Wild about wildlife event at The Montessori Academy for Peace in Decatur

DECATUR, Ill. (WAND) — Friday, the Montessori Academy for Peace in Decatur gave students the chance to get up close and personal with raptors from the Illinois Raptor Center at their "Wild about Wildlife" event.

There were different species of birds on display for the students in First, Second, and Third grade.

There were hawks, owls, and falcons on display.

Organizers say the event gives kids a chance to learn a little about animals and conservation at the same time.

Assistant Principal of Montessori Academy for Peace, Ben West, said,

"They talked with us a little bit about the raptor safety and the endangerment and the rescuing the animals and the different things that they do and the fact that they were gonna bring some of the animals in for the kids to see, we thought that was an awesome opportunity for the kids because we don't get a lot of live animals in the building, so we were like, yes please!"

Organizers added the most important thing kids were taught during the events is to provide an appropriate environment for any injured animal they come across, so the raptor center can come in and assist as needed with no mishaps.