Edmond Mississippi Kites Returned To The Wild

Adrianna Iwasinski, News 9

NOBLE, Oklahoma -- One month ago they were jumping out of their nests, trying to stay cool in this triple digit heat. Saturday, almost 50 Mississippi Kites were released back into the wild after being nursed back to health at the WildCare Foundation in Noble.

"Within 2 weeks we had 150 Mississippi Kites we were feeding every four hours which was a little bit of a stretch for our manpower and resources," said Rondi Large, the director at the WildCare Foundation. "But everyone pitched in and kicked in and we got these guys fed and they've grown beautifully.  They're flying well and so today we get to let them go."

Rondi has been keeping them safe and sound and in the shade in their sanctuary's cages.  And like a proud momma, she's a little sad to see them go.

"We will still feed them as long as they come back and forth. Kinda like college kids that come back and forth for a free meal."

And people came from far and wide to see the big release.  Some even got to do the honors.

For people like John Sabolich, it was quite an experience.

"To see a bird that was caught in the wild and raised here and then got to actually release him and see him get free is really cool," Sabolich said.

"It brings tears to my eyes to see the kids flying doing exactly what they are supposed to do on the planet," gushed Large. " And it's really unique and feels real proud to know that we were a part of it."