Two students from Moralzarzal, one 5-year-old from San Miguel Arcángel school and another from 2nd year of Secondary at IES Carmen Martín Gaite, were in charge of releasing the birds. These raptors, a common kestrel and a short-toed eagle, both protected species, had been cared for at the Tres Cantos center.
The common kestrel arrived at the CRAS in March disoriented after suffering a blow, while the short-toed eagle had a fracture in its cubital bone that prevented it from hunting. The activity involved students from various educational centers in the town, who were able to learn firsthand about the rescue and recovery process of the animals.
“"All the animals we recover at the Tres Cantos Center, when the time comes and they are fit to live in nature, we release them. We try to reach as many children as possible with this, because they are truly the potential of the future, to raise awareness about care, explain what a protected species is, why it is protected, what advantages and disadvantages it has."
The mayor of Moralzarzal, along with the Education councilor and the Environment official, was present at the event. The mayor highlighted that it is not the first time the municipality has hosted this type of initiative, emphasizing the suitability of the environment for these species and the importance of children's participation.
“"Promoting these types of experiences is essential to sensitize young people to values such as sustainability and commitment to their natural environment."
Students learned about the importance of the local ecosystem, why the Dehesa de Moralzarzal is a suitable place for the reintroduction of these birds, and how to act if they find an injured animal in nature. The CRAS de Tres Cantos will soon receive the Medal of the Order of Dos de Mayo for its work in protecting biodiversity.
