A Northwest non-profit in Idaho works to keep birds of prey alive and well.
Janie Veltkamp has made it her life mission to care for these birds at Birds of Prey Northwest.
Veltkamp said a big contributor to birds of prey losing their ability to soar through the skies in the wild was people find the birds and try to help them.
"If you find a baby owl or a baby hawk on the ground and you feed it thinking you're helping it, it could never be returned to the wild because it's now imprinted on humans, it thinks food comes from humans,” said Veltkamp.
Other birds at Birds of Prey Northwest did not receive "man's kindness," but saw the greedy side of humanity, according to Veltkamp.
"Unfortunately, there is a big black-market trade for eagles that are killed for their feathers," said Veltkamp.
Beauty the bald eagle, was shot down by a human who had no favors in mind. She has been here at Birds of Prey Northwest receiving care for about 10 years now.
Veltkamp said taking care of the raptors gets expensive, especially because the birds have big appetites.
That is why Veltkamp made it her goal to try and raise $40,000 a year just to feed the birds on the property.
Veltkamp made it her mission to educate people, especially the youth about birds of prey.
“We can't stop the guy that's an adult is shooting a red-tailed hawk or bald eagle, but if you give us an hour with these third-grade kids, and they'll grow up to conserve raptors,” said Veltkamp.
The story about Beauty the eagle is the focus of a children's book written by Janie Veltkamp herself that chronologically details the life of this bald eagle.
If people are interested in seeing some of the birds that were featured in this story the Coeur d'Alene Resort is hosting an event with Birds of Northwest Friday.
You can learn more about conservation of these beautiful creatures and how to help the non-profit out by checking out its website.