It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of Pip, our Northern Hawk Owl chick, who joined Shaver’s Creek Environmental Center just weeks ago. Pip died on Sunday, August 24, after a brief but deeply meaningful time with us.
Pip arrived at Shaver’s Creek at the end of July, marking a historic moment for our wildlife program. As one of the first Northern Hawk Owls raised for conservation education in the United States, Pip represented a new chapter for our center and inspired excitement and curiosity among our staff, visitors, and broader community.
Shortly after Pip’s arrival, our team noticed a subtle breathing issue and began working closely with veterinary experts at Penn State and nationwide to understand and treat it. While we saw some initial improvement, Pip’s condition worsened last week, leading us to seek advanced care. Despite the best efforts of our team and specialists, Pip was unable to recover. We do not yet know the exact cause of his decline, and we are continuing to seek answers.
This is an emotional time for our wildlife team, for everyone at Shaver’s Creek, and for those in the community who had the chance to meet Pip and experience his unique presence. Though his time with us was brief, Pip brought immense joy, wonder, and hope. He helped us imagine new possibilities for conservation education and created meaningful connections with everyone who met him. Pip’s legacy will continue to shape our work and inspire future efforts in wildlife care and education.
We plan to share more information as it becomes available and are grateful to everyone who welcomed Pip into our community and supported his journey. He will be deeply missed.
UPDATE
As we continue to navigate this difficult time, we want to extend our heartfelt thanks to the many community members who have offered support and condolences. Pip touched many hearts during his time with us, including those of our wildlife team who cared for him with deep dedication and love.
We will be forever grateful for the joy and wonder Pip brought to Shaver’s Creek and for those who were inspired by his presence.
We have learned that Pip died from a respiratory disease called aspergillosis, commonly referred to as “asper.” The disease is caused by a type of fungus found in the environment and is one of the most common causes of respiratory illness in birds in human care, particularly in raptors and owls. Treatment options are limited, and outcomes can be unpredictable. It is not transmittable from bird to bird.
This is an emotional time for our team and for the community that welcomed Pip so warmly. As we move forward, we will continue to remember the impact that Pip had on Shaver’s Creek and the outpouring of support we’ve received during this difficult time.
Providing a high quality of life to all the animals at Shaver’s Creek will always be one of our top priorities. Pip’s legacy will inspire our work and deepen our commitment to the animals in our care.
We are grateful for donations made to honor Pip’s memory, which will be used to support all of our avian ambassadors.
I’m so sorry one of the family has passed. I’m sure staff, volunteers and visitors appreciated his brief time at the Center.
Thank you for your care and compassion with our animal friends. They are loved.
So sad and sorry for the loss.
I’m feeling sad as I never met Pip. I’m so sorry for your loss. Thank you for all your dedicated efforts and passion for our natural world.
My family and I met Pip, and we are absolutely heartbroken over his passing. We are so sorry for your loss. Thank you for your passion, dedication, and commitment to conservation and our avian and animal friends.