Dianne Moller, founder of Hoo’s Woods Raptor Center near Whitewater, was a U.S. representative at the International Falconry Festival in Abu Dhabi thanks to sponsorship by Dr. Nick Fox of England and the United Arab Emirates Falconry Association.
“I was able to meet and reconnect with many other raptor experts from around the world,” Moller said about the event in a recent newsletter. “The international falconry was sponsored by the association. It was a big event and an honor to represent my country.”
Moller founded Hoo’s Woods in 1998. She is a licensed educator, falconer, rehabilitator and eagle handler through state and federal agencies.
The experience, according to Moller, allowed her the opportunity to exchange knowledge about many of the environmental issues concerning birds of prey as well as training and conditioning.
“Many countries in Europe are still working toward implementing wildlife laws and regulations,” Moller said. “They recognize the United States as leaders in setting precedence in protecting and preserving the environment.”
That precedence includes wildlife rehabilitation, something new in many parts of the world, according to Moller. “We have many freedoms in the U.S. that most other countries envy… We are fortunate to have laws that protect our resources.”
The international festival “celebrates falconry’s contribution to education, rehabilitation, heritage, science, conservation and art,” Moller said.
The week began with the group staying in the desert at a camp about an hour outside of the city.
“There we experienced Arabian traditions in training and flying falcons, participated in meetings and attended programs and heard guest speakers,” Moller explained.
The festival took place in the city of Abu Dhabi at the Al Forsan Arena and featured exhibit booths from 85 countries and many meetings with dignitaries, representatives and government officials from all over the world.
Moller said she participated in several discussions and led meetings for the International Association of Falconry Women’s Working Group of which she has chaired for the past four years.
The weeklong event also included a parade each day of representatives from each nation with Moller carrying the American Flag.
“I was very pleased and privileged to represent my country and community,” Moller said.
