Falcon Flees Lone Pine: Public Urged to Spot Lost Raptor

A native nankeen kestrel, known as Sparrow, has gone missing after escaping from the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary in Brisbane on Wednesday. The 3.5-year-old falcon was participating in a standard free flight training session when she ascended rapidly and disappeared from view. Sparrow, who has been at the sanctuary for about 18 months, suffers from an injured right foot that affects her grip, making her reliant on care.

Sanctuary staff are concerned for Sparrow's well-being due to her past injury and her extended period in human care. She is described as being about 20 centimeters tall and distinguishable by falconry equipment on her leg, which includes a leather strap and a small plastic unit with an aerial. The public is requested to assist in locating her by taking photos of any potential sightings, noting the time and location, and contacting the sanctuary.

This incident follows a similar event at another wildlife sanctuary earlier this year, where a Tasmanian devil temporarily escaped its enclosure. Lone Pine has provided contact numbers for reporting sightings of Sparrow, emphasizing the need for community vigilance to ensure the falcon's safe recovery.