The Raptor Center is a department of the University of Minnesota's College of Veterinary Medicine. The Raptor Center rescues, treats and rehabilitates injured birds, with the aim of releasing them back into the wild. Hawks, falcons, owls, kestrels, and other birds of prey are treated at the center.
The Raptor Center was founded in the early 1970s, and since then has been pioneering new treatments for raptors. The center is a world leader in innovation in raptor medicine and surgery, and trains veterinarians from around the world.
Birds who are too badly injured to be released are housed at the Raptor Center. Once recovered, these birds become "education raptors" and are the ambassadors of the Raptor Center's programs to educate the public about the threats facing raptors. Many raptor species are endangered, largely due to human activities.
There's ways everyone can help to protect these birds. Many injured raptors who come to the Raptor Center have been hit by cars. Raptors forage in roadside trash thrown from cars, putting them in danger of being struck by passing vehicles.
The Raptor Center is open to visitors most days. The best time to visit is at the weekend, when the "Raptors of Minnesota" program is presented. Guests can meet live raptors, tour the Raptor Center and outdoor raptor housing, and learn more about the work of the Raptor Center. The program is presented most Saturdays and Sundays, and reservations are required. Reservations can be made by contacting the Raptor Center.
The Raptor Center also presents lectures, and runs programs for children including a summer school. Fundraising events are held at locations around the Twin Cities, and the highlights of the calendar are the annual spring and fall Raptor Releases. Rehabilitated raptors are returned to the wild, and the public is invited to come and admire these magnificent birds flying free.
