On January 22 Gene Hunn wrote: "I have no idea how
frequently caracaras might be kept in captivity, but it remains probably the
most likely explanation for the Neah Bay bird."

The International Species Information System (ISIS) Bird Abstract for June
30, 1997 lists 30 caracaras in 16 institutions. Nearly all of these are in
zoos within the bird's normal range. The closest zoo to us holding this
species is in Palm Desert, California. I don't know how frequently these
birds are kept by falconers, but since they are carrion eaters, I would
think that falconers would not choose to employ them for hunting (unless
they had a great appetite for "roadside stew"...Yuck). Other than licensed
rehabbers, governmental agencies or exhibit/education facilities that do
not participate in ISIS, there are probably no other legal holders of
caracaras in the U.S.
Greg Toffic
Curator of Birds
Woodland Park Zoo
5500 Phinney Avenue N.
Seattle, WA 98103
(206) 684-4836 (Ph)
(206)233-7278 (FAX)