Hutchings Museum Live Animal Shows Begin

Children and adults watched with interest as 14-year-old Robin Gregor placed a thick leather glove onto her petite hand and moved with confidence to the hooded red-tailed hawk. Despite the hood, “Saphira” must have sensed her trusted falconer, because without word or command, the bird of prey latched onto the glove to be carried for display as part of the July 14, 2016 “Live Animal Show” at Lehi’s Hutchings Museum.

The live animal shows held each Thursday during summer months can include birds, snakes, lizards, and other animals. According to museum staff, the animals can vary from week to week, so special pricing is available for those who “bounce back” for another show.

Highland resident and Hutchings Museum volunteer Zane Muhlestein displays a non-poisonous snake during the afternoon show. Photo: Cavett Ishihara

Gregor, a volunteer for the show, said that her passion for falconry began by reading “My Side of the Mountain” (1959) written and illustrated by the late Jean C. George. Gregor then studied and passed a state required exam and inspection to maintain a bird of prey. Caring for birds of prey is no small task. Gregor said she spends nearly two hours per day caring for her hawk.

The Lehi City Library maintains four copies of “My Side of the Mountain” for patron checkout.

For more information about the live animal show and other amazing artifacts, including dinosaur bones, see https://www.lehi-ut.gov/recreation/museum/ for details.