PHOTOS, VIDEO: Life Finds A Way – “Raptor” Makes Nest on Tallest Point of Velocicoaster at Universal’s Islands of Adventure

Shannen Ace

PHOTOS, VIDEO: Life Finds A Way – “Raptor” Makes Nest on Tallest Point of Velocicoaster at Universal’s Islands of Adventure

Universal’s Islands of Adventure has a new kind of raptor encounter at the Velocicoaster! A bird of prey, also knowns as a raptor in zoological terms, seems to have made a nest at the highest point of the coaster, right above the Jurassic World flag.

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While Universal has not been officially announced the Velocicoaster, construction has been underway for quite some time now.

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Although the bird, which appears to be an osprey, was perched at the tallest point of the coaster, she was still clearly visible from the ground.

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According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, the osprey is a protected species under the U.S. Migratory Bird Treaty Act. It was removed from Florida’s Endangered and Threatened Species list in 2018.

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Assuming the osprey has laid eggs, Universal would likely not be able to move the nest or would need a permit to do so. Considering construction looks complete at this point of the coaster, the nest may be able to remain for now.

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As we were watching the bird, she spread her wings, looking less like a raptor and more like a pterodactyl.

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Life… finds a way.

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We hope Universal takes good care of this real-life raptor and her eggs. You can read our last update on Velocicoaster construction right here.

Watch a video of the bird sitting in her nest and flying around the coaster below.