leg.

LEFT: El Paso Zoo Veterinarian: Dr. Vikki Milne

Dr. Victoria Milne and the staff at the El Paso Zoo Animal Medical Center performed several surgeries to correct the injuries and cared for the birds for several months. Then Dr. Milne called Last Chance Forever; a bird of prey wildlife rescue group in San Antonio that specialized in the rehabilitation training for the birds to be able to fly again.

"It was the hard work of the entire Animal Health team from the El Paso Zoo that led to the Zoo's successful role in this - which included initial surgery followed by careful handling, husbandry and foot protection, and wound care until birds were ready for the months of physical therapy at 'Last Chance Forever' that followed" says Dr. Milne.

John Karger (RIGHT), the Director of the "Last Chance Forever" wildlife rehab center personally escorted the birds from El Paso to San Antonio on July 27, 2006. This would enable him to monitor their comfort and health on the way back to San Antonio.

At the El Paso Zoo's Animal Medical Center, Dr. Milne and Mr. Karger prepared the eagles for their safe transport during the flight. This process required towels, regular masking tape, quick work, and steady hands! A company donation made the air travel possible. "We are greatly indebted to Michael Luig and his company "Land, Sky and Water," that donated the Cessna's flight time, and pilot Bob Snowdon who made the trip to El Paso to help pick up the birds" says Karger.

Once in San Antonio, Dr. Melissa Hill, D.V.M. took over the birds' care at the "Last Chance Forever/The Bird of Prey Conservancy" wildlife rehab center. They received physical therapy and flight rehab therapy. "The P.T. was difficult but it complemented the Zoo's hard work surgically," says Karger.

The rehabbed eagles were finally deemed releasable. They were successfully returned to the wild at a site near San Antonio nearly a year after they were first brought in to the El Paso Zoo Animal Medical Center for initial care. Another golden eagle that was also rehabilitated was released with them. Mr. Karger says about 65% of the birds brought to the center are able to be released in the wild. That is well above the national average for successful rehabilitation. They are happy to see such a positive outcome in the case of these two golden eagles.

What To Do If You Find An Injured Bird Of Prey

If you should come upon an injured hawk, falcon, owl, vulture, or eagle, there are several important things that must be considered or done:

1. Is the bird REALLY hurt? Just because a bird is sitting on the ground beneath a tree or a nest does not mean it is hurt. If the bird is not limping, dragging its wing, or falling over - LEAVE IT ALONE!!! Young birds out of the nest are not necessarily abandoned. One should try to put the bird back in the tree rather than removing it from the area.
2. Take the bird to your veterinarian and request that it be forwarded to a local rehabilitator such as Chihuahuan Desert Wildlife Rescue, Inc. (Fish and Wildlife Service can usually identify one).