Robert and Nancy Wheeldon have dedicated decades to conserving peregrine falcons and promoting falconry in Manitoba.Their Parkland Mews Falconry & Bird of Prey Education Centre Inc.focuses on public education, species preservation, and the ancient practice of falconry, which dates back 4,000 years.The Wheeldons emphasize the bond between humans and falcons, comparing it to relationships with dogs and horses.Peregrine falcons, the fastest animals on Earth, face threats like climate change, avian flu, and pesticides.While no longer federally endangered, they remain listed as endangered in Manitoba.The couple raises and trains falcons, releasing them to aid population recovery and tracking their movements.Their work highlights the importance of conservation as a bio-indicator for environmental health.

The article underscores the balance between keeping falcons in captivity and allowing them to thrive in the wild, reflecting a commitment to stewardship and ecological preservation.