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Issue Date: 
July 27, 2015

The sudden death of “Silver,” the lone peregrine falcon chick born on top of the Cathedral of Learning in May, evoked tears and a flurry of tender texts and emails among his followers. Bloggers and fans alike were glued to the National Aviary’s FalconCam, watching Silver’s experienced mother, Dorothy, nurture and feed him around the clock. Ultimately, health concerns prompted Silver’s move to the Animal Rescue League Shelter & Wildlife Center for monitoring and rehabilitation. Weight loss and breathing problems preceded his July 20 death in a Cleveland emergency clinic, where he had been rushed to see a national avian specialist. “It is with heavy hearts that we must share the news of the passing of the peregrine falcon we accepted from the Cathedral of Learning,” the ARL Wildlife Center posted on its Web site that day. “May the peregrine’s spirit fly, free of the burdens that plagued him during his short life.”