Those who have visited the Jay C. Hormel Nature Center for various events may be familiar with “Red,” the nature center’s domesticated red-tailed hawk. They may not know, however, that “Red,” at 29 years old, is the nature center’s “oldest employee,” according to Larry Dolphin, naturalist of the nature center.

“Red” has lived at the nature center her entire life, which spans far beyond the average 5-15 years of most red-tailed hawks in the wild. This is mainly because of the fact that nature center employees Larry Dolphin, Julie Champlin and Alex Watson feed her mice and other small rodents on a regular basis so she doesn’t have to hunt for prey on her own.

“Red” fell into the hands of nature center staff after an incident where she was taken from her nest shortly after birth and therefore unable to survive on her own in the wild.

And because Minnesota has a Migratory Bird Act, which states that it is unlawful to possess, buy, sell, hunt or otherwise harm any migratory bird without the proper permit, the nature center gained an educational permit in order to keep her.

“Red’s” long life as a domesticated bird has only been interrupted by a couple adventures, one in which her caretakers attempted to release her back into the wild. They quickly discovered, however, that “Red” was not equipped to survive on her own.

“They found her chasing golf balls at the golf course,” Dolphin said.

Another time, the red-tailed hawk escaped for three weeks. As “Red’s” territory is around the nature center where she grew up, Dolphin, luckily, was able to lure the hawk in with food.

“Red is so imprinted on humans, she can’t hunt for herself,” Dolphin explained. “She thinks I might be her dad or grandpa.”

Dolphin seems to sense that “Red’s” time is coming.

As of late, “Red” has not been eating as well and may be failing in health.

“We would like to have a 30th birthday party for her,” said Dolphin, “but we may just have to settle for her 29th.”

“Red” has been a great tool for teaching visitors about hawks with an up-close (although not hands-on) experience. “An ambassador of the ‘bird of prey’ world” is one way Dolphin terms “Red.” For those who wish to see and learn more about “Red,” there is an opportunity coming up on July 7. “Hawk Talk” lasts from 1 to 3 p.m. and is part of the “Radical Raptors” program that takes 12 participants on learning experience about all sorts of birds. For more information, contact Larry Dolphin (507)-437-7519.