The Pelican — Meet Boots: Animal Ark’s New Feathered Friend
Updated: Sep 30
By Aly Lopez
If you stroll past the enclosure of Animal Ark’s newest resident, you just might hear her before you see her. "She’s pretty chatty. She has a lot to say," says Shea, Animal Care Supervisor who oversees the care and training of the sanctuary’s birds, reptiles, and invertebrates.
Boots, a sprightly 16-year-old Peale’s peregrine falcon, joined the Ark in July. Coming from a local falconer, she is now settling in for a well-deserved retirement.
Her name, Boots, nods to an early case of bumblefoot she sustained in her youth, a common foot infection in captive birds. Because of their varied natural perch options and more frequent flying, wild birds rarely experience this issue. Birds in captivity, on the other hand, are more prone to developing bumblefoot from standing on uniform perches that put pressure on the same spots each day.
But don’t worry — Boots underwent surgery early on, and her bandaged feet are what ultimately led to her name. While she made a full recovery, you may notice that her feet stand a little differently because of it. I think it adds to her charm.
Under human care, peregrine falcons can live up to 25 years. In the wild, most peregrines live between 10 and 15 years, though it’s believed the oldest documented was 19 years. At 16, Boots is now Animal Ark’s most senior bird.
Boots is adjusting to her surroundings and new routine with growing confidence. Shea says Boots is very curious — she loves to perch by the window, people-watch as guests walk by, and observe her neighbors, Lydi and Timon, two gray wolves.
To help Boots feel at ease, Shea explained that the keepers combine feeding, cleaning, and enrichment into a single session each day. This approach helps minimize stress as Boots settles into her new home. They are slowly moving back the barrier between her enclosure and the walking path, ensuring sufficient time for her to gradually acclimate to being in the public eye.
Powerful birds of prey, peregrine falcons target birds of many sizes, from hummingbirds to ducks, as well as the occasional bat, rodent, or rabbit. At Animal Ark, Boots primarily enjoys a diet of quails, chicks, rats, and mice. While she can’t hunt live prey for safety reasons, her meals are as close to a wild diet as possible.
Boots is very food-motivated. To keep her mentally and physically stimulated, the keepers provide enrichment activities that mimic her natural behaviors. Boots loves shredding objects or solving “puzzles” to reach her food, simulating foraging in the wild.
When I asked if falcons tend to form bonds with their caretakers, Shea explains it typically depends on how the bird was raised. Those born and raised in captivity may bond more closely with humans. Boots, however, isn’t “imprinted,” so she knows she’s a bird, not a person. While she may not form strong bonds, peregrine falcons like Boots can recognize and remember the people they interact with.
Peregrine falcons are found on every continent except Antarctica, making them one of the world’s most widespread terrestrial vertebrates. In the wild, they favor high cliffs and, in cities, the ledges of tall buildings for nesting — which are prime locations for spotting “easy pickings” like pigeons and starlings. Their nests, known as “scrapes,” are simple shallow indents in dirt, gravel, or sand, usually on top of their lofty perches.
With few natural predators, peregrine falcons mainly have to watch out for mammals like raccoons or foxes, which may target their eggs or chicks, and occasionally larger birds such as great horned owls or golden eagles.
You've probably heard the rumors about a peregrine falcon’s speed — and I learned they are true. During a hunting dive, called a “stoop,” they tuck in their wings and plummet toward prey at speeds that can exceed 200 mph. They are widely believed to be the fastest animals on the planet, not just the fastest birds.
One more fun fact Shea shared: In the images of Boots, you can see distinctive dark facial markings beneath her eyes. These are called malar stripes, and they help absorb sunlight and reduce glare. Like the facial marks on a cheetah, these stripes give them a hunting advantage, especially when flying high in the sky on a sunny day.
Ways to get involved at Animal Ark
If you’re feeling inspired to support the Ark and the work they’re doing, check out their donation wishlist to see how you can help care for residents like Boots.
To stay up to date on all things Animal Ark, including events such as the upcoming Harvest Festival, be sure to follow them on Facebook or Instagram.
Interested in volunteering? Visit the link below to learn about volunteer opportunities and submit your online application for Spring 2027 at: www.animalark.org/volunteer
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