During the entire month of November, the Minnesota Zoo​ will be sharing stories of the many rescued and rehabilitated animals that we care for. All of our animals receive amazing care from zoo staff, volunteers and community members. All of this work is made possible because of YOUR amazing support – thank you! Check back daily as we feature a new story from around the Zoo.

March, 2013 was a time that would change the lives of two birds from different areas of Minnesota after being injured in the wild.

Two lesser scaups, now a bonded pair, luckily survived their wild-sustained injuries and now live at the Minnesota Zoo after being treated at the Wildlife Intensive and Critical Care Unit (WICCU) in Savage. The female, who is likely 2-4 years old, has a permanent injury to her right eye; her globe ruptured causing her to only have eyesight in her left eye. She is said by her zookeepers to have a good temperament, and is frequently observed flying across Gibbon Lake. She also loves to eat! Her male partner, likely four years old, was injured by gunshot; in fact, he was admitted to WICCU at the same time as the female. Since being transferred to the Minnesota Zoo, he too has been known to have a good temperament and is able to fly, although he has some missing tail feathers.

Did you know? Scaups are described as medium-sized “diving ducks.” Two species live in North America, and they’re often found together in diverse areas including meadows, ponds/lakes and wetlands.

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