The Southeastern Raptor Center will release hawks on Saturday, August 27, at Woofstock, an annual celebration for people and dogs sponsored by the Lee County Humane Society.  The event takes place at Auburn’s Kiesel Park from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

A short presentation by Raptor Center staff begins at 9:40 a.m. followed by the release of hawks into the wild.  “We will most likely release broad-winged hawks,” said Raptor Rehabilitation Specialist Liz Crandall. “We will also bring our educational red-tailed hawks and two black vultures.”

All birds used in programs are permanent residents that are non-releasable due to prior injuries or human imprinting. The Southeastern Raptor Center is part of the Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine. The center’s mission is to rehabilitate injured or orphaned raptors, and to educate the public.  Annually the center takes in between 200 and 275 birds of prey from across the Southeast.

Many Woofstock favorites return this year including Wash-n-Wag, t-shirt tie-dyeing, K-9 demonstrations, frisbee dog demos, pet merchandise vendors, and children's activities.  Woofstock offers live entertainment by Mike Langlois, the Findley Brothers, and Soul Coalition of East Alabama.  

The Lee County Humane Society plans to have an expanded adoption area with most of the adult kennel dogs available for same-day adoptions.  

Kiesel Park, located at 520 Chadwick Lane, is maintained by the City of Auburn Parks and Recreation Department. It is Auburn's largest park, with a pavilion, a garden, a pond, and a 2 1/4 mile walking trail.

Contact: Tara Lanier, 334-844-3698, tara.lanier@auburn.edu.