Animals We Support
The McGough Nature Park harbors a variety of reptiles, amphibians, and avians. Volunteers are crucial in the feeding and husbandry of these animals. They are also a key component in teaching the public about the animals and their habitats.
Goliath (Eastern Screech Owl)

Goliath was found in the engine of a lightweight truck that had traveled from Largo, FL to a Honda dealership in Palm Harbor, FL. When the mechanic popped open the hood he found Goliath inside clinging to a small wire. She has a permanent wing droop due to an improperly healed fracture.
Shay (Red-shouldered Hawk)

A private citizen dropped off Shay at Palm Harbor Veterinarian in June of 2012. At only 8 weeks old her wing was shattered. Unable to be pinned, the veterinarian amputated a small portion of her wing. Afterwards she was cared for and trained by McGough Nature Park Volunteers.
Matilda (Barred Owl)

Matilda was likely hit by a car in the East Lake area. She suffered a wing fracture resulting from the incident and now has a permanent wing droop that prevents her from flying effectively. She was taken to the Suncoast Seabird Sanctuary in February of 2012 and lived in the owl house there prior to coming to McGough.
Franklin (Great Horned Owl)

Franklin was found on a 20 acre tract of land at the Pasco/Hernando border by a private land owner. He had a complicated fracture of which the cause is unknown and was treated at Busch Gardens Animal Care Center prior to being adopted by McGough in May of 2012.
Eleanor (Great Horned Owl)

Prior to coming to McGough in September of 2012, Eleanor was rescued on Fox Hollow Golf Course in North Pinellas. She was treated at Busch Gardens Animal Care Center for eye injuries which could have been caused by the talons of another owl or an eagle or some other unknown cause.
Samson (Eastern Screech Owl)

Samson came to our park after being treated by the veterinary staff at Busch Gardens for a broken bone in his right wing. He gets along very well with our other eastern screech owl, Goliath.
It is not uncommon to see the two huddled closely together in their shared enclosure.
It is not uncommon to see the two huddled closely together in their shared enclosure.