Beyond Your Backyard "The Life of Loki and Edgar"

By Kimberly J. Epp

I had the privilege of meeting Tammy Klaassen at a recent fundraiser in Saskatoon for the Living Sky Wildlife Rehabilitation Society.

Tammy lives in Rosthern and houses two non-releasable crows, Loki and Edgar. She told me in a recent phone interview about how her life changed - for the better.

Tammy's son holds Edgar at the educational event, "Kids Love Wildlife", held yearly in Saskatoon (photo by Tammy Klaassen)

Loki is a two year old crow that is free range within the house, and even has his own bed right beside Tanmy's. He even tries to sleep with them. He is now flighted, but has still gone with the family kayaking, on strolls, and to the lake. You wouldn't dare tell him he isn't part of the family!

Edgar, on the other hand stays in his cage at night. It is difficult, because he wants to stay with them. But then they would never get any sleep. Both crows were with Tammy since day one. They only went to Living Sky to be checked. Loki was never expected to live, let alone live two years and be flighted by now.

Edgar likes to do whatever Tammy is doing during the day, and follows her around. Although Edgar is very intelligent, he can be very destructive. There's always that one child!

Tammy with Loki snuggling on her shoulder. This is where Loki is commonly situated (photo via Tammy Klaassen).

Loki and Edgar mimick sounds. Loki mimics the opening of a pop can and the meow of a cat. Loki even quacks like a duck, says "hello mom", "Loki" and "help". The kids play catch and hide-and-seek with Loki and hold Edgar, who is not quite as playful. If Loki has something Edgar wants, there is always something to trade.

Loki watched Tammy and her children drawing, and since he is part of the family he gave it a try. If he wants a pencil someone else has, he will not steal it. In true crow style, he will offer a trade (photo by Tammy Klaassen).

So, how did these two corvids end up living in a home in Rosthern, you are by now wondering! Two years ago, Loki was a 3 week old fledgeling that had west Nile disease and a broken leg. He was brought into Living Sky Wildlife Rehabilitation. He was on death's door, and the rehabbers contemplated euthanasia.

The rehabbers were going to put him down but Tammy saw a spark in his eyes, showing that he had the will to live. So Tammy decided, with full support from Jan Shadick, Living Sky founder and rehabber, that he would be a good educational ambassador. Every day Loki got stronger, he had round-the-clock care, and he stayed with Tanmy since day one.

Edgar arrived during the summer of 2019. As a fledgeling, his beak was somehow mangled by a lawnmower. This was also during the heat wave, so he was extremely dehydrated. He was brought to Living Sky, then once it was deemed he would survive, he joined the small "murder" right away at Tammy's house. Good news with his beak though! With constant trimming, the beak has straightened - as beaks constantly grow.

Edgar with a twisted beak, slowly getting back to normal with regular beak trimming (photo by Tammy Klaassen).

Tammy said about her clan, "They don't just live here. They are life. In a way, they are almost better than we are. When you look into the eyes of a crow, it is like they are looking back at you, and so you see yourself as they see you."

So, what is the future for these corvids? School tours and educational events. Sadly, the corvid depend on the covid. In any case, if you ever doubted the intelligence of corvids, look no further than Edgar and Loki. They are available for booking in the future.

Epp is an Environmental Educator and writer and is also the Field trip/Workshop Coordinator and Past President for the Moose Jaw Nature Society. She can be reached at kepp@shaw.ca or via the Moose Jaw Nature Society Facebook page.