With so much need all around us, it is easy to ask "what difference can I make, there are so many and I am only one person." Need can come in many forms, and each of us has the power to make a difference. Sometimes it is one person at a time.
If you've ever met Ken Lockwood, you know that his heart is definitely in what he does every day--caring for the raptors who find themselves at Eagle Valley Raptor Center near Cheney, KS through injury or illness. Lockwood has been rescuing and rehabilitating orphaned, injured and sick birds since 1998, and with the purchase of 20 acres in 2002, construction of a proper sanctuary became a reality. About 100 birds annually are brought to the sanctuary or Lockwood is called out to pick up one. Not all come from Kansas as the reputation of the sanctuary has spread.
Most recently, three more unusual raptors have come to the sanctuary, a Harlan's Red-Tailed Hawk, a Short-Eared Owl and a Long-Eared Owl. These in addition to the eagles, hawks, and owls already at the sanctuary. Some of these are permanent residents, most will be reintroduced to the wild when the time is right. There are currently 12 holding pens and a recently completed flight pen which will contribute to exercise while in captivity and better prepare the raptors for release.
The creation of the sanctuary, ongoing maintenance, nursing the birds back to health, and ultimately, letting them go are a 7-day-a-week passion for Lockwood. He speaks glowingly of his charges. He shares them when families and groups tour and when he takes them for educational presentations in the community at locations such as Exploration Place.
There is an impressive list of those who have contributed to the construction of the sanctuary, further testament to Lockwood's passion for his work. Lockwood is also ready to give credit where it is due to those who have extended help for the sanctuary.
For instance, he will tell you that Dr. Davey Harkins from the Eldorado Animal Clinic who has provided the veterinary care for the birds the past several years, is a godsend. "Dr. Davey has provided vet care for our birds at little or no cost to us. His generosity has been a tremendous and valuable help to us."
Lockwood is also grateful to his wife, Susan, for the support both morale and physical she provides. He readily admits that she helps him overcome the challenges the sanctuary presents and is there for him when he's on an all night vigil with a recovering bird.
And when there is an eagle to be released, Lockwood seeks to give additional meaning to the birds that embody the very spirit of our nation. This year, a Bald Eagle named Spirit was released on the banks of the Arkansas in cooperation with the Mid-America All Indian Center, to honor two of Wichita's fallen soldiers: Sgt. Eric Nettleton and Spc. Thomas Moffitt. It is his way of showing gratitude and respect for those who choose to serve our country through the military.
There is another way that Lockwood shows this respect. In December, he seeks the places where the homeless find shelter and finds one for who he can say thank you in a more tangible way. His quest is to find a homeless veteran. It is something he started last year.
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