Glue trap victim Poxi the hawk flies free after feather grafts and months of rehab

Poxi, a subadult male hawk, has been given a second chance at life after a remarkable recovery at the Ecoparque's wildlife rescue center in Buenos Aires. The bird was discovered in May 2025, severely incapacitated by a rat trap that coated its feathers in glue, rendering it unable to fly.

Specialized care was immediately administered. Rescuers used oil and detergent to meticulously clean the adhesive from Poxi's wings. However, the glue had damaged the feathers beyond repair. A dedicated team of veterinarians then undertook the delicate task of grafting new feathers, one by one, to replace those lost.

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Poxi already has its identification ring and is ready to be released.

Following the intensive feather grafting, Poxi entered a crucial rehabilitation phase. The hawk spent months in a specially designed aviary, a 'bird gymnasium,' to help it regain strength in its inactive muscles. This period is vital for ensuring animals can thrive once released back into their natural environment.

Poxi's successful rehabilitation marks another milestone for the Ecoparque's rescue center, which has aided over 8,000 animals of various species. These animals often arrive injured, orphaned, or as victims of illegal trafficking. The center's mission is to provide care, rehabilitation, and a new opportunity for wildlife, with Poxi now sporting an identification ring and ready to rejoin the wild.

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This is just one of over 8,000 stories that have passed through the Buenos Aires Ecoparque Wildlife Rescue Center. Each entry represents the work of a team that rescues, rehabilitates, and cares for the wildlife of our city with one goal: that each animal has a new opportunity.