A wildlife show last weekend brought the community up close and personal with some high-flying creatures. It’s not everyday humans can look into the eyes of a raptor. Last weekend The Canadian Wildlfe Festival gave southern Albertans a closer view of these creatures. The birds squawked for conservation in Lethbridge last weekend, Sarah Redekop has more.

The Canadian Raptor Conservancy brought their feathery friends into town.

Their purpose was to help spread awareness on wildlife and the environment.

Falconer, Bob Smirfitt, says that the close interaction with the birds encourages people to be more conscious of the environment.

“When they see a bald eagle like Rocko here, they want to continually see them everyday. We give them ways how to protect the environment. It usually clicks in. They’re like, oh, that’s a good thing to do.”

The great horned owl is actually Alberta’s provincial bird. Various displays like this one were here at the wildlife festival this past weekend. The community of Lethbridge was able to come out and educate themselves with these interactive displays.”

Falconer Ryan Duncan says that people should remember these animals are not pets.

“We take these animals and raise them from a very early age to be very tolerant of humans. We don’t say that they’re pets. They’re trained animals, they do have their own wild tendencies from time to time.”

From the thriving bald eagle to the less fortunate peregrine falcon, a variety of raptors native to southern Alberta were found at the festival.

The wildlife festival is currently making its way to various cities around the country.

Upcoming cities on the tour are listed on The Wildlife Festival Facebook Page.