This is Ralph a turkey vulture from New Canaan Nature Center (NCNC). She died last Thursday at the age of 21. She arrived at NCNC in 2004 when she wasn't even a year old after suffering a partial left- wing amputation.
Ralph always seemed to be hungry and was usually knocking at the door when I or other volunteers went to feed her. She was very feisty. I can't count all the times she nipped at my shoelaces or pants cuffs.
About two years ago, I was assigned to write a story for a fiction class from the point of view of an animal. I chose Ralph as my narrator.
I'm feeling guilty that the last time I saw Ralph, I called her a bitch.
Today was my day to volunteer at the Nature Center. It was weird to see Ralph's aviary empty.
RIP Ralph.
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