Starving Hawk Saved by Blood Transfusion from Clinic Mate

When a critically ill red-tailed hawk arrived at the University of Illinois Wildlife Medical Clinic on February 5, veterinarians knew they had only hours to save his life.

The hawk was dangerously emaciated, his body ravaged by chronic starvation. His bloodwork showed severe anemia and dangerously low protein levels that threatened organ failure.

Dr. Macy Peterson, a Zoological Medicine Intern, quickly placed a catheter in the bird's wing to begin emergency treatment. But the hawk's condition was so critical that standard care wouldn't be enough.

He needed a blood transfusion. And that's when Ruby stepped in to help.

Ruby is a resident red-tailed hawk at the clinic, serving as an educational ambassador. When her fellow hawk needed her, she donated blood that would prove lifesaving.

The transfusion worked. Over the following weeks, the once-dying hawk began eating again and steadily gaining strength.

Sunny's Take

This story reminds us that rescue comes in unexpected forms. Ruby couldn't fly free herself, but she gave another hawk that chance. The clinic staff could have focused only on Ruby's limitations as an ambassador bird, but instead they saw her potential to be a hero.

The student volunteers and veterinarians at this clinic treat hundreds of ill, injured, and orphaned native wild animals each year. Their work happens mostly behind the scenes, powered by dedication and late nights. This hawk's recovery shows what's possible when people refuse to give up on wildlife that many would consider beyond saving.

On Thursday, the hawk was transferred to a wildlife rehabilitation partner for flight conditioning in a large outdoor cage. Soon he'll soar over Illinois fields again, hunting and living wild thanks to the blood flowing through his veins from another hawk who couldn't make that same journey.

The Wildlife Medical Clinic continues accepting animals in need and training the next generation of wildlife veterinarians through hands-on care.