Gucci The Kestrel Released From Byron Bay Raptor Recovery Centre
20 February 2025
A Nankeen Kestrel named Gucci had her final health checks before being released by wildlife veterinarian Dr Bree Talbot after 14 months of veterinary and rehabilitation care.
Gucci was rescued on a rainy Christmas Eve 2023 by Sydney Wildlife Rescue volunteer Jessica Crause, after being found inside the Sydney CBD retail store of luxury brand Gucci. The diminutive bird of prey was befouled in engine grease leading to concerns she had become trapped in a garage in Australia’s largest city.
During the first half of 2024, Gucci was collaboratively cared for by Sydney Wildlife Rescue and Feathered Friends at their Orchard Hills Sanctuary. In August 2023, she was driven north to Byron Bay for dedicated veterinary care and rehabilitation services provided by Byron Bay Wildlife Hospital and the Byron Bay Raptor Recovery Centre.
The Raptor Recovery Centre is a one-of-a-kind facility providing expert veterinary care and long-term rehabilitation of sick, injured and orphaned birds of prey. Its large round aviaries accelerate the recovery of injured raptors by allowing them to gain strength through prolonged circular flight patterns. Gucci’s recovery and release was a 14-month collaboration between Sydney Wildlife Rescue, Feathered Friends and Byron Bay Wildlife Hospital. View the full photo set from James D Morgan, Getty Images.
The Hospital operates its Raptor Recovery Centre as a registered charity and is seeking philanthropic donations and naming rights sponsorship.