Artemis

Artemis

Species: American Kestrel

Nicknames: Arty, Smartemis, Smartypants

Sex: Female

Hatched: 2009

Arrived: 2009

Condition: Human imprinted (illegally kept as a pet)

Artemis’s Story:

Artemis came into the Toronto Wildlife Centre in 2009. She was brought in by a member of the public with very little explanation, but her story quickly became clear. Artemis had no physical injuries, no fear of people, and no flight feathers – her wing and tail feathers had all been broken off, likely on the bars of a cage that was too small.

Kestrels are super cute, and that cuteness can be their downfall. Artemis was almost certainly stolen from the wild as an egg or a chick to be kept as a pet. Not only is this illegal, but it robbed Artemis of the opportunity to be raised by her parents, and the ability to survive in the wild.

Artemis joined Wild Ontario when her rehabilitators at TWC determined that she was non-releasable, and has been an incredible member of our education team. She is a tiny package full of energy and noise, and her feisty attitude and streamlined good looks make her the perfect demonstration of falcon biology. She also helps us share an important message about leaving wildlife in the wild.

American Kestrels are the smallest falcon species in Ontario, but what they lack in size they make up for in speed and agility! These little predators can catch small mammals, other birds, snakes, lizards, and insects, hunting both in the air and on the ground. They can dive at speeds of up to 115kph, or dial it back to a complete standstill as they hover over a field in search of prey.